Meet the Two Lucky Turkeys Pardoned by President Barack Obama Just Before Thanksgiving

Commander in chief enjoys his share of jokes at the annual event

By Mike Vulpo Nov 27, 2014 12:20 AMTags
Barack Obama, Turkey PardoningMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

There's no doubt Barack Obama will be eating turkey when the White House celebrates Thanksgiving this week.

But one familiar dish that won't be served at dinner could just be Mac & Cheese—literally!

The President of the United States followed tradition by taking part in the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation Wednesday afternoon where he was faced with the decision to pardon two turkeys—Mac or Cheese.

"I am here to announce what I'm sure will be the most talked-about executive action this month," Obama joked to an excited crowd. "Today I'm taking an action fully within my legal authority, the same kind of action taken by Democrats and Republican presidents before me to spare the lives of two turkeys, Mac and Cheese, from a terrible and delicious fate."

After the White House took to Twitter asking Americans to vote on which turkey deserved a pardon, voters ultimately chose to protect Cheese.

But don't worry animals lovers! Following tradition, the runner-up was also saved as well!

"Let's face it, if you're a turkey and named after a side dish, your chances of escaping thanksgiving dinner are pretty low," Obama said. "So these guys are well ahead of the curve, they really beat the odds."

So what makes these turkeys so special? For starters, the Ohio turkeys weigh an impressive 48 pounds. And although they may only be 20-weeks-old, the animals have a bright future ahead of themselves as they are guaranteed to live on a safe, 10,000-acre farm located in Leesburg, Va. 

The annual tradition has become a guilty pleasure for the President. During a recent interview with the Washington Post, the father-of-two shared the fun he's had during the ceremony.

"It is a little puzzling that I do this every year, but I will say that I enjoy it, because with all the tough stuff that rolls around in this office, it's nice once in a while just to say, 'Happy Thanksgiving,' and this is a great excuse to do it," he said. "Tomorrow is a special moment where we give thanks for people we love and where we're mindful of the incredible blessings that we have received."

Happy Thanksgiving to all, including you Mac and Cheese! 

PHOTOS: More hilarious pardoned turkeys from years past