Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) used the new year as an opportunity to recall the American Revolution, George Washington and the idea that Americans are united by a love of country.McConnell, speaking in the Republicans’ weekly address, noted that “political disagreements will continue in the year ahead. … But Americans expect and deserve their elected leaders to put country first, and work together to solve our common problems.—McConnell did mention that the United States was facing “two long and difficult wars, a prolonged recession, double-digit unemployment,— but said that Americans can “overcome even the most daunting difficulties.—Recalling the second battle of Trenton, which took place on Jan. 2, 1777, McConnell noted that Washington’s Continental Army bravely fought off a much-stronger British force and forced its retreat. “Two hundred and thirty-three years later,— McConnell said, “Americans haven’t lost the spirit of Trenton.—“Some look at Washington and wonder how lawmakers who always seem to disagree can ever solve any of our problems,— McConnell said. “And while it’s true that many of us approach the issues differently, at the beginning of a new year, it’s important to remember that we’re all united by a love of country, and by a common faith that no challenge is too great for the American people to overcome.—