Joe Biden

Pool Reports of July 7, 2024

July 07, 2024

Pool Reports by Sophie Hills, The Christian Science Monitor

Sent: Reports:
July 7, 2024
09:29

Travel Pool Report #1 — Motorcade rolling

Good morning from a partly sunny, humid day in Wilmington.

Pool joined the president's motorcade rolling from his house at 9:27 am.

July 7, 2024
09:40

Travel Pool Report #2 - DANG

The motorcade stopped on the tarmac at Delaware Air National Guard Base at 9:37am.

Pool is loading into Ospreys at 9:39 and did not see the president, who boarded Marine One right away. We're lifting from DANG shortly.

On the drive to DANG, the motorcade passed several people waving and smiling, standing on the same corner near the president's house where protesters were standing yesterday. One woman was holding a small child who was also waving.

From the White House:

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to Delaware Air National Guard Base:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Kristen Orthman, Deputy Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy Communications Director
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Philadelphia International Airport:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

July 7, 2024
10:12

Travel Pool Report #3 — arrival at PHL

M1 landed at Philadelphia International Airport at 9:59. The president stepped off at 10:04.

President Biden shook hands with Sen. Bob Casey and Sen. John Fetterman and spoke with each briefly. The president tapped Fetterman's chest with his fist, and Fetterman patted the president on the arm. The president hugged Fetterman's wife. The president walked down the rest of the line of greeters, shaking hands and exchanging hugs and speaking with several.

At 10:08 the president walked back to Casey and Fetterman and Giselle, who were the first greeters, and spoke in a small group of four. Casey leaned in with his hand on the president's arm. The president got into his car at 10:09. Sen. Casey got into the other side of the car.

Will post pic on X.

From the WH:

Greeting the President upon arrival to Philadelphia International Airport:

Senator Bob Casey (PA)
Senator John Fetterman (PA), and his spouse, Gisele
Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-02)
Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and her spouse, PJ
Former Rep. Patrick Murphy (PA-08)
Former Rep. Bob Brady (PA-01)
Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From WH Official: The President and his team continue to monitor Tropical Storm Beryl as it makes its way towards South Texas. We are in close contact with our state and local counterparts and FEMA has prepositioned response personnel, search and rescue teams, bottled water, meals, tarps and electric generators in case they are needed. On Sunday, FEMA activated its National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) to further support local response efforts.

July 7, 2024
10:26

Travel Pool Report #4 — rolling

The motorcade started rolling from PHL at 10:14. Just outside the airport just under a dozen people were smiling and waving at the motorcade. There were people waving at other points on the drive as well. A Trump ad flashed on a billboard along the highway. It read 'Trump' and on the next line 'Achieve the American dream!'

We are still rolling, en route to our first stop of the day.

July 7, 2024
10:46

Travel Pool Report #5 — arriving at church

The motorcade pulled in front of Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia at 10:40. Pool did not see the president exit his car.

The church is in a residential area of two story townhomes, mostly of light tan brick. The church itself is light tan.

On the way, the motorcade passed another Trump ad that flashed across a billboard. One car beeped its horn as the motorcade passed. The second half of the ride was off the highway, through streets lined with buildings often in disrepair, some fenced off and abandoned. Small groups of people stood watching the motorcade pass at different points, some filming.

Pool is now standing in a balcony. Congregants are gathered below, dancing and clapping and singing to music.

July 7, 2024
11:07

Travel Pool Report #6 — Biden joins church service

President Biden walked out to cheers and applause at 10:50. He remained standing and the choir began singing.

Bishop Felton began speaking at 10:53.

"Let's lock arms"

"Look at someone next to you and say, we are together"

"The enemy has tried for so long to divide us. He has used superficial disagreements, things that don't even matter just to keep us at each other's throats"

"We are together because we love our president, we pray for our president, we ask that you continue to give him strength. …. He is an Eagles man" - cheers throughout. Biden stood and clasped hands with Bishop Morris, who he is sitting next to.

"Bishop Morris is 91 years old" — the congregation cheered

"And so Mr. president, since you are only an octogenarian….."

"We thank God for Senator Bob Casey" — Casey, sitting four seats down from Biden, waved as the congregation cheered.

Bishop Felton says it's the church's 58th anniversary.

A woman stood to offer a prayer.

"We ask a special blessing to our president, oh God."

"Bless each and every voter, God, to get out the vote"

"We thank you for giving us direction, oh God"

"Bless us oh God so we understand what is going on politically, and we make the right decision."

The church is live streaming here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bl3OKRga5U8

Please check quotes.

Pic/video on X.

From the White House:

On behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign:

The President is participating in a campaign event at Mt. Airy Church of God, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Program

Bishop Ernest C. Morris, Senior, Founder of Mount Airy & Introducer
The President

July 7, 2024
11:32

Travel Pool Report #7 — more color

At one point while the choir was singing and clapping, the congregation joining in, the president — sitting with his legs crossed — nodded his head to the music. Sen. Casey and several people sitting between him and the president remained sitting. Bishop Morris stood and clapped. Later, the president began clapping his hand on his leg.

The president at one point leaned over to speak to someone sitting next to him. When the choir finished the president stood, walked over to the leader of the choir, and they grasped hands briefly.

During a slower song, the president stood, swaying to the music, and appeared to be singing, including to the words "we worship you, o God" and "we sing praises to your name"

The president raised both hands and swayed as congregants sang "we lift our hands in praise"

Bishop Felton began speaking again.

"This is the Lord's doing…. It's not the Democratic Party's doing, though we thank the Democratic Party"

The subject today, he says, is "God's redemptive love for America"

"You can't love the world and not love America, because America is central in the world"

"God loves America. He loves us from the richest to the poorest… Because God loves us we must love one another"

"That is why we have come together, because America needs to see some love for a change"

Says God changed POTUS' schedule to be here today "because God knew, President Biden needs some love." The congregation stood and clapped and cheered. The president smiled.

At one point, POTUS took a pen out of his jacket and wrote something down.

Bishop Felton:

"We are firm believers in the separation of church and state. And we are separated but we are not divorced. … we still have visitation rights. The president has a right to be here."

"9 months ago today there was a terrorist attack on Israel."

"We want the world to know that we stand with our president as he seeks to negotiate peace"

"This president doesn't sell, but actually reads the Bible. That is why I need to submit to you today that we must challenge the so called notion that there are individuals on the conservative side of the spectrum who are right"

"You can't be right and kill police officers on January 6"

He praises Biden "for his compassion," for his leadership during the pandemic

"Don't get amnesia and forget" that Biden "took an economy that was on the ropes and brought us back to prosperity"

July 7, 2024
11:58

Travel Pool Report #8 — Biden speaks

Bishop Felton introduced the president at 11:46, after a prayer during which Biden bowed his head.

"Hello, hello, it's good to be home," said the president.

"Faith without works is dead" - congregation applauded and called "yeah"

Biden spoke, reading from printed remarks on the lectern. At times he held on to either side of the lectern, and at other times he raised one or both hands for emphasis, or to gesture to the congregation.

The president's words were audible and he spoke loudly for most of his comments.

Other quotes:

"Black history is American history"

"I've been doing this a long time, and I honestly to God have never been more optimistic about America's future — if we stick together"

At one point the president spoke quietly and turned away from microphone and it was difficult to hear. When he turned back to the microphone he continued speaking in a low voice.

"We have to bring back dignity and hope in America"

"We must unite America again — that's my goal"

The president concluded his remarks at 11:53, closed his folder, and turned and jogged about 10 feet back towards his seat before slowing to a walk and shaking hands with Bishop Morris.

The president remained standing for a prayer, both hands clasped in front of him, head bowed, and eyes closed.

Pool couldn't see all the pews from the balcony, but counted at least 280 congregants in the sanctuary.

Pool was ushered out at 11:57.

More color and quotes:

Bishop Felton:

"We're responsible to help our Palestinian brethren… our Ukrainian brethren"

"Let the record show: the election of 2020 was not stolen." The congregation cheers, some stand.

"We are the party of respect. We are the party of reconciliation …. We have genuine love for America"

Biden was sitting for a while with clasped hands.

When Bishop Felton reference Medgar Evers the president raised a fist.

"America must be born again" — Biden clapped.

"I know the media says that President Biden is visiting a Black church. There's nothing on our program that says we are a Black church"

"Today we don't apologize for being Black"

"Never count Joseph out" - Bishop Felton then recounts the Biblical story of Joseph, saying people are jealous of the president.

"You've lost a wife. You've lost children. But got has never left you alone"

"Even when Joseph is in the pit, don't count him out"

Many in the congregation wore all white, and many of the women wore hats.

Event is live streamed — please check quotes.

Some pics on X.

July 7, 2024
12:28

Travel Pool Report #9 — shaking hands

At 12:16 pool was ushered into the sanctuary where the president is shaking hands with congregants.

The president was surrounded by people, smiling for photos. Pool was too far to hear anything that was said.

At one point the president held someone's phone and took selfies with it.

The president looked to be having conversations of a minute or two each with different congregants.

Pool couldn't always see the president, who was standing at a back corner of the sanctuary, between pews and the wall, surrounded by a crowd. An American flag hung on the wall behind the president.

"We love you," someone said to the president.

The president held another person's phone to take selfies with a group.

The president is wearing a navy blue suit and a blue tie.

He hugged a woman wearing all white, and they spoke for about a minute about loan forgiveness. The woman told the president she didn't receive loan forgiveness she thought she'd get. The president then took a photo with her phone, and when he first held it up his hand was shaking. It may have been jostled by someone — the crowd was close. The president took a second photo with her phone, holding it steady. Some people chanted "four more years"

The president feigned surprise at a young girl and then leaned down to speak with her. She stood up on a pew to pose for a photo and hugged the president, then putting one arm on the president's shoulder and another around the woman next to her.

Reporters began asking questions, including "how was service, Mr. President" and the president didn't respond. Press was then ushered out at 12:26pm while the president continued speaking with congregants.

July 7, 2024
12:54

Travel Pool Report #10 — rolling

The motorcade is rolling from the church at 12:52. Pool did not see the president enter his vehicle. People were waving and cheering on the street outside the church. One man held a sign that read "Fight Hate."

July 7, 2024
13:08

Travel Pool Report #11 — OTR stop

After about a 20 minute drive the motorcade made an unannounced stop at 1:07.

Along the way people waved to the motorcade and filmed it on their phones.

For about 7 minutes before getting on the highway, the motorcade passed by two story, stone row houses with restaurants and businesses mixed in. Many buildings had porches that were slightly falling down, and some had boarded-up windows.

For a while, the motorcade drove along a highway running parallel to train tracks.

A man on the street yelled "Joe Biden get lost" and "nowhere's the other way"

July 7, 2024
13:12

Travel Pool Report #12 — campaign office

We are making a stop at a Biden campaign office northwest of the city.

Pool was ushered into a room about half full of people. The walls on one side are brick and there are Biden Harris and "we're on board" signs on the walls.

Pool couldn't see everyone in the room, but counted about 55 people. The president hasn't entered the room yet.

July 7, 2024
13:34

Travel Pool Report #13 — POTUS makes remarks

The president entered the room at 1:30 to a song by Bon Jovi. He shook hands and embraced some people. People cheered and one person chanted "four more years"

Noelle Coulter Daniels introducing the president, is speaking now, at 1:33 pm.

One man was wearing a "Nevada for Biden Harris" button.

Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philly walked through the room in a bright yellow jacket, talking with people.

There were signs on one wall that read "I'm onboard because" …. And each was filled in with handwriting, with answers including:

"Inclusion and choice matters"

"Democracy is vital to our country"

"I care about access to reproductive healthcare"

From the WH:

On behalf of Biden-Harris campaign:

President Biden is stopping by the Roxborough Democratic Coordinated Campaign Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he will deliver remarks and greet supporters and volunteers before they begin canvassing for him and Democratic candidates down the ballot. Senator Fetterman and Mayor Parker will also be in attendance.

Speakers:
Noelle Coulter Daniels, Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign Organizing Manager
President Biden

July 7, 2024
13:51

Travel Pool Report #14— POTUS speaks

The president began speaking at 1:34.

"Hello hello hello hello. I came to say thank you," he said, holding a mic with one hand, his other hand in his pocket. He's not wearing a tie. He's not using a teleprompter or printed remarks.

"It's everybody's state — it's also my home state."

"This election is going to be about block and tackle and simple, basic politics"

"We're going to build this economy from the middle out and the bottom up" — reiterating his promise, saying he's said that since he was a senator

"We've been drawing big crowds. Ever since the debate, not joking, even that night we had big crowds afterwards"

"People want to know you care" he says, encouraging people to keep door knocking

"I got John Fetterman, I don't need much else" - crowd cheers

"I come from a corporate state … Delaware" says there's a lot of corporate greed contributing to expense of groceries. "The wealthy are going to have to start paying their fair share"

"Anyone who has diabetes - ask them what it's like now paying $35 instead of $400 bucks a month" - crowd claps

"Pennsylvania is a critically important state"

"No one has ever had as much organized labor support as I had" — crowd clapped for a while

"I just want to say, thank you thank you thank you. It's all about touching people."

The president took his hand out of his pocket after a couple of minutes, still holding the mic with one hand and gesturing with the other. His voice was clear and audible.

"I love the secret service …. But I'm not able to do what I used to" says he used to be able to drive by a bunch of kids in a school yard, stop and get out. "I can't do that anymore"

"My name's Joe Biden, what's on your mind" he approaches a woman, they grasp hands.

"We need dark Brandon back" says another woman, in a reference to the meme that prompted an image the campaign has created merch around. the president pats his jacket but says he doesn't have his sunglasses.

"Dark Brandon is coming back," the president said.

He stopped speaking at 1:41 and handed the mic to Senator Fetterman.

Fetterman:

"There's only one person in this country who has kicked trump's ass in an election, and that is your president"

"I know what it's like to have a rough debate and I'm standing here as your senator"

"I want to just say how proud I am to be standing here"

Says it's always going to be close

"There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump and he is going to do it twice and put him down for good."

Fetterman is wearing a white hoodie, grey shorts, and yelling into the mic.

Biden takes the mic back, then introduces a Madeline Dean who begins speaking.

Says about "the former guy" — "we know the contrast"

"I was there on January 6th and had to be taken out of the Capitol in a gas mask"

"Democracy's on the line. There's one man who understands it. It's Joe Biden"

Dean stops speaking and music comes on as Biden moves towards to shake hands.

Biden begins shaking hands and speaking with people at 1:45pm. He shakes hands with one man, pointing to an insignia on his shirt and speaking, though pool couldn't hear.

At 1:49 Biden is still shaking hands and speaking with people, as 'Dance the Night' by Dua Lipa plays. The president takes a selfie with a couple of people, one man wearing a Biden T-shirt under a jacket.

Please check quotes against transcript. Here's a link to a recording: https://otter.ai/u/MIqffEzwhP8WRr7TufCVBScx8i0

July 7, 2024
13:56

Travel Pool Report #15 — more greeting

The president is still speaking with people. Now that pool is closer, a small mic is visible on his lapel, below his American flag pin.

He speaks with one woman for a minute or so, takes a photo with her phone, and they hug before he moves away.

The president posed for a photo with Noelle Daniels.

Pool was ushered out and 1:56pm and the president was still inside.

July 7, 2024
14:07

Travel Pool Report #16 — Rolling

The motorcade is rolling from the campaign office at 2:06pm.

While walking back to the motorcade, pool heard a man yell "let's go Brandon." It looked to be the same man who yelled "Joe Biden get lost" on the way in.

From the White House:

On behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign:

There were approximately 600 attendees at the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

July 7, 2024
14:30

Travel Pool Report #17 — airport

The motorcade stopped at PHL at 2:26.

Senator Fetterman and his wife boarded AF1. Pool didn't see the president board the plane.

We are on the small plane, and wheels up shortly for Harrisburg.

From the WH:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Harrisburg International Airport:

Senator John Fetterman (PA), and his spouse, Gisele
Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and her spouse, PJ
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

July 7, 2024
15:16

Travel Pool Report #18 — landed in Harrisburg

AF1 took off from PHL at 2:36 and landed at Harrisburg International Airport at 2:55pm.

The president stepped onto the stairs at 3:06 and walked down with one hand on the railing and the other hand in hand with Jill, who is wearing a floral dress. The president is wearing his aviators.

The president and Dr. Biden walked down the line of greeters, Sen. Fetterman and Mrs. Fetterman right behind. One of the greeters tapped the president's American flag lapel pin and said something. The president laughed in response, and they took a selfie.

After greeting everyone, the president reached for Jill's hand and they seemed to have a very brief exchange and then he walked behind her back to the other side of the group.

The whole group took a selfie, with the president at the front.

Mrs. Fetterman and Dr. Biden posed for a photo taken by Sen. Fetterman.

The pool shouted several questions. "Mr. President is the Democratic Party behind you sir?" The president turned back, crouched slightly in a joking way, with his hands slightly out, as if to fake that he would come towards the press. He smiled and said "yes" loudly.

The president got into his car at 3:11. The motorcade is rolling at 3:15.

During the flight Senator Fetterman came back and spoke to the pool off the record for about 5 minutes.

During the flight MSNBC was playing in the staff cabin where Sen. Fetterman, Gisele Fetterman, and Karine Jean-Pierre were sitting, among others.

From the White House:

Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival to Harrisburg International Airport:

Senator John Fetterman (PA), and his spouse, Gisele
Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and her spouse, PJ
Lt. Governor Austin Davis
Mayor Wanda Williams, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
State Rep. Mike Schlossburg, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
State Rep. Jordan A. Harris, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
County Commissioner Justin Douglas, Dauphin County, PA
Senator Judith Schwank, Pennsylvania Senate Minority Caucus Administrator

July 7, 2024
15:33

Travel Pool Report #19 — campaign event

After a drive mostly on the highway the motorcade stopped at 3:29pm at an AFSCME location.

POTUS and the First Lady walked into an open garage bay in the building at 3:30.

Pool was ushered into a large courtyard full of people, with Biden Harris signs and American flags flying on the walls. "We are Family" is playing.

When the motorcade pulled off the highway a group of people was standing on the grass outside a diner, waving. The motorcade passed a tent selling fireworks, and next to it someone was waving a kite with an American flag pattern out of an RV window.

Near the campaign stop, the motorcade passed several people waving a "Trump 2024" flag.

There was a larger group of pro-Gaza protesters, too fast to count but looked to be at least a dozen, waving Palestinian flags.

It's hot (93°) and sunny here in Harrisburg.

(In the last pool report — the president was wearing, not "warming," his aviators.)

July 7, 2024
15:51

Travel Pool Report #20 — remarks

The president stepped outside at 3:35 and was introduced by

"My name's Joe Biden. I'm Jill Biden's husband"

"I married a Philly girl, Jilly the Philly"

"I make no apologies. I'm the most pro union president in American history"

"Unions build the middle class"

"That other guy has the largest debt of any president in US history."

"Corporate profits have doubled. Doubled. And we've gotta do something about it"

"If I stand here long enough all of those folks in the back are going to die of sun stroke… I'm not going to do that."

The president's voice was at times slightly hard to hear at the outdoor venue.

The president is standing, holding a mic with one hand. He's wearing his aviators. POTUS isn't using a teleprompter and he's not speaking from notes.

"I've got a young guy with me" — then introduced Sen. Fetterman.

"I'm about to point to the only person that's ever kicked Trump's ass in an election — right here" …… "humiliated Trump, broke him"

"Fox had to cut a check for $800 million trying to talk about those kinds of lies.

Madeline Dean spoke after Fetterman.

"This man knows exactly what he's doing and we cannot risk going back."

"I was there on January 6th. I was taken out in a gas mask."

Dr. Biden stood just behind the president, and Senator Fetterman and Gisele stood further back.

Through the rest of the speakers, the president stood and watched, often smiling.

POTUS took the mic back at about 3:48.

"You have a president who's known for two things: ray bans and chocolate chip ice cream"

People started chanting "si se puede" and "four more years" after the president stopped speaking at 3:50.

People gathered around the president and music started playing.

Many people held "Stop Trump" signs. There are three big trees and people are gathered under the shade, some fanning themselves with signs. Some people sat at tables with drinks and small bouquets of flowers.

The courtyard was not quite full to the back. It looked to be at least several hundred people.

Per a campaign official, 600 people came through the doors today.

From the White House:

On behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign:

The President and the First Lady are participating in a campaign community event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Speaking Program
Felicia Striggs-Wilkerson, AFSCME Local 3130 & Introducer
The President

July 7, 2024
16:13

Travel Pool Report #21 — POTUS mingling

Standing near a table with a red gingham table cloth and blue chairs, with a bouquet in the center, the president spoke with people and took photos. Some yellow wrappers that said "Texas barbecue" lay on a table.

Dr. Biden walked to a different side of the courtyard to talk to people and take photos while "Texas Hold 'Em" played.

The president remained at the front, standing and talking to the crowd around him. He spoke with some people people for several back-and-forths — longer than a handshake or selfie. The president spoke for a long time with one woman, holding her hand through the conversation before they posed for a photo. He thumped a man on the shoulder with his fist.

At one point the president drank orange soda from a clear bottle.

He moved to another side of the courtyard in the sun to speak with more people.

There was an assortment of tshirts in the crowd:

"Pro-choice"

"Vote for Change - Obama '08"

Biden-Harris shirts

"Proud public education voter"

Lots of AFSCME shirts

At 4:12 the president is still greeting people.

Please check all quotes from last pool report against the transcript, as always.

July 7, 2024
16:44

Travel Pool Report #22 — rolling

Pool was ushered out at 4:30 and the president was still greeting people, though an announcement over the speakers had just said he'd be leaving soon.

Pool didn't see the president enter his vehicle. Senator Fetterman got into one of the cars in the motorcade.

The motorcade is rolling at 4:43 pm.

More details from the event:

At some point after standing in the sun for at least 10 minutes the president took off his jacket and kept greeting people.

Some people were playing a game of cornhole in the back.

There were signs that read "Protect Democracy"

Some people had balloon animals.

The "feels like" temp in the courtyard was 94° in the shade.

July 7, 2024
16:55

Travel Pool Report #23 — second OTR stop of the day

The motorcade stopped in downtown Harrisburg at 4:51. Pool didn't see the president and is holding in the street. It looks like the president went into a corner coffee shop.

Leaving the campaign event, the motorcade passed the point where the Gaza protestors had been earlier. This time, with only a quick glance, pool only say a large Trump Flag and a handful of people. Law enforcement stood in front of them, wearing helmets and masks.

July 7, 2024
17:02

Travel Pool Report #24 — Denim Coffee

The president is inside Denim Coffee at 4:55pm. Gov. Shapiro is standing next to him. The First Lady and Sen. Fetterman, among others, are with him.

The president put a $20 bill in the top jar.

Shapiro is sipping what looks like an iced coffee with a lot of milk, and the president got a strawberry smoothie. They asked if the president wanted whipped cream and he said no.

The First Lady and the President were talking with the people behind the counter about where they met.

Pool shouted questions about the ceasefire deal and the president didn't look over. Pool was ushered out.

Pool is back in the motorcade at 4:59 and the president is still in the coffee shop.

Pic on X.

July 7, 2024
17:14

Travel Pool Report #25 — rolling

The motorcade is rolling at 5:13pm. Pool didn't see POTUS get in the motorcade.

July 7, 2024
17:34

Travel Pool Report #26 — airport

The motorcade stopped at Harrisburg International Airport at 5:28.

The president stepped out of his vehicle at 5:30 and walked over to shake hands with a line of police officers. He stood for a photo with them.

POTUS then stood for a photo with two other people.

He walked back, facing the pool, pushing his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. He and FLOTUS joined hands.

Pool shouted questions about a ceasefire deal.

Pool shouted question - "will you have to convince nato you're up for the job again?" He gave a thumbs up and said "I'm up for the job" and then walked up the stairs behind FLOTUS.

At 5:33 we are wheels up shortly for Joint Base Andrews.

From the WH, re: the last stop:

On behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign:

President Biden is dropping by Denim Coffee, a local Harrisburg coffee shop, with Governor Josh Shapiro. Senator John Fetterman, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, and Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams will also be in attendance.

July 7, 2024
17:35

Travel Pool Report #27 - travelers

From the WH:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04)
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

July 7, 2024
18:24

Travel Pool Report #28 — JBA arrival and M1 liftoff

AF1 was wheels up from Harrisburg at 5:43pm and wheels down at JBA at 6:06.

The president stepped onto the steps down from AF1 at 6:15, wearing his aviators.

He and FLOTUS walked down the stairs, each with a hand on the railing. The president held his phone in his other hand. FLOTUS walked on the president's side closer to pool.

The president saluted and he and FLOTUS spoke with the two greeters before turning and walking, all four together, to Marine 1.

The president got into M1 behind FLOTUS at 6:17 after saluting and then shaking hands with the greeters again.

M1 lifted off at 6:23pm.

Handing things off to in town pool now.

A HUGE thank you to the rest of the pool for all their help through the weekend!

From the WH:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to the South Lawn:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

Pool Reports below by Daniel Bush , Newsweek

Sent: Reports:
July 7, 2024
18:24

In-town pool report #1 — Gathered for POTUS arrival

The pool has been called to gather for President Biden's arrival at the White House.

July 7, 2024
18:40

In-town pool report #2 — White House arrival

Marine One landed on the South Lawn at 6:33 p.m.

President Biden stepped out at 6:36 p.m. with First Lady Jill Biden. They walked across the lawn together.

POTUS waved at the press but did not stop to talk or respond to shouted questions.

Biden and FLOTUS entered the South Portico at 6:37 p.m.

July 7, 2024
18:43

In-town pool report #3 -- Lid

The White House press office called a lid at 6:40 p.m. Enjoy the rest of your evening,

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of July 7, 2024 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/373950

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