Pool Reports by Adam Cancryn, POLITICO
| Sent: | Reports: |
| April 12, 2023 10:37 BST |
Travel Pool Report 1 — Morning from Belfast Good morning from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where I'll be your travel pooler on what's shaping up to be a busy day for the president. The pool has just finished its sweeps and is holding in a hallway ahead of President Biden's meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scheduled for 11:15am BST (local time). Below is the day's full schedule, per the WH: BST 10:00 AM Out-of-Town Pool Call Time 11:15 AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom 1:00 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks marking the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and underscoring the readiness of the United States to support Northern Ireland's vast economic potential to the benefit of all communities 2:20 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, en route to Dublin, Ireland IST 3:00 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Dublin, Ireland 3:50 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Dublin, Ireland en route to County Louth, Ireland 4:15 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in County Louth, Ireland 4:50 PM THE PRESIDENT visits Kilwirra Cemetary 5:20 PM THE PRESIDENT tours Carlingford Castle 6:45 PM THE PRESIDENT visits Dundalk, Ireland and participates in a community gathering 9:05 PM THE PRESIDENT departs County Louth, Ireland en route to Dublin, Ireland 9:30 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Dublin, Ireland |
| April 12, 2023 11:35 BST |
Travel Pool Report 2 — Biden mtg with Sunak Pool was brought into a conference room at 11:21 am BST, where Biden and Sunak sat next to each other sat at a table, cups and saucers in front of them (unclear if they were drinking coffee or tea). "Heck of a view out there," Biden said, looking out the windows of the 23rd floor room. In response to a shouted question on what he was going to say to the Northern Ireland political parties, Biden said: "I'm going to listen." He did not respond to further shouted questions, including on trade and the document leaks. Sunak did not make any comments. Pool was ushered out at 11:22 and is headed to the motorcade. |
| April 12, 2023 12:12 BST |
Travel Pool Report 3 — Rolling to Ulster University Motorcade is rolling to Ulster University at 12:12pm BST for Biden's speech on business development in Northern Ireland. The pool saw Sunak exit the hotel and leave in a Range Rover parked out front, but didn't get a glimpse of Biden. The White House in meantime confirmed that both Biden and Sunak drank tea. Expected to be about a 5 minute ride. |
| April 12, 2023 12:24 BST |
Travel Pool Report 4–Arrival at Ulster University Biden arrived at Ulster University at 12:16pm BST. The motorcade passed crowds lining the street along the route, in some cases around the Grand Central hotel stacked four or five deep, many of them filming on their phones. The pool spotted one man with a large Trump flag, and later on a woman holding up a sign that read "FAKE CATHOLIC FAKE PRESIDENT" Pool did not see Biden enter the university. The WH sends along these travelers with the President via motorcade en route to Ulster University: Jane Hartley, Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom |
| April 12, 2023 12:54 BST |
Travel Pool Report 5 — Biden begins speaking Biden took the stage at Ulster University at 12:53pm BST to applause from the audience in the roughly six rows of seats ringing the stage, as well as those packed onto the three floors of balconies overlooking the stage behind him. Per the WH, attendees are a mix of government officials, business leaders and Ulster University students. Speaking before Biden: Paul Bartholomew, the school's president and vice chancellor; Jane Hartley, US ambassador to the U.K. and Northern Ireland; Joe Kennedy III, US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs; and Steve Orr, CEO of Catalyst. Gabrielle Feenan, an entrepreneur and Ulster U alumnus, introduced Biden. Biden's remarks are being live-streamed: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ The WH also sends along: Greeting the President ahead of his remarks at Ulster University: Party Leaders Local Dignitaries |
| April 12, 2023 13:19 BST |
Travel Pool Report 6 — Biden remarks end Biden concluded his remarks at 1:16pm BST. Biden hailed the 1998 Good Friday agreement, pointing to the university as an example of how the "dividends of peace are all around us," and acknowledged the difficult work that went into reaching the accord. He emphasized the strength of the relationship between the US and Northern Ireland, and its investment in ensuring peace continues: "The American people are with you, every step of the way, it's real." Biden added that maintaining the Good Friday agreement is a priority for both Republicans and Democrats, something he said "is unusual today" given the partisanship in the US. "This is something that brings Washington together." Biden also touted Northern Ireland's economic progress and potential. At one point he acknowledged Belfast actor James Martin, star of Oscar-winning film An Irish Goodbye, who was sitting in the audience. Biden said he'd gotten a photo with Martin earlier. Biden discussed the need to preserve democracy, and expressed his hope that Northern Ireland's government would find ways to to work together. He finished by pledging continued partnership between the US and Northern Ireland. Biden is now greeting people along the rope line. |
| April 12, 2023 13:57 BST |
Travel Pool Report 7 — Headed to airport Motorcade departed Ulster University at 1:54pm BST. The pool spotted Biden in the Beast as he drove by, but could not 100% make out the woman he was sitting next to in the car. We're headed to Belfast International Airport for a quick flight to Dublin. |
| April 12, 2023 14:31 BST |
Travel Pool Report 8 — Arrival and greeting Motorcade arrived at Belfast airport at 2:27pm BST following an uneventful ride dotted by onlookers gathered along the highway and the few neighborhoods that we traveled through. Biden boarded AF1 at 2:30 pm preceded by Valerie Biden Owen and Hunter Biden. Taking off shortly en route to Dublin Per the WH: Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Dublin International Airport: Secretary Antony Blinken, U.S. Department of State |
| April 12, 2023 15:39 IST |
Travel Pool Report 9 — Arrival and greeting Biden deplaned AF1 in rainy Dublin at 3:27pm local time, accompanied by Valerie Biden Owen and Hunter Biden. Crowding under umbrellas, the three greeted Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and several other Irish officials (full list below). Secretary of State Antony Blinken also greeted Varadkar and the others on the tarmac. Biden got into the Beast at 3:31. Pool is headed to the motorcade for a short ride to a second location nearby. Greeting Biden on arrival, per the WH: H.E. Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland |
| April 12, 2023 16:15 IST |
Travel Report 10 — Firehouse greeting and rolling to castle Biden stopped at a firehouse just off the tarmac, where he delivered brief remarks to a crowd of about 250 embassy officials and their young children. Biden thanked everyone for being there, and remarked about the importance of firefighters, before going over to greet the children and offering to take a few questions from them. One child showed Biden his toy replica of AF1, to which he replied "oh look at this! Air Force 1." Another then asked Biden about the key to success. He didn't appear the hear the full question and his son Hunter, standing nearby, restated it. Biden responded by saying it was important to remember that when you disagree with someone, you can question their judgment, but to never question their motives, or else it'll be impossible to get an agreement with them. He then told a lengthy, often-told anecdote from his time in the Senate involving former Sen. Jesse Helms, a conservative who he described as "not very crazy about African Americans." Biden said he was incensed at the time over Helms' opposition to efforts by then-Sens. Ted Kennedy and Bob Dole to shore up rights for people with disabilities, and vented to then-Majority Leader Mike Mansfield that Helms had no redeeming qualities. Biden said that Mansfield responded by telling him about Helms' decision to adopt a special needs child a few years earlier, a revelation that Biden said made him feel foolish. "That's a long answer to a real quick question," Biden concluded. Another child asked Biden how his dogs were doing, to which he responded that they were "doing well." Biden thanked the kids again and began greeting others along the rope line. Motorcade left the firehouse at 4:14 pm local time. Due to a bad weather call we're skipping the planned trip to the cemetery and going straight to Carlingford Castle. |
| April 12, 2023 16:58 IST |
Travel Pool Report 11 — Biden calls with Indiana, NJ govs The White House sends along: The President spoke by phone to Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and offered his full support and any additional federal assistance needed to respond to the fire in Richmond. The EPA deployed federal personnel to the scene last night to assist state and local first responders with emergency response efforts, including air monitoring and debris sampling. The President also spoke to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to offer federal assistance in response to the Jimmy's Waterhole Fire that started last night. |
| April 12, 2023 17:57 IST |
Travel Pool Report 12 — Arrival at Castle Motorcade arrived at Carlingford Castle at 5:55pm local time. The heavy rain throughout the drive didn't deter large groups of onlookers from gathering on highway overpasses and along the route, some of whom were waving Irish or American flags. The castle is located in County Louth, where Biden's maternal ancestors, the Finnegans, are from. |
| April 12, 2023 18:00 IST |
Travel Pool Report 13 — Background on Biden's castle visit Per the WH: The President is taking a guided tour of Carlingford Castle from Gerry Hoey, a Local Castle tour guide, and Yvonne Keenan-Ross, Project Manager for Carlingford Heritage Trust and Tourism. In attendance: H. E. Micheál Martin, Tánaiste of Ireland Background Carlingford Castle would have been the last Irish landmark that Owen Finnegan (President Biden's maternal great-great-grandfather) saw before he departed for New York. From the castle, the President will look across the water to Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, from where Owen Finnegan departed the port of Newry over 174 years ago on March 31, 1849. The water view from the Carlingford Castle is Carlingford Lough, a bay that empties into the Irish Sea. The Carlingford Pipe Band, a four-piece bagpipe and drum ensemble, will play an original piece titled "A Biden Return." In 2020, they performed another original anthem, entitled "Our Local Joe," written as part of a local parade held in celebration of then-President-Elect Biden. They have played at festivals, sporting events, and international parades, including the New York City Saint Patrick's Day parade in 1989. |
| April 12, 2023 18:37 IST |
Travel Pool Report 14 — Castle tour and rolling Biden, wearing blue cap, took in the view of the water from a landing in the castle while speaking with his tour guide. Pool also spotted Biden's son, Hunter, and sister Valerie. Asked how it feels to be here, Biden said that "It feels wonderful! Feels like I'm coming home." He was also asked what he thinks of the weather (which has been a steady rain). "It's fine. It's Ireland," Biden said. Pool was escorted away shortly afterward, but could hear the the Carlingford Pipe Band playing in the distance. Motorcade is back moving at 6:31pm en route to Dundalk. |
| April 12, 2023 19:32 IST |
Travel Pool Report 15 — Stop at McAteers Motorcade arrived in Dundalk at 7pm local time in front of McAteers The Food House, a local market and deli. Biden greeted the crowds of people along the street, many of whom were waving small American flags. Biden took a handful of photos, shaking hands as he moved down the line. Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden Owen were also spotted shaking hands and talking with onlookers. Biden then entered McAteers, greeting people inside before making his way over to the deli counter, where 10 workers had gathered. Biden was introduced to each of the workers owner Jerome McAteer. McAteer introduced one worker by saying "he does more talking than working." "I don't know, he sounds like me," Biden responded. After Biden's son, Hunter, came up asked if he was going to order, Biden said he was just looking. "Well I may want to order something," Hunter said. Later, Biden said "I don't know why the hell my ancestors left here. It's beautiful." Pool was ushered out while Biden was still looking around the store, and before we could determine if Biden or Hunter ended up ordering. Pool is holding ahead of the next stop at Windsor Bar and Restaurant. |
| April 12, 2023 19:47 IST |
Travel Pool Report 16 — Windsor Bar Biden arrived at the Windsor Bar and Restaurant at 7:44pm, where he's slated to meet with residents and deliver brief remarks. Those remarks will be live-streamed. Background per the WH: Greeting the President upon arrival: Donal McGeough, Owner of The Windsor Bar and Restaurant The local residents at the pub will include representatives from the International Fund for Ireland. The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) was established as an independent international organization by the Irish and British Governments in 1986. The IFI was established as the result of a bipartisan initiative by Speaker Tip O'Neill and President Reagan and is the vehicle for Congressional funding for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The United States has contributed $551 million to the IFI since 1987. The entertainment at the pub will be Patricia Treacy, an award-winning musician and violinist from County Louth who played at the President's inauguration and traveled to Washington, D.C. to perform at the White House St. Patrick's day celebration in 2022, and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, a youth orchestra based in Dundalk. |
| April 12, 2023 20:14 IST |
Travel Pool Report 17 — Biden remarks begin Biden entered the restaurant at 8:09 local time, to cheers from the handful of attendees seated in chairs and more packed into the back bar area. Behind him, an American flag and Irish flag hung next to each other, alongside a mounted television that read "Welcome President Joe Biden!" Biden began speaking at 8:14pm. His remarks are being live streamed. Prior to Biden's entrance, Valerie Biden Owen came in to take her seat in the first row, joking with those waiting that "it's not easy to raise an older brother." |
| April 12, 2023 20:31 IST |
Travel Pool Report 18 — Biden remarks end Biden finished speaking at 8:28pm. His remarks focused largely on his family, ancestry, dignity, the values instilled in him by the Irish side of his family. He also spoke about the possibilities he sees in both the US and Ireland. "Thank you all for the homecoming welcome," he said at the conclusion of his remarks, joking that the "bad news" is that he's going to come back in the future. Pool is holding outside the restaurant. |
| April 12, 2023 21:04 IST |
Travel Pool Report 19 — Exiting restaurant and rolling Biden left the restaurant at 8:57pm and briefly greeted the crowd waiting outside before getting into the Beast. Motorcade is rolling back to Dublin at 9:03pm. |
| April 12, 2023 21:27 IST |
Travel Pool Report 20 — Additional members of US delegation Addt'l note on travel: we are motorcading back to Dublin because of a bad weather call. The WH also sends along: Traveling separately and joining the President in Dublin as part of the delegation: T.H. Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture |
| April 12, 2023 22:27 IST |
Travel Pool Report 21 — Arrival at RON and lid Motorcade arrived at the RON at 10:24pm local time, and we have a lid. Many thanks to co-pooler Matt Viser for his timely assists on a jam-packed day, and have a good night. |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of April 12, 2023 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/360563