Obamas return to the White House, unveil official portraits

Former President Barack Obama kisses his wife former first lady Michelle Obama after they unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Sept 7. Photo: AP

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, returned to the White House on Wednesday, unveiling official portraits with a modern vibe in an event that set humour and nostalgia over his presidency against the current harsh political talk about the survival of democracy.

While her husband cracked a few jokes about his grey hair, big ears and clothes in his portrait, Mrs Obama, a descendant of slaves, said the occasion for her was more about the promise of America for people like herself.