President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys Monday at the White House South Lawn ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Chocolate," the 46-pound turkey was pardoned alongside a "backup" 47-pound turkey named "Chip." Biden joked that "Chocolate" enjoys "catching sun on the Outer Banks," and "Chip" enjoys "barbeque and basketball," which prompted laughter from the audience.

"They listened to a lot of music, I'm told, in order to prepare for the crowd noise today," Biden said of the turkeys.

"That's real hard work. And they interacted with the children to show their softer side. Sounds like another flock hoping to come to Washington in 2024.

"And now, based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Chocolate and Chip," Biden said before joking with the crowd.

Both turkeys will be sent back to their native state. They reside at North Carolina State University.

Past turkey pairs include "Peanut Butter and Jelly" and "Mac and Cheese."

Biden was joined by students from Brookland Middle School and student members of 4-H from Virginia and Maryland at the event.

The practice of pardoning a turkey by a president dates as far back as 1863. The presidential tradition officially got started in 1989 when President George H.W. Bush first held the ceremony.

Before pardoning, Biden commented on the recent midterm elections, making quips at Republicans who were disappointed after their hopes of a "red wave" did not come to fruition.

"The votes are in. They've been counted and verified. There's no ballot stuffing, there's no fowl play," Biden said.

Biden joked that the only red wave that would occur this season would be if his dog, Commander, "knocks over the cranberry sauce on our table." Commander, a German shepherd, oversaw the ceremony from the White House balcony.

Biden also made note of the pandemic. He told the audience to get COVID-19 booster shots.

"Two years ago, we couldn't even have Thanksgiving with large family gatherings. Now we can. That's progress and let's keep it going," Biden said. "We have new COVID vaccine updates to deal with new variants to protect you and your loved ones, so get it today."

Biden thanked North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper for his presence at the event along with chairman of the National Turkey Federation, Ronnie Parker. He also expressed gratitude to faith leaders, frontline workers, and military members.

"Let's remember one thing. This is the United States of America. The United States of America. There's not a single solitary thing beyond our capacity as a nation, nothing beyond our capacity, if we do it together. United. United," Biden said during the pardoning.

"From the Biden family to all of yours, Happy Thanksgiving. And may God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you all for being here," he concluded.

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