On Nov. 19, the official Twitter account for the White House sent out a survey asking November’s most important question: which turkey should be pardoned at this year’s National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony? As usual, the White House presented two options: Peas or Carrots.
Which turkey should be pardoned during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony?
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) November 19, 2018
After the pardoning, Peas and Carrots will live at Virginia Tech’s “Gobblers Rest” exhibit.
The White House quickly followed up the survey with another tweet giving vital background information on the turkeys, so that people could make an informed decision.
Hate Elvis? Then you don’t want to vote for Carrots, even though his gobble style is “strong and confident.” Peas, on the other hand, spends his time ice fishing—which seems difficult with wings—and dreaming of flight while listening to Brad Paisley.
Meet your candidates: “Peas” and “Carrots” will be here at the White House TOMORROW—and one will receive the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey. pic.twitter.com/r53GM6Gxr2
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) November 19, 2018
And while the turkey pardoning is usually a cheeky, relaxed ceremony, because this White House is currently beset by scandals—from its treatment of CNN reporter Jim Acosta to a looming indictment of Donald Trump Jr.—Twitter was all over this one.
https://twitter.com/TonyBrunoShow/status/1064559565306568709
https://twitter.com/erhouston1/status/1064550033872302080
https://twitter.com/Bobgunnersrun48/status/1064639524448452609
Not listed: Paul Manafort. https://t.co/wo48sPM8v9
— James Oliphant (@jamesoliphant) November 20, 2018
Many people took the chance to poke fun at the president and members of his administration, and his other children as well.
https://twitter.com/websitenut/status/1064569668327763969
Trump about to pardon Peas & Carrots & Ivanka.#TurkeyPardon pic.twitter.com/p6CqHrNAAU
— Rich Reilly (@itsreallyrich) November 20, 2018
Which turkey will get the pardon? Peas or Carrots? #TurkeyPardon pic.twitter.com/sg3ElBrbJX
— Jeff on X (@JeffFromNH) November 20, 2018
@POTUS And both have a better grasp of agricultural policy than Donald
— Andrew E. Greenberg (@Bluebeaner) November 20, 2018
What if the turkey doesn’t accept the pardon because he has a plea deal with Mueller? 🦃🦃#TurkeyPardon https://t.co/lu5fWrB8wY
— Leandra Bernstein (@LeandraBrnstein) November 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/Scott_at_Home/status/1064860842506764289
One Twitter user seized the opportunity to comment on the rampant voter suppression certain states experienced in the recent midterms, asking “y’all gonna make sure black people can’t vote on this too?”
https://twitter.com/geofftype/status/1064617848666906626
And of course, some wondered about a potential “Peas Tape.”
In the end, Peas won.
However, both turkeys will live out the rest of their days at Virginia Tech’s “Gobblers Rest” exhibit.