The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation takes place annually around Thanksgiving time. As many know, this is when the president "pardons" a turkey. According to WhiteHouse.gov, "tales of spared turkeys date back to the Lincoln days," but it wasn't until 1989 that George H. W. Bush issued the first official pardon.
Either way, it's always appeared just a little awkward for those involved.
Roosevelt started the awkward president/turkey relationship when he was startled in 1938
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That ended fast
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Truman had a tentative truce with the bird
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That ended swiftly
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Ike tried for peace
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It did not last long
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At all...
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Nom Nom Nom
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Kennedy was not really sure what to do & remained awkward
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Johnson engaged in a furious staring contest with the bird
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Nixon shook hands
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...and tried to be friends
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No use -- awkward.
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Gerald Ford frankly just looked awkward everywhere
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Reagan worked at the relationship
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No use
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Awkward
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Clinton formed a coalition
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Bush gave it his best
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Awkward.
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Now Obama is trying his hand at the relationship
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Our hopes are not high
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