When attending the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush shared a notable moment with former first lady Michelle Obama. This unexpected gesture was more than a handshake; Bush discreetly slipped a piece of candy to Obama, which prompted her to smile widely. This small act echoed a previous encounter at Senator John McCain’s funeral where Bush handed her a cough drop.
During a ‘Today’ show interview in October, Michelle Obama discussed the so-called “cough drop moment” from McCain’s funeral. She noted the unusual bond shared with the 43rd president, saying, “President Bush and I, we are forever seatmates because of protocol, and that’s how we sit at all the official functions.” Their frequent seating arrangements contribute to an unexpected friendship, as they often find themselves together at major events with other former presidents and first ladies.
George W. Bush, accompanied by his wife Laura, greeted President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter, and Rosalynn Carter at the State Funeral for his father. The gathering took place at the National Cathedral in Washington on December 5, 2018.
The friendship between Bush and Obama has become a model of bipartisan camaraderie. Their connection was highlighted in 2016 with a famous hug at the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s dedication ceremony. Bush shared with People Magazine in 2017 that they bonded over humor, stating, “She kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like.” Their relationship illustrates how individuals from different political backgrounds can develop genuine friendships.
In a conversation with Ellen DeGeneres in 2017, Bush acknowledged that their friendship often surprises people, demonstrating that “people on opposite sides of the political spectrum can actually like each other.” For the funeral at the National Cathedral, the Obamas sat in the first pew. Seated alongside them were President Trump and first lady Melania Trump, former Presidents Clinton and Carter, and their spouses.
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