Watch President Obama Pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey

U.S. President Barack Obama pardoned this year’s Thanksgiving turkey Wednesday to continue a White House tradition that goes back 67 years.

“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 swirls around in this office it’s nice once in a while just to say, ‘Happy Thanksgiving,'” said Obama.

The 50-lb. turkey named Cheese was voted to escape the knife this year by the public on Twitter.

Cheese, and his alternate Mac, were raised by the National Turkey Federation.

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