Former President George W. Bush recently looked back on one of his most memorable public moments with former First Lady Michelle Obama, highlighting a friendship that has surprised many Americans. Speaking with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, during the “History Talks” event in Philadelphia, Bush reflected on the lighthearted exchange that became an internet sensation.

The conversation, later featured on NBC’s “Today” show, centered on Senator John McCain’s 2018 funeral, where cameras caught Bush handing Michelle Obama what appeared to be a piece of candy. Bush explained that he often gets restless during long ceremonies and simply offered her an Altoid, saying he had no idea the small gesture would become a national story.

Bush believes the viral moment resonated because people enjoyed seeing individuals from different political backgrounds treating each other with kindness and respect. He suggested that Americans appreciated watching a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat maintain a genuine friendship despite their disagreements.

Michelle Obama has shared similar thoughts over the years, saying that although they differ on many political issues, they share values like compassion and respect. She has even referred to Bush as her friend and “partner in crime” during public events. Their playful tradition continued at President George H.W. Bush’s funeral, where she jokingly accepted another mint and later laughed about wondering “how old the mints were.”

Despite their warm relationship, the friendship stands apart from the intense political rivalry of the past. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama strongly criticized Bush’s policies on the economy and foreign affairs, making their families’ current friendship an example of how personal respect can exist alongside political differences.