Michelle Obama on the meaning of her famous candy exchange with George W. Bush

February 01, 2019 | by Claudia Harrison

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is currently on a book tour promoting her biography “Becoming.” She also recently attended the funeral of former president George H.W. Bush where she had a sweet exchange with his son.

Michelle’s latest stop on her book tour was in San Jose, California. One of the first topics the moderator raised was her appearance at the state funeral of George H.W. Bush.

At the funeral, she had a special exchange with the late former president’s son, former president George W. Bush.

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The candy pass between Michelle Obama and George W. Bush, mirroring the one that warmed our hearts during the funeral of John McCain. pic.twitter.com/TDnunfnL4E
— Brenna Williams (@brennawilliams) December 5, 2018

MINTY SURPRISE

Michelle Obama told the moderator the story of what happened between her and Bush that day:

“He has the presence of mind and the sense of humor to bring me a mint, and he made it a point to give me that mint right then and there and that's the beauty of George Bush.”

Bush hands Obama piece of candy at dad's funeral https://t.co/dgrSOBbqAH pic.twitter.com/cA6uIw04vX
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) December 5, 2018

This anecdote warmed the hearts of the many people in attendance, as the venue was at capacity with fans wanting to see their inspiration in real life.

The former first lady ended off the event by encouraging the attendees to recover from their mistakes and learn from them.

HE DID IT AGAIN! In a sweet show of friendship, George W. Bush appears to sneak Michelle Obama a piece of candy at the state funeral for his father, George H.W. Bush https://t.co/o5zw1K6WmH pic.twitter.com/f7WusmHgB1
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) December 5, 2018

COOLING THE COUGH

This is not the first time that George W. Bush has given Michelle Obama candy in public. Earlier this year they had a similar exchange.

WATCH: George W Bush appears to slip candy to Michelle Obama at father's funeral https://t.co/5l5jgujG4v pic.twitter.com/CSChZjIhNZ
— The Hill (@thehill) December 5, 2018

At Senator John McCain’s funeral, Bush took a cough drop from his wife Laura and gave it to Michelle. Therefore passing candy at funerals is their tradition.

Due to protocol, Michelle and George end up seated next to each other at every official event or function where former presidents and first ladies are in attendance.

George W. Bush appeared to pass Michelle Obama a mint or candy as he took his seat at his father's funeral – just like he did at Sen. John McCain's funeral this summer pic.twitter.com/iZqMF8S0Zb
— POLITICO (@politico) December 5, 2018

Michelle and George have a close relationship and the former first lady even delayed her book tour to support him after his father’s passing.