Thanksgiving wishes with a little politics on the side

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Thanksgiving turkeys pardoned by presidents

This month's election results and politics in general may be topics of conversation at Thanksgiving tables across the country today, but President Obama says the holiday is really a time to put everything into perspective.

"We've just emerged from a campaign season that was passionate, noisy, and vital to our democracy. But it also required us to make choices - and sometimes those choices led us to focus on what sets us apart instead of what ties us together; on what candidate we support instead of what country we belong to," the president said in his weekly address.

"Thanksgiving is a chance to put it all in perspective - to remember that, despite our differences, we are, and always will be, Americans first and foremost. "

Mr. Obama talked about the fact that there are still families that were affected by superstorm Sandy - some who've lost everything - who don't have the luxury of enjoying Thanksgiving around their dinner tables.

"It will be a long time before life goes back to normal," he said. "But in the midst of so much tragedy, there are also glimmers of hope. Over the last few weeks, we've seen FEMA personnel, National Guard and first responders working around the clock in hard-hit communities."

"As Americans, we are a bold, generous, big-hearted people," the president continued. "When our brothers and sisters are in need, we roll up our sleeves and get to work - not for the recognition or the reward, but because it's the right thing to do. Because there but for the grace of God go I. And because here in America, we rise or fall together, as one nation and one people."

Meantime, in the Republican address, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., sounded similar themes before pivoting to politics.

"A hard-fought campaign has just come to a close. Far too many Americans remain out of work. Our national debt exceeds the size of the economy and threatens to derail our children's future. As a mother of two young children, this is a constant worry, as is the cost of gas and groceries," she said.

"Yet today, we will honor the Thanksgiving tradition with wishes of peace and grace," McMorris Rodgers continued. "We'll pray for those less fortunate. We'll think of servicemembers away from home, and give thanks for them and their families. Our hearts will go out to families still without power after Hurricane Sandy."

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The possible cost of the fiscal cliff

McMorris Rodgers took the opportunity to talk politics, however, calling on the president to work with Republicans to deal with the upcoming fiscal cliff.

"The same spirit of service and optimism that brings us together today should inspire us all year round.

"That's why, here in Washington, D.C., Republicans have reached out to President Obama in the hope of working together to help our economy grow and solve the debt that threatens our children's future," she said.

"Republicans believe this is an opportunity to finally solve problems that Washington has ignored for too long, whether it's a tax code that's too costly and complicated or entitlement programs that are on the path to bankruptcy. No more short-term band-aids or shopworn excuses. We can do this right."

"Republicans are ready and eager to get to work, and we hope President Obama is as well," McMorris Rodgers continued. "Because America is a country whose people can do anything, and whose leaders can envision a limitless future."

[jogger5079]

Barack HUSSEIN Obama is a total DISGRACE! America, once again, voted this fool in the White House! Wonder how thankful this idiot is that he has the blood of 4 dead Americans on his hands at Benghazi! IMPEACH THIS FOOL ! NOBAMA!

[democracy8]

Not to mention 7 separate attacks on US embassies and consulates between 2002 and 2008 and not a peep from the GOP...

[jwc1234]

Jogger5079 If you were any stupider than you appear to be you would just above a pile of dog S**t.

Just to set the record straight, this happen in a country that had over thrown the government. Therefore, that means we are in country because the people who are trying to hold the country together let us. No being the United States of America does not give us the right to do ANYTHING in another country.

Yes 4 Americans were killed in a country that is trying to work its way out of a civil war, they were attacked by a Al Qaeda group that is in that country. So it is up to the Libyans to protect us and deal with them.

Now because you were glued to the ass end of the elephant known as fox news this is all you know! If you were to pull your head out of the elephant ass, you would know that over 100 Americans were killed along the east coast and thousand no longer have homes because of a little storm named Sandy.

Pull your head out and stop crying, Romney lost and the President won.

[antoniof123]

You what I am glad I voted the way I did not even on one day can the Republicans stop attacking and crying like chidren.

She is going to pray for the poor, that should really help, parying that will put food in their mouths.

She wants the Democrats to work with the Republicans what about the Republicans working with the Democrats.

Oh wait they want it their way or the highway.

Looks like we are going over the fiscal cliff.