Weekly Speeches: Economy Not The Best [VIDEO]

President Barack Obama and Republicans took note of tough economic times in their weekly radio and Internet messages delivered early for Thanksgiving.

Obama urged Americans to believe in the nation's ability to overcome its challenges. He says citizens can still "give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny."

The president says the nation's problems can be solved, despite the current partisanship and gridlock.

For the GOP, Florida Rep. Sandy Adams urged Americans to take time this Thanksgiving to pray for those less fortunate, including the millions of unemployed Americans.

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

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)