President Obama pardons Thanksgiving turkey, Popcorn from the Thanksgiving table

President Obama granted a turkey named Popcorn to live and not be eaten this Thanksgiving. Obama stepped out of the White House yesterday, and took time away from his busy schedule to pardon the turkey, from the Thanksgiving table.

According to usatoday.com, Obama also engaged in another White House tradition: Telling jokes about the turkey pardoning.

"The office of the presidency - the most powerful position in the world - brings with it many awesome and solemn responsibilities," Obama said during a ceremony on the North Portico.

"This is not one of them."

The huge turkey, Popcorn was one of 80 birds that competed for a pardon from the Thanksgiving table, Obama said: "It was, quite literally, the Hunger Games."

The president's daughters Malia and Sasha and official guests watched and participated, as Obama declared his presidential authority: "Popcorn, you have a full reprieve from cranberry sauce and stuffing. We wish you well."

The runner-up Caramel is also being spared this Thanksgiving - Obama joked that "he's already busy raising money for his next campaign."

The president, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, who will be spending Thanksgiving at the White House, are also scheduled to do a Thanksgiving-related public service event later on Thursday.

USAToday notes that, this was the 66th annual presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey, courtesy of the National Turkey Federation. Voters across the country got to choose between finalists Popcorn and Caramel by casting ballots via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

After the ceremony, Caramel and Popcorn were driven to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens for public viewing during the holidays.