Pool Reports of November 21, 2024

In-town pool report #1: lunch lid

We have a lunch lid till 1:15. Sked stands as is: briefing (1:30), then POTUS greets the 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics (4:30).

A word of warning: Your pooler happens to be a Boston-area native and lifelong Celtics fan. Will attempt not to go overboard during Rose Garden event.

In-town pool report #2: 2-minute warning

For briefing

In-town pool report #3: briefing ends

Briefing began at 1:58 pm, ended at 2:48.

In-town pool report #4: Boston Celtics celebration on South Lawn

Boston Celtics were welcomed to the South Lawn at 4:26 pm to Irish music and crowd cheers.

POTUS and Celtics owner Witt Grossbeck were introduced and entered lawn to Hail to the Chief at 4:28.

Seeing some green touches in the crowd of several hundred- green ties, scarves, blazers. A few Celtics jerseys and championship jackets in the mix.

Biden welcomed the players at 4:29. "Winningest franchise in league history- 18 championships."

POTUS said his USSS code name is Clerics. "Everyone behind me is Irish in his heart"

Follow along live here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/6OtqkKqszb8?si=nwiSy-UwKg_B4A6T

In town pool 5: more color on Celtics event

Members of Congress present were asked to stand.

POTUS notes that coach Joe Mazzulla was youngest championship coach since Bill Russell. Praised the team for its civic activism.

POTUS notes that JFK was first president to welcome an NBA championship team (the Celtics, of course) to the White House.

Biden stopped speaking at 4:35. Owner Wyc Grousbeck (corrected spelling!) spoke next, mentioned Mass. senators present. Intros star players Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, who presented Biden with a Celtics jersey - No 46. Remarks ended around 4:39. 

A tame, symphonic version of "We are the Champions" plays over the loudspeakers. Then more Irish jig music as crowd mingles and snaps pix of players. Some players are hanging with crowd in front rows- sadly, pool is way in the back. SAO Tom Perez is here. Ditto Rep. Richard Neal, D of Mass.

In-town pool report #6: WH note

From the WH:

The President is delivering remarks and welcoming the Boston Celtics to the White House to celebrate their victory in the 2024 National Basketball Association Championship.

Speaking Program

The President

Wyc Grousbeck, Governor of the Boston Celtics

In-town pool report #7: POTUS departs lawn/lid

After extensive mingling, POTUS departed the South Lawn at 5:07 pm. Pool was then permitted to head back into the White House. It's cold out - 44 degrees.

Some odds and ends: During the event, POTUS was given a Wilson basketball with 2024 championship inscription. Joe Biden's name, the presidential seal, and Celtics logo. Pooler didn't see this - photographer Win McNamee shared the image. Also, Hunter Biden was present, according to another photographer.

At 5:13 pm, we have a lid. Good night!