Former Presidents George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama at a 2017 event in College Station, Texas. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images
All living former presidents except Donald Trump have banded together for two national ad campaigns released Thursday that are designed to drive trust in COVID-19 vaccines.
Driving the news: One video from the "It's Up To You" campaign features images of former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, along with former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter getting the jab.
- The other video, also facilitated by the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative, was shot at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia — where they also recorded a message about coming together in a "peaceful transition of power" for President Joe Biden's inauguration in January.
What they're saying: In this second video, Bush says that "the science is clear: these vaccines will protect you and those you love from this dangerous and deadly disease," with Clinton adding: "They could save your life.
- Obama notes that getting vaccinated is "the first step to ending the pandemic and moving our country forward."
Of note: A Trump adviser disclosed to Axios earlier this month that the former president and former first lady Melania Trump were both vaccinated against the coronavirus at the White House in January.
- There are no images of them being inoculated, but Trump declared at CPAC that "everybody" should "go get your shot."
- Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Flashback: Obama, Bush, Clinton willing to take COVID-19 vaccine in public