Obama Pardons Turkeys (Video)

The Thanksgiving tradition of U.S. presidents granting turkeys a pardon continues.

Obama used his authority to pardon "Liberty" and "Peace."

Here's video:



Obama's looks like he's the Pope granting the turkeys a blessing. Watch his hand movements.

Here's more on the pardons, from the Los Angeles Times:

There was freedom for Liberty. President Obama pardoned the appropriately named turkey at the White House on Wednesday, an annual tradition before what the president said was "one of the best days of the year to be an American."

Actually, two birds will be spared from the holiday dinner table, Liberty and Peace. But Liberty enjoyed the national spotlight during a brief ceremony at the North Portico on Wednesday morning, in which Obama made a priestly gesture over the bird before announcing: "You are hereby pardoned!"

Obama tied the event to a series of executive actions he's been taking in recent weeks to jump-start the economy, steps that don't need congressional approval.

"Well here's another one: We can't wait to pardon these turkeys. Literally!" Obama said. "Otherwise they'd wind up next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing."

Daughters Malia and Sasha joined him for the event; the First Family will later participate in a service event in Washington.