New Delhi: Former US President George W Bush, 79, on Monday said that his country is ‘starved’ to see a Republican and a Democrat interacting as genuine friends and citizens rather than just political rivals. He spoke about his unlikely but widely admired friendship with former First Lady Michelle Obama, addressing viral moments of their camaraderie, such as sharing mint at funerals.
The candid conservation came during a special interview series hosted by TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager, Bush’s daughter, featuring former US presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The series marks the lead-up to the United States 250th anniversary, with the leaders reflecting on democracy and public life. (moved up)
Speaking in a conversation about how small gestures can leave a lasting impact, Bush said he would often find himself seated next to Michelle at official events due to protocol. At one such occasion, the funeral of Senator John McCain in September 2018, Bush was spotted discreetly slipping a mint into her hand, a moment that later spread widely on social media.
Bush said he was unaware at the time that the gesture had gone viral. “I didn’t know what ‘trending’ meant,” he said, referring to the online buzz that followed.
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Forever seatmates
Reflecting on the attention their interactions have received, Bush said the response reveals something deeper about the current political climate.
“It turns out the country is starved to see a White, centre-right Republican and an African-American centre-left Democrat having fun, and being able to converse—not as political figures, but as citizens,” he said, adding that he intends to continue fostering such moments.
The Bush-Michelle friendship has drawn public interest for years. The two made headlines in 2016 when they shared a warm embrace at the dedication ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. A similar moment unfolded at the state funeral of Bush’s father, George HW Bush.
Bush was again seen passing a candy to Michelle as he walked down the aisle of the National Cathedral, a gesture she acknowledged with a smile.
Michelle has also spoken fondly of the bond. “President Bush and I… we are forever seatmates because of protocol,” she said in an interview. “So he is my partner in crime at every major thing where all the former gather. We’re together all the time, and I love him to death. He’s a wonderful man. He’s a funny man.”
She has said that while they may differ politically, their connection rests on shared values.
“Party doesn’t separate us. Colour and gender—those kind of things doesn’t separate us. We disagree on policy, but we don’t disagree on humanity. We don’t disagree about love and compassion,” she added.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)