Ethel Kennedy’s memorial service on Wednesday, held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., brought together prominent figures like President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton. As a tribute to the wife of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who tragically lost his life during his 1968 presidential campaign, the memorial served as a reflection of the legacy of the Kennedy family.

However, the service also gave way to some eyebrow-raising moments, particularly between the high-profile attendees. Biden delivered the final remarks, but it was clear throughout the service that there were noticeable tensions simmering between certain individuals.

.@SpeakerPelosi: “Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. President.”

Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton listen to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Ethel Kennedy funeral. pic.twitter.com/ildgZKpaTo

— Jeremy Art (@cspanJeremy) October 16, 2024

Rep. Nancy Pelosi made an odd observation when she mentioned recognizing Obama, Biden, and Clinton in her eulogy, though she and Biden have reportedly not spoken recently, according to some sources. Adding to the oddity, Clinton’s remarks raised a few questions when he mentioned Ethel Kennedy flirting with him “in the most innocent ways,” and then awkwardly launched into a rambling comment about immigration and population growth. What exactly he meant remains unclear, but his vague allusion to demographic changes might have made even the most seasoned listener uncomfortable. And interestingly enough, Hillary Clinton was nowhere to be seen at the service.

But the most intriguing and awkward exchange appeared to be between Obama and Biden. Observers noted a visible tension between the two, with Obama crossing his arms in what seemed to be a defensive or exasperated posture. Body language experts would probably have a field day with this one—Biden appeared to ask something of Obama, only to be met with what seemed to be frustration or dismissal. At one point, Obama simply answered, “No,” which seemed to leave Biden visibly shaken, especially after Biden looked away and then back, perhaps realizing the weight of what was just said.

Biden glares at Nancy Pelosi at Ethel Kennedy’s funeral after she stabbed him in the back before he dropped out https://t.co/MB3IZjQCLe pic.twitter.com/bc6qRsoaxX

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) October 16, 2024

This tension between Obama and Biden shouldn’t come as a shock to those who’ve paid attention to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) friction between them over the years. Biden’s long history as Obama’s vice president might suggest closeness, but it’s clear from moments like this that their relationship is not as cozy as some might believe. Biden’s reaction during the exchange suggested a level of discomfort, almost as if he were processing something deeply unpleasant.

As the political drama between these powerful figures played out in the pews of a church during what should have been a solemn occasion, it only underscored the divisions and unspoken tensions simmering beneath the surface of the Democratic Party’s top ranks. One can only speculate what the nature of their conversation was, but it will certainly keep people guessing for a while.

Bill Clinton at Ethel Kennedy’s funeral: “I thought your mother was the cat’s meow. She would flirt with me in the most innocent ways.”😬 pic.twitter.com/hCOQkBUMb2

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 16, 2024