Obama: Thanksgiving Reminds Us 'We Are Always Simply Americans'

President Obama on Thursday tied his weekly address to a Thanksgiving message of unity.

"Elections are often where we emphasize what sets us apart," The Hill quoted Obama.

"We face off in a contest of 'us' versus 'them.' We focus on the candidate we support instead of some of the ideals we share. But a few short weeks later, Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, we are still one people, part of something bigger than ourselves. We are communities that move forward together. We are always, simply, Americans."

Obama used his last Thanksgiving address to seemingly send a message to President-elect Donald Trump.

"We are bound not by any one race or religion, but rather an adherence to a common belief – that all of us are created equal," Obama said.

"That we may think, worship, speak and love as we please. That the gift of democracy is ours, and ours alone, to protect. Never doubt that is what makes us American – not where we come from, what we look like, or what faith we practice but the ideals to which we pledge our allegiance."

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