If I were Obama’s speech writer, this is what I’d write:

Washington DC– My Fellow Americans. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very special Thanksgiving.

In this time of economic uncertainty, many of you are feeling anxiety over your jobs, homes and savings. The recent terror attacks in India have rekindled fears about terrorism.

Let me reassure you. First of all, the transition of power is largely underway. My transition team and I have been working closely with President Bush and his administration. While there can only be one President at a time, President Bush should be commended for his initiative and cooperation in making the transition of power as smooth as possible. My staff and I have been granted unprecedented access to key information about sensitive domestic and international issues.

Many of my cabinet appointees have been selected and I have assurances from Senator Reid that the required confirmations will be handled by the Senate in a timely fashion. My administration will be ready to govern on January 20th, 2009.

As we give thanks for our blessings as Americans today I am fully aware of the economic woes many of you are facing. Many of you have lost a job, cannot make your mortgage payment, or your business is slowing down. I am pledging to you that my administration will continue the work already started by President Bush and the Congress, and I have an economic stimulus plan ready to be enacted the day I take office. The effects of these efforts will not be immediate, so I need to ask for your patience and support while we do everything we can as a government to assist you through this difficult time. I am also asking for the private sector to be supportive and patient. It is imperative that as many people as possible keep their jobs and homes as we navigate though these unprecedented, but temporary problems.

I want to emphasize that I have full confidence in the American people, the American government and our economy’s ability to weather this storm.

Let me speak for a moment to those outside the US who would try to take advantage of us during a transition of power. You might think that because of our current temporary economic woes that we are preoccupied. You might also think that our military is weakened and overextended in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are unable to defend ourselves or protect our national interests abroad.

I want to be clear; even with our current economic problems, we still have the largest economy in the world. Our military has over 2 million professional members. Less than 20% of it is committed to the current conflicts. That is a volunteer force without a draft. Our intelligence agencies and anti-terrorist networks remain active, vigilant and well funded, and while we see no immediate or long term reasons to need it, our nuclear deterrent remains in place.

During my campaign, I spoke of change. I intend to change the dynamic in Washington from one of acrimony and partisanship to one of cooperation so we can work together to solve America’s problems. I also spoke of change in our international relations. I am committed to improving America’s image at home and abroad and I will meet those commitments, but not at the expense of our nation’s security.

Have a safe and secure Thanksgiving. Thank you all.

Ah, one can only hope.