Pool Reports by Hailey Fuchs, POLITICO
| Sent: | Reports: |
| December 8, 2023 09:35 |
In-town pool report #1 — Today's Schedule Good morning, all. My name is Hailey Fuchs, and I'll be your in-town print pooler today. Below is the schedule from the White House, sent out yesterday. Best, Hailey Fuchs Reporter, POLITICO EST 9:30 AM In-Town Pool Call Time 10:00 AM Out-of-Town Pool Call Time 10:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing 10:55 AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews 11:15 AM THE PRESIDENT departs Joint Base Andrews en route to Las Vegas, Nevada PST 1:00 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada 2:45 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on how his Investing in America Agenda is advancing his vision for world-class infrastructure across the country 3:50 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Las Vegas, Nevada en route to Los Angeles, California 4:40 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Los Angeles, California 4:50 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Los Angeles, California en route to Santa Monica, California 5:00 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Santa Monica, California 7:30 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a campaign reception Briefing Schedule EST Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby will gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Las Vegas, Nevada |
| December 8, 2023 10:48 |
In-town pool report #2 — gathering Pool is gathering at the Palm Room doors for POTUS departure from the White House at 10:47am. |
| December 8, 2023 10:57 |
In-town pool report #3 — departure POTUS exited the White House at 10:50 am. He walked to Marine One alone and did not answer any questions. Marine One was wheels up from the South Lawn at 10:56 am. From the White House: Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews: Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff |
| December 8, 2023 13:26 |
In-town pool report #4 — AF1 Gaggle Timing From the White House: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby will Gaggle Aboard AF1 at 1:45 PM EST |
| December 8, 2023 13:50 |
In-town pool report #5 — 2 min for AF1 Gaggle 2 minutes warning until the press gaggle on AF1 |
Pool Reports below by S.V. Dáte, HuffPost
| Sent: | Reports: |
| December 8, 2023 10:56 EST |
WH travel pool report 1 — JBA Good morning from Joint Base Andrews, where we await the president's arrival from the White House. We are flying to Las Vegas for a visit to a carpenters union training center and then onward to Santa Monica for a reelection fundraiser. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC spokesman John Kirby are scheduled to take questions en route, audio of which will be carried on the White House website. The in-town pooler will likely to able to send a note with the exact timing. We are aboard the large version of Air Force 1, the modified Boeing 747, tail number 29000. |
| December 8, 2023 11:12 EST |
WH travel pool report 2 — departure The president's helicopter set down on the tarmac at Andrews at 1105 and taxied to a position a few hundred feet ahead of Air Force 1. President Biden stepped out of Marine 1 and and walked to the plane with Col. Paul Pawluk, vice wing commander of the 89th Airlift Wing. He saluted the Air Force sergeants on either side of the built-in stairs at the forward part of the plane and then climbed the 14 steps to get aboard at 1100. We should be airborne shortly. Per the WH press office: Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Harry Reid International Airport: Senator Jackie Rosen (NV) |
| December 8, 2023 12:56 PST |
WH travel pool report 3 – LAS arrival Air Force 1 landed at Harry Reid International Airport at 1252 PST. Wheels up from JBA Runway 19R to wheels down LAS Runway 26R took 4 hours, 32 minutes. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took questions from the pool for 31 minutes starting at 1350 EST, just past halfway through the flight. Kirby took questions for 14 minutes and addressed the following topics: UN assessment that Gaza was on the verge of collapse Israel's continued war in Gaza and the mounting civilian casualties The status of humanitarian aid entering Gaza Whether the scale of Israel's assault and the number of civilian deaths will generate new generations of youth susceptible to recruitment by groups like Hamas Steps Israel taking to reduce civilian deaths Status of aid package to Ukraine Russian television thanking Republicans for not passing another Ukraine package Putin using the coming winter to hurt civilians in Ukraine Military-to-military communications between US and China US prisoners in Russia Jean-Pierre gave a brief recap at the start and then took 16 minutes of questions on the following topics: Wisdom/efficacy of rail spending to be announced today Biden's actions to fight mass shootings and gun violence Ukraine aid package Hunter Biden indictment Biden's comment on perhaps not running if Trump were not running Biden's low approval rating with young voters Smooth flight with occasional light turbulence and, apart from the Jean-Pierre/Kirby gaggle, we did not receive any visitors from the forward section of the aircraft. |
| December 8, 2023 13:11 PST |
WH travel pool report 4 – motorcade to event The president came down the steps from Air Force 1 at 1305 and chatted briefly with his greeters, local union members. He got into the limousine at 1307 and we are rolling toward the carpenters' union event. Per the WH press: Greeting the President upon arrival at Harry Reid International Airport: Diana Valles, President, Culinary Workers Union, UNITE HERE Local 226 |
| December 8, 2023 13:25 PST |
WH travel pool report 5 – arrival at event site The presidential motorcade arrived at Carpenter International Training Center at 1320 after a drive of several minutes around the perimeter of the airport. Drive was uneventful. There were several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters at the corner the driveway to the facility chanting "cease fire now" and holding signs and Palestinian flags. Pool was led into the large, high-ceilinged industrial space where Biden will speak and where we are holding. Per the WH press office: Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to Carpenter International Training Center: Senator Jacky Rosen (NV) |
| December 8, 2023 13:44 PST |
WH travel pool report 6 — Biden meeting with UNLV officials, families This is happening at the venue, but not in sight of the pool. Per the WH press office: The President is participating in an engagement with University of Nevada, Las Vegas students and community members. |
| December 8, 2023 13:47 PST |
WH travel pool report 7 — color from room We are in the room where union members are trained for various skills, from woodwork to underwater welding (there is a large water tank). Overhead are massive I-beams fitted with hoisting cranes. A stage has been set up along one side of the room with a lectern in the center. It faces chairs for about 100 in front of the camera riser, with rows of chairs off to the left with another 200 or so. Blue and yellow signage, which includes one massive LCD display, promote: "INVESTING IN NEVADA" and "HIGH SPEED RAIL" and "UNION STRONG." The teleprompter screens are set up to the right and left of the head-on camera, just ahead of the riser. Biden is set to speak at 1445 PST. It will be streamed on the WH website. |
| December 8, 2023 14:15 PST |
WH travel pool report 8 — photo line and run of show Per the WH press office: Participating in a photoline with the President at the Carpenter International Training Center: Governor Joe Lombardo (NV) In attendance for the President's remarks on how his Investing in America Agenda is advancing his vision for world-class high-speed rail in America: Local elected officials, community leaders, and union members. Speaking Program |
| December 8, 2023 14:34 PST |
WH travel pool report 9 – Biden takes stage The president was introduced and took the stage at 1433. Reminder that it is being streamed live via the White House web site: |
| December 8, 2023 15:04 PST |
WH travel pool report 10 -- Biden remarks end The president finished his speech at 1500 after 26 minutes. Some highlights: Biden opened his remarks waxing poetic about railroads. "I've ridden on rail more than all of you combined." He went into his usual anecdote about all the miles he has ridden on Amtrak and the conductor who told him he had ridden over a million miles. "I'm a rail guy. Not a joke." He offered condolences to the families of two state troopers who were killed by a hit-and-run driver and to the families of those killed by a gunman at UNLV earlier this week. "This is not normal. And we can't let it become normal." "We need ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines." He moved on to the purpose of the visit, promoting the start of a high-speed rail project from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. He thanked the Nevada congressional delegation as well as the Republican governor here, Joe Lombardo, for their support for the project. "At long last, we're building the first high speed rail project in the country, and it's starting right here." "And here's the best part: It means jobs. Union jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs." He boasted about his infrastructure law that is bringing $3 billion and 200 projects to Nevada. He poked fun at former President Trump for all his "infrastructure weeks" but no actual infrastructure legislation. "On my watch, instead of Infrastructure week, we're having Infrastructure Decade." The president is chatting with guests now. |
| December 8, 2023 15:35 PST |
WH travel pool report 11 — hold at event site The president finished shaking hands and taking photos with invited guests and left the room to rounds of cheers from those in orange and yellow vests who were watching the speech from scaffolding. We are holding. |
| December 8, 2023 16:08 PST |
WH travel pool report 12 — motorcade to airport At 1608 the motorcade was underway for the short drive back to LAS. |
| December 8, 2023 16:18 PST |
WH travel pool report 13 - back at airport The president's motorcade was back on the tarmac at 1616. The president had climbed aboard by the time the pool could get from the press vans at the rear of the motorcade up to the plane. We should be in the air soon for the short flight to LAX. |
| December 8, 2023 17:16 PST |
WH travel pool report 14 — arrival in LAX, departure to Santa Monica Air Force 1 set down at Los Angeles International's Runway 24L at 1707 after a 40-minute flight from Las Vegas. The president came down the stairs at 1715 and walked toward Marine 1 as the pool was led toward the Blackhawk arranged for our use. It's a short hop to Santa Monica airport. Per the WH press office: Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Los Angeles International Airport: Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff |
| December 8, 2023 17:25 PST |
WH travel pool report 14a — traveling on M1 Per the WH press office: Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Santa Monica Airport Landing Zone: Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff |
| December 8, 2023 17:47 PST |
WH travel pool report 15 — Santa Monica airport arrival Marine 1 set down on the concrete at Santa Monica Airport at 1735 following the brief flight from LAX. The president was meeting with his arrival greeters when the pool was brought over. He then stepped into the waiting Suburban. At 1746 the motorcade is underway. |
| December 8, 2023 17:50 PST |
WH travel pool report 15a — greeters Per the WH press office: Greeting the President upon arrival at Santa Monica Airport Landing Zone: Governor Gavin Newsom (CA) |
| December 8, 2023 18:24 PST |
WH travel pool report 16 — fundraiser home arrival The motorcade arrived at the home of Michael Smith and James Costos at 1805 after a 20 minute drive up The 405, and along Sunset Boulevard past UCLA. As pool walked from the vans to the home, the chants of the protesters at a park a few blocks away. The chants demanded a ceasefire, accused Biden of genocide, praised the intifada, etc. Per the WH press office: Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade: Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff |
| December 8, 2023 18:39 PST |
WH travel pool report 17 — helicopter correction and program The pool has determined that the pool and staff came to Santa Monica not aboard Blackhawks, but aboard much larger CH-53 Sea Stallions or possibly CH-53e Super Sea Stallions. Pool failed to count the number of seats. From the Biden campaign: On behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign: The President is attending a campaign reception in Los Angeles, California hosted by Michael Smith and James Costos. Speaking Program |
| December 8, 2023 19:04 PST |
WH travel pool report 18 — week ahead Per the WH press office: WEEK AHEAD 12/9 - 12/17 On Saturday evening, the President and the First Lady will participate in a campaign reception in Los Angeles, California. On Sunday, the President and the First Lady will return to the White House. On Monday, the President will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After, the President will participate in a campaign reception in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Then, the President will return to the White House. That evening, the President and the First Lady will host a Hanukkah Holiday Reception. The Second Gentleman will attend. On Tuesday, the President will participate in a campaign reception in Washington, DC. On Wednesday, the President will deliver remarks at a meeting of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. On Friday, the President will have lunch with the Vice President. On Saturday, the President and the First Lady will travel to Wilmington, Delaware where they will remain through the weekend. |
| December 8, 2023 19:24 PST |
WH travel pool report 19 — the setting Pool was escorted out and around to the large backyard, which is set with a dozen or so high top tables and what appears to a few hundred wooden lawn chairs arranged in a rough semi-circle around a raised patio. There is a lectern there with two teleprompter screens. There are propane heaters and a jazz band and an emcee urging people to sit down for the start. |
| December 8, 2023 19:57 PST |
WH travel pool report 20 -- Biden remarks begin The president came to the lectern at 1956 and began his remarks as the pro-Palestinian protesters continued their chants, now with whistles and noisemakers as well. He was preceded by James Costos, former ambassador to Spain and the owner with his partner of the home where the fundraiser was held, First Lady Jill Biden, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Many of California's top Democratic leaders were in attendance, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Rep. Adam Schiff, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and others, along with prominent names in Hollywood such as Steven Spielberg. Reminder that the WH will produce a full transcript of Biden's remarks in the coming day or two. The acoustics are not great, and sirens and helicopters punctuated the speeches. |
| December 8, 2023 20:09 PST |
WH travel pool report 21 -- Biden remarks done, some quotes The president spoke for 11 minutes, focusing mainly on the threat Trump poses to democracy. Some quotes: "I'm the only thing standing between you and Lenny Kravitz." "You're the reason that Donald Trump is a former president, or he hates when I say it, a defeated president." "Record job creation, record economic growth." "We've confirmed federal judges at a record pace." "We have a hell of a lot more to do on guns." "Literally, I believe, the future of American democracy is at stake." "The greatest threat Trump poses is to our democracy, because if we lost that, we lose everything." Recounted scene of Trump sitting in his little dining as his mob searched the Capitol threating to murder his vice own president. "It's despicable. It's simply despicable." "My guess is that he won't show up at my next inauguration." "Listen to the words he saying." Reminded audience that Trump had described his opponents as "vermin," language reminiscent of Nazi Germany. "The other day he said, 'He would be a dictator only one day. Thank god. Only one day." "He embraces political violence instead of rejecting it." "We will be one of those generations that can say, "We saved democracy." |
| December 8, 2023 20:31 PST |
WH travel pool report 22 — motorcade to hotel At 2026 the motorcade is underway toward the night's hotel. The protest at the nearby park appeared to have wrapped up, although co-pooler Aurelia End saw one holding a sign reading "NO VOTES FOR MASS MURDERER." |
| December 8, 2023 20:57 PST |
WH travel pool report 23 — hotel arrival The president's motorcade arrived at his hotel at 2045. Pool has not seen since he finished his remarks at the fundraiser. |
| December 8, 2023 21:19 PST |
WH travel pool report 24 — lid The WH press at 2112 announced a lid for the night. |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of December 8, 2023 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/368845