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US President Barack Obama was in full flow as he pardoned his last turkey in office. His daughters were not by as side as usual because Obama claimed they had a “scheduling conflict” and were “fed up”. Instead, his nephews who “still believe in bad puns” took their place as their young age meant they had “not turned cynical because of Washington”.

But Malia and Sasha, the President’s daughters, haven’t escaped the yearly embarrassment. “Malia and Sasha, by the way, are thankful that this is my final presidential turkey pardon,” Obama said. “What I haven’t told them yet is that we are going to do this every year from now on,” he said to laughter. “No cameras. Just us. Every year. No way I’m cutting this habit cold turkey.”

“I want to take a moment to recognise the brave turkeys who weren’t so lucky, who didn’t get to ride the gravy train to freedom, who met their fate with courage and sacrifice and proved they weren’t chicken,” to loud groans from the audiences.

“Oh, c’mon it’s not that bad.”

After the event, the First Family served Thanksgiving meals to the residents of a local Armed Forces Retirement Home.