Obama and Trump's unexpected chat steals the spotlight at Carter's funeral
During Jimmy Carter's funeral ceremony, five U.S. presidents paid their respects. However, it was the cordial conversation between Barack Obama and Donald Trump that drew particular attention from commentators. Kamala Harris responded pointedly to the exchange of pleasantries between the politicians.
Cameras captured the conversation between the former president and the president-elect, and clips of it quickly gained enormous popularity online. The exchange of cordiality would not have been surprising if not for the fact that Barack Obama had previously spoken disparagingly about the Republican candidate.
In the footage, Obama and Trump can be seen leaning toward each other, smiling warmly. Kamala Harris, sitting in front of the gentlemen, reacted to the friendly chat. It was Obama who supported the current Vice President during the presidential campaign and criticized Trump harshly at her rallies.
Visibly irritated, Harris at one point glanced at the former presidents engrossed in conversation, then turned away with a sigh and immersed herself in reading.
What were they discussing?
Lip-reading experts quickly set about deciphering what Trump and Obama were discussing.
Forensic lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman revealed to the "NY Post" what the conversation between the presidents might have been about. According to him, Trump, likely aware of being under the watchful eyes of the cameras, told Obama that they would need to "find a quiet place" to discuss an "matter of importance."
At one point, Trump supposedly said to the former president: "I’ve pulled out of that. It’s the conditions. Can you imagine that?" Then Obama laughed, and Trump added: "and after, I will."
Farewell to Jimmy Carter
The funeral services at the cathedral were attended by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Biden emphasized that Carter was a symbol of American ideals, a man who achieved great success from humble beginnings while maintaining humility. Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me, and through his life taught me, that strength of character is more than title or the power we hold," said Biden.
After the ceremony, Carter's casket was transported to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he will be buried next to his wife Rosalynn. The day of the funeral was declared a day of national mourning by President Biden, and flags were lowered to half-staff for 30 days.
