Bush pardons turkeys, gobbling birds give thanks: The Swamp

Posted November 20, 2007 10:56 AM

One of the turkeys (seated on table) receiving presidential pardon today at Rose Garden ceremony. Photo by Mark Silva

by Mark Silva

President Bush, intent on proving that he is no lame duck yet, pardoned two turkeys today.

Their names are May and Flower.

They came from a farm near Dubois, Indiana, and will spend the rest of their "blissful, gobbling lives'' at Disney World, starting as honorary parade grand marshals this week, thanks to the traditional presidential pardon of Thanksgiving turkeys.

In a corn-stalk and pumpkin-framed ceremony in the Rose Garden that traces its roots to Harry Truman, Bush delivered a message to the two Hoover-bred, pardoned birds: "You cannot stand the heat, and you definitely are going to stay out of the kitchen.''

Bush also said that the clearly calculated names May and Flower, selected in online voting, are "certainly better than the names the vice president suggested, which are lunch and dinner.''

Lots of gobbling was heard on the sideline of this event, in which Bush praised the American economy and the compassion of the American people and gave thanks for the rite of Thanksgiving. Bush will head today for a holiday break at Camp David, including an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson and a year-ender with People magazine.

Addressing an audience including children from Campfire USA, Bush spoke fondly of all the letters he receives, like the one from a child in California who asked him if he ever gets a headache. "Not really,'' Bush explained. "Only when I have a press conference.''

No headaches, President Bush says, except "when I have a press conference.' Photo by Silva

Comments

If they pardoned the turkey any chance they will eat Scooter Libby instead?

Posted by: nisleib | November 20, 2007 11:31 AM

The democratic canidates s/b relieved that they were pardoned.

Posted by: Terry | November 20, 2007 11:36 AM

Good one, Terry.

However, while I am all for pardoning the turkey, I think Bush should round up all the Loons (left wing loons) and send them to Gitmo for life!!

Posted by: John D | November 20, 2007 12:01 PM

We fear turkeys......and loons.

Posted by: kg123 | November 20, 2007 12:36 PM

Leave it to John D to step all over a perfectly good joke with his insane, paranoid ranting.

Posted by: kb | November 20, 2007 12:42 PM

Just once, I'd like to see a President come out of the White House with a hatchet in hand, chop the head off the turkey, start pulling feathers and tell the reporters "No pardon this year!"

Posted by: Chris P | November 20, 2007 12:51 PM

Bush doesn't need turkeys. He going to be too busy eating crow soon enough.

Posted by: kg123 | November 20, 2007 12:53 PM

I hope he pardons the border gaurds as they sit in jail thanks to him and his failed immigration policy. He is a turkey that should be cooked via impeachment.

Posted by: Gary H. | November 20, 2007 12:58 PM

At least the Turkey isn't a convicted criminal Republican crony like the last guy W. pardoned (Scooter Libby).

Posted by: John E | November 20, 2007 1:24 PM

Always wrong John E., Scooter Libby was not pardoned. His sentence was commuted. Big difference.

kb, lighten up, Francis!

Posted by: John D | November 20, 2007 2:03 PM

Chris P.

If Hillary is elected, you will see her coming out with hatchet in hand. The only difference is she will be chasing Bill in his boxers and a chubby intern.

Posted by: Terry | November 20, 2007 2:24 PM

Anyone remember when George W. Bush pardoned the detained Australian Al-Qaeda killer because the Prime Minister of Australia asked him to? That was hilarious!!!

Posted by: john | November 20, 2007 2:32 PM

Trickle Down Terry,

I'll take Hillary for President over this "chick" any day of the week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_90nRRoXK8

Wingnuts, pleeeease nominate Rudy!

Posted by: John E | November 20, 2007 2:57 PM

At last, after all these years in office, he has finally done something useful.

Posted by: Tomas Joven | November 20, 2007 3:24 PM

Oh, Johnny D, give me a break and stop preaching. Heed your own words then and don't be a hypocrite!

Posted by: kb | November 20, 2007 3:53 PM

Speaking of pardons. Here's a list bought and paid for:

http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm

Posted by: Terry | November 20, 2007 5:58 PM