Thanksgiving! President Barack Obama Turkey Pardon: POTUS Cracks Jokes During Speech [WATCH]

By Kyle Dowling (kyle.dowling@mstarsnews.com) | Nov 26, 2015 11:00 AM EST

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President Barack Obama appeared on Wednesday in the Rose Garden alongside daughters Sasha and Malia for his annual White House turkey pardon. During his speech, the POTUS showed off his comedic side, the one we often see at events such as the White House Correspondents Dinner.

The pardon tradition has been a long one at the White House, going back to the 19th century, according to Politico. President George H.W. Bush reportedly is celebrated, however, for making it an annual tradition back in 1989, and every president since has continued it.

"As you may have heard," President Obama said, "for months there has been a fierce competition between a bunch of turkeys trying to wing their way into the White House. Well today, I can announce that the American people have spoken, and we have two winners."

Calling one "Abe" and the other "Honest," the President further cracked several jokes about the turkeys. Or, as he put it, the "TOTUS" (Turkey of the United States).

"It is hard to believe this is my seventh year pardoning a turkey. Time flies, even if turkeys don't," Obama joked, much to the embarrassment of his daughters at his side.

#DadJoke

President Obama jokes his way through annual turkey pardon https://politi.co/1TfjXgI

Posted by POLITICO on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

On a more serious note, Obama claimed that he always enjoys the turkey pardoning, as he holds true the value of the "chance to wish America a Happy Thanksgiving."

He said, "We go through challenging times. So often the news of the day can make folks discouraged, but the fact is we live in the greatest country on Earth. And we are blessed in so many ways – most of all because we have families and friends and people we care about."

On Wednesday, the Obama family visited homeless vets in Washington and served Thanksgiving meals, something the President admits is a reminder of the importance of what our veterans have done for us in serving our country.

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