Joe Biden

Pool Reports of July 4, 2022

July 04, 2022

Pool Reports by Linda Feldmann, The Christian Science Monitor

Sent: Reports:
July 4, 2022
11:54

In-town pool report 1 - good morning

Good morning from the White House on this glorious (sunny, 83) Fourth. Pool will muster soon for a ride to Ft McNair to meet POTUS and FLOTUS, due to land from Camp David at 1:30 pm, then motorcade back to WH.

Here's the full sked:

EDT

11:50 AM In-Town Pool Call Time

1:30 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive in Washington, DC
Fort Lesley J. McNair
In-Town Travel Pool

1:50 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at the White House
North Portico
In-Town Travel Pool

5:00 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY host a Fourth of July BBQ with military families and deliver remarks to celebrate Independence Day
South Lawn
Open Press (Gather 4:45 PM – Palm Room Doors) [RSVP here by 9:00 AM]

9:09 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY view the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall
The White House

July 4, 2022
13:41

In-town pool 2 - Potus lands Ft McNair

Marine One landed at Fort McNair at 1:30 pm. Potus and FLOTUS stepped out at 134 pm went straight to the Beast. Potus took no questions from pool. Son Hunter, baby Beau, and wife Melissa accompanied, and walked right past the pool toward their vehicle.

Potus in navy blazer, black pants; FLOTUS in blue blazer, white pants.

Motorcade rolling for WH at 1:38 pm.

Per WH, Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route Fort McNair:

  • Hunter Biden
  • Melissa Cohen Biden
  • Beau Biden
  • Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
  • Stephen Goepfert, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route White House

  • Hunter Biden
  • Melissa Cohen Biden
  • Beau Biden
  • Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
  • Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
  • Stephen Goepfert, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President
July 4, 2022
13:56

In-town pool 3 - WH arrival/lunch lid

Motorcade arrived WH at 152 pm after uneventful ride. We stopped on the north side, along circular driveway. Pool could not see first couple entering the WH.

Sign held by bystander near entrance to Ft McNAir: Jews for Abortion Rights

Among bystanders en route were two women, one in Ukrainian dress, holding flags that were half American half Ukrainian.

Lunch lid called at 154 pm until 445 pm, except for those doing preset.

July 4, 2022
16:56

In-town pool 4 - POTUS remarks delayed

Pool is now gathering at 5:10 pm to go to South Lawn. POTUS remarks will be delayed beyond originally scheduled start time of 5:00 pm. I will provide update on timing when we know.

Remarks, when they happen, will go out live at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

July 4, 2022
17:23

In-town pool 5 - south lawn scene/remarks about to start

Military families are enjoying a bbq picnic at tables across the South Lawn set with blue and red checked tablecloths.

As pool entered, a Military band was performing live rock music on a stage down the east side of the South Lawn.

Some guests are standing/crowding the rope line near the podium where Potus will speak. At 5:20 guests were asked to silence phones.

Soon after, another military band started playing a patriotic march.

July 4, 2022
17:25

In town pool report 6 - 2 minute warning for remarks

Viewable on livestream --

July 4, 2022
17:28

In town pool report 7- WH list of attendees/menu

From WH:

In attendance for the President and First Lady's 4th of July BBQ;

  • Military picnic guests composed of:
    • Military Families
    • Joining Forces Partner Organizations
    • Service members
    • Veterans
    • Caregivers
    • Hidden Helpers, children in military or veteran caregiving families
    • White House Military Office Staff and family members
  • Guests of White House Staff and family members

On the menu:

  • Hamburger/Cheeseburgers
  • Crispy Battered Fries
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Impossible Burgers
  • Multigrain Buns
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
  • Memphis Style Dry Rubbed Barbeque Chicken
  • Baked Beans, Corn Bread
  • Sea Salt Kettle Chips
  • Lemon Drop Cookies
  • Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Brown Sugar Glaze
  • Creamy Slaw
  • Sweet Potato Chips
  • Snickerdoodle Cookies

Speaking program:

• Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Chandler Irwin

• The First Lady

• The President

Performing following the President's remarks

• White Ford Bronco, DC-based 90's pop cover band

• Andy Grammer, multi-platinum country-pop song-writer and singer

July 4, 2022
17:31

In town pool report 8 - remarks begin

First a prayer from military chaplain

Then Dr. Biden spoke, beginning at 529. Potus stood to the left, wearing aviators. She Wished all a happy Fourth of July.

Potus remarks began at 5:31.

Spotted in crowd: Hunter Biden, son Beau, wife Melissa.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan

July 4, 2022
17:43

In town pool report 9- Potus remarks/more color

Check against transcript:

"America is always a work in progress," Potus said.

We've always been tested, but we've never walked away.

America is a project that always says, "we're all in this together."

"Our economy is growing but not without pain…." He describes a nation whose freedoms are "under assault" both here and abroad.

Talk of guns begins at 5:36. "You all heard about what happened today."

"And each day we're reminded, there's nothing guaranteed about our democracy, nothing guaranteed about our way of life and we have to fight for it, defend it"

"I know many Americans look around today and see a divided country and are deeply worried about that fact. I understand. I believe we're more united that we are divided"

Speaks of American optimism.

Remarks end at 5:39. Military band plays God Bless America and other patriotic tunes as Potus works the rope line along edge of driveway, greets attendees, out of earshot of pool.

Potus is wearing blue blazer, white shirt, no tie

FLOTUS is wearing flowery dress, red shoes.

July 4, 2022
18:14

In town pool report 10 - Potus enters WH

At 6:12 pm, Potus walked back up the driveway, went over to greet the chaplain and family, then went back into White House thru the South Portico door.

Also sighted at picnic: domestic policy adviser Susan Rice

July 4, 2022
19:28

In-town pool report 11 - Potus back on South Lawn

Pool returned to the South Lawn at 7:15pm to view entertainment. Picnic-goers are seated on blankets in front of the stage (which is on the west side of south lawn, contrary to previous pool report). Andy Grammer, country-pop singer/songwriter, is performing.

At 7:27 pm, POTUS is heading toward the stage.

July 4, 2022
19:33

In-town pool report 12 - Potus and FLOTUS take the stage

… at 7:30. Potus welcomes everyone to the White House. "Now I'm gonna hand it over to the boss," he says, introducing FLOTUS.

She invites Andy Grammer back to perform one more song. Which he does.

This is going out live at WhiteHouse.gov/live

July 4, 2022
19:38

In-town pool report 13 - FLOTUS as emcee/POTUS speaks on Highland Park

After Grammer performs, FLOTUS thanks everyone for coming and introduces Potus.

Potus gives update on mass shooting in Illinois. Won't name the suspect.

"We've gotta get this under control"

Moment of silence for the families.

First couple left the stage at 7:37 pm.

July 4, 2022
20:12

In-town pool report 14 - Potus is still on south lawn

And visiting with folks, out of pool's sight. The latest indication is that Potus will stay out here for the fireworks.

Local cover band White Ford Bronco is now performing.

Another SAO sighting on the lawn: Bruce Reed

July 4, 2022
20:30

In-town pool report 15- Potus back inside WH

He went back inside about 10 minutes ago, per a WH aide.

July 4, 2022
21:10

In-town pool report 15 - Potus and FLOTUS on WH balcony

The first couple and family members stepped out onto the lower balcony, overlooking the south lawn, at 9:08 pm.

Fireworks began at 9:09.

July 4, 2022
21:32

In town pool report 16- fireworks end

Fireworks ended at 9:27 pm

About 30 people viewed fireworks with Potus and FLOTUS on the balcony. Potus walked amongst the guests and chatted during the show.

After fireworks ended, Biden gave a salute to the crowd. And little Beau gave the crowd a wave. Then Potus picked up Beau and swayed to the music. Hunter joined them after a bit, and after a few moments took Beau inside.

Then Dr Biden came back out and gave the crowd a wave.

Potus stepped back into the WH at 9:31.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of July 4, 2022 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/356743

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