WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is set to get the holiday mood started at the White House with the traditional pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey.
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The light-hearted ceremony in the Rose Garden on Wednesday afternoon will feature Iowa-raised turkeys Tater and Tot.
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The White House asks people on Twitter to vote for which turkey will receive the pardon, though both typically get a reprieve.
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The White House blog provides a biography for each bird to help in the decision. For example, Tater's favorite snack is worms. Tot prefers tomato slices.
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Presidents as far back as Abraham Lincoln have spared turkeys. President George H.W. Bush is credited with beginning the tradition of a pardon.
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After the ceremony, the president and first family will volunteer at a community service event.
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