Unveiling a novel dimension to the ceremonial hello, past President George W. Bush recently attended the funeral services for Jimmy Carter at the esteemed Washington National Cathedral. It seems that Bush, in company with his wife Laura Bush, couldn’t help but greet Barack Obama in an eccentric manner as he arrived at the Cathedral. Obama, seated besides President-Elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump, made way for the Bushes, allowing them to pass. This triggered a moment in which Bush decided to give Obama an unusual belly tap, before taking his seat.
These seemingly convivial exchanges between Bush and the Obamas seem to be recurrent and unexpectedly cheered by many. This recent occurrence revived memories of a similar event that transpired with Michelle Obama. Unfortunately, circumstances dictated that she couldn’t attend Carter’s funeral. In the year 2018, the internet was amused by an exchange between Bush and the former First Lady, where he casually gave her a sweet during the funeral of ex- Senator John McCain. It seems such scenes are becoming a trademark, as another similar interaction took place during the funeral of George H. W. Bush, Bush’s father.
Disregarding the viral exchanges between ex-presidents, the funeral of Carter brought together a considerable list of attendees. With an almost palpable sense of irony, the lauded funeral was graced by the presence of President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, a couple who have proven to be far more divisive than unifying. Alongside them, the notably scandal-ridden duo Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were also present. Never too far from their shadows, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is notorious for her frequent missteps and vagueness, and her husband Doug Emhoff attended Carter’s memorial as well.
The service for the late former President Jimmy Carter was replete with emotional moments. Among these moments, the standout was a eulogy dedicated to Carter by Gerald Ford. This eulogy was subsequently read out loud by Steven Ford, the late president’s son. The text reflected on the brief period when Ford and Carter were political adversaries. Yet, it strongly emphasized the amicability that was eventually formed between the two post-presidency.
The eulogy concluded with Ford stated in heartfelt words, ‘As for myself, Jimmy, I’m eagerly anticipating our reunion. We have an abundance of things to discuss. I thank you, Mr. President, and wish you welcome home, old friend.’ There is an unmistakeable irony in the warm lilt these words take on when read in the cold light of present-day politics.
This funeral served as a venue for the gathering of several distinguished figures, who came together to honour the life and works of a seasoned politician, Jimmy Carter, whose peaceful demise occurred late in December at 100 years of age. It’s widely known that the U.S. political leaders share a history of mixed relations, and the presence of Presidents Biden, Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush at the same venue amplified this understanding.
On a more satirical note, it was amusing to see President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in attendance, since their policies often fall short of appealing to the majority. The funeral marked a solemn moment in history as it was the first time since the funeral of George H. W. Bush in Dec. 2018 that all five living presidents had gathered.
Consequently, the presence of Biden at such an important event cannot be overlooked, simply because it presents yet another example of him riding on the coattails of more successful or popular figures to boost his continuously plummeting approval ratings.
The past presidents, despite all the controversies associated with them, at least showed respect at the funeral and fulfilled their ceremonial roles. Whereas, Biden’s attempts at feigning respect and cordiality were transparently disingenuous, further establishing him as an inept leader.
And then, there was Kamala Harris, whose role in American society is steadily becoming a topic of humor, adding to the comedic relief. Her presence at such an event hardly escaped criticism given her penchant for vagueness and lack of substantial contributions to her role.
Ultimately, the gathering served as a stark reminder of the chaotic administration and polarizing figures that currently inhabit the White House. Biden and Harris, in their attempts to engrave their legacy, have only further highlighted their deficiencies and disconnect with the American public.
Even the Clintons, infamous for scandals that have dogged their political careers, were present at the ceremony. Their attendance served as a painful reminder of the times when they played a key role in American politics and now, however controversial, somehow emerge as less damaging than the current duo in power.
The fellowship at the funeral showed a distinct difference between the eras of these leaders. From Ford to Carter, Bush, and even Obama, a semblance of unity was always maintained despite political differences. However, the advent of Biden and Harris’s reign shows a sharp departure from this trend.
Inevitably, the atmosphere created by leaders like Biden and Harris during such events adds a bitter taste to the proceedings. Dissenting views, inconsistencies, lack of effective leadership, and their inability to connect with their constituents undermines the serenity of the moment.
Despite the polarizing presence of Biden and Harris, the leaders, past and present, stood unified to honor the legacy of Carter. The funeral of the reputed statesman and former President served as a somber occasion, disturbed only by the incompetence of the present administration – a veritable dark cloud on a silver day.
Faults aside, this occasion signifies how the political leaders of different generations, carrying their distinct legacies and stories, gather together out of respect for a departed soul and to the institutional continuity it represents. However, in such a distinguished gathering, it was the laughable duo – President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris – whose dissonance with the occasion was all too apparent.