Michelle Obama says she and George W. Bush 'disagree on policy' but their 'values are the same'
If opposites really do attract, then Michelle Obama and George W. Bush are living proof.
The two have developed a friendship despite being on different sides of the political spectrum. Obama, however, has come under fire for the relationship, with some questioning how she could be friends with someone whose conservative beliefs and policies run counter to those she and her husband, former president Barack Obama, subscribe to.
During an interview on Today with Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former president George W. Bush, Obama told Hager the two aren’t so different after all.
“Our values are the same,” she said. “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,” she added.
Hager noted that comedian Ellen DeGeneres also faced criticism after she was spotted socializing with former president Bush at a football game, a move DeGeneres defended on her show.
Yes, that was me at the Cowboys game with George W. Bush over the weekend. Here’s the whole story. pic.twitter.com/AYiwY5gTIS
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 8, 2019
DeGeneres told viewers in part, “Just because I don't agree with someone on everything doesn't mean that I'm not going to be friends with them.”
Viewers took to Twitter and posted their thoughts on Michelle Obama’s comments about her friendship with George W. Bush, and many said they were glad to see two polar opposites finding some common ground:
Michelle Obama explains friendship with George W. Bush: 'Our values are the same' https://t.co/1qjNkc6QwB via @TODAYshow
Love this! The world needs more friendships and kindness!— Valerie Cox (@bcvaleriesaysso) December 10, 2019
Literally crying while listening to Mrs. Obama talk about her conversations with President Bush. #MichelleObama #letsworktogether
— Kat (@stregavino) December 10, 2019
But others weren’t buying what the former first lady was selling, saying they were disappointed to hear her say the two share the same values:
Michelle Obama just disappointed me. She shares the same views as G.W.Bush? This guy lead the illegal war in Iraq and Afghanistan which killed so many civilians. Disgraceful.
— mozaquamarine 🇨🇦 (@MozAquamarine) December 10, 2019
Another said they weren’t happy to see NBC interviewing Obama when they should be interviewing the current first lady, Melania Trump:
@NBCNews @TODAYshow @realDonaldTrump I am deeply offended that your network interviews at length Michelle Obama, BUT NEVER EVER INTERVIEWS THE FIRST LADY IF THE US MELANIA TRUMP, who is greatly admired, unlike Michele!
NBC completely Biased, slanted, Leftist network!— Rozalind (@Rozalind2009) December 10, 2019
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