[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/26/art.thanksgiving1.gi.jpg caption="A U.S. soldier celebrates Thanksgiving in Afghanistan."]
(Compiled by CNN's Emily Sherman)

Washington (CNN) - Members of the Best Political Team on Television – and some of the politicians they cover – say they have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, from the service of the U.S. military to healthy kids, “a brand new hip” and a recount-free holiday season:

CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley: “Always and forever I am most grateful for my healthy, amazing, wise children who teach me things everyday. I am also grateful it is not an election year, and I'm not celebrating Thanksgiving in a hotel covering a recount or a transition.”

CNN Anchor John King: “I'm most thankful for the love and support of my wife and two remarkable children. And grateful for the opportunity to visit 45 states in the past 11 months and meet so many wonderful people.”

Democratic strategist and CNN Political Analyst Paul Begala: “This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for America's military families. I never even finished the Boy Scouts, much less wore the uniform. But I am keenly aware that I owe my freedom to the men and women who have served in the past and who serve today.

"I married an Army brat. Her mother and father raised four children while moving over a dozen times to bases across America and in Europe. Twice my father in law was deployed to Viet Nam. He served with honor and distinction – and he would be the first to tell you his service would not have been possible without the support of his wife and children.

“So to every military mom and dad, every service spouse, and every child who has to move every year or two; who has to soldier on at home while a loved one risks life and limb abroad, I say thank you. About one percent of Americans bear the burden of defending the other 99 percent of us. So on behalf of the 99, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

(After the jump: President Obama, congressional leaders and others weigh in)

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Britney Spears isn't the only headline-grabber who hit it big in the 90s to angle for a comeback this fall: Nearly a decade-and-a-half after the last big term limits push fell short, there's a new congressional proposal to cap the amount of time lawmakers can serve - giving US Term Limits President Philip Blumel new hope the idea's proponents may be able to put an end to the age of the career politician.

But once again, the plan's gotten an underwhelming reception - just three senators have signed on to South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint's new bill, S.J.RES 21. And the odds are even steeper than they appear at first glance: To pass, the bill can't just get a simple majority - it's got to earn support from two-thirds of the House and Senate, and defeat critics who argue that the position is short-sighted, leading to inexperienced politicians who can't handle complex domestic and foreign policy challenges.

That criticism is off-base, argues Blumel. The USTL president makes the case for term limits in a CNN Radio interview with Political Editor Mark Preston.