Trump spares his first Thanksgiving turkey

Washington

IT BEGAN with a familiar pledge: US President Donald Trump's audience, he promised, was going to be very proud of him.

"Hi, Drumstick," he called out on Tuesday, preparing to exercise his least controversial executive authority. "Oh, Drumstick, I think, is going to be very happy." It ended with characteristic introspection. "I feel so good about myself," the president said softly, appraising his own clemency, laying a hand on the bird after seeking permission to touch it from turkey professionals.