Ethel Kennedy, the venerable 96-year-old matriarch of the Kennedy family, was laid to rest during a somber ceremony at the St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Attendees gathered to pay their final respects to Ethel, who was known for her resilience in the face of personal tragedies, including the assassination of her husband, U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968.
The Daily Mail reported that among those present were prominent political figures, including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton.
An incident at the funeral captured the public's attention when cameras recorded a seemingly intense exchange between Obama and Biden.
Speculation ignited online as viewers analyzed the nonverbal cues exchanged between the two prominent leaders. The short video, now viral on the internet, showcased Obama gesturing animatedly while visibly shaking his head.
In the contentious clip, Obama appeared to mouth phrases interpreted by some as "no" and "not good." Without any audible dialogue, viewers were left to rely on their ability to read lips and interpret facial expressions. Observers noted that Biden reached out to touch Obama's arm, suggesting an attempt to de-escalate the situation just as Obama seemed to turn away.
Adding to the intrigue, Bill Clinton, seated closely by, paused the conversation momentarily. Clinton's gesture to direct both of them toward the front of the cathedral indicated the need to refocus on the proceedings taking place.
This was the duo’s first public meeting since Biden's announcement that he would not seek reelection and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. This recent development in the political sphere has only added fuel to the rampant speculation regarding the conversation's true nature.
Social media quickly lit up with theories and interpretations. Some users suggested Obama said phrases suggesting the disappearance or loss, while Biden reportedly looked taken aback by the conversation. Although no confirmed details have surfaced, the absence of audio did little to quell the interpretations and rumor-making dance on the platforms.
The dynamic between Biden and Obama is long-standing, harking back to their years in office from 2009 to 2017. As Biden praised Ethel Kennedy’s legacy, highlighting her support after his son Beau died, Obama remembered her spirited nature and drive for justice.
The context of Biden leaving the presidential race and supporting Harris has added another dimension to the speculation. Obama’s visible support for Harris in recent days and his presence on the campaign trail have solidified the Democratic party’s new direction following Biden's decision.
Ethel Kennedy, deeply revered for her humanitarian work and resilience, left an indelible mark on American society. Her life was marked by high-profile personal losses that she transformed into lasting legacies, championing various causes.
The connection between Biden and Ethel Kennedy was steeped in shared experiences of tragedy, underscoring the respect and admiration Biden held for her and her late husband, Robert Kennedy.
The attendees' prominent figures and the high emotional and political stakes surrounding the current Democratic leadership added a profound layer to Ethel Kennedy’s honoring.
Despite the focus on the Obama-Biden exchange, the funeral remained a reflective occasion, with participants acknowledging the profound impact she had on their lives.
The intriguing footage of Obama and Biden’s funeral exchange continues to spark discussions about its context and implications. As speculative interpretations circulate online, many remain captivated by the intricate layers of political alliances and shifts within the Democratic establishment.
While the funeral served to commemorate Ethel Kennedy's formidable legacy, the historical gathering of leaders added unique political significance to the event.
