An unusual seating lineup at former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral is making the rounds on social media, with viewers fixating on the moment longtime political opponents found themselves side-by-side.
A Threads video shared by user @thebidensinfocus captures a row of high-profile attendees at the invitation-only service held on November 20, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. In the clip, former President George W. Bush sits with former first lady Laura Bush, followed by former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. Next to them are former Vice President Kamala Harris, then former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence. The post has drawn more than 452,000 views, with many commenting on the symbolism of the seating arrangement.
Dick Cheney served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Before that, he was U.S. secretary of defense and White House chief of staff. A defining figure in U.S. national security policy after 9/11 and during the Iraq War, he died on November 3, 2025, at age 84.
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George W. Bush delivered a eulogy during the service, recalling his decision to bring Cheney onto the ticket.
“I remember my dad’s words [former President George Bush] when I told him what I was planning. He said, ‘Son, you couldn’t pick a better man,’” Bush said, as reported by ABC News.
Notably absent were current President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were reportedly not invited.
The gathering also prompted broader chatter about who did—and didn’t—attend. “Where’s the Obamas?” one Threads user, Dianne Johnson, asked. Another commenter, Lamsom, speculated whether the guest list was restricted to former vice presidents, suggesting that might explain why some past presidents were missing.
There is no official rule limiting attendance at a former vice president’s funeral to other ex–vice presidents. Services at the National Cathedral are typically invitation-only, with the family and organizers deciding the guest list. In Cheney’s case, several former presidents and vice presidents from both parties were invited and attended, while The Associated Press reported that other former presidents, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, were invited but did not attend.
Reactions to the video ranged from reflective to emotional. One viewer wrote, “Notice how Joe Biden lights up as the choir sings ‘America’. That man loves this country with all his heart.” Another user, Sally, shared that the service felt like “a beautiful family tribute,” adding that even without being a Cheney supporter, she was moved by his family’s devotion. Others praised the moment as an example of civility across political divides.
“You may not agree with all the political views of everyone seated here but you must respect the honor and decency of all these true leaders, coming together to honor a man that played a significant role in our country and democracy for a large portion of his life,” one commenter wrote.
Aileen summed up the mood more simply: “I miss normalcy, respect, compassion.”
