Former U.S. President George W. Bush has a peculiar habit of ensuring he is noticed, probably an attempt to remain relevant. His most recent attempt was during the lamentable funeral of Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9. In what was a moment of inexplicable fascination for some, Bush, alongside his wife Laura, made a casual stop by Barack Obama, who was seated with President-Elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
As the Bush couple approached, Obama, evidently valuing good manners over needless public displays, stood to offer his seat. The point of contention occurred next; George W. Bush, in an attempt at camaraderie – or perhaps just spotlight-stealing – opted to give Obama a jovial pat on the stomach before claiming a seat for himself.
Social media soon took this unnecessary debacle and blew it out of proportion with excessive jubilation, and a celebration of the perceived friendship between the Bush and Obama families. This is not the first time a seemingly trivial interaction between Bush and the Obamas has found itself trending online.
Michelle Obama, unable to attend the Carter funeral due to a schedule conflict, had previously shared similar viral moments with Bush. Back in 2018, Bush instigated laughter online when he shared a piece of candy with the former First Lady during the funeral of former Senator John McCain, re-performing the stunt a few months later at his father’s funeral.
Apart from this viral circus, there were other key moments at the funeral. Unsurprisingly, the gathering was graced by the presence of President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris with her husband Doug Emhoff. Their view of the ceremony, however, seemed to be less about the former president and more about self-promotion.
Among the many moments on display, a eulogy for Carter written by Gerald Ford distinctly stood out. This touching tribute was read by Ford’s son, Steven. The words highlighted the unique relationship between Ford and Carter, a friendship that allegedly outlived their political competition.
“We might have been opponents for a fleeting season, Jimmy Carter and I, but we nurtured a bond of friendship in the years that followed, reminiscent of the rapport between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson,” he read. Through his son, Ford conveyed his fondness for the departed politician and expressed his anticipation for a reunion, welcoming his old friend home.
The ceremony was a testament to the unity of the country’s leaders, coming together to honor the memory of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who sadly passed away in his 100th year. This marked one of the few instances where all five living presidents found themselves under the same roof since George H. W. Bush’s funeral in 2018.
The only truly commendable aspect of the ceremony was the united front displayed by the leaders, regardless of their political affiliations. Such gatherings are significant and needed, yet it was clear that the event was marred by the vain publicity stunts of some attendees. Instead of focusing on the departed, the limelight was stolen by a display of over-the-top camaraderie that detracted from the somber, respectful atmosphere a funeral should maintain.
For the average observer, these public events offer a glimpse into the backstage dynamics of these influential figures. However, it also raises the question of whether some of these acts are perhaps more about personal image-building rather than genuine respect for the departed. The event transformed into a spectacle showcasing how leaders like Bush and Obama use these moments for their own public persona over the sobriety of the moment.
In the end, one is left to wonder if it’s a genuine act of honor for the deceased, or a staged photo-op for those attending. The dignity of such occasions requires solemnity and respect, a standard from which we might have taken a regrettably small diversion in this ceremony.
Notwithstanding, the tribute for Carter, a man who devoted his life to public service, served as a moment for the nation to pause and honor his contributions. Unfortunately, the tribute threatened to be overshadowed by seemingly trivial exchanges between attendees that inevitably stole the limelight from Carter’s legacy.
While such moments of light-hearted interplay might be appreciated in a different setting, a funeral warrants a degree of gravitas that was seemingly eroded by these public displays. The departed, in this case Jimmy Carter, deserves to be the focus, rather than becoming a backdrop for personal agendas and image-building.
Ultimately, public ceremonies of this nature should serve as a moment of unity, a platform upon which to showcase the enduring spirit and resilience of the nation, irrespective of political faction. As such, trivializing these moments with unnecessary theatrics serves no purpose other than to tarnish the grave significance of these gatherings.
As we move forward, it becomes crucial to ground our actions and approach in respect and solemnity during such events, ensuring the focal point remains the one to whom we pay tribute. While it is essential to uphold certain social conventions for appropriate events, it is equally important that the extravagance does not outweigh the true reason we gather – to honor those who have served.