WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama and his Republican
rivals are using their weekly radio and Internet messages to send
holiday greetings to Americans with special thanks to the troops.

The president was joined by his wife, first lady Michelle Obama,
in recording the weekly address. She called on Americans to let
troops know "just how much we appreciate everything they do."

For the GOP, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence urged Americans to remember
the troops and also to think of those who are less fortunate, struggling to make ends meet in the tough economy or unable to find work.

Pence suggested people "reach out to that neighbor or friend who needs a helping hand" as it could be "just the gift someone needed most."