The former United States President George W. Bush has shown an untraditional way to greet his successors. On January 9, he was amongst many U.S dignitaries who attended the commemoration of Jimmy Carter, the former United States President, at Washington’s National Cathedral. During the gathering, he notably interacted with Barack Obama, another one of his governmental successors. Arriving with his wife Laura Bush, he effortlessly claimed his place next to a seated Obama, who himself was beside the outgoing President, Donald Trump, and his wife Melania.
Whilst the Bush couple moved past him, Obama courteously arose to let them by, resulting in an unexpected interaction as George W. Bush returned the courtesy by patting Obama on the belly. The unexpected moment soon gained rapid online traction, highlighting the casual rapport that exists between the Bush family and the Obamas. This event echoed another instance when Bush was captured giving Michelle Obama a candy during a funeral, a gesture that was recreated a short time later during another occasion.
The string of similar interactions, though seemingly mundane, have frequently attracted substantial online attention. Though Michelle Obama was unable to attend the Carter funeral due to another obligation, their past exchanges have indeed been a source of light-hearted humor amidst the traditional solemnity of these events. A particularly well-known occurrence was back in 2018 during the funeral service for former senator John McCain, where in a moment of reprieve, Bush had lightened the mood by slipping Michelle an unexpected piece of candy.
Undoubtedly these instances are a welcome change from the usual heavy-hearted, stoic gatherings. However, one could argue these actions may reduce the dignity of such a sober occasion. Similarly, the repetition of this act during his father’s funeral, former president George H.W Bush, might have crossed the line from pleasantly unexpected to a potentially disrespectful running joke.
Of course, the funeral of Jimmy Carter wasn’t solely marked by this trending interaction between Obama and Bush, the presence of many other dignitaries, including President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, was noted. As well as Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton who joined the event, despite public knowing well about their historical controversies. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff also made their presence felt in all their usual fashion.
The Carter funeral held numerous poignant moments. However, they seemed to escape the limelight due to such trivialities. One of which was the emotional eulogy penned for Carter by Gerald Ford, delivered by Ford’s son Steven during the ceremony. It was an eloquent tribute to the years of dedication and service delivered by Carter that should be getting the attention rather than banal viral moments.
Jimmy Carter, who was in a sense a rival to Ford, was portrayed in Ford’s eulogy not as an adversary, but rather as a dear friend. The touching eulogy ended with Ford expressing his optimistic anticipation for a reunion with Carter and his own readiness to welcome the deceased president as an ‘old friend.’ One might question if bromide phrases and jokes are overshadowing heartfelt words expressed on such a solemn occasion.
Carter’s passing means we have lost another link to a historical era. The former U.S. President, who had crossed the century threshold, passed away in late December. His funeral was a rare occasion where all five living presidents—Biden, Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush—gathered together. However, their solidarity was overshadowed by off-the-cuff antics and unnecessary chumminess among some.
Given the depth of Carter’s life and achievements, one might argue it was a missed opportunity for these influential leaders to set an appropriate tone at such an occasion. Though shedding the formal façade might humanize them to some, one might argue the dignity of Carter’s life wasn’t well reflected during some interactions.
The funeral at the Washington National Cathedral was the first gathering of all living presidents since the commemoration of George H.W Bush in 2018. Given the prolific capacity of Carter’s career and the profound sense of loss his passing marks, it’s unfortunate that the significant gathering instead grabbed headlines due to careless moments.
Indeed it seems in the current age, where every off handed gesture goes viral in no time, such moments can easily overshadow an event’s true significance. One hopes that future gatherings, particularly those that mark the end of an important life like President Carter’s, prioritize a dignified respect over amusing interactions.
It appears that the maturity and gravitas one might expect at such events have been lost in translation as antics seeking social media virality have become the norm. The public surely deserves more from public figures, especially during poignant moments like these where a nation mourns the passing of a major political figure.
In an era when optics dramatically shape public perception, the funeral service for Carter became further proof that moments of respect and gravity are unfortunately being replaced by viral gimmicks. Sadly, such interactions of levity might leave a legacy that fails to reflect the true significance of the person whose life was paid tribute to.