US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will unveil portraits of Barak Obama and his wife Michelle, their predecessors on Wednesday. Read to know more about the decades-old tradition.
President Biden unveils Obama’s portrait
The decades-old tradition in Washington has been going on for decades and has transcended partisan politics. However, during the Trump administration, the tradition witnessed a brief hiatus. The Bidens have now decided to continue the practice in the White House. On Wednesday, they will be hosting the Obamas to reveal their portraits amidst their staff, friends, and family.
This White House tradition has the current president hosting his immediate predecessor for unveiling the portraits. Previously, the Clintons did for George HW Bush and Bush for Clinton. Barak Obama also hosted the younger Bush who was president before him. This will also be Michelle’s first visit to the White House since Obama’s presidency ended in early 2017. Barak was previously in the White House in April for marking the 12th anniversary of the 2010 health care law.
More on the ceremony
These ceremonies are famous for allowing past presidents to showcase their comedic talent. “I am pleased that my portrait brings an interesting symmetry to the White House collection. It now starts and ends with a George W,” Bush had joked in his ceremony back in 2012. “Most of the time, till you get your picture hung like this, the only artists that draw you are cartoonists,” quipped Bill Clinton in 2004. Before the presidents and first ladies leave the White House, they choose an artist(s) of their choice. They also offer guidance on how they want to be illustrated.