One recent spectacle witnessed an interesting ensemble of U.S. leaders, who congregated at the Washington National Cathedral for Jimmy Carter’s funeral. In the crowd was none other than the former president George W. Bush. However, it was not his presence alone that caught people’s eye but rather an interaction he had with Barack Obama that appeared to overshadow the solemn occasion.
As Bush, accompanied by his wife, Laura Bush, made his way to his spot next to Obama, an amusing display unfolded. The notably lighthearted Bush extended a playful tap on Obama’s midriff before settling into his seat, an act that brought a sense of levity to the otherwise somber setting.
This exchange, far from remaining an unnoticed gesture, soon flared up on social media platforms. The seemingly friendly bond between Bush and the Obamas caught the fancy of many, although one might wonder why something so mundane would create such a stir.
Of course, this wasn’t the first time an interaction between Bush and the Obamas had made digital headlines. In an earlier instance, at the memorial service for John McCain, Bush was seen ‘gifting’ Michelle Obama with a piece of candy – an act which was repeated later at the funeral of George H.W. Bush, his father. A trivial gesture, yes, but one which nonetheless ignited online platforms.
Despite the incredibly unnecessary attention these moments received, there was a considerable absence noted at Carter’s funeral. Michelle Obama, one half of the infamous candy exchange, couldn’t make it due to her calendar clash. Yet, one wonders if her absence was duly missed amid all the media attention towards the ‘belly tap’.
While the comedy of trivial exchanges occupied some, more serious attendants of Carter’s funeral included President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Doug Emhoff. However, as hard as they tried, none could wrestle the interest away from Bush’s seemingly famous knack for stirring up talk with trivial actions.
Moving past this frivolous interaction, the gathering was, in reality, a testament to Carter’s influence as a leader. A beautifully written eulogy for Carter was penned by none other than Gerald Ford. Carter’s former rival, Ford’s words for the departed politician were touching, though they were recited by his son, Steven Ford.
Ford’s words painted Carter and himself as friends rather than former political competitors. His conclusion where he looked forward to catching up with Carter, his ‘old friend’, might have been moving, but it was unfortunately overshadowed by the frivolity that was dominating the media’s attention.
Among other attendees, were present Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, whose presence certainly added some color to the gathering, in light of their recent political activities. Their support for policies, not widely acclaimed, might bring to mind the question – how did their presence affect the dynamics?
The funeral not only signified a final farewell to a departed leader but also marked a unique gathering, where all five living presidents – Biden, Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush – convened for the first time since George H. W. Bush’s funeral in 2018. However, one cannot help but muse whether the gravity of the occasion adequately matched the actions of the attendees.
This solemn occasion, honoring the life and work of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who lived to the remarkable age of 100, should, in theory, cast a reflective mood. The unity among political leaders to pay their respects might have been a heartwarming sight, but the numerous distractions certainly raised some eyebrows.
Ironically, this solemn occasion marked by the farewell to a former leader became more popularly known for Bush’s tomfoolery. It almost seemed like the serious business of mourning was hijacked by media’s obsession with dramatizing such futile scenarios.
While these inconsequential interactions stole the limelight, the funeral remained a significant event. It was a moment to remember the achievements of Jimmy Carter, a leader who dedicated his life to serving his nation, and perhaps was seized as an opportunity to deflect from the more gloomy realities by some.
Carter’s service was certainly significant as it managed to bring together the five living presidents, an element that added a strong visual statement of unity. However, one might question whether this unity was genuinely appreciated amidst the media circus that Bush’s harmless jab kickstarted.
In the end, the funeral aimed to honor Carter’s memory took an odd twist as it was the candy exchanges and belly taps that dominated the discourse. Unsurprisingly, the emphasis moved from the important to the trivial, leaving one to wonder, who really had the last laugh?