Pool Reports by Courtney Rozen, Bloomberg Government
| Sent: | Reports: |
| May 23, 2024 08:56 |
Pool Report 1 The pool is in place as of 8:55 a.m. for the arrival ceremony on the South Lawn for Kenyan President Ruto. |
| May 23, 2024 09:14 |
Pool Report 2 A Howard University choir began singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at 9:07 a.m. They are on the balcony above the South Portico wearing blue and black. Here is the text printed in the program for the Arrival Ceremony. ARRIVAL CEREMONY The South Lawn HONORS |
| May 23, 2024 10:05 |
Pool Report 3 Two-minute warning called at 10:04 a.m. for arrival ceremony. See below from the White House. The President and the First Lady are greeting President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya in an Official Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn. U.S. Delegation Kenya Delegation |
| May 23, 2024 11:16 |
Pool Report 4 Message below from the White House Press Office. The President is participating in a bilateral meeting with President William Ruto of Kenya. U.S. Delegation Kenya Delegation Today, the President and First Lady are welcoming President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya to the White House for a guest book signing and official gift exchange. As the official gift, the President and First Lady will present a set of rocking chairs that were produced by a family-owned company in Troutman, North Carolina. The wooden rocking chairs – a staple in the White House during the Kennedy Administration -- have a cane seat, steam-bent back posts, and personalized inscriptions commemorating the State Visit on the armrests. President Biden will gift President Ruto with a first edition of "The Trumpet of Conscience" book by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a custom leather clamshell case with a hand tooled inscription commemorating the State Visit. Dr. Biden will gift First Lady Ruto a custom pearl and Arizona peridot gemstone necklace that was crafted by a jeweler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
| May 23, 2024 11:26 |
Pool Report 5 - no news in Oval The pool moved to the Rose Garden shortly after the arrival ceremony ended. President Biden and President Ruto walked along the West Colonnade beginning at 11:02 a.m. They entered the Oval Office at 11:03 a.m. The pool walked into the Oval Office from shortly after. The two presidents gave verbal statements. President Biden mentioned climate change technology, economic development and counterterrorism in his statement. Reporters shouted questions after the statements ended. One question the print pooler heard was about whether Justice Alito should recuse himself. President Biden did not answer and said he would have a press conference later in the day. Pool was then ushered by White House staff out of the Oval Office. The White House Press Office is now bringing TV journalists to pre-set for the press conference. |
| May 23, 2024 12:13 |
Pool Report 6 Pool will gather at 12:30 for the press conference, the White House Press Office said. |
| May 23, 2024 12:42 |
Pool Report 7 Pool is holding in the East Room for the Biden-Ruto press conference. |
| May 23, 2024 13:31 |
Pool Report 8 Biden-Ruto presser starting as of 1:29. |
| May 23, 2024 14:05 |
Pool Report 9 Press conference ended at 2:01 p.m. Pool is holding in the East Room. |
| May 23, 2024 14:20 |
Pool Report 10 Press Office called a temporary lid until 5 p.m. See below for message from Press Office. The President is participating in a joint press conference with President William Ruto of Kenya in the East Room. U.S. Delegation Kenya Delegation |
| May 23, 2024 18:30 |
Pool Report 11 The pool is holding outside the North Portico at the White House as of 6:29 for arrival of Kenyan President Ruto and Mrs. Ruto for the State Dinner. |
| May 23, 2024 | [APP Note: Report #12 does not exist or was not received by the APP.] |
| May 23, 2024 19:08 |
Pool Report 13 From the First Lady's Office: The First Lady is wearing a sapphire blue, hand-embroidered evening gown by Sergio Hudson. From your pool: The pool is holding in the Cross Hall of the White House. The pool could not hear President Biden's response to a question about Iowa storms. The TV mic did not pick it up either. Kenyan President Ruto's daughters are here as well. |
| May 23, 2024 19:18 |
Pool Report 14 The Bidens and Rutos walked down the Grand Staircase at 7:08 p.m. They stopped to smile for photos before walking away from the pool. The pool is now holding in the briefing room. |
| May 23, 2024 | [APP Note: Report #15 does not exist or was not received by the APP.] |
| May 23, 2024 19:35 |
Pool Report 16 - Obama here President Obama walked past the pool while pool was holding to enter State Dinner. The State Dinner is happening in a pavilion on the South Lawn. See below from the White House Press Office. MENU First Lady Jill Biden worked with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu for the State Dinner. First Course Main Course Dessert Wine DÉCOR First Lady Jill Biden and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events to create a design and guest experience that honors the enduring connections between the United States and Kenya. Notable elements of the décor include:
ENTERTAINMENT Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy musical selections by the Howard Gospel Choir, award-winning country music artist Brad Paisley, and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra and the Army and Air Force Strings. BRAD PAISLEY Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre's most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1 hits, and in 2008 became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. The superstar's past works have amassed nearly 5 billion career streams. HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR Founded in the late 1960s, the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University is the first collegiate choir of its kind, and has pioneered an international legacy in gospel music ministry. Operating under the historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel with an active roster of seventy-plus persons, the choir is one of the largest religious life organizations on campus. Past members of this award-winning ensemble include GRAMMY Award winners Richard Smallwood and Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark of the legendary Clark Sisters. For over five decades, the Howard Gospel Choir has set a very high standard as a premier performing arts ensemble. They have shared the stage with musical luminaries including Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, and Patti LaBelle. The choir has also achieved international acclaim having toured more than twenty-five countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The choir is currently under the musical direction of Reginald Golden, a two-time Howard University graduate. Darrell Brown, also an alumnus, is the assistant director. "THE PRESIDENT'S OWN" UNITED STATES MARINE BAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA For more than two centuries, the United States Marine Band has been part of the events that have shaped the Nation. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional music organization, and made its White House debut on New Year's Day 1801. Its primary mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In its third century, the Marine Band continues a tradition of excellence that earned it the title, "The President's Own." THE UNITED STATES ARMY STRINGS The United States Army Strings are one of the most requested musical ensembles by our Nation's military leadership. Since its inception during the Eisenhower administration, the group has provided musical entertainment at the White House for every President. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high-level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences from the United States Capitol to Lincoln Center in New York City. THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE STRINGS The United States Air Force Strings is the official string ensemble of the United States Air Force. Consisting of 20 active-duty Airmen musicians, the ensemble performs selections that range from classical symphonic selections and Broadway show tunes to classic rock, bluegrass, and patriotic favorites. Providing a multi-dimensional experience, instrumentalists surround audiences while performing from memory without the aid of a conductor. The ensemble appears regularly at military and civilian ceremonial functions, education outreach events and concerts throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C. |
| May 23, 2024 20:12 |
Pool Report 17 The pool entered the pavilion on the South Lawn at about 7:40 p.m. The Rutos and Bidens walked into the pavilion shortly after. President Biden gave a toast, followed by President Ruto. Senior White House Military Chaplain John Scott led a prayer. The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sang. Pool left the pavilion after the choir's song. Spotted at President Biden's table: Hakeem Jeffries, Bill Clinton, Sheryl Sandberg. Pooler is seeking a fuller list. The pavilion had a clear roof. Guests could see the sky. A gold and silver chandelier hung from the roof. There were candles along the walls. Pool left the pavilion at 7:56 p.m. Pool is expecting to enter the pavilion one more time tonight. Co-pooler Emily Goodin saw President Obama exit the pavilion as President Biden was giving his toast. |
| May 23, 2024 21:14 |
Pool Report 18 Pool is gathering at Palm Room Doors as of 9:12 to go back to pavilion. |
| May 23, 2024 21:48 |
Pool Report 19 Pool entered the pavilion at 9:25 p.m. Dr. Biden stood up and gave a short statement thanking the Rutos and White House chefs. She introduced Brad Paisley. Paisley began singing and playing the guitar. Paisley mentioned the Ukrainian flag in his first song. The lighting changed on the chandelier to purple while Paisley sang. Pool exited at 9:38 p.m. after his second song. Travel/photo lid called at 9:40 p.m. A few more names of people the pool spotted at president's table: Cedric Richmond, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Tom Bernthal. Have a great night! |
Pool Reports below by Nadia Bilbassy, Al Arabiya
| Sent: | Reports: |
| May 23, 2024 09:04 |
Foreign pool report #1 arrival ceremony of Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Mrs Ruto Karibu to all, I am going to be your foreign pooler today for the arrival of President William Ruto of Kenya and his wife Mrs. Rachel Ruto. Below some information from the wires that I gathered that might be helpful for your coverage. Pool is now in place for the arrival with marine band playing at 9:03 am . President Joe Biden will host Kenyan President William Ruto for a state visit on May 23, 2024. This visit marks the first such occasion for Kenya in 20 years and comes as the United States aims to reinforce its strategic partnership with Kenya. The visit is also significant as it commemorates the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations. The state visit underscores the importance the U.S. places on its relationship with Kenya, a key ally in Africa. The agenda will focus on several critical areas including peace and security, economic ties, democratic values, technological innovation, climate change, clean energy, health, and security. This broad range of topics highlights the multifaceted nature of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and the strategic importance of Kenya in addressing global priorities. One key aspect of this visit is the context of increased geopolitical competition in Africa. Both Russia and China have been expanding their influence on the continent, and the U.S. is keen to strengthen its alliances and presence in response. Additionally, the state visit will provide an opportunity to follow up on commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held in December 2022, where Biden emphasized a renewed U.S. interest in Africa and pledged greater cooperation. Overall, this state visit is a strategic move to bolster U.S.-Kenya relations and highlight the role of African leadership in global issues, aligning with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. 15 December 2022 The United States of America and the Republic of Kenya Sign a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation The United States and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 15, 2022, to enhance strategic civil nuclear cooperation. This agreement, signed by Under Secretary of State Bonnie D. Jenkins and Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua, aims to boost energy security and reinforce diplomatic and economic ties. The MOU will facilitate collaboration in nuclear energy, science, and technology, contributing to clean energy goals, agriculture, clean water availability, and medical treatments. It provides a framework for cooperation among government, industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions. 24 April 2023 State Department released a Joint Statement on the Third U.S.-Kenya Bilateral Strategic Dialogue The joint statement from the third U.S.-Kenya Bilateral Strategic Dialogue highlights strengthened cooperation between the U.S. and Kenya across five key areas: economic prosperity, defense, democracy and governance, multilateral and regional issues, and health. Key initiatives include boosting trade and investment, enhancing defense capabilities, supporting democratic institutions, addressing regional stability, and advancing health partnerships. The dialogue underscores commitments to create jobs, improve security, uphold democratic principles, tackle humanitarian issues, and combat health challenges like HIV/AIDS and cancer. 25 September 2023 US and Kenya sign a defence deal ahead of possible Haiti mission The United States and Kenya have signed a defence agreement that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it has volunteered to lead an international mission to violence-plagued Haiti. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenya's Defence Minister Aden Duale signed the accord on Monday at a meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, guiding the countries' defence relations for the next five years. Feb 7 2024 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised the close U.S.-Kenya partnership during a meeting with Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale at the Pentagon. They discussed the importance of Kenya as a strategic ally in addressing shared security threats, particularly in countering al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Austin highlighted Kenya's role in broader security efforts, including the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and international maritime operations in the Red Sea. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continuing and strengthening their defense cooperation to promote regional and global stability. 13 March 2024 Justified Accord 2024, the largest U.S. Africa Command exercise in East Africa, concluded successfully in Kenya. Held from February 26 to March 7, it involved over 1,000 personnel from 23 nations. The exercise, led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), focused on enhancing multinational interoperability and preparedness for UN and AU missions. It featured diverse training scenarios, including counter-terrorism, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance, with activities spanning field operations, workshops, and a command post exercise. |
| May 23, 2024 10:43 |
Foreign Pool #2 Arrival Ceremony The light rain stopped by the time POTUS and the First Lady came out to the South Lawn to greet President Ruto and Mrs. Ruto . Different branches of the army and Navy saluted the President and his guests. They took the Podium around 10:12 am, with tens of Kenyan and US flags behind them . There was a military band on the portico , the national anthem of both countries played under a cloudy sky. Both POTUS and President Ruto viewed the Guards of honor on the lawn walking in a big circle before they took the podium again. POTUS spoke at 10:22 talking about celebrating 60 years of relationship between the two countries. Health , economic , cyber, and environmental security will be issues to discuss, he said . " 90 % of Kenyan energy comes from clean energy". Audience clapped . He briefly touched on foreign policy including Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Ruto greeted the audience by the Swahili hello ( Jambo) . Mr. Ruto talked about common values as a democratic nations , talked about the challenges of peace and security in the Horn of Africa , thanks the US for its assistance. Trades d investment will be discussed , mentioned growth and access to market . Ceremony concluded at 10:40 am We are holding now to cover the Oval meeting shortly From WH : U.S. Delegation Kenya Delegation |
| May 23, 2024 11:10 |
Foreign Pool #3 Rose garden Both POTUS and President Ruto walked through the colonnade to the Oval Office. They were exchanging a conversation but your pooler was too far to hear it . |
| May 23, 2024 | [APP Note: Report #4 does not exist or was not received by the APP.] |
| May 23, 2024 13:30 |
Foreign Pool #5 presser The press conference started at 1:30 pm . It's been live streaming at :whitehouse.gov Meanwhile few demonstrators gathered outside the White House carrying Palestinian flags , some carried a banner displayed both Haitian and Palestinian flags with the caption " One struggle ". Others denounced Kenyan participation in the UN peace keeping mission in Haiti. |
| May 23, 2024 | [APP Note: Report #6 does not exist or was not received by the APP.] |
| May 23, 2024 20:42 |
Foreign Pool #7 State Dinner- Kenyan president The pool was driven by a trolley train to the venue at 7:25 pm. Shortly before disembarkation, we spotted President Obama walking briskly up the stairs towards the tent, where he immediately began chatting with someone as he entered. Apparently, he exited before the speeches. Earlier, he had met with President Ruto at Blair House. The closest to your pooler to spot were President Clinton and Secretary Clinton, who were chatting with guests. Both the Presidents and the First Ladies walked in shortly after. The tent setting had the head table in the middle, with POTUS, President Ruto, and their spouses seated at the center of the large, see-through glass tent, which featured glittering decorations that changed color from yellow to blue. The Clintons were at the same table, but your pooler couldn't identify the other guests at the head table from a distance. Administration officials sat at tables with guests, both Americans and Kenyans, each at one table. I spotted Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, CIA Director Bill Burns, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who was seated next to philanthropist Catherine Reynolds. The full guest list has been released by the White House and can be found on their website. Both POTUS and President Ruto gave short speeches carried by the TV pool, followed by a toast and a music performance from the Howard University Gospel Choir. Prior to that White House Military Chaplain led a short prayer. Pool was escorted out at 7:56 pm. |
| May 23, 2024 22:11 |
Foreign pool #8 entertainment- Kenyan President Pool was called for the last part of the entertainment at 9:25 PM. Your pooler could hear the famous Kenyan song "Jambo Bwana" playing in the background. The First Lady made a short speech thanking the Kenyan President and his wife, Rachel, referring to the almost full moon night under the stars. She then introduced singer and songwriter Brad Paisley, who played two songs with his guitar during the time the pool was allowed to watch. The singer referenced the Ukrainian flag in his first song, "American Saturday Night." Pool exited at 9:40 PM while Paisley was still playing. It was fun to cover this state visit as your pooler on this long day. Kenya was a place I called home for six years. Usiku mwema na asante. --- Last piece of information to sum up President Ruto's meetings: President William Ruto's state visit to the United States is scheduled to last four days, beginning on May 20, 2024, and concluding on May 23, 2024. The visit includes various engagements in both Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. In Atlanta, President Ruto's itinerary includes: - Visits to the Carter Center and the CDC to discuss health partnerships. - Talks at Spelman College and engagements at Tyler Perry Studios and Coca-Cola headquarters. - A dinner hosted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and interactions with the Kenyan diaspora. In Washington, D.C., the key activities are: - Meetings with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a bipartisan congressional delegation, and the Black Congressional Caucus. - A wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. - A bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden, followed by a joint press briefing and a state dinner at the White House. - Engagements with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a digital roundtable hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris. - A visit to the Pentagon to discuss defense partnerships. The visit underscores the strategic importance of the U.S.-Kenya relationship, aiming to strengthen economic, health, and security cooperation between the two nations. |
Pool Reports below by Nikki Schwab, Daily Mail
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| May 23, 2024 17:10 |
Booksellers Pool Report No. 1 - guest list highlights Good evening! I will be your booksellers pooler for tonight's state dinner with Kenya. The guest list will be dropping in your inboxes shortly but a few highlights - Sean Penn, Hunter Biden, Roger Goodell, LeVar Burton, Michaela Cole, Don McLean, Sheryl Sandberg, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Huma Abedin, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Wilmer Valderrama. The gates are open so guests will be coming through shortly. More TK! |
| May 23, 2024 17:57 |
Booksellers Pool Report No. 2 - early arrivals Don McLean and girlfriend Paris Dunn - wearing Barbie pink - were among the first to walk through booksellers, which has been red-carpeted for the evening. There are two giant flower arrangements of fuchsia orchids and American red roses being used as a backdrop. Rep. Barbara Lee said she had brought her granddaughter Simone to the affair. "Democracy is going to win in '24," Rev. Al Sharpton answered when asked about Biden's chances in November, while also talking about how Africa hasn't been paid enough attention historically by the U.S. The AP's own Darlene Superville divulged to pool that she was wearing "Macy's," as she walked the carpet with nephew Jordan. Sean Penn stayed tight lipped when asked if he would talk to Biden about any current events, campaign for the president or travel to Gaza. Your pooler misspelled Michaela Coel's last name in the previous report. She regrets the error. "Everything," author Barbara Kingsolver answered when asked what inspires her about the African continent, featured in her writings. Star Trek and Reading Rainbow's LeVar Burton told the pool this was his first ever state dinner. When asked what would be the word of the day to describe the political climate, Burton answered: "Just one? Can I swear?... It's fraught. Fraught with possibility." More TK |
| May 23, 2024 18:26 |
Booksellers Pool Report No. 3 - Paisley et. al. "Absolutely," Leah Daughtry answered when asked if Biden was doing everything he needed to do to win in November. "I asked my son if he was going to hold my hand and he said no," Keisha Lance Bottoms told the pool as she and her 16-year-old embraced on the red carpet. Lester Holt said this was only the second state dinner he's attended. Brad Paisley - tonight's entertainer - answered several questions from the pool. Paisley said he was "excited" to perform. "I can't wait to see what kind of audience this is." "That's a good question, I'm going to start with American Saturday Night and then all bets are off," Paisley said when asked what he was going to play. Melissa Cohen Biden walked the red carpet sans her husband Hunter Biden. She told pool that her white dress with silver sequined flowers was made by the designer "Safiyaa." She did not answer when asked, "Where's Hunter?" "The whole world is excited. The greatest city in the world," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson when asked about the DNC. "I'm feeling really good," said former DNC Chair Donna Brazile about the 2024 presidential race Sen. Chris Coons said he brought his son Jack because they traveled to Kenya together last year. "I'm looking forward to having all the conversations," Rep. Ilhan Omar told pool when asked if she planned to talk Gaza with Biden. Roger Goodell walked quickly by the pool - as did Secretary of State Antony Blinken. More TK |
| May 23, 2024 18:57 |
Booksellers Pool No. 4 - Clintons/Kamala/Coel Samantha Power ignored questions on humanitarian aid getting into Gaza. "I don't know," April Ryan said when asked by pool who she was wearing. "Angela Alsobrooks," Sen. Ben Cardin said when asked who would win the Maryland Senate race to replace him. "I like the girl behind you," Bill Clinton said as he walked the red carpet with Hillary Clinton. Her official portrait is hanging behind the pool. "It's a good night," said VP Kamala Harris when asked to comment on it being the first state dinner for Africa in awhile. She was wearing an evergreen caped gown. Actress Michaela Coel was wearing a red dress with a gold design. "It's from a Sudanese friend of mine. She wore it to her wedding and gave it to me," she said. "I'm really excited. This is my first time in Washington," Coel added. "The closest I've had to this is Hamilton the musical." "I'm going to think about that on my way," she said when asked what she planned to say to the president. "Also I do wonder, it just must be really tough because there's so many things to like juggle. ... but maybe I should give him a rest and just let him enjoy the night." "A friend of mine made this dress," Karine Jean-Pierre told the pool of her red gown with festive straps, calling the scoop she just gave us a "bombshell." Arrivals are slowing down here at booksellers but haven't fully wrapped. More TK |
| May 23, 2024 19:05 |
Booksellers Pool Report No. 5 - FLOTUS designer According to the First Lady's Office: |
| May 23, 2024 19:24 |
Booksellers Pool Report No. 6 - more Bidens Naomi Biden and Peter Neal walked through near the end. She wore a flowy frock, bright green with gold at her shoulders and feet. She was asked who the designer was, Neal appeared to try to answer, as they both shuffled to pose for the photo. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tried to come fashionably late but once warned the press was still in place reversed course and didn't come through booksellers. "Roland Mouret," Finnegan Biden told pool when asked who designed her black, sparkling column-like gown. "Oh yes it is," Natalie Biden said as she walked through the red carpet with her boyfriend when asked if she was attending her first state dinner. She was a little wobbly wearing a long white dress with big heels. At 7:21 p.m. arrivals wrapped. One slight correction - Paris Dylan is the correct name of Don McLean's girlfriend. That's it from me tonight - thanks for following along! |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of May 23, 2024 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/372445