Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s turkey pardoning ceremony showcased the administration’s affinity for lighthearted traditions—maybe a welcome distraction from the more serious issues plaguing the nation. On a sunny South Lawn, Biden took the opportunity to pardon two turkeys, named Peach and Blossom, in a spectacle that has come to symbolize a rather cartoonish approach to governance. Perhaps between managing soaring inflation and international tensions, the White House felt a turkey parade was just the ticket for some good PR.
Peach and Blossom made their grand entrance from Minnesota, each tipping the scales at around 40 pounds. The names chosen for these birds evoke Biden’s home state of Delaware, with the peach blossom being the state flower—a charming, if misplaced, gesture. One has to wonder if among the poultry pardoned, there are any turkeys doing the hard work of feeding American families, farmers, and obviously, some discerning cooks who could have done without the extravagant attention on two fowl.
Biden’s big moment involved a speech unintentionally interrupted by the melodious gobbles of Peach, making it a comedic backdrop to a ceremony that could pass for a Saturday Night Live skit. He quipped about the turkeys’ optimistic life philosophies, reinforcing the idea that in a Biden administration, everything is a joke—especially in a time of inflation that has Americans rethinking that turkey dinner altogether. The charming and humorous spirit of the event couldn’t mask the contrast to the serious struggles facing many Americans.
Biden honors Peach and Blossom in final turkey pardon: ‘Keep calm and gobble on’ https://t.co/Ci1yhMyaFl
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 25, 2024
The turkey pardon tradition, which allegedly originated back during the Civil War era with President Lincoln, has evolved considerably. Starting with George H.W. Bush in 1989, the ritual has seemingly turned into a theatrical performance more concerned with optics than sensible governance. It is a stark reminder that amidst policies that seem irrelevant to the everyday American, two turkeys could steal the spotlight—some might even call it an example of misplaced priorities.
After this feathered funfest, Biden was set to jet off to New York for a “Friendsgiving” event—a modern twist on the holiday meant for families, which raises questions about what constitutes friendship in the current political climate. Later, a trip to Nantucket awaits, underscoring the disconnect often felt between the political elite and average citizens. While families bundle up at home for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, the leader of the free world is hopping from one extravagant gathering to the next, turkey pardon in tow, as if the troubles in his administration could be brushed aside with laughter and bad bird jokes.
