On Wednesday President Obama will celebrate the 66th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation by wishing American families a warm, safe and healthy holiday. He will also pardon two turkeys, Caramel and Popcorn.
The presidential turkey pardon is an annual tradition dating back to President John F. Kennedy who officially pardoned the first Thanksgiving Turkey in 1963. “Turkeys have carved out a pivotal role in the holiday season at the White House since the 19th century, but last year, for the first time, the pardon winner was chosen through a competitive online vote,” the White House blog says.
For the second year in a row the White House has launched a social media campaign for the American public to decide which turkey will become the official 2013 National Thanksgiving Turkey.
Caramel and Popcorn both have profiles on Whitehouse.gov/turkey where their full stats can be found. “Hatched on the same day on the farm of John Burkel near Badger, Minnesota, Caramel and Popcorn may have been raised together, but each has flown their own path,” The White House blog says. “Caramel is a steady and deliberate bird that enjoys soybean meal and rocking out to Lady Gaga. When Popcorn is feeling peckish, he can’t stop snacking on his namesake, corn, and has been known to strut around to Beyonce’s ‘Halo’.”
Be sure to cast your vote by 8pm ET tonight and tune in Wednesday afternoon to see what the American Public decides.
Choose wisely America!
Abby Borovitz