NEW: Pres. Biden will host former Pres. Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama at the White House on Sept. 7 for the unveiling of their official portraits. https://t.co/OlnaZuymGH pic.twitter.com/RBJYpOwfoE
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) August 31, 2022
Yessssss!!
I can’t wait! Been waiting for the unveiling of their portraits🤗🤗
Today, in a longstanding American tradition, @BarackObama and @MichelleObama will return to the People’s House to unveil their official White House portraits.
Don't miss the live @WhiteHouse ceremony, starting at 1:30 PM ET. pic.twitter.com/a9Q7ay4jow
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) September 7, 2022
JUST UNVEILED: The official @WhiteHouse portraits of @BarackObama & @MichelleObama. pic.twitter.com/dDTxblOe5e
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) September 7, 2022
Michelle Obama’s heart is eternal. 🤎 pic.twitter.com/vx0QoibPYc
— Renee (@PettyLupone) September 7, 2022
Barack and Michelle, welcome back. pic.twitter.com/wcdBvfMcGg
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 7, 2022
More from White House, today: pic.twitter.com/FSfncDC5wj
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 7, 2022
Ok, I like it better on the wall. Striking. https://t.co/IUDjbcweyz
— itgurl (@itgurl_29) September 7, 2022
OK, here it is — Barack Obama, painted by Robert McCurdy, about to be unveiled at White House: pic.twitter.com/htOhoh7gUO
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 7, 2022
“A girl like me was never supposed to be up there next to Jacqueline Kennedy … she was never supposed to live in this house,” @MichelleObama says, looking at her portrait as it’s unveiled. “What we are seeing is a reminder that there is a place for everyone in this country.” pic.twitter.com/YWottCJRdg
— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) September 7, 2022
Obama looks directly at the viewer, flag pin on his lapel to remind you "I'm American too." Obama is surrounded by whiteness in the portrait because the office of the presidency has been a club for whiteness: https://t.co/Zv6xeaYZX0
— Veronica McDonald🗣 (@Purify_toast17) September 7, 2022
Michelle Obama's portrait is IMO defiant. She's lounging on that sofa, where she's not supposed to be and she's showing you her bare arms, that had Karens across the country riled up. She also looks directly at the viewer with a look of "I'm here, whatcha gonna do about it?" https://t.co/Zv6xeaYZX0
— Veronica McDonald🗣 (@Purify_toast17) September 7, 2022
This photo of President Obama kissing our forever First Lady Michelle at the unveiling of their official portraits is everything. 🥰❤️ #BlackLove pic.twitter.com/wVXCQvrPYq
— Madam Auntie VP Kamala Harris is THEE GOAT! (@flywithkamala) September 7, 2022
. @MichelleObama ‘s cranberry-colored, ombre dress with pleating detail was custom made by Christy Rilling. Rilling is a master tailor and for many years altered Obama’s clothes. She is now a fulltime designer with an eponymous atelier in New York. pic.twitter.com/0DCcJXXk5e
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) September 7, 2022
When I look at these portraits of Barack and Michelle, I see family.
The family we all built — and the families across America that we served together. pic.twitter.com/GaXorhclyr
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) September 7, 2022
When future generations see these portraits by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung in the White House, I hope they get a better, honest sense of who Michelle and I were. And I hope they leave with a deeper understanding that if we could make it, they can do remarkable things, too. pic.twitter.com/3Eo1WNr31b
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 7, 2022
Y'all 🥹😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Z78oArDP0i
— ⚖️ 💛🐝THEE Most Passionate Twist🇱🇨🇺🇸 (@Ms_MMMJ) September 8, 2022
Together, Barack and Michelle made history.
With grace and class, they generated hope for millions of people who were left behind for so long.
And as of today, their portraits will display on the walls of this sacred place – the People’s House – forever. pic.twitter.com/4UNYCMIVjI
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 8, 2022
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama from Chicago in the White House forever. pic.twitter.com/6ay68GJUBv
— greg the menace (@mistergeezy) September 7, 2022
REMINDER for tomorrow, Sept 7th!! Super exciting event to be able to see these portraits unveiled for the first time and to have President and First Lady Biden honor President and Mrs. Obama at the White House, restoring the tradition in the East Room. https://t.co/LzrKjd494Y
— meta (@metaquest) September 6, 2022
The OG Fab Four. pic.twitter.com/FXE1PXsqlz
— GeorgiaPeach OG Biden Babe 🥁🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@ChrisFromGA68) September 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/NovusDivus/status/1567571274590814208?t=PgAlcMQeoLqh8DlOY-M3vA&s=19
My favorite public servants were gathered today, and it was a wonderful reminder to keep the faith. 🌊
📷Pete Souza pic.twitter.com/dHuoTa7H07— Barbara Reid (@reid_bj) September 8, 2022
Something that will mean ALOT to Black people across the country: Former First Lady Michelle Obama wearing braids at the unveiling of her official White House portrait. pic.twitter.com/a5ZJObi1Dd
— Eugene Daniels (@EugeneDaniels2) September 7, 2022
Barack and Michelle Obama receive a standing ovation upon returning to the White House for their official portrait unveiling.
Donald Trump refused to hold the ceremony for the Obamas while he was president. pic.twitter.com/wNBoG2rlgH
— The Recount (@therecount) September 7, 2022
The Obamas unveil their portraits: pic.twitter.com/6Z3H7waBqq
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/SIfill_/status/1567572876517072903?t=1kFim2fDcY8OkvKcKPBCkw&s=19
President Biden, praising his former boss, says Obama is “one of the most consequential presidents in our history”, calls Former First Lady Michelle Obama “one of the most consequential First Ladies.”
Leans in and whispers, “Michelle, he couldn’t have done it without you.” pic.twitter.com/vPFLVLE1mw
— Eugene Daniels (@EugeneDaniels2) September 7, 2022
Painting Michelle Obama Took 9 Months. Keeping it Secret Took 6 Years. https://t.co/DDJGDrCxEw #PortraitUnveiling
— PragmaticObotsUnite (@PragObots) September 7, 2022
A look at the Obamas' official portraits, painted by Robert McCurdy (President Obama) and Sharon Sprung (Mrs. Obama) pic.twitter.com/LSFrQK9d4G
— Kevin Liptak (@Kevinliptakcnn) September 7, 2022
President Bae is so smooth
“I’d like to thank them for capturing everything I love about Michelle. Her grace. Her intelligence. And the fact that’s she’s fine.”
The room erupted in cheers at this moment during the portrait unveiling at the White House. pic.twitter.com/KRTiHIw3Tc
— Qondi 🤠 (@QondiNtini) September 7, 2022
Love that Michelle’s arms are featured. https://t.co/loFcx6u8sb
— LiberalPhenom 👑 (@LiberalPhenom) September 7, 2022
TRUTH 😉
https://twitter.com/myronjclifton/status/1567583498470584323?t=ZdDIr5TVIZtqynLOQx2xbA&s=19
Michelle Robinson Obama..
Princeton and Harvard educated Lawyer..
Only double Ivy League educated FLOTUS ..
More than earned her stripes..
May she be celebrated for many generations to come..
And may God continue to abundantly bless, guard, guide and protect her and her husband and their two beautiful daughters, always..
❤️❤️
Sons of Killmonger & Disciple of Dark Brandon (@2Strong2Silence) tweeted at 2:05 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
If you hate these two ask yourself why. No really tell us why? Don’t say they are stupid. Don’t say they are selfish, don’t call them uneducated or bad parents or people. Just say I hate them because they’re black & they ruined your stereotypes of us.
(https://twitter.com/2Strong2Silence/status/1567589933791023105?t=e-Q4rQDyJH29T7LsbFPXVg&s=03)
NowThis (@nowthisnews) tweeted at 1:42 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
‘It’s not about blood or pedigree or wealth, it’s a place where everyone should have a fair shot’ — Listen to Michelle Obama speak about the importance of representation https://t.co/uXxsJwSNzV
(https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/1567584130958868480?t=PfWnmy4U_f82fRZbRmhcBw&s=03)
ℝ𝕠𝕓𝕪𝕟 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕥 💛💙✊🏾Vote💙EveryTime (@gimli0413) tweeted at 1:32 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
I’m going to take what I feel from this well-earned unveiling of my #4everFirstFamily portraits and be hopeful and productive.
I needed this moment like I need air. 💙🤎💙
(https://twitter.com/gimli0413/status/1567581608785371141?t=ICFmqTEKk2uQT9JyK6WCJg&s=03)
Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) tweeted at 1:29 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Michelle Obama: “What we are looking at today — a portrait of a biracial kid with an unusual name and the daughter of a water pump operator and stay-at-home mom — what we are seeing is a reminder there is a place for everyone in this country.” https://t.co/noW86ASkBN
(https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1567580948413255682?t=aMCot253j-0iaiJdlQqxBA&s=03)
CSPAN (@cspan) tweeted at 1:31 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
.@BarackObama: “I’ve always described the presidency as a relay race; you take the baton from someone, you run your leg as hard and as well as you can and then you hand it off to someone else, knowing that your work will be incomplete.” (cont…) https://t.co/a0JdiXQjPm
(https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1567581255792840705?t=I9ufUd0ueeHZwVZxrfRmPQ&s=03)
Valerie Jarrett (@ValerieJarrett) tweeted at 1:19 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
“When future generations walk these halls and look up at these portraits, I hope they get a better, honest sense of who Michelle and I were. And I hope they leave with a deeper understanding that if we could make it here, maybe they can too.” —@BarackObama
(https://twitter.com/ValerieJarrett/status/1567578399790567432?t=U82gPsArvSEpekngWdRJ_Q&s=03)
BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) tweeted at 3:36 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
The only accidental “good” thing trump did was being the first petty asshole in 240 years to refuse to unveil his predecessor’s portrait.
Ironically, it ended up allowing Presidents Obama and Biden to have a very special moment today.
(https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1567612801639645185?s=02)
Kat 4 Obama (@Kat4Obama) tweeted at 1:28 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Michelle Obama: A girl like me was never supposed to be here. But who determines that “supposed to”? These portraits remind us that there’s a place for everyone in this country. America is not about blood, pedigree, wealth — it’s about everyone having a fair shot.
(https://twitter.com/Kat4Obama/status/1567580567511900160?s=02)
The unveiling ceremony today was really a much needed break from the regular news that is still dominated by Trump, at least on cable news.
All the speeches were good, but PBO and Michelle gave the most poignant, beautiful speeches. PBO is still the nation’s best orator, and I love it when he’s casual and funny. Michelle’s speech was absolutely impeccable.
Given how things are these days, I would imagine that many people are feeling that longing for the days back in 2008 when PBO won the Democratic nomination and then the presidency. I certainly feel it.
Well, I guess those days belong to the ages now, the historians. But it’s nice to remember the Obamas as they were then. Maybe there is hope for better days.
Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) tweeted at 1:06 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
This speech tells you just how much respect, admiration and love there is between Biden and Obama. It’s just so touching and emotional. 😢
(https://twitter.com/TheRickyDavila/status/1567574924419829761?t=sMWOh2wTungshZDAcu6gJg&s=03)
Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) tweeted at 1:05 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
President Biden, at the White House unveiling of the Obamas’ official portraits: “Barack and Michelle, welcome home!”
(https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1567574754361581571?t=TN1zJbLGvNEKkPEPgo1zRA&s=03)
Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) tweeted at 0:59 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Biden says Obama never took the easy way out, including on the ACA when he could have accepted a compromise but “went big.” Biden adds that it is now being “improved on”
(https://twitter.com/mikememoli/status/1567573277421223944?t=GTGEohIQgAl5dMdlZY9GMw&s=03)
Tell it 46
Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) tweeted at 1:02 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Biden: “There are few people I have known with more integrity, decency, and moral courage than Barack Obama. Mr. President, nothing could have prepared me better or more to become President of the United States than to be at your side for eight years.” https://t.co/9oGXoY8mbg
(https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1567573988964028421?s=03)
Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) tweeted at 1:16 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
President Obama praised the artist, Robert McCurdy, saying: “He paints people exactly the way they are, for better or worse.” To laughter, he said: “He refused my request to make my ears smaller!” https://t.co/3yVNuCFxAS
(https://twitter.com/jeffzeleny/status/1567577492151570434?t=vd0xOsufxgTt15iGtPq3mA&s=03)
Kat 4 Obama (@Kat4Obama) tweeted at 1:04 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
POTUS thanking President Obama for the eulogy he gave at Beau Biden’s funeral. The friendship of their daughters/grandchildren. “Through 8 years we grew to be a family.”
(https://twitter.com/Kat4Obama/status/1567574465684570112?t=iHG3H84BvuUq8Ef3u7BTZw&s=03)
Meloradrama (@thomsgarden) tweeted at 1:40 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
They are both so authentic when speaking- never feels like a speech- the openness, empathy, inclusion, and vulnerability (even in self-deprecating humor) that make them inspirational, aspirational & despite their power, bridge the gap to relatable. Outstanding, both of them. ❤️❤️
(https://twitter.com/thomsgarden/status/1567583621237579776?t=QxmQx6irVQPtkvzW9Ye1Dw&s=03)
Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) tweeted at 1:45 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
The video of Michelle Obama:
“We hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Those of us lucky enough to serve work, as Barack said, as hard as we can, for as long as we can — as long as the people choose to keep us here — and once our time is up, we move on.” https://t.co/2fns1hx3NG
(https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1567584807999209484?t=5tFNQXk1p92lcQ-F_7Z8wA&s=03)
Acyn (@Acyn) tweeted at 1:17 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Obama: You’ll note that he refused to hide any of my grey hairs. Refused my request to make my ears smaller. He also talked me out of wearing a tan suit https://t.co/CbE7eeLOXy
(https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1567577840970784769?t=miTYE3AnFSg-ODv_kwcwFw&s=03)
Good Trouble & Very Asian 🌻☮️ (@flipped54) tweeted at 1:25 PM on Wed, Sep 07, 2022:
Michelle went there, talking about democracy and the vote. I love this woman!
(https://twitter.com/flipped54/status/1567579794661081088?t=yBMkZ46YKCmzCXFK0nDZRQ&s=03)
I love both of them for different reasons.
I love 44’s because it’s so striking – it looks like a photograph. I love the choice of no background. Just him. It completely fits.
As far as Forever FLOTUS…
She looks absolutely beautiful. Just wondrous. Love it.
He mentioned the tan suit!
LOL
Her grace…intelligence…and the fact that she’s FINE!
LOL…
Go 44
Forever FLOTUS has her hair in Braids!
YESSS
The gang’s back together :)
Good Morning, Everyone😊😊😊
I can’t wait to see the portraits🤗🤗🤗
Me neither! I know they are awesome1