Pool Reports of February 17, 2024

Out of town pool report #1 - later call time

Hi,

Call time was pushed to 2:30 p.m.

Out of town pool report #2 - call time moved up

Call time was moved up to 1:15 p.m.

Out of town pool report #3 - rolling

At 2:57 p.m., the motorcade drove past the press van near Biden's home in Rehoboth Beach and we joined the motorcade. We are rolling to an undisclosed location.

Out of town pool report #4 - oyster house

At 3:02 p.m., the motorcade pulled onto Wilmington Ave., off the city's main drag. POTUS went into Henlopen City Oyster House, which we didn't see, but we were told he then stepped out of the restaurant and we saw him briefly outside posing for photos with a small group of children before going back inside. He was dressed in a green jacket and tan pants. We are told he's dining with FLOTUS.

Out of town pool report #5 - exit and church

Biden stepped out of the restaurant at 4:01 p.m. He waved to pool, said something we couldn't make out and got into his car. The motorcade made a quick ride to St. Edmonds Catholic Church, where we were told Biden went inside at 4:07 p.m. We're holding for now.

Out of town pool report #6- gaggle

Biden stepped out of the church at 4:54 p.m. and walked over to the pool for a short gaggle. Here are the questions (paraphrased) and answers in quotes.

Q: Did you talk with Zelensky about the fall of Avdiivka?

"I spoke with Zelensky this afternoon to let him know I'm confident we're going to get that money… There is so much at stake… NATO is critical to our survival."

Q: How confident are you that another city won't fall before Congress approves aid?

"I'm not. I'm not. No one can be. Look, the Ukrainian people have fought so bravely and heroically. There's so much on the line. The idea that now we're running out of ammunition to walk away. I find it absurd, I find it unethical…So I'm going to fight to get them the ammunition they need…"

Q: Have you learned any more about Navalny's death?

"I have not. I've heard several things that haven't been confirmed. But the fact of the matter is, Putin is responsible. Whether he ordered it, he's responsible for the circumstances… It's a reflection of who he is. It is cannot be tolerated. I said there would be a price to pay. He is paying the price already. Since 2000, when I made that statement, Russians have had sanctions imposed on them in other regions and other impacts… Look, the idea is, for 70 years, NATO alliance has kept the peace basically… The idea of transatlantic alliance is not overwhelmingly in our interest is bizarre… I just I don't understand. I don't understand, the lack of knowledge of history, nor the lack of responsibility."

The president then started to walk to his car but turned back to the pool to mention the pastor in church said he was raised in a Ukrainian household.

We got back into the motorcade, and we saw it turn onto his street at 5:07 p.m.

Biden after church gaggle

Out of town pool report #7 - lid

We have a lid at 5:34 p.m.