Pool Reports of November 22, 2024

In-town pool report #1: lunch lid

Good afternoon!

I am your in-town pooler today. We have a lid until 5:45 p.m.

There is only one thing on the schedule today: the president and the first lady will be hosting a dinner on the South Lawn at 6:30 p.m. That event will be covered by the in-town pool.

Till then, enjoy this extended lunch --

In-town pool report #2: more information on dinner tonight

Hi all --

A few of you have inquired about what the dinner tonight is about, given that there is a big tent on the South Lawn.

Passing along the following information from a White House official: the President and First Lady are hosting a dinner to thank longtime supporters.

That event starts tonight at 6:30 p.m. and will be covered by the in-town pool.

In-town pool report #3: gathering, info on president's speech

In town pool is gathering at the Palm Room doors for the president's dinner to thank his longtime supporters.

Per the White House, the president will be giving remarks at the beginning of the dinner. The First Lady will speak at the end of the evening.

Both of those remarks will be streamed live on the White House website.

In-town pool report #4: entering dinner

The pool entered the tent on the south lawn where the dinner is being held at 7:23 pm. We have not received an update on the timing of the president's remarks.

In town pool report #5: President Biden enters dinner

The president and the First Lady entered the dinner at 7:25 pm to a standing ovation. He is speaking now. A reminder that his remarks are being streamed on the White House website. I will provide additional color.

In-town pool report #6: information on the program

Passing along from the White House

The President and the First Lady are hosting a dinner on the South Lawn of the White House.

Program

The President
Musical Performance
The First Lady

Entertainment

The evening will feature "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra, as well as a musical production that will feature the choirs and strings from all of the services:

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra
The United States Army Chorus
The United States Army Strings
The United States Army Herald Trumpets
The United States Navy Sea Chanters
The United States Air Force Singing Sergeants
The United States Air Force Strolling Strings

In-town poll report #7: remarks conclude.

The president spoke for 6 minutes. The pool moved out of the dinner at 7:32 pm immediately following the president's remarks. The pool will be holding at the White House before returning to the dinner for the First Lady's remarks.

Upon exiting, the pool spotted Gov. Walz and Gwen Walz sitting with the First Lady.

Also in attendance, the pool spotted Secretary Buttigieg and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. H/t to my fellow poolers for spotting guests in attendance.

In-town pool report #8: planning for first lady's remarks

As a reminder, the pool is holding at the White House while the attendees enjoy dinner. The White House has let us know that we will gather at 8:20pm to move back down for the musical performance and the First Lady's remarks.

In-town pool report #9: gathering

The pool is gathering now at the Palm Room doors to head back down to the dinner for the musical performance and the First Lady's remarks. The pool is being trollied to and from the White House and dinner.

In-town pool report #10: moving into dinner

The pool is moving into the dinner venue for the musical performance and the First Lady's remarks.

In-town pool report #11: musical performance and the First Lady remarks.

The musical performance began at 9:08 pm. They sang five songs, including Ain't No Mountain High Enough and God Bless America.

The First Lady began speaking at 9:19 pm. President Biden joined her at the lectern. Attendees stood for the entirety of the First Lady's remarks, making it hard for the pool to see the First family.

These remarks were streamed on the White House website. The First Lady spoke about the president's time in office, describing his tenure in office as "breathtaking."

After that comment, attendees started yelling "we love you Joe." The First Lady then toasted to the president. She spoke for 7 minutes.

Biden then took the lectern again. He thanked attendees for consistently supporting him through the entirety of his political career and the tragedy his family has faced. The president's additional remarks lasted less than a minute.

The pool moved out at 9:27 pm as soon as Biden finished speaking.

Your pool spotted Gov. JD Pritzker, Ron Klain, White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo and AG Garland.

The pool is now walking back to the White House. No additional movement is planned this evening.

In-town poll report #12: lid + additional color

A lid was called at 9:32 pm.

Thanks to my fellow poolers for helping me spot attendees. One pooler was able to spot the president better as we were being ushered out. The president upon concluding his remarks got visibly emotional and appeared to wipe a tear. He and the First Lady then started dancing to the slow song playing.

That's all from me.