US president pardons 2 turkeys in Thanksgiving tradition

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) – US President Joe Biden on Monday pardoned two turkeys ahead of the American holiday of Thanksgiving.

Biden spared the lives of two birds, named Chocolate and Chip, which were raised on a ranch in Monroe, North Carolina, at a traditional event regularly held at White House.

In his remarks, Biden hit out predictions by analysts and Republicans that the US midterm elections on Nov. 8 would see a "red wave," meaning Republican candidates would take back majority of the votes.

The Democrat president said the only "red wave this season" will be if his pet German Shepherd Commander "knocks over the cranberry sauce on our table."

Biden also called on Americans who will meet their family members to get vaccinated against coronavirus and flu.

"Two years ago, we couldn't even safely have Thanksgiving … now we can. That's progress," said Biden, thanking health personnel for their efforts to battle COVID-19.

The tradition has its origins in the 19th century when rumors suggest President Abraham Lincoln's son begged him to spare his pet turkey, though it was formalized in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush, and has been upheld by every president since then.