Yes, Michelle Obama and George W. Bush Are Buds . . . and It's Kind of Cute

Updated on Sep 15, 2018 at 2:35 PM

In times of turmoil, we're always looking for bright spots. Over the past few years, one of those bright spots — in the political world, at least — has been the adorable mismatch of the friendship between former president George W. Bush and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The pair have been placed near each other at tons of official events, and the results have gone viral more often than not, from that now-famous hug pic to getting caught on camera passing a cough drop during Senator John McCain's funeral. Despite their political differences, the Bush and Obama families have always spoken highly of each other. Here are some of the things they've said about each other that will warm your heart.

President Bush on his favorite thing about Mrs. Obama: "She kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like."
On the seating arrangements that started it all: "I can't remember where else I've sat next to her, but I probably have a few wisecracks and she seemed to like it OK."

President Bush on how he tries to lighten things up for the Obamas: "[They] are around serious people all the time and we just took to each other."
On helping them transition into post-White House life: "It's going to take them a while to find their footing and figure out how they're going to do what they want to do. But if there's a way to be symbiotic, we'll do so."

Bush on his "favorite" Obama: "Let's put it this way, he's never given me a hug that way!''
On the banter they've shared: "I needle her a little bit and around her, I'm fairly lighthearted."

Michelle Obama on what matters more than party affiliations: "Sometimes truth transcends party."
On working with the Bushes and Clintons on the One America hurricane relief project: "As we come together as one American family to help our neighbors, we are reminded how much we need each other."

Bush on this now-famous picture of the duo: "When I saw her, it was a genuine expression of affection."
On the reactions to their friendship: "(The friendship) surprised everybody."
On friendships across the political spectrum: "That's what's so weird about society today, (the surprise) that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum can actually like each other."