In an interview broadcast Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America," she said getting things accomplished in heavily politicized Washington is "a constant struggle."

She said her husband has been staying on course, "looking his critics in the eye." The first lady added that he understands people are still suffering amid high unemployment. She also said, "Every day our president wakes up serious and focused and committed to pushing this stuff through. We had hoped that more progress would have been made." Mrs. Obama said the president remains open to "the possibility of partnership" with his political foes.