Barack and Michelle Obama invited to the White House to unveil their portraits
Former US President Barack Obama kisses his wife and former first lady Michelle Obama after unveiling their official portraits at the White House in Washington on September 7, 2022. © Andrew Harnik / AP
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
Reunion day and symbolic day Wednesday, September 7 at the White House: Barack and Michelle Obama were back at the invitation of current President Joe Biden to unveil their portraits which will now adorn the walls of the residence of American presidents.
Either an American tradition that had not taken place for 10 years.
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With our correspondent in Washington,
Guillaume Naudin
It was with a big smile and in a frankly friendly and family atmosphere that Joe Biden welcomed
the Obama couple
.
And he recalls that the one of whom he was vice-president for eight years taught him a lot: “
I have known few people with more integrity, decency and moral courage than Barack Obama.
Nothing could have prepared me better or more to be President of the United States than to be by your side for eight years.
»
Unlike his last visit to the White House in April, Barack Obama, if he makes a few jokes, avoids recalling that he was the boss for eight years: "
Joe, America is very lucky to have you as president
"
Former president Barack Obama brought his trademark humor to a White House ceremony unveiling his official portrait on Wednesday.
https://t.co/JAndiabfkm pic.twitter.com/1CVGB0u1X1
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 7, 2022
In general, it is the successor who hosts the ceremony.
Donald Trump
never did it for the Obamas.
And finally, it is the former first lady Michelle Obama who speaks about it: “
Traditions like this are important.
Not only for those like us who are concerned, but for those who observe and participate in our democracy.
»
This will be the only political allusion.
Safeguarding democracy is precisely Joe Biden's speech during this election campaign period.
Relations with his predecessor are so icy that there are currently no plans for him to invite Donald Trump to reveal his portrait.
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United States
barack obama
Joe Biden