Alliances and rivalries in American politics are not uncommon. However, there are a few leaders in recent history that have taken their alliance to a whole new level. Some have even crossed party lines to develop close cooperation and friendships that can only be termed as bromances.
Here are five legendary political bromances in the history of US politics:
Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
The bromance between Adams and Jefferson was the most original political relationship. Although both of these gentlemen were once political rivals, they managed to find friendship in competition. When George Washington stepped down after his terms as president, Adams and Jefferson ran against each other. Adams was a Federalist from Massachusetts while Jefferson was an Anti-Federalist from Virginia. Although Adams won the hotly contested race, the two were able to put their differences aside and created America’s first original bromance. And as if this was a match made in heaven, both men died within hours of each other.
Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy
The bromance between John McCain and Ted Kennedy cut party lines. McCain who’s a Republican from Arizona worked closely with Kennedy, a Democrat from Massachusetts. McCain said in his latest memoirs that Kennedy was the kind of politician who earned respect from both sides of the political divide. McCain gave a heartfelt eulogy when Kennedy passed away in 2009. As it turns out, McCain is also suffering from the same brain cancer that took Kennedy’s life.
Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia
Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as Justices of the US Supreme Court until Scalia’s death. Although both had different ideologies when it came to law interpretation and application, they developed a very close friendship. Ginsburg may not be a “bro.” However, despite her liberal ideology, she managed to strike an accord with the late Justice Scalia who was a conservative. When Scalia passed away in 2016, Ginsburg said that they were best buddies. They also celebrated New Years together with their spouses and even took vacations together.
Presidents George H.W Bush and Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton and George H.W Bush ran against each other in the 1992 election. At the time, Bush was the incumbent seeking another term while Clinton was a young Democratic candidate and governor of Arkansas. The race was hot and feisty at times but in the end, Clinton emerged the eventual winner. Despite what was a very bitter race, the two men reached out to each other and built a very strong friendship. At one point, Barbara Bush referred to Clinton as the “black sheep of the family” signaling a very close relationship between her husband and Clinton.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
It’s really not easy to find a more popular and publicized bromance than this one. President Barack Obama and his Vice President Joe Biden simply clicked. The pair competed against each other during the Democratic nomination. However, Obama picked Biden to join him on the ticket and both have really enjoyed every minute of it.
