State funerals are largely a somber affair, but an interaction between former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush on Thursday has taken the internet by storm.
Both former presidents were seated in the second row for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Video showed both U.S. leaders arriving for the event where Bush greeted Obama in a way that had the internet screaming ‘bromance.’
Obama was the first to enter the shot where he greeted the former vice presidents in the row behind him before taking his seat next to President-elect Trump.
When Bush shows up to enter the row, Obama stands up to let him and former First Lady Laura Bush pass.
That’s when Bush gave his successor a friendly tap on the stomach before the couple took their seats to Obama’s left.
The playful moment did not go unnoticed by people watching coverage of the gathering of some of the world’s current and past most powerful U.S. leaders.
Former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush share a laugh with former First Lady Laura Bush
Funerals for former presidents are among the rare occasions where former presidents come together, and all eyes were on Carter’s funeral to see how the group of often-times rivals on the campaign trail would play out.
Users on X noted that Bush appeared to snub Trump by stepping right past him while acknowledging Obama during his entrance.
Bush and Obama were also spotted sharing a laugh and at one point a more formal handshake, but people loved their initial greeting.
One X user called the belly tap a ‘manly sign of respect.’
Another chimed in ‘gotta love a playful Texan’ while several called them ‘bros’ and praised their chummy interaction.
Fans of the exchange pointed out that Bush has long been known for relatable interactions, which politics aside, were part of his success as a political candidate and then president.
Former Presidents Obama and Bush formally shaking hands at the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter
During the funeral, Obama and Trump also shared a laugh as the president-elect repeatedly leaned in to engage his predecessor who was seated to his right.
Obama also spoke and shook hands with former President Pence and Second Lady Karen who were seated behind him.
The lighthearted Bush-Obama moment reminded onlookers watching the state funeral of the tender and playful exchanges Bush has had with former First Lady Michelle Obama when they’ve been spotted in public together.
Bush has said he and Mrs. Obama became friends because they were always ‘stuck’ next to each other at funerals, and he would crack jokes.
During the state funeral for his own father former President George H. W. Bush in 2018, Bush Jr. made it a point to sneak Michelle Obama a piece of candy.
Mrs. Obama was not in attendance alongside her husband to greet her friend Bush at Carter’s state funeral on Thursday.
CNN reported that she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii for an extended vacation.
A spokesperson for the former first lady said in a statement that she sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family.
