First Lady Pool Reports of November 13, 2024

FLOTUS Pool report #1 - Philadelphia250 gala, Philadelphia, Pa.

First Lady Jill Biden gave remarks at the third annual Countdown to the 250th gala hosted by PHILADELPHIA250 on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Girard College.

Girard College is a college-prep school for students in first through twelfth grades.

The gala was hosted in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which will take place in 2026. PHILADELPHIA250's corporate and community partners, along with community leaders, attended the event, held in a banquet space at Girard College's Founder's Hall.

First Lady Jill Biden arrived at the event just after 6 p.m.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell gave brief remarks, beginning at 6:09 p.m. He remained seated toward the front of the room and was not visible to most attendees or to the roped-off press area at the back of the room.

"I think history will show that there's never been a better First Lady than Jill Biden," he said later, touting Biden's educational and career accomplishments.

Next, Rendell highlighted the accomplishments of President Joseph R. Biden saying, "He led us through the pandemic, he led us to a recovery, and he's produced the best economy that any country in the world has had," since the pandemic.

"I believe that in 10 years, Joe Biden will be rated among the 10 best presidents in the United States," Rendell said, followed by applause.

First Lady Jill Biden began speaking at 6:14 p.m. She thanked Gov. Rendell for his remarks about President Biden. She wore a long, dark dress. Behind her was a decorative backdrop, which read "Philadelphia250."

Biden grew up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, a suburb outside of Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood.

"I remember the school trips to the Betsy Ross Museum and to Independence Hall and those historic halls shaped how I saw the world," Biden said.

She underscored the purpose of the gathering, to celebrate the founding ideals of the nation.

"Everyone in this room reminds me to keep us reaching for those promises on which our nation was founded," she said. "That we are all created equal. That our rights can never be taken from us."

Biden drew laughter when talking about the reputation of Philadelphia natives.

"You know, at times, people have told me that Philadelphians are tough, that we're outspoken and loud, and that's putting it nicely," she said to laughter. "But what they're talking about is that same grit that made this country.

"Yes, we are tough. We're fierce. When we get knocked down we get back up and we never stop fighting for the things that we care about, the people that we care about. What you're doing today is part of that great tradition, and that's who Philly taught me to be."

"It's been the honor of this Philly girl's lifetime to serve as your First Lady," Biden said to applause.

The First Lady spoke for about six minutes. Her remarks concluded at 6:20 p.m. and she left the venue.