Share on FacebookFormer President George W. Bush never expected that a small act of kindness toward former First Lady Michelle Obama would spark such a lasting public reaction. Years after a hug and a shared piece of candy, their friendship continues to make headlines—and warm hearts.
A Hug, a Candy, and a Viral Friendship
In a recent interview, Bush, now 74, reflected on the moment that first captured the public’s attention in 2016—when he and Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt hug at the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
But what truly stood out to Americans came two years later at Senator John McCain’s funeral in 2018—when Bush handed Michelle Obama a mint. That tiny gesture of friendship became an instantly viral moment.
"It shocked me," Bush recalled. "We got in the car and I think Barbara or Jenna said, ‘Hey, you're trending!’ People were amazed that Michelle Obama and I could be friends."
Friendship Beyond Party Lines
To Bush, the public’s response says something deeper about American culture. "It’s a problem that people are so divided they can’t believe a George W. Bush and a Michelle Obama could be friends," he said.
Michelle Obama has also spoken about their bond. In a 2019 interview, she reflected on their shared experiences and values, even if their politics differ.
"I had the chance to sit by your father at events, in joy and in grief, and we talked about our families," she told Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush Hager. "Our values are the same. We may differ on policy, but not on humanity or compassion."
In a time when political division often dominates the conversation, the friendship between Michelle Obama and George W. Bush is a gentle reminder that empathy and respect can still reach across the aisle.
