Cold Turkey

His hand on the snowy-white feathers, President Clinton spared Tom Turkey from the roaster and sent him to a petting zoo “to live out the remainder of his years surrounded by friends, not peas and sweet potatoes.” While the president kicked off the holiday season Tuesday with the traditional turkey pardon, the guest of honor - a 45-pounder bred in Swanville, Minn. - freely strutted about the Rose Garden with an official red “Appointment” credential dangling from his neck. Tom, as many national turkeys have been dubbed through the years, was selected for his “appearance and demeanor,” according to a White House briefing paper, and will be sent to the petting zoo at Frying Pan Park in Fairfax, Va.