President Joe Biden shared a pew with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Ethel Kennedy’s memorial service – and cast a blank stare when the woman who helped push him to end his campaign delivered a eulogy.
Biden was joined by two of his predecessors as he walked toward his seat for the service inside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, with Pelosi walking behind him. The two haven’t spoken in more than two months.
Upon arriving at their row, Biden welcomed former Sen. John Kerry, his climate envoy. He then spoke to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who served as a top surrogate for him even while himself staying out of the race.
Former President Barack Obama was the next to greet Kerry, while Biden was shown to his seat. He didn’t turn toward Pelosi or her husband Paul Pelosi, as they walked in behind him.
Biden sat next to Obama, who served for eight years as vice president, and whose former aides were instrumental in issuing public calls for him to step back after his debate disaster this summer.
Obama and former President Bill Clinton were seated between Biden and Pelosi, providing a buffer.
President Joe Biden was seated a few seats down from Nancy Pelosi at Ethel Kennedy’s funeral. Pelosi recently said they haven’t spoken since she was a key figure in the pressure campaign to get him to step back from his reelection run
When the Speaker emerita delivered remarks, she cracked a joke that former Rep. Joe Kennedy III had already made recognizing the trio of powerful leaders.
‘Again, Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. President,’ she said, earning a smile from Obama. ‘How perfect for Ethel to have three great presidents’ speak,’ she said, to applause from attendees.
Biden sat stone-faced as she continued.
Pelosi revealed in a recent interview that she hadn’t spoken to Biden since his monumental decision to step back from his campaign.
‘Not since then, no,’ she told the Gurdian. ‘But I’m prayerful about it.’
Biden did hold an animated discussion with Obama, moving his hands at one point and gripping the pew with another while a church organist played somber music, all while Clinton spoke to Pelosi just a few feet away.
It was Joe Kennedy who got the best laugh when he made the joke about the three presidents. ‘I can say without question that you were her favorite,’ he jested, earning laughs from the crowd of mourners and a big grin from Biden.
Pelosi delivered a joke about the three presidents that was similar to an earlier one by Joe Kennedy III, Biden’s Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs
Biden and Obama found a few moments to laugh at the memorial service celebrating Kennedy’s life
When Obama spoke, he touched on themes of forgiveness and endurance while celebrating Ethel Kennedy’s life and acknowledging her sacrifice after her husband Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.
He called her ‘a woman who understood that our salvation comes from turning towards each other, not turning away. Someone who reminds us by example that life goes on no matter how deep the grief. That there is joy and purpose to be found, no matter what hand we’ve been dealt with.
When Pelosi was called to speak, she walked in front of Biden, who stood ahead with his hand partially covering his mouth.
Pelosi acknowledged Obama’s remarks recognizing Kennedy, earning applause from the crowd, including Biden.
Biden agreed when Pelosi called Ethel Kennedy a ‘national treasure.’
Biden joined the other presidents in clapping when Pelosi concluded by saying ‘may she rest in peace,’ and stood slowly when they did.
