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Obama says he, lawmakers on same team, ‘the American team’

House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., mingles during a picnic for members of Congress on the South Lawn of the White House, on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., mingles during a picnic for members of Congress on the South Lawn of the White House, on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

By Associated Press June 17, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama says democracy is frustrating and messy, but he’s reminding lawmakers who disagree with him that they all play for the same team, “the American team.”

Obama commented Wednesday at a White House picnic for members of Congress, their families and staff.

The festivities on the South Lawn fell a few days after a majority of House Democrats dealt a blow to Obama by voting against his trade agenda.

But he has gotten some of his strongest backing on the issue from Republicans, and the GOP House and Senate leaders pledged Wednesday to send a trade package to Obama.

Obama says the U.S. will benefit from increased trade.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California sided with the Democrats who voted against the president. Pelosi attended the picnic.