President Obama has a message for his critics who can't seem to do anything but complain that he's trying to change the policies of Bush years:
Now, to the non-Democrats who may be watching today -– (laughter) -– I want everybody to know we believe in a strong and loyal opposition. I believe in a two-party system where ideas are tested and assumptions are challenged — because that’s how we can move this country forward. But what I reject is when some folks decide to sit on the sidelines and root for failure on health care or on energy or on our economy. (Applause.) What I reject is when some folks say we should go back to the past policies when it was those very same policies that got us into this mess in the first place. (Applause.)
Another way of putting it is when, you know, I’m busy and Nancy's busy with our mop cleaning up somebody else’s mess –- we don’t want somebody sitting back saying, you’re not holding the mop the right way. (Applause.) Why don’t you grab a mop, why don’t you help clean up. (Applause.) You’re not mopping fast enough. (Laughter.) That’s a socialist mop. (Laughter and applause.) Grab a mop –- let’s get to work.
Update: Join the discussion in NicolasC's recommended diary, "Obama to GOP: "Grab a Mop." This is political gold (and we need to use it)"
Update 2: President Obama made the comments in San Francisco on October 15.
Update 3: The video and transcript have now been updated with an extended clip from the event.