Obama acknowledges tough economy this Thanksgiving

President Barack Obama is urging Americans facing tough economic times this Thanksgiving to believe in the nation's ability to overcome its challenges.

"I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny," Obama said in a taped Thanksgiving message.

The president said that while the partisanship and gridlock in Washington may lead some to question whether unity is possible, the nation's problems can be solved.

"The problems we face didn't develop overnight, and we won't solve them overnight," he said. "But we will solve them. All it takes is for each of us to do our part."

Obama encouraged Americans to remember the men and women in the military who are spending the holiday serving their country overseas. And he thanked those who were taking time out of their Thanksgiving celebrations to serve in soup kitchens and shelters.

"This sense of mutual responsibility — the idea that I am my brother's keeper, that I am my sister's keeper — has always been a part of what makes our country special," he said.

Obama said he was thankful this Thanksgiving to serve as president and commander in chief, and thankful that his daughters get to grow up in "this great country of ours."

The president said his family would spend Thanksgiving eating great food, watching football and reflecting on how truly lucky they are.

Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Fla., delivering the weekly GOP address, urged Americans to take time this Thanksgiving to pray for those less fortunate, including the millions of unemployed Americans.

Adams said Americans have inherited a legacy that includes an economy that promotes opportunity and entrepreneurship and have a duty to find the common ground needed to empower small businesses and remove barriers that make it harder to create jobs.

"Together, we can and should find common ground to deliver a government that honors the voice of the people," Adams said. "The challenges we face demand nothing less."