Barack Obama may not be a grandfather yet, but he looked very ready for preschool duty. And that moment has now gone viral.
The former president joined New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx last week, where the two spent time reading, chatting, and singing with a room full of preschoolers.
Obama and Mamdani led the kids in a round of ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ complete with the hand motions. Obama later posted a photo from the visit and joked, “Great spending time with New York City’s Cutest. And thanks to @nycmayor for giving me an excuse to break out my best Wheels on the Bus.”
Obama And Mamdani Went Full Preschool Mode
Obama’s own post did not include any videos, but clips from the classroom quickly made the rounds.
In the footage, Obama rolls up his sleeves and joins Mamdani for the full routine. The two do the classic “wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish” motion while the kids watch, sing, and move along.
It is the kind of clip that does not need a political speechwriter. Two public figures sitting with toddlers and doing preschool choreography will travel online every time.
After the singalong, Obama and Mamdani read ‘Alone & Together’ by Emilie Chazerand and Amandine Piu. The children’s book focuses on friendship and community, making it a fitting pick for a classroom visit centered on early learning and connection.
The Kids Helped Them Back Up
The classroom moment got even better when Obama and Mamdani sat on the carpet with the kids for group photos.
After everyone shouted “cheese,” Obama asked the room, “Who’s going to help me get up?” The preschoolers immediately stepped in. Several kids grabbed hands and tried to help pull the former president and the mayor back to their feet. Realistically, a group of four- and five-year-olds can only do so much, but the effort was the entire point.
Fans loved the moment. “They’re going to tell their grandchildren about this one, it is too iconic. Parents save those photos!” one commenter wrote under Obama’s Instagram post. Another added, “Love this! Two amazing leaders!”
Mamdani Framed The Visit Around Early Education
Mamdani also shared photos from the day and tied the visit to his administration’s early childhood agenda.
“Today, President Barack Obama and I read to a group of toddlers at Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx,” he wrote. He added, “In between singing Wheels on the Bus, we discussed our administration’s vision for this City, one where New York’s Cutest have the strongest start possible.”
Obama’s daughters, Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, may not be making him a grandpa just yet. For now, he seems perfectly fine borrowing a preschool classroom, breaking out the hand motions, and letting the internet enjoy the softer side of presidential life.
