A moment between George W. Bush and Michelle Obama during John McCain’s funeral has recently gained renewed attention online after Bush finally explained what really happened.
During a conversation with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, for a TODAY special, Bush cleared up the mystery behind the now-viral clip that had people speculating for years.
“I get a little antsy, as I’m sure you know. And I was sitting next to Michelle—that’s who I sit next to at funerals,” he joked, according to UNILAD, referencing the usual protocol that pairs former presidents with former first ladies at official events.
According to Bush, the moment was not nearly as dramatic as the internet made it seem.
“I was kind of teasing her and stuff, and I slipped her an Altoid. Not as a joke—I just thought she might want one,” he said, revealing that the object passed between them was simply a mint.
Sparked theories online
Online, however, people had their own theories. Some believed it looked like a subtle jab, with one user writing: “Bush just wanted mints and peace.” Another joked: “So George W basically suggested to Michael Obama that [s]he had bad breath without actually saying it.”
Bush admitted he had no idea the moment would attract so much attention.
“And I got in the car afterward and you said, ‘You’re trending.’ I didn’t know what trending meant,” he told Jenna.
“It turns out the country is starved to see,” he said, “a white center-right Republican and an African-American center-left Democrat having fun and being able to converse—not as political figures, but as citizens.”
Michelle Obama on her friendship with George W. Bush
That dynamic isn’t new for the pair. Their friendly rapport has been seen at multiple public events over the years, including the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.
Michelle Obama herself has spoken about their bond.
“President Bush and I—we are forever seatmates because of protocol, and that’s how we sit at all official functions,” she said during an interview with TODAY.
“He’s my partner-in-crime at every major event where all the ‘formers’ gather. So we’re together all the time.”
“I love him to death,” she added. “He’s a wonderful man, he’s a funny man.”
