Thanksgiving Decision 2012: Cobbler or Gobbler?

Erin Lindsay
November 20, 2012
10:20 AM EST


Turkeys have been carving out a special place in American history since 1963. That's when John F. Kennedy became the first U.S. President to "pardon" a turkey at the White House -- a tradition that's grown to be known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.

On Wednesday, President Obama will pardon the 2012 National Thanksgiving Turkey and this year, for the first time ever, the American public will get its say. People all across the country are flocking to cast their vote.

Which of two turkeys will be named the 2012 National Thanksgiving Turkey?

Born on the same day on a farm in Rockingham Country, Virginia, Cobbler and Gobbler may look alike, but they're no birds of a feather. Cobbler craves cranberries, is known for his strut, and enjoys the musical stylings of Carly Simon. Gobbler, a patient but proud bird, loves to nibble on corn and enjoys any music with a fiddle.

Which turkey is your favorite? Go to the White House Facebook page and "Like" and "share" their post to cast your vote.

Polls close at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, November 20th 2012, so be sure to visit the White House Facebook page to cast your vote.

Choose the National Thanksgiving Turkey!

Vote Cobbler

Vote Gobbler

Don't forget to tune in to the 2012 ceremony on Wednesday, November 21st  at 2:00 pm ET to find out which turkey has been selected as the 2012 National Thanksgiving Turkey. And for more on how this Presidential tradition came to be check out the definitive history of the Presidential Turkey Pardon.

Note: It's all gravy -- no turkeys will be harmed during the selection of the National Thanksgiving Turkey.  After the pardoning, both turkeys travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens to reside in a custom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility.  Additionally, if for any reason one turkey is unable to perform the duties of the National Thanksgiving Turkey, his alternate will take his place during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.