Pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey – it’s as American as football, overeating, and familial bickering. Though some stories attribute the first Turkey pardon to President Lincoln, George H.W. Bush was the first to give one an “official” presidential pardon.

This year, Americans get to vote on which turkey will get the presidential pardon and be declared the 2012 National Thanksgiving Turkey. And they get to choose via Facebook.

The White House’s Facebook page has posted two pictures of two different turkeys, one named Cobbler and the other named Gobbler. Whichever turkey receives the most “likes” and “shares” will be declared the winner.

“Born on the same day on a farm in Rockingham Country, Virginia, Cobbler and Gobbler may look alike, but they’re no birds of a feather. Cobbler craves cranberries, is known for his strut, and enjoys the musical stylings of Carly Simon. Gobbler, a patient but proud bird, loves to nibble on corn and enjoys any music with a fiddle.”

What happens to Cobbler if Gobbler is chosen or Gobbler if Cobbler is chosen?

“It’s all gravy — no turkeys will be harmed during the selection of the National Thanksgiving Turkey. After the pardoning, both turkeys travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens to reside in a custom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility. Additionally, if for any reason one turkey is unable to perform the duties of the National Thanksgiving Turkey, his alternate will take his place during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation,” says the White House blog.

We can only assume that despite what the White House says, the Turkey that doesn’t win the Facebook vote will be stuffed and served to Joe Biden.

Or receive this fate: