Politics is usually a blood sport. We’re used to the shouting, the attack ads, and the deep-seated resentment that seems to define Washington these days. But then something weird happens. Something human.
Take the Bush and Obama belly tap that recently took over the internet.
It happened during the state funeral for Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025. The Washington National Cathedral was filled with the usual heavy atmosphere of a presidential farewell. Rows of pews were packed with the most powerful people in the world. You had the Bidens, the Clintons, and the Trumps all in one room.
Then came George W. Bush.
As the 43rd president walked toward his seat, he passed Barack Obama. Most people expected a stiff nod or a formal handshake. Instead, Bush reached out and gave Obama a quick, playful tap right on the stomach.
Why the belly tap went viral
Social media basically exploded. It’s not every day you see a former commander-in-chief treat his successor like a college roommate at a tailgate.
The clip, caught by C-SPAN cameras, showed Obama standing up to let the Bushes into the row. As "W" shuffled past, he didn't just say hello. He used his knuckles to give a friendly jab to Obama’s midsection.
Obama didn't flinch. He actually leaned in, grinning, and patted Bush on the back. It was over in two seconds. But in those two seconds, the internet found its new favorite bipartisan meme.
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People were obsessed. Why? Because it felt real.
The "Presidents Club" is a real thing
You’ve probably heard of the "Presidents Club." It’s that exclusive fraternity of people who have actually held the "nuclear football." Honestly, it’s a tiny group. Only five living members remain.
They share a burden nobody else understands. The stress, the gray hair, the 3 a.m. phone calls. That shared trauma—or experience, if you want to be polite—tends to bridge political gaps.
George W. Bush and the Obamas have been doing this for years. Remember the candy?
Back in 2018, at John McCain’s funeral, Bush was caught on camera handing a cough drop to Michelle Obama. It was a grandfatherly move that went viral instantly. Then he did it again at his own father’s funeral.
The Bush and Obama belly tap is just the latest chapter in this "unlikely besties" saga.
Breaking down the body language
I talked to some folks who study this kind of thing. Body language experts say a stomach tap is a "high-comfort" move. Think about it. You don't just go around tapping strangers on the belly. That’s a "personal zone."
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Touching someone there shows a massive amount of trust. It says, "We’re good. I know you, and you know me."
It was especially striking because of who else was in the frame. Obama was seated right next to Donald Trump. The tension between those two is well-documented. They were chatting, sure, but the vibe was "polite professional."
When Bush entered the scene, the energy shifted. It became a "dad joke" vibe.
What most people get wrong about their friendship
A lot of people think this is just for the cameras. Critics argue it’s a performance of "civility" that masks deep policy failures from both administrations.
But if you look at their history, it’s more consistent than a PR stunt.
- 2009 Transition: Obama has repeatedly praised how gracious the Bushes were when he took over.
- The Bush Daughters: Jenna and Barbara Bush wrote a famous letter to Malia and Sasha Obama, giving them advice on how to handle life after the White House.
- Michelle’s "Partner in Crime": Michelle Obama has literally called George W. Bush her "partner in crime" because they always sit next to each other at these events.
They don't agree on much. Bush is a Texas Republican. Obama is a Chicago Democrat. But they seem to genuinely like each other's company.
The humor didn't stop at the funeral
Fast forward to the inauguration on January 20, 2025. A reporter asked Obama if Bush was "behaving" himself during the ceremony.
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Obama’s response? "Just barely."
Earlier that day, a staffer had asked Bush the same thing. Obama jumped in before Bush could even answer and just said, "Nope."
It’s clear these two have a rhythm. They’ve moved past the "sir" and "Mr. President" phase and into the "I’m going to make fun of your tie" phase.
Why this matters in 2026
We live in a time where people stop talking to their cousins over a Facebook post. Seeing two guys who spent years trying to undo each other’s legacies share a laugh—and a belly tap—is a weirdly hopeful sight.
It doesn't mean their policies didn't have consequences. It doesn't mean you have to like either of them. But it does show that the human element of leadership survives even the nastiest political cycles.
What you can take away from the "Belly Tap"
If you’re looking for a lesson in all this, it’s basically about humanizing your "opponents."
- Focus on the shared experience. You might hate your coworker's politics, but you both hate the broken coffee machine. Start there.
- Small gestures count. You don't need a grand speech to mend a fence. Sometimes a literal "cough drop" or a "belly tap" does the work for you.
- Keep a sense of humor. Everything in D.C. is so serious. Bush’s ability to poke fun at the solemnity of a state funeral—without being disrespectful—is a skill.
The next time you're stuck in a room with someone you disagree with, think about the Bush and Obama belly tap. If the guys responsible for the Iraq War and the Affordable Care Act can find a way to be "bros" at a funeral, maybe the rest of us can manage a polite "hello" at Thanksgiving.
To dig deeper into how these presidential bonds form, look up the history of the "One America Appeal" or watch the full C-SPAN footage of the 2025 funeral services. You'll see plenty of these small, unscripted moments that never make the evening news but define the reality of the Presidents Club.