Pool Reports of July 24, 2024

In-town pool report #1: briefing now at 1:30

Lunch lid till 1:15 pm

In-town pool report #2: press briefing now 2:15

From the press office:

The press briefing will begin at 2:15 PM.

In-town pool report #3: WH briefing now 3:00 pm

Per the press office

In-town pool report #4: two-minute warning to WH briefing

Issued at 3:20

In-town pool report #5: briefing over

WH briefing began at 3:22, ended at 4:12.

In-town pool report #6: dinner lid until 7:30 pm

[APP Note: No additional text was included in this report.]

In-town pool report #7: excerpts of POTUS remarks

From the press office (embargo has passed):

EXCERPTS

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title. I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It's about you. Your families. Your futures. It's about 'We the People.'"

….

"I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation."

…

"Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President. That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy. I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights – from the right to vote – to the right to choose."

…

"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands."

In-town pool report #8: pool gathered for Oval address

The "restricted pool" (one print reporter, a still camera, and a camera-person) is poised to enter the Oval Office for POTUS' address to the nation about his decision not to seek reelection. I will provide color, as remarks are viewable on TV and livestream.

In-town pool report #9: color from Oval

Restricted pool was ushered into the Oval Office at 7:57 pm. POTUS was already seated at the Resolute Desk when we entered. He began speaking at 8:01 pm.

Seated off to the side, along the curved oval wall, were mostly family, left to right: Hunter Biden, his daughter Finnegan Biden, Howard Krein (Ashey Biden's husband), Ashley Biden (wearing an Olympics sweater), Dr Jill Biden (in a purple suit). Then a door. On other side of door: Peter Neal (Naomi's husband), Naomi Biden Neal, a teenage boy who might be the younger Hunter Biden (Beau's son), Maisy Biden. Mike Donilon (close longtime adviser).

From inside the Oval, POTUS' voice was very soft as he addressed the nation. Your pooler stood at the back of the room and had to listen intently to hear him. At times he was barely audible, and then would get a bit louder.

Toward the end of remarks, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, Jill Biden, who was seated next to her.

Standing in the back were Karine Jean-Pierre, Annie Tomasini, and other White House staff, including a large TV production crew.

Remarks ended at 8:12 and the assembled family and staff broke into applause. Jill Biden then walked to the Resolute Desk and stood next to her husband. "This has been the honor of a lifetime," POTUS said, followed by other words of gratitude which were almost impossible to hear. Your pooler was ushered out as POTUS spoke, and then there was more applause as he apparently finished speaking.

In-town pool report #10: lid

A lid was called at 8:43 pm.

Good night!