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Obama to Turkey: Don't Drop Dead

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The votes are in, and your tribute is chosen. After launching a quickie website encouraging Americans to support their favorite turkey -- a Sophie's Choice between five-month-old males Caramel and Popcorn -- the White House officially pardoned Popcorn in a ceremony on Wednesday at the White House. A nearly two-foot-tall Bread Breasted White domesticated turkey, Popcorn weighs about 38 pounds; his favorite food is corn and his favorite song is Beyonce's "Halo." Naturally. 

Both Popcorn and Caramel were given a free pass by President Barack Obama, though only Popcorn participated in the official ceremony. The presentation of a turkey to the president allegedly started in 1947 under President Harry Truman, but George H. W. Bush was the first to pardon the birds from slaughter in 1989.

Turkey_Pardon_01_Jim_Watson_AFP_GettyPresident Barack Obama pardons the 2013 National Thanksgiving Turkey "Popcorn" with is daughters Sasha (3rd R) and Malia (R) during an event at the White House in Washington, DC, November 27, 2013. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Turkey_Pardon_02_Charles Dharapak_APPopcorn, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, from Badger, Minn., walks on the North Portico at the White House in Washington before being pardoned. This is the 66th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation by the President. AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Turkey_Pardon_03_Chip Somodevilla_Getty ImagesAt two feet tall and about 38 pounds, two full-grown Broad Breasted White domesticated turkeys are paraded before members of the news media in the Crystal Ballroom of the Willard InterContinental November 26 in Washington, DC. The birds were raised by the National Turkey Federation Chairman John Burkel of Badger, Minnesota. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Turkey_Pardon_04_Chip Somodevilla_Getty ImagesThe Crystal Ballroom of the Willard InterContinental. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Turkey_Pardon_05_Chip Somodevilla_Getty ImagesThe Crystal Ballroom of the Willard InterContinental November 26, 2013. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Turkey_Pardon_06_Chip Somodevilla_Getty ImagesThe Crystal Ballroom of the Willard InterContinental November 26, 2013. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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