【1979 Archives】

It was a striking moment.

Former President Barack Obama979 Archives after delivering a powerful, pointed eulogy for Rep. John Lewis, slipped on a face mask. In the moment, it felt iconic — a sign of the strange times and a reminder of a U.S. leader willing to sacrifice a tiny bit for the well-being of others.

At the conclusion of his tribute, the crowd delivering a standing ovation, Obama walked off the podium. Just before he got too close to a Secret Service agent to social distance, the former president reached into his pocket, grabbed a mask, and carefully slipped it on.

It was markedly different than President Donald Trump, who fought against wearing a mask until he practically had no other choice.

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The striking mask moment followed a blunt eulogy from Obama. While praising the amazing civil rights work done by Lewis, Obama urged political leaders to do actual work the late congressman would appreciate. Namely, strengthen the Voting Rights Act.

"You want to honor John?" Obama said. "Let's honor him by revitalizing the law he was willing to die for. And by the way, naming it the John Lewis Voting Rights Act — that is a fine tribute. But John wouldn't want us to stop there, just trying to get back to where we already were. Once we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, we should keep marching to make it even better."

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