Twitter controversies aside,Michelle Obamadoesn’t see any problem with her friendsEllen DeGeneresandGeorge W. Bushbeing friends with each other.
The former first lady, 55, was asked in aTodayshow interviewon Tuesdayabout therecent dust-up over DeGeneres and Bush spending time togetherat a Dallas Cowboys game in October. The talk show host, 61, and former president, 73, were seated next to each other and seen smiling and chatting.
The moment inspired a slew of reactions on social media, including some backlash from those who took issue with DeGeneres being with Bush given his conservative politics and anti-gay history.
In a characteristic response, one userwrote on Twitter: “So quirky and fun to see George Bush out with Ellen at a Cowboys game after his terrible foreign policy decisions killed thousands of innocent people.”
Obama has made her own headlines with herbipartisan bond with President Bush. He’s gone viral slipping her candy and she’s gone viral giving him a hug. Both are members of the group of former presidents and first ladies who regularly appear at state functions, including inaugurations, and they’ve grown closer over the years.
“I think you’re friends with both Ellen and my dad,” Hager told Obama onTodayon Tuesday, before asking how she felt about people getting upset over DeGeneres’ relationship with Bush.
Barbara Bush’s funeral in 2018.Paul Morse/George W. Bush Presidential Center via Getty
“Our values are the same,” she said of herself and President Bush. “We disagree on policy, but we don’t disagree on humanity, we don’t disagree about love and compassion. I think that’s true for all of us — it’s just that we get lost in our fear of what’s different.”
Speaking with PEOPLEin a recent at-home interview, Hager said much the same when asked about the debate.
“I personally, and I think so many of us, miss a time where people who have different opinions get along,” she said. “And I yearn for that. I want my kids to realize that we live in a world when people are think tons of different things and we treat everybody with respect and kindness.”
source: people.com
