Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, returned to the White House Wednesday, unveiling official portraits with a modern vibe in an event that set humor and nostalgia over his presidency against the current harsh political talk about the survival of democracy.
While her husband cracked a few jokes about his gray hair, big ears and clothes in his portrait, Mrs. Obama, a descendant of slaves, said the occasion for her was more about the promise of America for people like herself.
"Barack and Michelle, welcome home," declared President Joe Biden as the gathering cheered.
Biden, who was Obama's vice president, praised his former boss' leadership on health care, the economy and immigration and said nothing could have prepared him any better for being president than serving with Obama for those eight years.
"It was always about doing what was right," he said.
The portrait of Obama, America's 44th and first Black president, doesn't look like any of his predecessors, nor does Michelle Obama's look like any of the women who filled the role before her.
Obama stands expressionless against a white background, wearing a black suit and gray tie in the portrait by Robert McCurdy that looks more like a large photograph than an oil-on-canvas portrait. The former first lady, her lips pursed, is seated on a sofa in the Red Room in a strapless, light blue dress. She chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.
Scores of former members of Obama's administration were on hand for the big reveal.
Obama noted that some of them in the East Room audience had started families in the intervening years and feigned disappointment "that I haven't heard of anyone naming a kid Barack or Michelle."
Denne historien er fra September 13, 2022-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 13, 2022-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Evans: Much of GOP Agenda is Unpopular and We'll Fight It
He doesn't think people voted for higher prices or denial of healthcare.
How to root out Trumpism
So many of you have asked me how one of the most loathsome people in America was just reelected president that I thought you might find it helpful if I shared with you some personal history.
Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand
At the time, Kraft Heinz said the offerings were protein-enriched and contained reduced levels of saturated fat and levels of saturated fat and sodium to meet the requirements of the national free and reduced-price school lunch program.
Independence Blue Cross invites members to join free in-person and virtual events to learn more about Medicare
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is holding free events and online webinars to help existing members learn more about Medicare.
In honor of Veterans Day and our troops "God's Military Force"
Since the beginning of time, whenever man established a nation, country, or kingdom, he also developed a Military Force to protect that kingdom from enemies and, if necessary, back that Government in enforcing its law.
Phila. Water Dept.highlights conservation tips under drought watch
The Philadelphia Water Department supports the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP) call for reduced water use by residents in Philadelphia and 35 additional counties.
SEPTA announces major fare increase proposal for Jan.1
With no prospect of a statewide solution to help fund the everyday operating expenses of public transportation systems, SEPTA announced a new fare increase proposal that would see rates jump by more than 20% across all modes and methods of payment.
At an art festival in Dakar, artists from both sides of the Atlantic examine the legacy of slavery
A whirlwind of color and art at the opening of this year's Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art in the Senegalese capital stood in stark contrast to the serious topic of slavery featuring in the artworks of guest artists from the United States.
The torch is passed: from MAGA throwbacks to America's future
Joe Biden didn't just pass the torch to another generation. He passed it from white MAGA men to America's future.
Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know
New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday but some appear to work far better than others.
