George Bush opens up about his relationship with Michelle Obama

Former US president George W Bush has spoken out about his relationship with Michelle Obama and how they bonded despite their vastly different political views.

Speaking with PEOPLE, Bush said he feels incredibly close to the former First Lady and that she gets his sense of humour when others don’t.

“She kind of likes my sense of humour. Anybody who likes my sense of humour, I immediately like,” he told the magazine.

The pair have been photographed embracing and holding hands at a number of events over the years.

Last year, a photo of them in a warm embrace at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture went viral, with many surprised by their close friendship.

“When I saw her, it was a genuine expression of affection,” he said of the moment.

He said when they do manage to catch up at big public events, he likes to tease her a bit and joke around together.

“I needle her a little bit and around her, I’m fairly lighthearted. [The Obamas] are around serious people all the time and we just took to each other,” he said.

The admission has left some people saying more politicians should be able to put their differences aside and work together like this.

“This is so awesome,” wrote one commenter online. “I really didn’t like Bush when he was in office and now that he is out of office and has relaxed he is a great person and I love the relationship he has formed with the Obama’s, two families with great love for family.”

Are you surprised to hear the pair are so close? Would you like to see more of this in politics?