Barack and Michelle Obama have decided not to attend the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, according to a source familiar with the matter. Cheney, who served as the powerful vice president under former President George W. Bush, passed away on November 3 at the age of 84. While it is customary for first couples to be present at the funeral of a vice president, the Obamas, along with several other high-profile figures, will not be attending the service on Thursday, November 20.
Former President George W. Bush is expected to speak at the funeral, while former President Joe Biden and former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle are among those who will be in attendance. Additionally, political figures such as Nancy Pelosi, John Thune, Mitch McConnell, and Chief Justice John Roberts are set to pay their respects at the funeral.
Interestingly, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were reportedly not invited to Cheney’s funeral, breaking from the tradition of including sitting leaders. This decision may be linked to Cheney’s endorsement of the Democratic presidential ticket in 2024. Similarly, former President Bill Clinton will not be present due to a scheduling conflict.
Following Cheney’s passing, former President Barack Obama expressed his condolences to Cheney’s family on Facebook, acknowledging their differing political viewpoints but emphasizing Cheney’s dedication to public service and love for the country. Michelle Obama, however, will not be attending Cheney’s funeral, marking her third absence from significant political events this year.
Michelle notably missed the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier this year and also chose not to attend Trump’s second inauguration. Her decision to skip these events reflects her desire to distance herself from politics and focus on her own priorities. Despite the informal expectation for former presidents and first ladies to attend such events, Michelle has been vocal about practising the “art of saying no” and making decisions that align with her personal values.
The former first lady’s absence at Carter’s funeral and Trump’s inauguration did not go unnoticed, with speculation about the reasons behind her decisions. Michelle’s spokesperson cited scheduling conflicts for her non-attendance at these events, indicating that she prioritises her own well-being and commitments over conforming to traditional expectations.
Michelle’s choice to forgo these events aligns with her philosophy of prioritising authenticity and self-care. In a podcast episode, she discussed the importance of making independent decisions, even if they go against societal norms or formalities. By choosing not to attend events that do not resonate with her values, Michelle is setting an example of empowerment and self-respect.
In conclusion, as the Obamas opt out of attending Dick Cheney’s funeral along with other political figures, Michelle’s decisions reflect her commitment to staying true to herself and prioritising her well-being. Her choice to skip significant political events this year underscores the importance of setting boundaries, even in the face of societal expectations. Michelle’s actions serve as a reminder of the value of self-care and authenticity in navigating public life.