OBAMA
FILE PHOTO - US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and his vice presidential running mate Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) embrace after Obama introduced Biden as his running mate at a campaign event at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, U.S. August 23, 2008.
(Photo: REUTERS/Jim Young/File Photo)

A seemingly tense conversation between President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama during the funeral service for Ethel Kennedy, matriarch of the Kennedy family, has ignited a wave of speculation across social media. Captured on video without audio, the brief exchange between the two leaders took place during the solemn service held at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The viral video, accompanied by only the sounds of a church organ, has left viewers guessing about the nature of the conversation.

In the video, Obama is seen shaking his head and appearing to say "no" and "not good" as Biden speaks to him. At one point, Obama turns away from Biden, who then reaches out to touch Obama's arm, seemingly trying to re-engage him in the discussion. Former President Bill Clinton, standing nearby, appears to notice the exchange and gestures toward the front of the cathedral, prompting both men to refocus on the service.

The video has spurred a slew of theories on social media, with users offering various interpretations of what might have been said during the conversation. One user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed to have consulted deaf colleagues who suggested that Obama said "No" and shook his head before remarking "Not good." Another user speculated that Obama was expressing dissatisfaction about a political issue, possibly related to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose presidential campaign Obama recently endorsed following Biden's withdrawal from the race.

 

As the video spread, some users humorously speculated that the topic of conversation involved Harris' campaign, pointing to recent controversies surrounding her political trajectory. "Obama says 'No,' then shakes his head and says 'Not good.' Hopefully, they are talking about Kamala's campaign," one post read. Others interpreted Obama's body language as indicating frustration, with one user commenting, "The look on Obama's face is ominous, and Biden looks shocked."

This public exchange comes as Biden has taken a step back from his re-election campaign, with Obama actively supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential contender. Obama's involvement in Harris' campaign has stirred controversy, particularly after he urged Black male voters to support Harris, suggesting that a failure to do so could be rooted in sexism. His comments were met with mixed reactions, further fueling speculation about the dynamic between Biden and Obama.

The conversation at Ethel Kennedy's funeral marks the first time the two former running mates have been seen together publicly since Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. Their visible discomfort has led to renewed discussions about their relationship, particularly as both navigate the shifting political landscape.

The funeral itself was a significant event, bringing together prominent figures from across the political spectrum. Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, was a towering figure in American public life, having raised 11 children and endured immense personal tragedies. President Biden, reflecting on his personal connection to the Kennedy family, noted that Ethel had provided support during some of his own most difficult moments, including the loss of his son, Beau Biden. "Ethel was a hero in her own right," Biden said in his tribute to the family matriarch. "She was there for me when I needed her most."

Obama, who also spoke fondly of Ethel Kennedy during the service, praised her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. "As serious as Ethel was about righting wrongs, she never seemed to take herself too seriously," he said, remembering her spirited personality.

The viral video, however, has overshadowed much of the solemnity of the funeral, drawing attention away from the tributes to Ethel Kennedy and instead raising questions about the current state of Democratic politics. Theories about the content of the conversation range from speculation about internal party dynamics to personal disagreements, with no concrete evidence to support any one interpretation.

Despite the public fascination, neither Obama nor Biden has commented on the viral video, leaving the matter open to continued speculation. Their body language, particularly Obama's visible frustration and Biden's attempt to maintain the conversation, has intrigued many observers, fueling debates on social media about the significance of their interaction.