The bond between former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush was highlighted at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. During this event, Bush gave Obama a tin of Altoids, echoing a memorable moment from Sen. John McCain’s funeral in 2018. Back then, Bush was seen passing what was believed to be a cough drop to Obama.
Reflecting on their friendship, Obama humorously referred to Bush as her “partner in crime” due to their seating arrangements at official events. “President Bush and I, we are forever seatmates because of protocol,” she shared on “Today.” The moment at McCain’s funeral gained public attention when Obama asked for a cough drop from Bush, leading her to describe him as “a wonderful man” and “a funny man.” She added, “I love him to death.”
Later, Bush recreated the moment at his father’s funeral, handing Obama a piece of candy or a mint. In a conversation with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, Bush revealed it was an Altoid at McCain’s funeral, though the actual item didn’t overshadow the friendly gesture.
Bush commented on how the public was pleased to see a White center-right Republican and an African American center-left Democrat interact warmly. A photo from the ceremony captured Obama smiling as she held up the Altoid tin with Bush beside her. Bush’s wife, Laura Bush, along with other former leaders, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and Joe and Jill Biden, joined the Obamas on stage at the ceremony.