Pool Reports of December 22, 2022

in-town pool report #1

Pool note: Call time has been moved up to 10am. I'll share any additional information when it becomes available from White House.

in-town pool report #2: scheduling update

Addition to today's schedule from the White House:

At 10:15 a.m., the President will receive a briefing on the winter storm systems traversing the United States and the expected impacts. This briefing in the Oval Office will have an in-house pool spray at the top.

Gather time will be 10:05am in the briefing room.

In-town pool report #3 - delay

Pool was instructed not to gather yet for the anticipated spray, per press office.

I'll share an update when we know more. POTUS is supposed to receive a briefing in the Oval on the winter storms and their expected impacts.

In-town pool report #4 - gathering

Pool is now gathering for spray

In-town pool report #5: spray

Pool was ushered into the Oval at 10:31 a.m. for the spray at the top of POTUS's storm briefing.

The president made brief remarks and took no questions shouted by pool.

He was seated at his desk and gestured to a large display screen showing the forecast minimum wind chill across the country from Dec 20-25. He said he is going to be briefed by the National Weather Service and FEMA.

Biden called the storm and extreme cold weather reflected on the map "dangerous" and "threatening."

"I encourage everyone, everyone to please heed the local warnings. We've tried to contact 26 governors so far in affected regions. Go to weather.gov for more information," he said. "This is not like a snow day when you were a kid. This is serious stuff."

He urged people who are traveling to leave earlier ahead of the storm. He said he's sending his staff out early who planned to travel tomorrow or tonight, telling them to "leave now," saying they can talk to him by phone if need be.

Pool was ushered out at 10:34.

Photo attached

From the White House:

In-Person Participants
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor
Julie Rodriguez, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Virtual Participants
Director Ken Graham, National Weather Service
Administrator Deanne Criswell, Federal Emergency Management Agency

in-town pool report #6: schedule addition

Flagging this update to the president's schedule that just went out:

Update:

In the afternoon, the President will deliver a Christmas address focused on what unites us as Americans, his optimism for the year ahead, and wishing Americans joy in the coming year. This event in the Cross Hall will be pooled for TV and open to pre-credentialed media. [RSVP here by 1:00 PM]

EST

4:00 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a Christmas address focused on what unites us as Americans, his optimism for the year ahead, and wishing Americans joy in the coming year
Cross Hall
Pooled for TV and Pre-Credentialed Media (Gather 3:50 — Palm Room Doors) [RSVP here by 1:00 PM]

in-town pool report #7: lunch lid

The press office called a lunch lid until 3 p.m.

in-town pool report #8

Update from press office: Lunch lid remains in effect until 3 p.m.

Preset for POTUS' Christmas address will be 3:40 PM w/ gather at the Palm Room Doors at that time.

Once set, we likely will not be able to leave the room, so please plan accordingly.

Reminder that remarks are scheduled for 4p in Cross Hall.

In-town pool report #9: gather

Pool has been called at 3:54 pm to gather at the Palm Room doors ahead of the president's Christmas address in Cross Hall.

In-town pool report #10: 2-min warning

We have a two-minute warning for POTUS Christmas address in the East Room facing Cross Hall.

Podium is set up with the presidential seal and the entryway is flanked by two Christmas trees decorated in white balls, icicles and fake snow.

Livestream to follow along is here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

From the White House:

The President will deliver a Christmas address in the Cross Hall focused on what unites us as Americans, his optimism for the year ahead, and wishing Americans joy in the coming year.

Speaking Program
The President

In-town pool report #11: remarks begin

POTUS entered the East Room at 4:15 and began his remarks. The first lady is here also.

Livestream to follow along is here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

In-town pool report #12: remarks concluded

POTUS spoke for about 8 minutes and finished at 4:23 p.m.

No news. He spoke about the Christmas story, family coming together, and lamented how Democrats or Republicans have become too divided. He urged togetherness and moments of quiet reflection and simple acts of kindness.

"I truly hope you take the time to look out for one another, not at one another."

"What I wish for our nation is that you live in the light."

Please check against transcript.

in-town pool report #13 - lid

The White House called a lid at 4:41 p.m.

Happy Holidays and stay warm tomorrow!