The Interracial, Bipartisan State of the Union Fist Bump

When Barack and Michelle Obama exchanged a public “fist bump,” aka “terrorist fist jab,” in 2008, it practically caused a national crisis. Suggested Reading Step Into The World of ‘Sinners’ In This New Warner Bros. Studio Tour Exhibit How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow ‘Good’ Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer…

When Barack and Michelle Obama exchanged a public “fist bump,” aka “terrorist fist jab,” in 2008, it practically caused a national crisis.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Elon Musk is Leaving the Trump Administration and Black Twitter is Buzzing

Fast-forward to last night. Before taking to the podium to deliver his State of the Union address, President Obama fist-bumped Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, creating an instant Internet meme (Gawker titled an animated .gif the “Exploding Bipartisan Fist Bump”). After the hand explosion, the 53-year-old Republican, who recently returned to the Hill after suffering a stroke in 2012, hugged the president.

And no one mentioned terrorism. Progress.

Watch it at Gawker.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.