Pool Reports of August 19, 2024

8/19 In-Town Pool Report 1

Lunch lid until 1:15 p.m. called by the White House Press Office.

8/19 In-Town Pool Report #2

Pool is holding on the South Lawn as of 1:36 p.m. for President Biden's departure to Joint Base Andrews.

8/19 In-Town Pool Report 3

President Biden and Dr. Biden walked out of the South Portico of the White House at 1:48 p.m.

President Biden did not take any questions from the press. He walked across the South Lawn and boarded Marine One. See below for list of travelers from the White House Press Office.

Marine One was wheels up from the South Lawn at 1:51 p.m. Destination was Joint Base Andrews.

Handing off to the travel pool.

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady

8/19 In-Town Pool Report 4 - gaggle 2:45

From the White House Press Office:

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will gaggle aboard Air Force One at 2:45 PM EDT.

POTUS travel pool #1 - JBA arrival

Marine One was wheels down at 2 pm.

POTUS and FLOTUS stepped out at 2:03 pm. They were followed by Peter Neal, husband of Naomi Biden. POTUS had a folded-up newspaper in his hand.

POTUS boarded AF1 via lower steps at 2:05 pm. He paused to let FLOTUS board ahead of him.

He waved at pool but didn't come over to chat.

Karine Jean-Pierre will gaggle on board. It will play out on White House live:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

AF1 will be wheels up for Chicago shortly.

From the White House:

Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews:

Colonel Angela Ochoa, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing
Senior Airman Jalen Turner, Flight Line Protocol Specialist, 89th Airlift Wing

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Chicago O'Hare International Airport:

Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Emmy Ruiz, Assistant to the President & Director of the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Richard Ruffner, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Elizabeth Alexander, Deputy Assistant to the President & Communications Director for the First Lady
Mala Adiga, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Policy & Projects for the First Lady
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Jordan Montoya, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the First Lady
Vanessa Valdivia, Special Assistant to the President & Press Secretary for the First Lady
Julia Reed, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS travel pool #2 - Chicago arrival

Air Force One was wheels down at O'Hare International Airport at 2:34 pm local time.

Flight was slightly bumpy but otherwise uneventful.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gaggled for about 16 minutes. She discussed tonight's speech, the president's upcoming vacation and the situation in Gaza.

She said the president "is continuing to fine-tune the speech." She described him as in a "great mood" and in "great spirits."

She said in Chicago he will "spend time, continuing to prep for his big night."

Asked the length of the speech, she said: "It's a surprise."

In California he is "going to spend time with his family."

She noted that "presidents are never on vacation - he's president where ever he is."

As for this fall, POTUS is going to be out there in a "robust" way - more than he has been this month.

She declined to comment on negotiations in the Middle East and referred the press to Secretary Blinken comments.

As always please double check against transcript.

Air Force One is taxing. More tk….

POTUS travel pool #3 - air lift to Soldier Field

POTUS and FLOTUS disembarked from Air Force One at 2:48 pm with Peter Neal, granddaughter Natalie, and Howard Krein.

Note: POTUS is on the new Marine One for the first time.

Pool had to board its helo and did not see Marine One lift off.

Next stop is Soldier Field Landing Zone.

POTUS travel pool #4 - Soldier Field Landing Zone

Marine One was wheels down at Soldier Field Landing Zone at 3:09 pm.

Flight gave lovely views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

After Marine One landed lots of officials walked in to greet POTUS. See list below. He and FLOTUS stepped off at 3:13 pm to greet them. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged.

At 3:21 pm the motorcade is rolling.

From White House:

Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival to Soldier Field Landing Zone:

Governor JB Pritzker (IL), and his spouse, First Lady MK Pritzker
Senator Dick Durbin (IL), and his spouse, Loretta
Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL)
Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07)
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County, Illinois

POTUS travel pool #5 - arrival at United Center

Motorcade arrived at the United Center at 3:31 pm.

More tk...

There were a few protesters outside the security perimeter. Including one dressed as a giant white mouse.

From the White House:

This afternoon in Chicago - for the first time - the President rode in the new Marine One helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. After a transition period, the VH-92A Patriot will eventually replace the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopter.

The iconic 'white top' paint scheme of previous Marine One aircraft is represented in the new VH-92A, paying homage to the distinguished legacy of Marine One helicopters dating back to the famed colors pioneered in the late 1950's.

The President's current Marine One helicopter, the VH-3D, entered service in 1978. The VH-60 began service as a Presidential helicopter in 1987.

From White House:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade:

Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Jordan Montoya, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS travel pool #6 - walk through

POTUS and FLOTUS are doing a walk through ahead of their speeches tonight.

Both were on stage when pool was brought to floor.

FLOTUS went to podium first. POTUS stood a few feet behind her on stage.

"Testing 1 2 3," she said.

POTUS went to the podium next. Fellow reporters on the floor shouted questions but pool could not hear his response to all of them. His mic was not on.

"I am," he said when asked if he was ready to pass the torch.

"You'll hear tonight," he said in response to what was his message to those taking in this historic moment.

He walked off stage at 3:41 pm.

Next stop is the hold.

POTUS travel pool #7 - arrival at hold/more from POTUS Q&A at United

Motorcade left United Center at 3:54 pm and arrived at the hold at 4:09 pm.

Ride was uneventful. Lots of onlookers holding up their cell phones. Pool did not lay eyes on POTUS.

More from Biden taking questions at the podium during his walk through at United:

Asked if it was a bittersweet moment: "It's a memorable moment."

Asked about Trump's claim that he was ousted from the ticket in what amounts to a coup, Biden said: "His stability is still in question."

Thanks to TV pooler NBC for their help.

Our friends at C-SPAN have a video of the walk through: >https://www.c-span.org/video/?537849-1/president-biden-lady-stage-walk-ahead-dnc-speeches<

Pool is now holding...

POTUS travel pool #8 - a note from the East Wing

The East Wing passes this along about FLOTUS' remarks tonight:

Dr. Biden will be introduced out by a video featuring key moments from her tenure as First Lady and the causes that have defined her public life: supporting military families, advocating for increased educational opportunities, working to end cancer as we know it, and advancing women's health research. The video will include Vivian Wierwille from New Hampshire, who gave a profound introduction of Dr. Biden in March 2021 at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School during the First Lady's tour to highlight safely reopening schools after the pandemic. It was one of the most memorable moments of her tenure.

POTUS travel pool #9 - motorcade rolling

Motorcade is rolling for the United Center at 8:30 pm.

Onlookers could be heard cheering as the Beast moved out.

Pool did not lay eyes on POTUS.

White House did not provide details of what POTUS did during his hold.

More tk...

POTUS travel pool #10 - United Center arrival

Motorcade arrived at the United Center at 8:44 pm.

Ride was uneventful with glimpses of the super blue moon in the sky.

Pool has not laid eyes on POTUS...

POTUS travel pool #11 - POTUS photo line

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign:

The President and the First Lady are participating in a greet with the 2024 Democratic National Convention Leadership:

Minyon Moore, Chair, 2024 Democratic National Convention
Alex Hornbrook, Executive Director, 2024 Democratic National Convention
Michael Sacks, Chair, Chicago 2024 Host Committee
Christy George, Executive Director, Chicago 2024 Host Committee
Jaime Harrison, Chair, Democratic National Committee
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
Senator Tammy Duckworth, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
Henry R. Munoz III, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
Ken Martin, ASDC Chair & Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
Jason Rae, Secretary, Democratic National Committee
Virginia McGregor, Treasurer, Democratic National Committee
Chris Korge, Finance Chair, Democratic National Committee
Roger Lau, Deputy Executive Director, Democratic National Committee
Monica Guardiola, Deputy Executive Director, Democratic National Committee

POTUS pool report 12 - Bidens on convention floor/run of show

Jill Biden came out onto the stage at 10:12 pm CT.

She is kicking off remarks for the Biden family – Ashley Biden will follow her and introduce POTUS.

Volunteers had passed out green signs reading "Jill" ahead of her remarks. These were waved around the hall as FLOTUS entered with delegates shouting "Jill, Jill, Jill"

Pool spotted several Bidens seated on the convention floor behind the Delaware delegation. Naomi Biden and Peter Neal; Maisy Biden held Baby Beau with Melissa Cohen seated next to her with Finnegan by her; Natalie and Little Hunter were in front of them; Ashley's husband Howard Krein also seated there.

From the White House:

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign:

The President is giving the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The President will be introduced by Ashley Biden, who will deliver remarks directly following the First Lady. The Vice President and the Second Gentleman are also in attendance.

Program

Call to Order, Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee & The Honorable Jaime Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Invocation, Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago

Land Acknowledgment, Zach Pahmahmie, Tribal Council Vice-Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation & Lorrie Melchior, Tribal Council Secretary of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

Presentation of Colors, Illinois State Police Honor Guard

Pledge of Allegiance, William & Charles Harrison

National Anthem, Soul Children of Chicago

Remarks and Video Introduction, The Honorable Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, Illinois

Presentation of the Convention Agenda, Jaime R. Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Joined by Vice Chairs The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms, Ken Martin, and Henry R. Muñoz III, Treasurer Virginia McGregor, and Finance Chair Chris Korge.

Credentials Committee Report, The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, Committee Co-Chair & James Roosevelt, Jr., Committee Co-Chair

Rules Committee Report, Bishop Leah D. Daughtry, Committee Co-Chair

Platform Committee Report, The Honorable Mitch Landrieu, Committee Co-Chair & The Honorable Regina Romero, Committee Co-Chair

Confirmatory and Ceremonial Vote for the Vice Presidential Nominee, Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee , Co-chaired by The Honorable Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

Welcome Remarks, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (MN) & Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)

Joint Remarks, Derrick Johnson , President & CEO of the NAACP & Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Honoring: Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Civil rights leader, Accompanied by The Honorable Jonathan Jackson and Yusef D. Jackson

Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

Video, Rich Logis , Former Donald Trump voter

Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42)

Brian Wallach & Sandra Abrevaya, Health care advocates and founders of I Am ALS

Senator Dick Durbin (IL)

Dutch Martinez & Ryan Ahern, The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)

Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-3)

Joint Remarks, Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA), Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA),Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles, California

Mickey Guyton, American musical artist

Joint Remarks, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis (CA) , Lieutenant GovernorAustin A. Davis (PA), Lieutenant GovernorSara Rodriguez (WI), & Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County, Texas

Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senate

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25)

Senator Laphonza Butler (CA)

Linda Haskins, Senior from New Hampshire

Lieutenant Jeremy Warmkessel, President of Local 302 IAFF Allentown Firefighters, Pennsylvania

Maria-Isabel Ballivian, Executive Director of the Annandale Christian Community for Action Childhood Development Center, Virginia

Deja Foxx, Reproductive rights activist and content creator

Performance, Jason Isbell, American singer and songwriter

The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo

The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

Rochelle Adjei-Abasa, Regional Organizing Director for Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Tony Goldwyn, American actor and singer

Steve Kerr, Team USA Men's Basketball coach and Golden State Warriors coach

Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers

The Honorable Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York

Stacey Johnson-Batiste & Doris Johnson, Childhood friends of Kamala Harris

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-6)

Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8)

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30)

Rep. Grace Meng (NY-6)

Joint Remarks, Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Texas, Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana, & Hadley Duvall, Kentucky

Governor Andy Beshear (KY)

Senator Raphael G. Warnock (GA)

Senator Chris Coons (DE)

First Lady Jill Biden

Performance, James Taylor, American singer and songwriter

Ashley Biden, Daughter of the President and the First Lady, & Introducer

The President

Benediction, Rabbi Michael S. Beals, Temple Beth El of Newark, Delaware, & Pastor Cindy Rudolph, African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oak Grove, Delaware

Gavel Out, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (MN)

POTUS travel pool #13 - FLOTUS remarks

From the East Wing:

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at the Democratic National Convention

Chicago, IL

***

Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years—and still, there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again.

Like when I handed him our baby Ashley for the first time and saw the smile that lit up his face.

Or, on nights after an exhausting day of working in the Senate, when he would read one more bedtime story just because the kids asked.

When he stops on a rope line, because he sees someone grieving who needs to know that everything will be alright one day—or to encourage that child with a stutter to find the confidence she needs.

Those moments when I'm reminded of all he's accomplished in the name of something bigger than himself: receiving the Medal of Freedom with humility, placing his hand on our family Bible to take his oath of office.

And weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul, and decide to no longer seek re-election and endorse Kamala Harris.

With faith and conviction, Joe knows that our nation's strength doesn't come from intimidation or cruelty.

It comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds, from service to the communities that make us who we are, from love of a country that shines with promise and renewal.

Kamala Harris knows that too.

Our son, Beau, first worked with Kamala when he was attorney general of Delaware. He told me at the dinner table one night: "Mom, she's special. Someone to keep your eye on."

And he was right.

Joe and I know Kamala. We have seen her courage, her determination, and her leadership up close.

Kamala and Tim, you will win, and you are inspiring a new generation.

We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, and we are stronger than we know.

The future of our country is in the hands of those in this room, and all of you watching at home.

It's going to take all of us. And we can't afford to lose. With faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country, we will fight—and we will win, together.

Thank you.

POTUS travel pool #14 - POTUS takes the stage

POTUS came out on stage at 10:25 pm to a long standing ovation and deafening cheers.

He did a little shuffling jog as he went to hug Ashley.

Volunteers quickly passed out signs reading "We (heart) Joe." Delegates waved them and shouted "Joe, Joe, Joe," "We love Joe," and "thank you Joe."

POTUS appeared to wipe away a tear as he hugged his daughter.

In Harris box were Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, Tim and Gwen Walz.

POTUS travel pool #15 - color from POTUS speech

POTUS' remarks were broadcast at all the usual places. He wrapped at 11:18 pm.

Here is some color from the United Center:

FLOTUS watched POTUS' speech from the convention floor with the Biden grandchildren. The family moved backstage toward the end of his remarks.

She came out after his remarks to give him a kiss. Then Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff came out. Hugs were exchanged.

The Biden family was next: Hunter and Melissa led out Baby Beau, holding his hands. Finnegan, Maisy, Naomi and Peter, Natalie and Little Hunter, Ashley and Howard were all on stage.

Ashley danced around the stage. Harris bent down to talk to Baby Beau. Baby Beau gave lots of waves. POTUS then took Baby Beau's hand to walk with him off stage.

Poolers could see Hunter Biden backstage with POTUS, standing near the stage door where POTUS came out onto stage, while POTUS was speaking.

Pro-Palestinian protesters were removed after unfurling a banner during POTUS remarks. It appeared to read "Stop Arming Israel." They appeared to be near Florida delegation.

Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi was visible in her bright yellow suit in the front row on the convention floor. She waved a "we heart Joe" sign when POTUS came out on stage.

Red signs stating "thank you Joe" were also waved by delegates.

There was a slight bit of chaos at the end of POTUS remarks when the pool was exiting the United Arena and got mixed in with the VP pool. But we have all made it to our respective motorcades.

POTUS travel pool #16 - motorcade rolling

At 11:35 pm the motorcade is rolling.

Pool caught a brief glimpse of POTUS as the Beast went by.

POTUS travel pool #17 - Soldier Field Landing Zone

Motorcade arrived at Soldier Field Landing Zone at 11:46 pm.

Pool was not close enough to see POTUS board Marine One.

We are wheels up shortly for O'Hare.

POTUS travel pool report #18 - O'Hare and POTUS talked

Marine One landed at O'Hare at 12:08 am.

POTUS and FLOTUS disembarked at 12:13 am.

POTUS came over to take questions. Please check against the transcript.

Ask if he's mad at Pelosi or at spoken to her: "I haven't spoken to Nancy. No one made the decision but me."

Asked about tearing up: "The reception was pretty overwhelming."

Ask about his comment earlier questioning Trump's stability: "I think he has a problem."

On the cease-fire: "It's still in play."

The highlight of the night: "My daughter's introduction."

Ashley and Jill walked hand in hand to plane. Hunter walked with POTUS.

Naomi and Peter Neal and Finnegan Biden got off another helo and boarded AF1 via the back entrance. Peter had his arm around Naomi.

It's the small AF1 to Santa Barbara airport. We will be wheels up shortly.

POTUS travel pool 18a - fuller quotes

Here are fuller quotes from President Biden. As always please double check the transcript.

What he thought of his reception tonight at convention: "It meant a lot to me. It was very nice."

If he's mad at Pelosi, or if he has spoken to her: "No I haven't spoken to her. No one made my decision but me. No one knew it was coming."

On the cease fire: "It's still in play, but you can't predict. So far as of four hours ago, I've not spoken my team in four hours. Well as of six hours now. … Israel says they can work it out. … Hamas is now backing away."

From WH:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Jordan Montoya, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS travel pool #19 - Santa Barbara arrival

Air Force One was wheels down Santa Barbara Municipal Airport at 2:22 am PT.

POTUS and FLOTUS disembarked at 2:39 am with Natalie Biden walking down the stairs with them.

Flight was uneventful with no visitors to press area.

Many Bidens came off the back of the plane: Hunter carrying a sleepy Baby Beau and Melissa Cohen, Ashley and Howard, Finnegan, Maisy, Little Hunter and Peter and Naomi

There is a bad weather call so it's a motorcade instead of helos.

Motorcade is rolling at 2:43 am.

POTUS travel pool report #20 - POTUS arrival at RON and lid

Motorcade arrived at POTUS RON at 3:50 am.

Drive was uneventful.

The Bidens are staying at the ranch of their friend Joe Kiani, per the White House.

The Kiani Preserve is an 8,000 acre ranch with its own winery: https://kianipreserve.com

With that we have a travel photo lid.

Thanks to all my copoolers for their help and good cheer on this long pool day.