Biden pardons 2 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving
WASHINGTON—Joe Biden on Monday used his powers as US president to pardon two turkeys, sparing them from winding up as the main course during an upcoming Thanksgiving dinner later this week.
“I hereby pardon Chocolate and Chip,” Biden said at the pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn, a lighthearted autumn event that has
become something of a White House tradition.
The large white birds, which were raised on a farm in North Carolina, were named after Biden’s favorite ice cream flavor, as he told schoolchildren who were present.
‘No fowl play’
“That’s a big bird,” the President quipped as 46-pound (21-kilogram) Chocolate was placed on a table.
Biden used the backdrop of the recent midterm elections to crack jokes about the time-honored turkey pardoning.
Democrats fared better at the polls than many experts had expected, retaining control of the Senate and only narrowly losing the House of Representatives to Republicans.
“The votes are in. They’ve been counted and verified. There’s no ballot stuffing. There’s no fowl play,” he said to laughter—and likely a few eye rolls.
Traditional dish
“The only red wave this season”—Biden said, referring to the traditional color of the Republicans—“is going to be a German Shepherd, Commander,” who “knocks over the cranberry sauce on our table.”
Turkey with stuffing is the traditional dish that Americans serve at a family feast on Thanksgiving, which is Thursday.
Biden noted how the pandemic had disrupted such commemorations in recent years, as he urged the invitees to remember the doctors, nurses and scientists who endeavored to protect US communities during the crisis.
“Two years ago, we couldn’t even safely have Thanksgiving with large family gatherings. Now we can,” he said. “That’s progress, and let’s keep it going.”