US President Barack Obama performed his seasonal role of pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey on Wednesday, joking it was one duty he could perform without approval of an obstructive US Congress.
Obama reprieved a 20kg turkey called Liberty and an understudy named Peace from the butcher’s knife and the birds will gobble out their golden years on George Washington’s estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
“Some of you may know that recently, I have been taking a series of executive actions that don’t require congressional approval,” Obama said.
Photo: Reuters
“Here’s another one. We can’t wait to pardon these turkeys,” the president said, referring the catchphrase he uses to bypass his Republican foes and sign job -creating measures into law. “Otherwise they would end up next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing.”
Obama quipped that the birds, pardoned under the North Portico of the White House, had undergone media training to prepare for their big day in the media spotlight.
“The turkey’s name is Liberty, and along with his understudy named Peace, he has the distinction of being the luckiest bird on the face of the earth. Right now, he’s probably one of the most confused,” Obama said.
On a serious note, he urged US citizens to give thanks for their blessings on the famed US holiday yesterday, and to remember those who are less well off.
“Let’s appreciate those who hold a special place in our lives and make sure that they know it,” Obama said.
The tradition of granting a presidential pardon for turkeys dates back to former US president George H.W. Bush in 1989.
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