The public witnessed a notable friendship between former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush at the Obama Presidential Center’s opening ceremony in Chicago. The event took place on a Thursday, showcasing their camaraderie.

Ahead of the ceremony, President Bush gifted Mrs. Obama a tin of Altoids. This gift references a memorable moment at Senator John McCain’s funeral in 2018 when Bush discreetly handed Obama what was later identified as a cough drop.

Michelle Obama said on NBC’s ‘Today’ show, “President Bush and I, we are forever seatmates because of protocol. He is my partner in crime at every major event where all the ‘formers’ gather.” She recalled the simple gesture, mentioning how Bush was passing a cough drop from his wife, Laura, and she promptly asked for one.

Obama shared her high regard for Bush, calling him “a wonderful man” and “a funny man.” She expressed her affection, stating, “I love him to death.” Months after McCain’s funeral, a similar exchange occurred during Bush’s father’s funeral, where he appeared to give Obama a piece of candy or a mint during their handshake.

In a conversation with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, Bush referred to what he gave Mrs. Obama at McCain’s funeral as an Altoid. Regardless if it was a cough drop or a mint, the sentiment of friendship remains intact.

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, Bush reflected.

The recent gift was well received, with Michelle Obama smiling and displaying the Altoids tin in a photograph with Bush. The event on Thursday also featured Bush’s wife, former First Lady Laura Bush. Other notable ‘formers’ included Bill and Hillary Clinton, alongside Joe and Jill Biden, who all joined the Obamas on stage at the center’s ceremony.