On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and other high profile Democrats attended the funeral of the late John Warner, a former Republican U.S. Virginia senator, where they chose to wear masks despite being fully vaccinated.
In addition to President Biden and Speaker Pelosi, other masked Democrats in attendance included First Lady Jill Biden and Sen. Patrick Leahy.
Fully vaccinated — Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Nancy Pelosi wear masks during funeral service for former Sen. John Warner pic.twitter.com/pSoX27bsdc
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) June 23, 2021
What Kind Of Message Does It Send?
Since mid-May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a face mask or socially distance at six feet anymore in most settings, whether outdoors or indoors.
Some critics have noted that when celebrities and political leaders still wear masks after being fully vaccinated, it could send mixed messages.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also attended the Warner funeral.
He also wore a mask.
Pelosi’s Husband Spotted Speaking To The President And First Lady Sans Mask
Most of the funeral guests donned masks on Wednesday. A photo was taken of Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul speaking to Joe and Jill Biden without wearing a mask, according to Breitbart.
When President Biden spoke at the service, he removed his mask.
“John’s decisions were always guided by his values, by his convictions and never by personal political consequences,” the president said before a mostly masked audience at Washington National Cathedral.
"When John endorsed me, it gave me confidence not about winning, about being able to do the job. John gave me confidence," President Biden said at the funeral of longtime GOP Sen. John Warner. https://t.co/tGe6HSggeD
— The Hill (@thehill) June 23, 2021
Former Sen. Warner Passed In May At 94
In the crowd were other members of Congress and Warner’s immediate family and members, who Biden met with privately beforehand.
“It was always guided by his obligation to all those he represented, even those who did not vote for him,” Biden said.
Warner died of heart failure on May 26. He was 94.
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