Gobble 'Til You Wobble: A Look at Thanksgiving Under Trump and Biden
Thanksgiving. It's a time for family, football, and… wildly different presidential approaches? Believe it or not, the way presidents celebrate and address the nation on Thanksgiving can actually say a lot about their leadership styles. Let's dive into how things looked under Trump and Biden.
Trump's Thanksgiving: A Very, Very Different Bird
Remember Trump's Thanksgivings? Picture this: Lots of pomp, circumstance, and a hefty dose of… well, Trump. His approach was, let's say, unconventional. Think lavish spreads at Mar-a-Lago, tweets praising himself, and speeches that often veered into political territory. It wasn't exactly your grandma's quiet family gathering.
A Focus on "America First"
Trump's Thanksgiving messages consistently emphasized a strong "America First" narrative. He’d highlight the country's economic successes (or, you know, his version of them), and often used the holiday as a platform for political messaging. This rubbed some folks the wrong way, to put it mildly. There was a real sense that the holiday was being politicized, a feeling that left many with a bit of a bitter aftertaste. It wasn't always about gratitude, sometimes it felt more like a campaign rally.
The Presidential Pardon: A Thanksgiving Tradition?
One thing Trump did embrace wholeheartedly was the presidential pardon. Every year, he'd use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to pardon a turkey (or several!). While this is a long-standing tradition, Trump definitely added his own brand of flair – and maybe some extra media attention – to the event. This was definitely a highlight for animal lovers everywhere!
Biden's Thanksgiving: Back to Basics (Mostly)
Biden's approach? A far cry from the Trump era. It's been more about traditional values, family, and a quieter, more subdued celebration. Think less fanfare, more heartfelt messages emphasizing unity and togetherness. It's been a welcome change for many.
A Focus on Unity and Gratitude
Biden's Thanksgiving messages have leaned heavily on themes of gratitude, unity, and national resilience. He’s stressed the importance of coming together, particularly during challenging times. This more conciliatory approach is a marked departure from the previous administration's often divisive rhetoric. It felt, for many, like a breath of fresh air.
Sticking to Tradition (Mostly)
Biden has also adhered to the traditional presidential turkey pardon, though perhaps with a little less… Trumpian pizzazz. It's still a big deal, of course, but it feels more like a genuine moment of lightheartedness than a carefully orchestrated media event. Frankly, it's a nice change of pace.
The Bottom Line: Two Very Different Thanksgivings
Ultimately, the difference between Trump and Biden’s Thanksgivings reflects their vastly different presidencies. One was loud, brash, and highly political; the other is more subdued, focused on tradition and unity. Which one you preferred likely depended on your political leanings – but one thing’s for sure: the holiday took on quite different meanings under each administration. And that, my friends, is something to chew on this Thanksgiving.