Obama pardons a pair of Thanksgiving turkeys

Taking part in an annual ritual, President Obama pardoned a pair of California turkeys at the White House Wednesday, sparing the birds from the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Three weeks after his party lost control of the House of Representatives and a half dozen seats in the Senate, Obama joked that it felt good to “stop at least one shellacking this November.”

The 21-week-old turkeys, Apple and Cider, were raised on a Modesto farm and now will enjoy long lives in a custom-made enclosure at the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in nearby Virginia. They were chosen from a group of 25 birds that had to “strut their stuff” before a panel of judges.

“It’s kind of like a turkey version of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Except the stakes for the contestants was much higher,” said Obama, who was joined by daughters Malia and Sasha for the Rose Garden event.

As if on cue, Apple let out a proud gobble as Obama made the pardon official. The president then made his way over to the bird, giving its head a pat down as he quizzed its owner about the wattle. The first daughters declined the chance to pet it as well.

The names were chosen from more than 200 submissions from California schoolchildren who took part in the state’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.

This year marks the 63rd National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. The tradition of the Thanksgiving turkey pardon dates back to President Kennedy.

Meanwhile, two turkeys that weren’t as fortunate as Apple and Cider will be donated to Martha’s Table, a local organization that helps feed and clothe those in need.

“I hope everyone takes some time this holiday season to give back, and serve their community in some way,” Obama said.

The Obamas are scheduled to celebrate the holiday at the White House.

mmemoli@tribune.com

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