Obama saves two turkeys from 'shellacking'

President Barack Obama has pardoned two turkeys as part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition.

John F. Kennedy famously spared the life of an oven-bound turkey in 1963 and subsequent presidents have done the same. The tradition was reportedly formalised by George Bush Snr. 20 years ago.

In reference to the Democrats' heavy defeat in the recent mid-term elections, Obama quipped: "Today, I have the awesome responsibility of granting a presidential pardon to a pair of turkeys. Now, for the record, let me say that it feels pretty good to stop at least one shellacking this November.

"[The turkeys] were selected for a final competition that involved strutting their stuff before a panel of judges with an eclectic mix of music playing in the background."

According to AFP, he added: "It's kind of like a turkey version of Dancing With the Stars - except the stakes for the contestants was much higher.

"As president of the United States, you are hereby pardoned from the Thanksgiving dinner table. May you have a wonderful and joyful life at Mount Vernon."

As previously announced, the spared turkeys will no longer take part in the annual Disneyland thanksgiving parade in California.