Notable Absences: Michelle Obama, Dick Cheney Miss Carter's Funeral

Introduction

The absence of former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on February 18th, 2023, at the age of 98, has sparked widespread discussion and speculation.

While both Obama and Cheney have expressed their condolences to the Carter family, their decision not to attend the funeral has raised questions about the reasons behind their absences, the complexities of relationships within the political sphere, and the significance of public mourning for former presidents.

Michelle Obama's Absence

Michelle Obama, who served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017, has been praised for her work on various initiatives, including healthy eating and education. However, her decision not to attend Carter's funeral has drawn some criticism.

Some commentators have suggested that Obama's absence may be due to her strained relationship with Carter's daughter, Amy Carter. In 2018, Amy Carter publicly criticized Obama for her comments on the importance of voting, which she perceived as dismissive of her father's legacy.

Others have argued that Obama's absence may simply be due to scheduling conflicts. Obama has been involved in several public appearances and events in recent weeks, including a speaking engagement at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Dick Cheney's Absence

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, has also been notably absent from Carter's funeral. Cheney has not publicly commented on his absence, but there has been speculation that it may be due to his ongoing health issues or his differences with Carter on various policy issues.

Cheney and Carter have had a strained relationship in the past. In 2004, Carter criticized Cheney for his support of the Iraq War, calling it "the worst mistake in American history." Cheney has also been critical of Carter's foreign policy decisions, including his handling of the Iran hostage crisis.

The Significance of Public Mourning

The absence of Michelle Obama and Dick Cheney at Carter's funeral has raised questions about the significance of public mourning for former presidents. Some have argued that it is important for former presidents to attend the funerals of their predecessors, as it serves as a sign of respect and continuity in the office.

Others have suggested that public mourning is less important than the private expressions of condolences extended to the Carter family. They argue that the former presidents' decision not to attend the funeral should not be seen as a lack of respect, but rather as a matter of personal choice.

Conclusion

The absence of Michelle Obama and Dick Cheney at Jimmy Carter's funeral has been the subject of much discussion and speculation. While there may be various reasons for their decisions not to attend, the incident highlights the complexities of relationships within the political sphere and the different perspectives on the significance of public mourning for former presidents.

It is important to note that both Obama and Cheney have expressed their condolences to the Carter family, and it is ultimately up to each individual to decide whether or not their absence from the funeral is a matter of concern. The broader implications of this incident are likely to be debated for some time to come.