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Biden and Pence elbow bump at NYC 9/11 memorial, Internet lauds civility: 'Did he whisper he's crazy, save us?'

The duo met at World Trade Center memorial site in Manhattan and even spoke briefly ahead of the service

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence had a rare exchange on Friday, September 11 as they met while attending a ceremony to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The duo greeted one another with an elbow bump at the World Trade Center memorial site in Manhattan. They even spoke briefly ahead of the service, The Hill reported.

As Biden and Pence stood alongside their wives, former presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg stood between the two couples. Others in attendance were Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Shortly after, Pence spoke at a Tunnel to Towers Foundation event as he recognized those who lost their lives on 9/11 and read a Bible verse. The crowd shouted "four more years" and applauded as the vice president concluded his speech. Biden is slated to visit the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania later in the day. That said, the pleasantries between Biden and Pence marked a rare show of mutual respect during a time when the political crevices across the country run deep. It also highlighted how rare it has been to see leaders from across the political aisle cross paths amid the pandemic.

It's worth noting that Pence has previously described Biden as a "Trojan horse" for the radical left-wing of the Democrat Party. Meanwhile, Trump has launched several attacks on the former vice president himself, calling him mentally "shot" and the worst Democratic presidential candidate in years.

In early 2019, Biden was criticized by other Democrats for calling Pence a "decent guy." However, Biden doesn't seem to shy away from attacking the president, whom he has accused of betraying the American people in his handling of Covid-19. Nonetheless, social media users appeared to briefly put their political differences aside as they appreciated the rare exchange on a somber day that unified the nation 19 years ago.

"I wonder if Pence had *just* enough time to whisper 'He's crazy—save us' as he elbow-bumped Biden at the 9/11 event," Professor Seth Abramson tweeted.

"What act of American unity is more respectful than any other coming from the current president? Former Vice President Biden and current Vice President Pence recently exchanged an elbow bump at the September Eleven memorial in New York," one user tweeted.

"This photo will be iconic. It may be the last vestige of civility for a while. Joe Biden and Mike Pence exchange an elbow bump at 9/11 memorial in New York," another added.

"I like seeing stuff like this when it comes to politics. 9/11 changed the course of world history and we should never forget what happened on that day. Joe Biden and Mike Pence exchange an elbow bump at 9/11 memorial in New York," a third chimed in.

"The 9/11 ceremony in New York today. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence. Elbow bumping. Exchanging pleasantries. This is a picture to cherish if only for a moment," another comment read.