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Home · News

Michelle Obama Explains That Viral Moment With President Bush At McCain Funeral

“He's my partner in crime," the former first lady said of Bush.
Michelle Obama Explains That Viral Moment With President Bush At McCain Funeral
By Paula Rogo · Updated October 23, 2020
Michelle Obama is opening up about the viral incident that took place between former President George W. Bush and herself at the late Senator John McCain’s funeral last month — and it’s just as hilarious as expected. The former first lady told the Today show on Thursday that she was surprised that the moment — when Bush handed her a cough drop — was caught on camera and went viral. “It was a simple gesture,” she said. “I looked over and I said, ‘Hand me a cough drop.’”

I'd like to think that moments like this between W. Bush and Michelle Obama are what McCain was hoping for. pic.twitter.com/vYE3A46Ity

— 🎃 BOOrenna KILLiams 👻 (@brennawilliams) September 1, 2018
The duo has maintained a meme-worthy relationship over the years that Obama confirmed was genuine. “President Bush and I, we are forever seat mates because of protocol, and that’s how we sit at all the official functions,” she said. “He’s my partner in crime at every major thing where all the ‘formers’ gather. So we’re together all the time.”

“I didn’t realize at the time that anybody noticed what we were doing… He is my partner in crime at every major thing where all the formers gather… I love him to death.” @MichelleObama talks about George W. Bush handing her a cough drop (an old one at that!) at McCain's funeral pic.twitter.com/hS9fV0DHjB

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 11, 2018
“I love him to death,” she added. “He’s a wonderful man. He’s a funny man.” The feeling is obviously mutual. The 43rd president told People last year that the duo thrives on their like-minded humor. “She kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like,” Bush said.
TOPICS:  George W. Bush Michelle Obama
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