After the swearing-in of President Donald Trump (opens in new tab) earlier today, Barack and Michelle Obama made their final departure from the White House (opens in new tab).
They stood on the rain-soaked steps of the U.S. Capitol, Barack in a crisp suit with a blue tie and Michelle in a simple red belted dress and matching coat (opens in new tab), waiting for Mission One to take them away to Palm Springs, California. They stood looking out at the people, next to President and First Lady Trump in powder blue (opens in new tab). And then Barack made one small, simple gesture that melted the hearts of anyone who saw it.
😭😭😭 #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/XpQHlbw0HTJanuary 20, 2017
That hand squeeze was not an empty gesture. It was not a political move. It was not for the crowds, or for the press, or for the TV stations. It was Barack saying, "We did this together. Now let's go home."
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