First Lady Pool Reports of October 18, 2023

FLOTUS pool report #1 - South Lawn + Background from WH

Good evening, the press pool is on the South Lawn for the Hispanic Heritage Month Reception at the White House with First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Below is background provided by the White House:

Today, the First Lady and Vice President will host a reception in the Rose Garden to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of the Latino community to our nation. Guests will include Latino leaders, organization leaders, and elected officials. Guests will be greeted by Las Vegas High School Mariachi Joya, and the main program will include a special performance by singer-songwriter-producer Gaby Moreno.

Program:

- First Lady Jill Biden
- Leo Gonzalez
- Vice President Kamala Harris
- Performance by Gaby Moreno

The reception is part of the events hosted by the White House during Hispanic Heritage Month, including hosting Latino LGBTQI+ leaders to discuss the Administration's investments in the community, hosting a briefing for fellows of the National Hispanic Medical Association to discuss investment from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, hosting the national radio show of Enrique Santos from the White House, and hosting the Latino influencers for a briefing on policy priorities for the Latino community.

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to advancing equity and opportunity for Latino communities around the country. The administration has taken historic action on student debt relief for working and middle-class borrowers, lowered Hispanic unemployment, supported Latino small businesses, and provided high-speed internet to Latino families and businesses.

FLOTUS pool report #2 - Correction + Head count

The reception is being held in the Rose Garden, not the South Lawn.

There are roughly 200 people in attendance, per the White House. There are orange standing tables with floral centerpieces scattered across the Rose Garden. Drinks are being served.

The pool has been positioned far from the stage.

FLOTUS pool report #3 - Arrival

First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris entered the Rose Garden together at 5:19 p.m. ET.

The program will begin shortly. A livestream is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

FLOTUS pool report #4 - Remarks

First Lady Jill Biden opened her remarks at 5:20 p.m. ET by acknowledging that President Joe Biden is traveling back to Washington from a war-time trip to Israel.

"The president wanted to be here with all of you today, but at this critical time, I'm sure you all know that he went to Israel, and even though he is an ocean away, his heart is also here with all of us," she said.

The first lady mentioned the establishment of the National Museum of the American Latino during her speech to applause.

Vice President Kamala Harris also began her remarks by speaking on the Israel-Hamas war. Harris said the administration "is doing everything we can to get food and water and medicine to civilians in need."

"As we have constantly made clear our support for Israel's security is unwavering, and Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists. And let us be clear, terrorism is never justified. And as I said yesterday, Israelis and Palestinians must have equal measures of security and prosperity," she added.

Harris called on the audience to celebrate the nation's diversity and the importance of equity.

"Yes, I just did do DEI," Harris quipped to laughter, using an acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion.

FLOTUS pool report #5 - Rose Garden exit

After a performance by Gaby Moreno, the First Lady gave her final remarks for the evening, ending at 5:55 p.m. ET.

The First Lady and Vice President spoke to and shook hands with attendees along a rope line.

Both had exited the Rose Garden by 6:01 p.m. ET.