George W. Bush Explains Why People Love His Michelle Obama Friendship So Much

George W. Bush believes he knows why his friendship with Michelle Obama always makes headlines. The former president sat down with daughter Jenna Bush Hager for a “Today” exclusive ahead of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary and recalled his reaction to a viral 2018 moment with the then-First Lady. The pair had been sitting together at John McCain’s funeral when Bush was spotted handing Obama what many assumed at the time was candy or a cough drop. It turned out to be a breath mint and Bush noted that he never expected the seemingly small gesture to catch so much attention on social media. “I was kinda teasing her and stuff, and I slipped her an Altoid. Not as a joke, but I thought she might want one,” he said. “And I got in the car afterwards and [Jenna] said, ‘You’re trending.’ I didn’t know what that meant.” It wasn’t the first time people noticed Bush and the former FLOTUS’ affection for one another, and he went on to explain his belief that their camaraderie is simply a refreshing sight across the political spectrum. “It turns out the country is starved to see a white center right Republican and an African American center left Democrat having fun, and being able to converse, not as political figures, but as citizens,” he shared. Indeed, Obama herself has also weighed in on the public interest into her and Bush’s friendly connection, previously telling “‘Today” that he’s her “partner in crime” for all major functions that include past presidents and first ladies. “I love him to death,” she said at the time. “He’s a wonderful man, he’s a funny man.” The duo also shared a now-famous embrace at a museum dedication ceremony in 2016, and Obama later told Jenna in a separate interview that she and her dad share important commonalities that make their bond work. “Our values are the same. We disagree on policy, but we don’t disagree on humanity. We don’t disagree about love and compassion,” she said.