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As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the holiday often coincides with moments of political significance and unexpected controversies in Washington, D.C. While the season is traditionally associated with gratitude and feasting, history reveals that Thanksgiving has also served as a stage for notable political events in American history.
Historical scandals surrounding Thanksgiving
One of the most infamous moments occurred in 1973 when President Richard Nixon held a press conference just days before Thanksgiving. Amid the escalating Watergate scandal, Nixon famously declared, “I am not a crook.” His statement came as he faced mounting allegations of covering up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which included attempts to hinder the FBI’s investigation and misuse of federal resources to protect his administration.
During a televised session with newspaper editors at Walt Disney World, President Richard Nixon addressed concerns about his integrity. He stated, “I welcome this kind of examination, because people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I am not a crook.” However, the pressure from the Watergate scandal ultimately led to his resignation in August 1974, with the threat of impeachment looming over him.
The Iran-Contra affair and its fallout
In the late 1980s, the week of Thanksgiving marked the revelation of the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal that would significantly impact President Ronald Reagan and his administration. In November 1986, it was uncovered that the U.S. had secretly sold arms to Iran, with the intention of using the proceeds to finance the Contras, a rebel group operating in Nicaragua. This covert operation was viewed as a violation of Congress’s prohibition on aid to the Contras.
Days before Thanksgiving, President Reagan dismissed Lt. Colonel Oliver North from the National Security Council and accepted the resignation of National Security Advisor John Poindexter. On Thanksgiving Eve, he announced the establishment of a Special Review Board, later known as the Tower Commission, to investigate the National Security Council’s involvement in the matter.
Impeachment inquiries and political maneuvers
In 1998, while many Americans prepared for Black Friday shopping, President Bill Clinton captured headlines with his written responses to the House Judiciary Committee. This was part of an impeachment inquiry concerning his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. Earlier that year, Clinton had famously claimed, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” However, as the inquiry escalated, he faced intense scrutiny regarding his conduct, ultimately resulting in charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
On Black Friday, former President Bill Clinton submitted his responses to 81 questions from the Judiciary Committee. These inquiries focused on his relationship with Monica Lewinsky and other allegations regarding his conduct. Clinton denied any wrongdoing, asserting he did not commit perjury or obstruct justice. Despite this, the House voted to impeach him. Ultimately, the Senate acquitted him, allowing him to continue serving in office.
Surprising presidential visits
Amid political controversies, some Thanksgiving events have provided lighter moments. In 2003, President George W. Bush made an unexpected visit to Iraq to meet American troops. This secretive trip was the first by a sitting president to Iraq. Bush spent about two hours with the soldiers, an action interpreted by some as an effort to enhance his image before the 2004 election, while his administration maintained it was solely to support the troops.
In a significant turn of events, President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to his former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, just prior to Thanksgiving. This decision marked the conclusion of a protracted legal battle that began when Flynn pleaded guilty to charges of lying during an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The White House asserted that Flynn was innocent and should never have been prosecuted.
The turkey pardon tradition
Every year, as political events unfold, a lighter tradition comes to the forefront during Thanksgiving: the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. This annual ceremony at the White House began in the 1940s, when the president receives a live turkey from the National Turkey Federation. Initially, these turkeys were meant for consumption, but a notable change occurred in the 1970s. Since President George H.W. Bush, it has become customary for the sitting president to pardon the turkey, allowing it to live out its days peacefully.
This unique tradition highlights the lighter side of politics and reminds us of the intersection between festivity and governance during the Thanksgiving holiday. From serious political issues to the humor of turkey pardons, Thanksgiving provides a distinct perspective on the nation’s political landscape.