November 20, 2007
Posted: 02:22 PM ET

President Bush spared "May" and "Flower" Tuesday morning.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Adhering to a tradition now entering its 60th year, President Bush on Tuesday delivered a full presidential pardon to the national Thanksgiving turkey in the Rose Garden at the White House.

He also announced the names of the bird and its alternate, which were chosen by people who voted online. They will officially be called May and Flower, the president said.

"That's certainly better than the names the vice president suggested: Lunch and Dinner," Bush joked.
 

On a more serious note, the president reminded Americans they have much to be thankful for this holiday season.

"This Thanksgiving we are grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all and millions more. We're grateful for citizens who reach out to those who struggle, from neighbors in need to the strangers they've never met," he said.

"We're grateful for working Americans, who've given us the longest period of uninterrupted job creation on record and a prosperity that lifts our citizens.

"And we're grateful for one blessing in particular: the men and women of the United States military. They've worn proudly the uniform of our country. They have offered their lives in our defense, and each year thousands more volunteer to join their noble ranks and to keep us safe.

"And so on this Thanksgiving, we keep their families and their loved ones in our prayers and in our thoughts," Bush said.

The turkeys chosen for this year's honor came from a farm in Dubois, Ind., according to the White House Web site, and were raised under the direction of National Turkey Federation Chairman Ted Seger.

After the Rose Garden ceremony, the turkeys will be flown first-class to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., where they will be the grand marshals of the Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Web site said.

Afterward, they'll live at Mickey's Country House in Magic Kingdom Park.

"May they live the rest of their lives in blissful gobbling and may all Americans enjoy a holiday filled with love and peace," the president said.

Filed under: President Bush


Cliff, Marysville, PA   November 21st, 2007 9:51 pm ET

We have a president who can jokingly pardon turkeys but ignore the sentencing of a Saudi rape victim for the crime of being raped. Who can ignore the millions killed in Iran based on an administrative lie. But perhaps that is the point. Justice is a joke except for those in power who can make a fortune from the suffering of others.

Jackson, Minnetonka, MN   November 21st, 2007 4:32 pm ET

I would have named them "Not" and "Funny". The vp should just not even try

James, Indio CA   November 21st, 2007 11:34 am ET

I'm no Bush fan, but I did see the footage. Bush actually came off kind of humorous and likeable here. Nothing wrong with this tradition, and there's no reason to pile on Bush here with the one-liners. And the sound-bite of Bush saying "gobble, gobble" that one year always cracks me up.

But, yes, free those two Border Patrol agents. And vote Obama as well. Peace.

Mark Murray UT   November 21st, 2007 10:39 am ET

Is this not the stupidest presidential tradition of them all?

Jack, Fort Myers, FL   November 21st, 2007 10:18 am ET

Hunger, poverty. The GOP line is to "bring youself up by the bootstraps". The management of domestic problems has been "trust capitalism" everything will be alright. Well..it isn't alright. The capitalists are now creating jobs in other lands (and do not give a whimper for the American jobs lost). The only reason the Democrats are leading right now is because–now, finally, "white collar" jobs are also being lost to foreign lands. Today…just getting a college education, and perhaps graduate education, is STILL not enought to ensure your future. How about this…raise the standard of living–worldwide–so our CEO's won't continue earning obscene bonuses..by aligning and exporting elements of business to foreign lands. Perhaps I missed the MEMO but I haven't even seen this issue addressed by ANY of the GOP candidates. Hmmmmmm

Jack, Fort Myers, FL   November 21st, 2007 10:11 am ET

Who the heck are Marc and Rich…? Man some really lef field right winngers out there! Please send a complete thought so someone in EITHER camp knows what the heck you're talking about! You don't thing there ar rich Democrats? Mabye you don't think any Democrats own business? Or, are you just nuts.

blessed! ny ny   November 21st, 2007 9:45 am ET

turkeys are offended, you have been comparing them to the two-I wouldn´t know how to call them-in the white house, not even a weasel would like that comparison, perhaps $%&"/& and ?&%^» would be more appropriate. HAPPY DAY TO ALL OF YOU.

Max, Boston, MA   November 21st, 2007 9:00 am ET

For those who are uptight about the president being criticized around Thanksgiving, did you ever take holidays off from criticizing liberals?

Bush is heavily criticized because his actions as president are largely indefensible. As much as I love one-word political slurs to superficially characterize someone you disagree with, there's nothing "kooky" about disliking a president — especially one as unethical as this one.

Dur, Huntington, WV   November 21st, 2007 8:20 am ET

p.s. Who will the liberals and Code Stink direct their angst at if there's a Democrat in the White House? They won't know who to be mad at…

Posted By steve feldt, arlington va. : November 20, 2007 3:18 pm
_____________________________________

Not true, unless you and your ilk plan to leave the planet. (Please, oh please)

ImpeachBush, Silver City NM   November 20th, 2007 10:34 pm ET

"This Thanksgiving we are grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all and millions more. We're grateful for citizens who reach out to those who struggle, from neighbors in need to the strangers they've never met," he said.

I bet you're greatful! Just goes to show how much of an idiot this piece of trash is. The main ones rejoicing this harvest are the corporations. They're jumping with joy and giving thanks for their record profits. Bush is just their prostitute that they can use anytime they want.

How about 35 million Americans that went hungry at some point this year? Of course this idiot is correct in one thing. Only the citizens will help because it sure won't be the Greedy Old Party. You know, the compossionate conservatives, the family values party, the Christian party, the fiscally responsible party, etc., etc.

Sue in Michigan   November 20th, 2007 10:11 pm ET

What's really sad here is that there are real articles about the leaks in this White House that have NO COMMENTS, and yet here you all are, commenting on a stupid joke.
(And now me, but I DID leave comments on the other ones first.)

Several Republicans, Afew Democrats   November 20th, 2007 9:09 pm ET

PARDON RAMOS AND COMPEONE OR FACE IMPEACHMENT!!

Rob H, Boston, MA   November 20th, 2007 8:35 pm ET

Why were they pardoned, so Cheney can shoot them while they're trapped in a cage?

Brad, from the great state of Texas   November 20th, 2007 8:27 pm ET

You liberals are so witty and cool! I got one too….ready? How bout naming the turkeys "Marc" and "Rich"? I can't wait to see how you guys bash the president on Christmas, too….

G. Rasputin, Lakeland FL   November 20th, 2007 7:23 pm ET

"May they live the rest of their lives in blissful gobbling and may all Americans enjoy a holiday filled with love and peace," the president said.

Again, the president shows how deeply superficial and irrelevant is his "thinking." Instead of mouthing empty platitudes about our service people and veterans, how about giving them some half-way decent medical care and some compassion for the sacrifices they've made for you and your gang of rancid liars, Sir?

Jed in Texas   November 20th, 2007 7:00 pm ET

Which candidate will most likely Pardon Bush and Cheney???

Allen, Redlands CA   November 20th, 2007 6:51 pm ET

Are their names Karl Rove and Dick Cheney?

Dee, UK   November 20th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

Chuck, Jax, FL – you need to follow your own advice man. Why are you still attacking Mr. Clinton?

Kristy Sanborn   November 20th, 2007 5:26 pm ET

Correction, that is "I am sure", I don't know how the 'U' got in there. Wishing everyone a happy thanksgiving.

Kristy Sanborn   November 20th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

I like President Bush's names for the two turkeys. Its better than neigbors of mine named three of theirs one year I gave them, being 'Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years'
I have to wonder though if Reid and the senator 'mr. lonely', as cnn named the senator today who is keeping guard on things this thanksgiving holiday because they are so afraid the President would use his presidential rights if needed.
Senator 'lonely' my foot, I bet he's a richer senator now, what do you think they paid him to give up thanksgiving and stand guard?
Seriously, I would bet quite a bit of money, truth be known. I had to laugh when CNN printed that today, "Mr. Lonely" staying behind to guard, made me think theres a song about Mr. Lonely, by Bobbie Vinton already, so he can't use that! Whoever cnn said the senator is Reid had stay behind, I didn't catch his name. Doesn't matter, the ones who need to know, do, IU am sure one of his senator guards will take mr. lonely a hot plate of turkey or a bag full of money.

Phil, San Jose, CA   November 20th, 2007 4:59 pm ET

Hey Turkey Republican, I organized a canned food drive at the college I'm the Director of Education for and my wife and I contribute clothes, food, cars, and money to a wide variety of charities year around. So don't assume that I'm your stereotypical liberal who expects the government to solve all the problems. You know what happens when we assume.

Neill C., Montgomery, Al   November 20th, 2007 4:55 pm ET

The only turkeys that need a pardon are Sandy Burglar and Bill Clinton.

clay c. , baltimore md.   November 20th, 2007 4:34 pm ET

"Each year, the President of the United States grants an official pardon to a Thanksgiving turkey presented to the White House by the Nat'l Turkey Federation. The tradition dates back to 1947, when Pres. Truman issued the first turkey pardon. It is said he got the idea from Abe Lincoln who refused to kill a holiday turkey after his son Tad became attached to it. The traditional ceremony is held on the Rose Garden a day or two before Thanksgiving. A second bird is chosen as a runner-up in case the first turkey can't go on. After being pardoned, the turkey is sent to Kidwell Farms, a petting zoo at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Va."

from "American Tradition Turkey Talk"

Christian, Tampa FL   November 20th, 2007 4:28 pm ET

May and Flower? That's dumb.

melissa c, canton, oh.   November 20th, 2007 4:21 pm ET

LOL ! When Bush was petting the turkey, it was hilarious how the turkey was looking at him as if to say, "look buddy, this is uncomfortable for me ,too."

Michael, Daytona Beach   November 20th, 2007 4:10 pm ET

1) The Truman library has not found one shred of evidence that Pres. Truman ever pardoned a turkey, in fact saying instead that they were headed for the dinner table.
2) The whole thing is kinda lame… I won't eat ya'll, but that one over there looks moist- more substitution than pardon.
3) The turkeys fly first class! Is disney footing that bill?
4)I think the real story is that Bush is headed on yet another week of vacation and this turkey business seems to detract from that.
For the record, I'm not just here to "Bush bash" as I'm not particularly fond of any party rushing off to holiday while our men and women spend their 4th Thanksgiving in a godless desert while "we" are still trying to figure out exactly what to do. This year I'm especially thankful for them and continue to pray for their safe return…

Lisa, Dallas TX   November 20th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

But of course the ultimate turkey is George Bush himself. Hopefully, when the time comes, God won't pardon that old bird.

Dennis, Great Lakes, IL   November 20th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

Gee, is it humanly possible to write something without throwing the, "Liberal card" around?

Madeliene Bolden; Atlanta, Georgia   November 20th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

This is a silly tradition. Who started it and why?

We do have much to be thankful for as a nation. I do believe that. I will be even more thankful when our troops have pulled out of Iraq.

steve feldt, arlington va.   November 20th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

MEMO to people who don't pay attention:

President Bush "pardons" a turkey every year. His predecessor pardoned a turkey too . This is nothing new, so calm down.

p.s. Who will the liberals and Code Stink direct their angst at if there's a Democrat in the White House? They won't know who to be mad at…

Condie   November 20th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

What about Dick and Dub?

Scott, Madison, WI   November 20th, 2007 3:16 pm ET

How about naming them birdshot and slipshod to sum up this administration's term(s) in office?

Ah yes, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, a majority of the nation is thankful we have only a little over one more year to endure the wrath of this merry band of criminals.

Kind of hard to have a sense of humor about an administration that has been playing jokes on America and abroad for the last 7 years with such dire consequences.

One turkey with no name would sum up the accomplishments(???) of this Fowl-in-Chief and all his accomplices.

misty Macon missouri   November 20th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

I noticed President Bush knows how to talk turkey,to a turkey.Not really impressed,what I would like to know, is,can he pardon Shasta,the polar bear.She says Bush isnt listening.~Missouri

David, Monterey, CA   November 20th, 2007 3:13 pm ET

Cheney needs to lay off the turkey…he's as big as a freakin' houseboat!

David, Annandale, VA   November 20th, 2007 3:07 pm ET

Well, honestly, this isn't the right place to bash Bush. He just pardoned two turkeys, followed tradition of some sort, nothing wrong with that. Being a lame-duck president doesn't give you that much to do honestly, so who cares what Bush does so long as it isn't spending billions of dollars or making new enemies.

What is strange is that Bush said Cheney would call the two turkeys that were being pardoned lunch and dinner. Yes, it was funny, but it really adds to Cheney's persona as a ruthless and coldhearted person… it is a little scary that Cheney seems to match the stereotype they gave of him in the TV Show Lil' Bush (wherein he grabs birds, tears off their heads and drinks their blood) so well.

Tom Tofu   November 20th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

Do turkeys apologize to Cheney and his family after they get shot?

Cristin, New Paltz, NY   November 20th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

I don't take issue with Bush pardoning a turkey, or even with Cheney's suggested names. I take issue with Bush's blatent ignorance. "A harvest big enough to feed us all, and millions more." Really? So what about the homeless? The individuals who DON'T have a harvest big enough to feed them? The children who will go to bed with empty tummies on Thursday night because mommy or daddy can't put food on the table? I wish we could be grateful for such a harvest in this country, but, sadly, it's not happening this year.
Happy Thanksgiving all. Please do what you can to help those who don't have enough.

Aaron, Seattle Wa   November 20th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

a pig and a chicken naming turkeys.

Joel   November 20th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

Isn't it so like Cheney, condemn a criminal after he has already been pardonned by Bush. Of course, this goes on all the time.

Brad, Lincoln NE   November 20th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

You know, it amazes me that not even a holiday can assuage one's hatred for the president… I don't even know what to say to all you pinheads who find this to be a source of insult for Bush and Cheney.

And come one… Lunch and Dinner? That's hilarious. Maybe if Hillary said it, you might find it more amusing.

Jeff K, Stevensville, MI   November 20th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

These 2 turkeys were pardoned. All the other turkeys were classified as "terrorists" and will be brought to justice.

Brent, Jasper, IN   November 20th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Listen to the liberals make fun of Bush for pardoning the turkey. If it were Clinton, you could be sure the turkey's tonsils would be getting checked…gobble gobble tree huggers.

Jonathan Detroit, Michigan   November 20th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

You know liberals and democrats are scraping the barrel when they insult the President for naming a turkey. Sad.

Julie K   November 20th, 2007 2:43 pm ET

Where do all the pardoned turkeys go? Is there a retirement village somewhere on the white house lawn?

Ron Eisenberg Overland Park Kansas   November 20th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

How about Cheney renaming himself,I'm outta here.

Then there would be one less Turkey in the White House.

Jackson, Morongo Valley, CA   November 20th, 2007 2:41 pm ET

I like Cheney's names for the turkeys … wonder what he calls Bush?

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   November 20th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

dubya ain't that bright. but the people who don't want cheney running their company, ain't that bright either

Todd, Rockford Illinois   November 20th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

If someone intentionally posts comments on a forum to incite others hes called a troll. Why do we have a Vice President who wants to purposedly incite others? I eat turkey on Thanksgiving just like millions of Americans, I just don't rub it in the face of people with alternative views, like PETA or vegetarians. Cheney is an a**.

Ann, Canada   November 20th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

As much fun as it was to see him pardon turkeys 2 and 3 today, maybe he could have been serious enough to say that he would also give thanks to the border guards and their work by pardonning the two he has sitting in jail for 12 years while a drug smuggler was considered a more credible source than they were and to appease complaints from Mexico. Maybe he could fly them and their families first class with the turkeys and treat them to DineyWorld as well for all he's put them through.

Nom, Phila, PA   November 20th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

Now to rile the Birkenstock crowd:

PETA — People Eating Tasty Animals.

If God didn't want us to eat them, why did he make them taste so good?

dave, blacksburg VA   November 20th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

… wow … its amazing how such an innocent story about the annual presidential turkey pardon brings out all the kooks suffering from bush-derangement-syndrome … thankfully most are too stupid to know how to vote … lol

McLean, VA   November 20th, 2007 2:28 pm ET

Cheney looks like he had two entire turkeys for lunch and dinner. Have you seen his gut recently?

Jose Card   November 20th, 2007 2:25 pm ET

President Bush: Please pardon Ramos and Compean, the two border patrol agents jailed for shooting at a drug dealer on the border. Their case will discourage people from applying for border patrol agent positions and we need better border security after 9/11.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/
CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs is actively reporting the two men's case. I hope their families can enjoy a happy thanksgiving with them, too.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

dave, blacksburg, va   November 20th, 2007 2:24 pm ET

… wow … such an innocent story to bring out all the comments from the kooks suffering from bush-derangement-syndrome …

Matt, Kansas City, KS   November 20th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

Oh geez, lighten up people. I'm surprised half of you haven't died from stress-related heart failure based on some of these comments. I don't like Bush either, but don't have an anyeurism over something as light hearted as a turkey naming ceremony.

Sean, MO   November 20th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

You all need a sense of humor and some serious help. Sam got it right. The border guards should be pardoned. FYI, no one fears PETA or any other leftwing group for that matter.

Mike, Waterbury, CT   November 20th, 2007 2:18 pm ET

I find this funny that the White House can spend an afternoon pardoning a turkey, but then they turn around and blame congress with wasting time passing stupid resolutions about genocide and tourture…Seems to be a double standard if you ask me….

Chuck Jax,FL   November 20th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

Absolutely pathetic that you Bush haters can not even embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and the 60 year old tradition of pardoning a turkey. What? No mention of the MASS pardon of criminals by the Clinton administration? Please, please try to elevate yourselves above this petty political blind hatred and enjoy the holiday for once.

JKS, Las Vegas, NV   November 20th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

"The president then vowed to liberate the birds by dropping them from Air Force One and letting them fly to freedom.."

Jimmy K, Lexington Park MD   November 20th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

I don't like many of the decisions Bush has made, but gheez. Lighten up!

Criticize the bad things and only the bad things. When you criticize everything, nobody will ever listen to your opinions with respect!

Tony Massey, Denver, Colorado   November 20th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

how about Bush get a grip and pardon Ramos and Campion?

Benjamin Lammers, Columbus Ohio   November 20th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

It's not that liberals don't have a sense of humor. We just recognize a lame joke for what it is.

Bill Washington D.C.   November 20th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

Where is Ronald Reagan when you need him? He never would have gotten us into such a mess as these two have done.

Hans, Atlanta   November 20th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

def. Turkey(n)= Bush + Cheney

MaryJo Surprise, AZ   November 20th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

President Bush needs to pardon the two border patrol officers he put in prison for trying to protect our country from a drug dealer. This is a mockery. A turkey pardoning turkeys

Fingerbo   November 20th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

Even for something as stupid as this Cheney takes the low road. He probably nicknames the soldiers he meets "Cannon" and "Fodder".

Robin, Albuquerque, New Mexico   November 20th, 2007 2:10 pm ET

I'm a liberal and I can't stand Bush and/or Cheney, but that was funny.

Bryan Meyer   November 20th, 2007 2:10 pm ET

That's hillarious! I'm glad our President and Vice President have a sense of humor that makes their whining "politically correct" critics cringe.

Michael F, Fort Worth TX   November 20th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

I can think of two turkeys in particular that not only should they NOT be pardoned, but they should be the Main Course, roasted or better yet deep fried, with plenty of Congressional garnishes, and filled with as much stuffing as they have given us these last 7+ years…."Dubya" and "Dickie C", the chopping block is ready!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING…….
U.S. (Uncle Sam) America

Dave   November 20th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

"Bush pardons two turkeys" that includes Dick Cheney and Scooter Libby.
I am sorry I couldnt help myself that was just too easy.

Mike S., New Orleans, Louisiana   November 20th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

I'm sure both of the turkeys were looking at Cheney thinking "Man, he ought to get his neck lifted."

Rodney Dallas TX   November 20th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Now if Bush would only pardon himself from the Oval Office, we'll all be as happy as those turkey's are.

Chris Kansas City, MO   November 20th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Maybe we should pardon them for war crimes. nah

Bob, New Haven, CT   November 20th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

Give thanks that a strong government has protected us for 6 years from the homeland terror of 9/11. Although we don't all agree with the actions of Mr. Bush, let us all at least agree that the traditional values of America's home like celebrating Thanksgiving are lauded by this man.

Susan Hendrick, Louisville Ky   November 20th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

That's funny. I've been naming our turkey George for years now.

greg, NY   November 20th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

Hey! You guys took "turkey" and used another definition of it to make it an insult! Awesome!

NY101   November 20th, 2007 2:01 pm ET

You conservatives are in fact bunch of turkeys, PETA gonna kick your behind!

Sam, NL, CT   November 20th, 2007 2:00 pm ET

He should have pardoned the two boarder guards.

Julie, Austin Tx   November 20th, 2007 1:58 pm ET

Finally! I found something I agree with Dick Cheney about! Lunch and Dinner are brilliant names!

Geoff, Boston, MA   November 20th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

maybe they should be named Mike and Vick

therealist   November 20th, 2007 1:53 pm ET

Bush should send them over to the Senate's "pro forma" session on Thursday and let them show Harry how to pass some appointees in a bipartisan fashion.

May and Flower. Harry and Nancy. What's the difference? They're both living off our tax dollars for doing nothing..

Brendose, Oceanside, CA   November 20th, 2007 1:52 pm ET

"National Turkey Federation Chairman Ted Seger"…..now there is a title to be proud of! I wonder how much taxpayer money he rakes in a year! "We are grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all and millions more"…thats just awful! To boast about how much food we have and can waste, while the "millions more" will go starving. Thanksgiving has become more of a ornamental holiday than what we should be really using that day for: helping those who have none. And we REALLY have to wonder why all other countries hate us? Mental midgets like our President are flaunting our abundence of food!!

apocalypsebiker, San Diego CA   November 20th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

Get over yourselves and your hatred for Bush. It makes your side look petty.

demwit   November 20th, 2007 1:47 pm ET

Cheney was certainly looking for lunch and dinner, but they threw him off by blending in among the dem candidates head in sand foreign policy stance…

Tony, Tacoma, Wash.   November 20th, 2007 1:43 pm ET

While "lunch and dinner" are funny. The fact that time and coverage are given to this is sad. There are serious problems needing addressing. Besides, he doesn't write his own shtick, they'd never allow him to.

Greg, San Diego, CA   November 20th, 2007 1:40 pm ET

"Lunch" and "Dinner" hilarious? You need to get out more….

The whole thing is silly and yet another diversion from what these guys — all of 'em, Democrats and Republicans — were sent to do in Washington.

Filling up the day with news conferences to pardon birds makes it so much easier to keep the status quo on the farm bill, children's health insurance, etc.

Kevin, Raliegh, NC   November 20th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Are people really taking offense at the fact he's carrying out a 60 year old tradition of the president and made a funny joke? Lighten up people.

And if you've ever been to a grocery store the harvest is certainly large enough. If you think Americans need more food produced I think your the one out of touch.

Just a Turkey Republican, Nashville TN   November 20th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Hey, Phil! My family has given over $500 this Thanksgiving for the homeless to have a great holiday meal, and about $6500 over the year to insure they have enough to eat everyday.

What's your contribution?

Mike, Palo Alto, CA   November 20th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

Bush and Cheney are the real turkeys.

William Courtland, Waterford, Ontario   November 20th, 2007 1:33 pm ET

I'd assume the president would be the only one with permission to hold and arrow, or so pass one.

William Courtland, Waterford, Ontario   November 20th, 2007 1:31 pm ET

It would be interesting to have the guilty turkeys loose for hunting, with taught proper pride of linx(solitary animals), or a set of foxes. A bow and arrow points with both these animals.

fitting sport and supper even on the Whitehouse lawn.

bernoo, kansas city, MO   November 20th, 2007 1:30 pm ET

As long as he managed not to shoot anyone in the face who may have been involved in the pardoning of the turkeys.

Josh, Grand Rapids, Michigan   November 20th, 2007 1:28 pm ET

This is an article about being thankful for what we have. For once maybe a positive word instead of your traditional "bush bashing" or whatnot.

Personally I thank God I live in this amazing country of ours. Even if it has its flaws.

J.Crobuzon   November 20th, 2007 1:27 pm ET

Their names were Hastert and Foley?

Gabriel, Clifton NJ   November 20th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

Shouldnt they have been named"Scooter" and "Libby"

BILL MULLIS LEOPOLD IN   November 20th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

well bush pardoned two turkeys yeah well the two biggest TURKYS OCCUPY OUR WHITE HOUSE AND THEY DEFINRTLY DONT DESERVE PARDON FOR ALL THEIR LIES IMPEACH BOTH OF THEM IM SICK OF THEIR LIES

John, Detroit, Michigan   November 20th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

While he's pardoning turkeys there are children without health insurance. what a swell guy!

Teresa, York, PA   November 20th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

You guys have no sense of humor. Lunch and Dinner… hilarious! C'mon PETA… i'm not afraid of you! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

John, Columbus, Ohio   November 20th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Come on, that was funny…

Annette, Monroe, MI   November 20th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

That Cheney is such a kidder………

Andre' J. Perrin Richardson, TX   November 20th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

Did he pardon himself and Cheney?

Susan, St.Louis   November 20th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

Saw the headline and assumed that Bush was doing pre-emptive pardons for Chenney and Rumsfeld.

Phil, San Jose, CA   November 20th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

"This Thanksgiving we are grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all and millions more."??? WHAT!!! Oh yeah, there are no homeless or undernourished people here in America. How out of touch can this guy be???

John Karsten, Virginia Beach, VA   November 20th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

What a morron! This is all this guy can think of to do. Hell, who needs experience, I can do that!

Paul, Staunton, VA   November 20th, 2007 1:11 pm ET

The turkey's nickname for the Vice President? Dick.

Pickles, Monaca, PA   November 20th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

Hey, I'm not a Bush fan, but I thought that was cute.

Mike S., New Orleans, Louisiana   November 20th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

This is just the beginning. Bush will be pardoning many more turkeys before he finally surrenders his family throne.

Don -Minnesota   November 20th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

This is more his speed anyway, just keep him away from anything meaninful and anything that he can break.

Juan, Fort Lauderdale, FL   November 20th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

I think a more appropriate name for a turkey would be Obama or Hillary.

Amazing, I placed this comment before anyone else, and it was taken down by the Clinton News Network. However, they leave the comment by Gary in Detroit, which was identical except it referenced Bush. How blatantly biased of them. Lets see if the News Gestapos leave it up this time!

Melissa, Dallas, TX   November 20th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

Oh, c'mon. Lunch and Dinner. It's funny. Lame, sure, but chuckle worthy.

Some people just can't look past the partisan politics.

Gary, Austin TX   November 20th, 2007 1:00 pm ET

At least Cheney didn't shoot them…wait, Turkeys make lousy hunting partners.

Amelia, Albany, NY   November 20th, 2007 12:59 pm ET

So, a turkey can be flown first class, but many people in this country still live in utter poverty… What does that say about the United States?

William, Washington DC   November 20th, 2007 12:59 pm ET

"Bush Pardons Turkeys; Turkeys Take Advisory Roles on Giuliani Campaign"

Vincent Bobbino, Palm Beach Florida   November 20th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

The turkey's should be named George and Dick…

RPL, FWB FL   November 20th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

And here I thought the names of the turkeys were Rowe and Cheney…

Thia, New York, NY   November 20th, 2007 12:52 pm ET

Better names for these turkeys would be Dick and George.
Does Cheney's recipe include waterboarding the turkeys before roasting?

a.thomas, ny, ny   November 20th, 2007 12:49 pm ET

The two turkeys pardoned are called Libby and Rove.

Brian C. Charleston, S.C.   November 20th, 2007 12:47 pm ET

SEE! That the problem with liberals. No sense of humor. Of course, why should anyone think that a liberal even has a sense of humor? They make no sense at all. As far as naming the turkeys how about PETA and PETA Jr.

Vince Avedon   November 20th, 2007 12:43 pm ET

Forget the turkeys Georgie……….pardon Ramon and Compeon.

Bill McDowell Columbia MD   November 20th, 2007 12:43 pm ET

Your history is faulty. The "Tradition" of "pardoning" the turkey actually didn't start until 1989, under the first Pres. Bush. (Snopes has the full story, BTW.)

As for the names, I would have expected no less from a man who hides his not inconsiderable shortcomings by wrapping himself in the flag.

jdog-Portland   November 20th, 2007 12:41 pm ET

Something tells me that this is just one of many pardons to come as he will have to pardon his entire cabinet once they are all convicted of the many crimes they have committed.

Greg Cleveland Ohio   November 20th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

Lets all be thankful that these two turkeys only have a year left.

Carol, MD   November 20th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

Will the turkeys return the favor?

Michael Orth, Kenosha, WI   November 20th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

I was glad to see that he didn't pardon Turkey for the genocide in Armenia just to protect his failed war policy in Iraq.

Ryan, San Diego, CA   November 20th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

60 years!?! Last I checked H.W Bush was the first to "officialy" pardon a turkey in the 80's, check out http://www.snopes.com, they even did the research for you…

Jay, Hamilton VA   November 20th, 2007 12:33 pm ET

I was going to write the same thing, until I scrolled down and saw that somebody beat me to it. So all I need to say is "ditto" to AKC from Roanoke

Nathan, Raleigh, NC   November 20th, 2007 12:33 pm ET

I am shocked that Bush pardoned the turkeys, but then he did pardon the turkey, Lewis Scooter Libby.

JP St. Louis, MO   November 20th, 2007 12:29 pm ET

I'll name my turkey Cheney.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   November 20th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

He pardoned two turkeys?

Why then, I guess that he pardoned himself…….

Rebecca; Texas   November 20th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

I really enjoy this tradition. It has great sentiment . . in such a solemn time for our nation, it is nice to also see a light hearted side of things.

The Better Person   November 20th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

No, Dick Cheney is not but, AKC, you are for making such a foolish comment!!

MAI, San Jose, CA   November 20th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

I'd prefer the two turkeys took over as President and VP instead of the arrangement we have now.

San Marcos, TX   November 20th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

So he'll withdraw turkeys from the dinner table, but not our troops from Iraq?

Gorbashov   November 20th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

Much better than pardoning that traitor Scooter Libby!

Bill, Streamwood, IL   November 20th, 2007 12:22 pm ET

I would have thought that Bush would have picked "Scooter" and "Libby."

Maybe next year.

Cody Harding, Kinsley, KS   November 20th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

Not to sound rude, but I kinda liked the VP's choice of names for the turkeys.

Have a joyful Thanksgiving and Happy Holiday Season!

Jean   November 20th, 2007 12:12 pm ET

Hey, something he's good at!!!

Juan, Fort Lauderdale, FL   November 20th, 2007 12:09 pm ET

I think Obama or Hillary would have been a more appropriate name for a turkey!

Dan, needham MA   November 20th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

I thought when I saw the headline Bush pardons two turkeys it would be Rove and Cheney!

Greg, NY, NY   November 20th, 2007 12:06 pm ET

Two turkeys? I didn't know he could pardon himself and the vice president.

joseph, austin, tx   November 20th, 2007 12:02 pm ET

How come the turkeys are always white, racism is alive and well.

JC, Topeka, Kansas   November 20th, 2007 11:54 am ET

Now this is news worthy. In keeping with adminstration tradition pardons were handed out to two more turkeys.

Happy Hoildays.

Mike USMC 95-99   November 20th, 2007 11:53 am ET

ohh misleading headline…

I thought he was pardoing Safavian & Libby again…

Lindsay, Ithaca NY   November 20th, 2007 11:53 am ET

They should have been named Scooter and Libby

Erik, Austin TX   November 20th, 2007 11:52 am ET

Now that the turkeys have been pardoned, I guess Cheney will have to go back to his original plan of eating puppies for Thanksgiving.

Ashley, Santa Rosa, CA   November 20th, 2007 11:50 am ET

ahhhhh….gotta love Cheney's good old Wyoming humor!

Gary, Detroit, Mich.   November 20th, 2007 11:45 am ET

Turkeys pardoned by a turkey. How ironic…

Fix it you morons!, Virginia   November 20th, 2007 11:45 am ET

I'm ashamed…
If only Bush had the rocks to pardon the two border patrol agents as quickly as these two turkeys… I guess not. Regardless of political affiliation you may have, and regardless of how you either hate Bush or not, Put all of our crooks -er, politicians feet to the fire and release those two Border Patrol Agents NOW!!!

Mohan Embar, Milwaukee, Wisconsin   November 20th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Each year, I keep hoping that this event will raise awareness in some that needlessly ending the lives of creatures who can suffer and feel pain, just like us, is the antithesis of giving Thanks. This hope is coupled with the dismay I feel that people can find a presidential "pardon" like this cute, yet turn a blind eye to the horrific conditions in which their Thanksgiving turkeys are raised and then killed.

Richard, St. Paul, MN   November 20th, 2007 11:40 am ET

I thought Bush would pardon the rest of the turkeys: Rove, Rumsfeld, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Craig, Rice, gosh, I could go on forever….

Brandon, Tampa, FL   November 20th, 2007 11:30 am ET

Aww, I wanted the turkey to be named Lunch and Dinner! IT'S NOT FAIR!

jay, Snellville, GA   November 20th, 2007 11:23 am ET

What about the border guards in jail for doing their jobs George? When you gonna pardon them?

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