WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)  - AP Political Editor Liz Sidoti's wrap up on what we learned today from the president's second inaugural address.

At the outset of a second term, this is an empowered Barack Obama — one who made clear that he knows he has political capital, and that he plans to spend it.

He signaled that he's ready — or, rather, that he has a duty — to tackle big challenges. And that he wants Republicans to walk with him in that endeavor. But he also indicated that he has core beliefs on which he won't compromise. Like the notion that government can be a tool — not THE tool — for solving what ails the nation. And the need to curb climate change. And the fact that all people are created equal, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. And, finally, that you don't always have to see the world the same way to get things done.

In doing so, he's suggesting that he has a responsibility to press his agenda even if the deeply divided nation — and its equally fractured leaders — refuse to heed his call to come together to address the nation's problems.