Pool Reports of December 15, 2024

In-town pool report #1 — gathering

Pool is now gathering at the WH ahead of POTUS’ scheduled remarks at a DNC holiday party

Tktk

In-town pool report #2 — rolling

Pool did not put eyes on POTUS and FLOTUS but

motorcade is rolling for the Willard as of 5:39pm.

Tktk

In-town pool report #3 — arrival

Motorcade arrived at destination at 5:41pm, a potential new record. Pool did not have eyes on POTUS entering the hotel and is moving into position for remarks

In-town pool report #4 — remarks begin

Remarks took place in a ballroom at the Willard there are roughly 200 people in attendance.

The program itself began at 5:56pm, with outgoing DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and others delivering remarks ahead of POTUS.

POTUS, FLOTUS, VP, and Second Gentleman took the stage at 5:58pm, with Emhoff speaking first…

Tktk

In-town pool report #5 — event BG

Passing along from WH

The President is delivering remarks at the Democratic National Committee’s Holiday Reception.

Speaking Program

Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee
The Second Gentleman
The First Lady
The Vice President
The President

In-town pool report #6 — Biden speaking

POTUS began speaking at 6:17, immediately after VP concluded.

Worth mentioning that a guest’s phone began ringing at 6:13pm during VP’s remarks, drawing angry looks from others in the crowd.

Just two minutes later, a guest collapsed near the bar to the right of the stage. That person is receiving medical attention from hotel staff

Tktk

In-town pool report #7 — remarks over/highlights

POTUS wrapped at 6:28pm, avoiding any real newsy remarks.

The guest who collapsed was still receiving medical attention when POTUS concluded

Here are some highlights from POTUS' remarks. Please check quotes against transcript when available

Jaime Harrison "did a hell if a job"

POTUS said he "hadn't planned on running again" but things change and there was "a lot at stake."

To the DNC staff… "we couldn't have gotten as much as we got done without you… you knew what you were doing. You put yourself on the line, and we're forever grateful for your character"

On Jan 6… "we've come a long way since then… laws that are literally building the strongest economy in the world… laws that when fully implemented will change America for decades to come"

"It's been an honor of a lifetime being your president" but the title Biden is most proud of is "Jill's husband"

POTIS complimented VP and thanked her for her partnership… "you're not going anywhere kid. We aren't letting you"

"We all get knocked down… but the measure of a person is how fast they get back up"

"I know I'm going to stay engaged, and Kamala and Doug and Jill will as well"

"We ran a campaign that was basically scandal free… that's hard to do in American politics"

"The bad news for you is I ain't going nowhere" (laughs from the crowd)

In-town pool report #8 — rolling/back

Motorcade left the hold at 6:33pm and reentered WH grounds at 6:34pm.

Tktk

In-town pool report #9 — travelers

Pool did not put eyes on POTUS and FLOTUS re-enter the WH

passing along…

Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade en route to the White House:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
Emmy Ruiz, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Political Strategy and Outreach
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Curtis Ried, Deputy Assistant to the President & NSC Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary
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

In-town pool report #10 - travel/photo lid

… called at 6:40pm

Have a great Sunday night, y’all!