Obama to Meet With Party Leadership Post-Thanksgiving

US President Obama smiles while distributing food at Martha's Table a day before Thanksgiving, on November 24, in Washington, DC. Martha's Table is a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter and clothing to those in need. (Mandel NGAN/Getty Images )

President Obama plans to meet with leaders of Democrat and Republican parties for a “real and honest discussion.”

In his weekly address, Obama used the occasion of Thanksgiving to speak about the state of mind of the American people. He said, “We’ve got to look out for one another,” particularly in light of family members and loved ones being away at war or unemployed.

“[W]e’ve got to do everything we can to accelerate this recovery and keep our economy moving forward,” said Obama in his address, adding that change won’t come about through one political party but as “one people,” starting with discussion at the highest levels of political leadership. Obama said he will use the meeting with political leadership next week to do just that.

“I believe that if we stop talking at one another, and start talking with one another, we can get a lot done,” said Obama.

President Obama also said that despite facing numerous challenges, Americans have a special strength.

“We shape our own destiny with conviction, compassion, and clear and common purpose,” he said. “We honor our past and press forward with the knowledge that tomorrow will be better than today.”