Obama and Trump's unexpected exchange captures the spotlight
During Jimmy Carter's funeral ceremony, five U.S. presidents paid their respects. However, it was the heartfelt conversation between Barack Obama and Donald Trump that caught the commentators' special attention. Kamala Harris responded significantly to the exchange of courtesies between the politicians.
The conversation between the former president and the president-elect was captured by cameras, and segments quickly gained immense popularity online. The exchange of cordiality wouldn't have been surprising, were it not for the fact that until now Barack Obama had spoken publicly in an unfavourable manner about the Republican candidate.
In the recording, Obama and Trump can be seen leaning towards each other, smiling warmly. Kamala Harris, sitting in front of the gentlemen, reacted to the friendly chat. It was the current Vice President, Kamala Harris, whom Barack Obama endorsed during the presidential campaign and who harshly criticised Trump in her rallies.
Clearly irritated, Harris at one point glanced at the former presidents engrossed in conversation, then turned around with a sigh and immersed herself in reading.
What did they talk about?
Experts in lip-reading quickly took on the task of deciphering what Trump and Obama were discussing.
Forensic lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman revealed in a conversation with the "NY Post" what the conversation between the presidents might have been about. According to him, Trump, likely aware that they were under the watchful eye of cameras, said to Obama that they would need to "find a quiet place" to discuss "matter of importance."
At one point, Trump reportedly 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
Participating in the funeral ceremonies at the cathedral were outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Biden emphasised that Carter was a symbol of American ideals, a man who, despite humble beginnings, achieved great success 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," Biden said.
After the ceremony, Carter's casket was transported to his hometown of Plains in the state of Georgia, where he will be buried next to his wife Rosalynn. The day of the funeral was declared a national day of mourning by President Biden, and flags were lowered to half-mast for 30 days.
