23 November,2012 08:47 AM IST | | Agencies
In a thinly-veiled reference to the presidential election, Obama, joined by his daughters Sasha and Malia for the ceremony, joked that "life is all about second chances, and this November I could not agree more".
Gobble, gobble: US President Barack Obama (2nd L) pets Cobbler with his daughters Sasha (2nd R) and Malia (R) in the Rose Garden of the White House during the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon. Pic/AFP
"So, in the spirit of the season, I have one more gift to give and it goes to a pair of turkeys named Cobbler and Gobbler," he said.
Noting that the official White House turkey was selected via a highly competitive online vote - Gobbler was elected to be Cobbler's alternate - he said: "The American people have spoken and these birds are moving forward."
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Striking a more serious note, the president reflected on the holiday as a "chance to spend time with the people we care about and to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy," as wellas an opportunity to "remember those who are less fortunate".
"This year that's particularly true for our neighbours in the Northeast who have lost their homes, possessions ,and even their loved ones to Hurricane Sandy," he said.
After issuing the official pardon, he encouraged his daughters to pet the 19-week old, bird. Sasha, the younger, complied; giggling, Malia kept her distance. u00a0
