WASHINGTON D.C. - President Barack Obama said he had been working on the speech since Thanksgiving, but really poured the coals on last week.

To sum up the message, it was "don't falter, keep hope, work hard and we'll make it through the tough times."

2,396 words - each one aimed at giving confidence and purpose to the future.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met," said Obama.

President Obama thanked President Bush, but minutes later blamed past leaders and decision makers for not leading or making decisions.

"Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age," said Obama.

One KCRG-TV9 viewer had this to say about the speech, "President Obama challenged us, gave us hope, reminded us of our history."

After years of a decrease in the size of government and declining regulations, Obama said size doesn't matter.

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works," said Obama.

Another reader on-line replied with this, "The speech was what I expected. Very well delivered and well intentioned. As a limited government advocate, however, kind of a nightmare."

Dealing with Iraq and the war on terror, Obama said America will be a friend to every nation, if they let us.

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy," said Obama.

A challenge to other nations. But, he ended with a challenge to us to take more responsibility for ourselves.

"Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies," said Obama.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com