Pool Reports by George Condon, National Journal
| Sent: | Reports: |
| February 6, 2024 12:06 |
In town pool report 1 We are holding for the State Dining Room gather. The gather time has slipped with no new one yet. |
| February 6, 2024 12:25 |
In town pool report #2 The press briefing is now scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. |
| February 6, 2024 13:13 |
Intown pool 3 2 minute warning for State Dining Room remarks |
| February 6, 2024 13:48 |
In town pool report 4 Briefing now will start at 2:30. Lunch lid until 2:15. The State Dining Room remarks started at 1:16 and ended at 1:30 after he took a few questions. The remarks were televised. The thrust was praise for the border deal struck in the Senate and criticism of the Congress for immediately discarding it. He blamed Donald Trump, saying "He'd rather have the issue than solve it." He said members of Congress "owe it to the American people to show some spine." He said the compromise would make the border more orderly, more humane and more secure. He said the situation in Ukraine is "dire." "The clock is ticking" and "the world is watching." Supporting this bill, hesaid, "is standing up to Putin." He warned Republicans that "this critical moment will never be forgotten" and pledged to take his case on the border and Ukraine to the country. "If this bill fails, the American people will know why it failed." He added, "The American people want a solution." He said of Republicans, "who do they serve? Donald Trump or the American people.?" He added, "I serve the American people. I'm here to solve problems." He initially said he would not answer questions, promising to take them on Thursday. He did briefly respond to some shouted questions. On the efforts to free the hostages in Gaza, he said "there is some movement... There's been a response from the opposition. But it seems to be a little over the top." He clarified that by opposition he means Hamas. On another question, he said he was not yet ready to concede and do a separate bill just aiding Israel. |
| February 6, 2024 15:42 |
In town pool report 6 briefing ends The briefing started at 2:38. It ended at 3:39 after 56 questions. |
| February 6, 2024 16:27 |
In town pool report 6 Dinner lid until 5 p.m. |
| February 6, 2024 18:15 |
In town pool report 7 Black History event The pool entered the East Room celebration of Black History Month after Vice President Harris had completed her remarks. The president started speaking to an enthusiastic group of standing in the East Room at 5:48. He completed his remarks at 5:55 and was followed to the microphone by R&B star Tank. The president began by praising his VP, calling her "a real leader" and telling her, "I love you. It's a good relationship. We couldn't do this without you, Kamala, and that's a fact." He drew loud applause when he referenced next year's Black History Month, promising, "Look folks, we will be back here next year." He singled out in the crowd Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, leaning close to the mic and whispering, "Watch this guy!" He told civil rights leaders, "I am president and Kamala is vice president because of you." He added, "You've had my back and I've had yours." He said, "Tonight, let's reflect on how we make history – not erase history." He spoke of the honesty and decency of the country, adding, "WE give hate no safe harbor." He then mingled with the crowd while Tank started singing. His first song was "I can't make you love me if you don't." He then sang Marvin Gaye's "What's going on." from the White HOuse: Participating in a photoline with the President and the First Lady at a reception in recognition of Black History Month: Senator Raphael Warnock (GA) Attendees Run of Show A musical performance by Durrell "Tank" Babbs |
| February 6, 2024 19:15 |
In town pool report 8 -- lid A lid was declared at 7:14. |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of February 6, 2024 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/369663