Obamas dance to 'Thriller' at White House Halloween party

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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted area children and their families on Monday to celebrate their last Halloween in the White House. (Oct. 31) AP

WASHINGTON — President Obama cracked some dad jokes and danced to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at his last Halloween celebration at the White House Monday.

"You guys all look scary, or cool, or whatever you're trying to be," Obama told the assembled trick-or-treaters. "We hope, parents, that on this day at least, you don't have to pay attention to Michelle and healthy eating."

"Candy for everybody," the first lady agreed.

"And in fact, the more candy, the later you eat the candy, the better," said the president. "Because I think that you being up all night with a sugar rush is exactly what your parents are looking for."

The Obamas decorated the South Lawn of the White House and welcomed more than 4,000 people for trick-or-treating, mostly from 15 Washington-area elementary schools and military families. Treats came in the form of Hershey Kisses, Halloween cookies, M&Ms, Fruit Bars, Kettle Corn, Bo and Sunny baseball cards and other assorted candies. Tricks were forbidden by the Secret Service.

Obama dressed up as the president of the United States.

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance to the beat of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" as they welcome children from Washington area and children of military families to trick-or-treat celebrating Halloween at the White House Monday. (Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP)