While our current president sits in front of the television and sulks about the Mueller investigation, former President Barack Obama took some time from his busy schedule to brighten the lives of some sick children. On Wednesday afternoon, the 44th president stopped by the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. carrying a sack full of gifts for kids who won’t be able to spend the holidays at home.
“Ho Ho Ho … Merry Christmas!” he said as he entered, surprising the hospital staff and patients. “My reindeer they were stuck in some snow, but I just wanted to make sure that I made the trip and I had a chance to see all of you guys.”
The hospital later posted a video of the visit to Twitter. “Thank you Barack Obama for making our patients’ day so much brighter,” the tweet read. “Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company … and your gifts!
Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients’ day so much brighter. Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company…and your gifts! https://t.co/bswxSrA4sQ ❤️ #HolidaysAtChildrens #ObamaAndKids pic.twitter.com/qii53UbSRS
— Children's National Hospital 🏥 (@ChildrensNatl) December 19, 2018
In the video, Obama graciously thanked the hospital staff for going above and beyond to make the kids feel special, particularly at this time of year.
I just wanna say thank you to all of you guys, I’ve had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families at a time that’s obviously tough for folks. And as the dad of two girls I can only imagine in that situation, to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them, and looking after them, and listening to them, and just there for them and holding their hand. That’s the most important thing there is. What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be about.
He also retweeted the video, thanking them for “humoring” him as their stand-in Santa:
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa. https://t.co/mFmYCVk7cr
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 19, 2018
Suffice to say, it was quite the contrast to his predecessor, who often and openly requests that the American people thank him for doing his job — which a few people were quick to point out.
Feeling bad about your country and its leader? Watch this. A reminder that we can do better. https://t.co/qf6Kko6ybI
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 19, 2018
We had him. We took decency and honesty and humanity for granted. Never again. Let’s get back to this. https://t.co/mNsDpU0LLb
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) December 19, 2018
I’m in tears, I miss his civility and caring for others. God bless the staff for all they do and praying for the healing of the children.
— MomaT (@RAPsgirl) December 20, 2018
This is how you do it. My man! #ThanksObama #TXLege https://t.co/yROjzjcGWc
— Rafael Anchía (@RafaelAnchia) December 20, 2018
sobbing https://t.co/wzrY41nWZE
— Tina Kolokathis Vilbig (@tinakolokathis) December 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/Yair_Rosenberg/status/1075513217793880064
We had a real president once. https://t.co/UWGB2vX8qt
— Matt Ortega (@MattOrtega) December 20, 2018
THIS
IS
MY
PRESIDENT https://t.co/lS4xXY580V
— Grumpy Dem (@GrumpyDem) December 19, 2018
Thank you @BarackObama for bringing some Christmas cheer into these kids lives and giving them and their families motivation to fight on. https://t.co/ERZ18aI7hQ
— David Bossie (@David_Bossie) December 20, 2018
I’m no expert on politics, but that looks like a president to me! https://t.co/1mrujlb7XN
— Alex Wiltse (@2ManyOfYall1Me) December 20, 2018
Michelle Obama used to visit the same hospital every year during her tenure as first lady, while her husband visited as president in 2014.
(Via ABC News)