Two California turkeys flew to Washington, D.C. this week to receive the greatest gift two big, juicy birds can receive -  a presidential pardon from the Thanksgiving table.

"Apple" and "Cider" were chosen from 25 turkeys during an event "that involved strutting their stuff before a panel of judges, with an eclectic mix of music playing in the background," President Obama said.
 
The president, flanked by first daughters Malia and Sasha, said the contest was like the turkey version of Dancing With The Stars, only with much higher stakes.              

"Now, for the record, let me say that it feels pretty good to stop at least one shellacking this November," the president quipped, making reference the beating Democrats suffered in midterm elections earlier this month.
   
The birds will live out the rest of their years in Mount Vernon, Va., the location of the retirement estate of President George Washington. 
    
As for the two turkeys that didn't make the cut - the president delivered them to a charity in Washington, D.C.