Obama Pardons a Pair of Thanksgiving Turkeys

Reuters

President Barack Obama, joined by daughters Sasha and Malia (R), pardons National Thanksgiving Turkey “Popcorn,” on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Nov. 27, 2013. Chairman of the National Turkey Federation John Purkel looks on at left. (REUTERS/Larry Downing)

President Barack Obama pardoned two turkeys in the annual Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony Wednesday afternoon. He also declared Popcorn the National Thanksgiving Turkey, after Americans voted for their favorite turkey on the White House website.

“Popcorn is the winner, proving that even a turkey with a funny name can find a place in politics,” said Mr. Obama, flanked by his daughters Sasha and Malia. “As for Caramel, he’s sticking around, and he’s already busy raising money for his next campaign.” Caramel got another break: He didn’t participate in the White House ceremony.

Eighty turkeys competed for the honor of a presidential pardon. “It was, quite literally, the Hunger Games,” Mr. Obama said, saluting the turkeys for their bravery.

“The most powerful position in the world brings with it many awesome and solemn responsibilities. This is not one of them,” he quipped. But he called the pardoning ritual a “great tradition” and said his daughters love it.

The tradition of pardoning turkeys officially began in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush. Two decades earlier, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy returned the turkey to its farm, saying, “We’ll just let this one grow.