Pool Reports of November 3, 2023

WH in-town pool report #1

Good morning. Your pool has gathered for POTUS’ family photo with attendees of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders’ Summit.

WH in-town pool report #2 — Comment on Americans in Gaza

POTUS emerged with world leaders at 9:53 am ET and took the stage.

A reporter asked what his message was to Americans still in Gaza.

"They'll be coming home," POTUS said.

He didn't answer a follow-up question on whether he could contain a wider war, asking the reporter if he had a camera.

POTUS went back inside at 9:55 am ET. Your pool is moving.

WH in-town pool report #3

Your pool was ushered into the East Room at 10:01 am ET for the president’s remarks at the start of the summit. They’re streaming live at Whitehouse.gov.

WH in-town pool report #4

The White House passes along lists of participants in the summit.

Participating in this morning’s family photo:

Attendees

H.E. Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, President of Uruguay
H.E. Luis Abinader, President of Dominican Republic
H.E. Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, President of Ecuador
H.E. Gabriel Boric, President of Chile
H.E. Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica
H.E. Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
H.E. Dina Boluarte, President of Peru
T.R.H. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
H.E. Alicia Barcena, Foreign Minister of Mexico

Participating in today’s summit meeting:

U.S. Manifest

The President
Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor
Mr. Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank

Uruguay Manifest

HE. Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, President of Uruguay
H.E. Andrés Durán, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to the United States
H.E. Luis Bermúdez, Director General for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dominican Republic Manifest

H.E. Luis Abinader Corona, President of Dominican Republic
T.H. Roberto Alvarez Gil, Minister of Foreign Affairs
T.H. Jose Manuel Vicente Dubocq, Minister of Finance

Ecuador Manifest

H.E. Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, President of Ecuador
T.H. Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility
T.H. Sebastian Corral, Secretary General of the Public Administration and Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic

Chile Manifest

H.E. Gabriel Boric Font, President of Chile
H.E. Alberto Van Klaveren, Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Juan Gabriel Valdes, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to the United States

Costa Rica Manifest

H.E. Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica
H.E. Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Affairs
T.H. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade

Colombia Manifest

H.E. Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
H.E. Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Carlos Ramón González, Acting Chief of Cabinet, Office of the President

Peru Manifest

H.E. Dina Boluarte Zegarra, President of Peru
T.H. Ana Cecilia Gervasi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
T.H. Alex Contreras, Minister of Economy and Finance

Canada Manifest

T.R.H. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Ms. Katie Telford, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister
H.E. Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States

Barbados Manifest

H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
T.H. Kerrie Symmonds, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Mexico Manifest

H.E. Alicia Barcena, Foreign Minister of Mexico
H.E. Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States
Mr. Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Undersecretary for North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Speaking Program
The President

WH in-town pool report #5

POTUS wrapped up remarks at 10:10 am ET. He didn’t take shouted questions from the press.

WH in-town pool report #6 — AF1 gaggle scheduled

The White House shares that Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Maine.

WH in-town pool report #7 — Marine One Departure

POTUS emerged at 12:50 pm ET from the White House and promptly boarded Marine One.

He did not take questions from your pool. He’s off to Maine, and then Delaware.

M1 lifted off at 12:54 pm ET. Handing off to your travel pool. Have a good afternoon.

WH in-town pool report #8 – Summit addendum

The White House passes along the following:

During this morning’s family photo with summit leaders, the President was also joined by H.E. Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama.

In the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders’ Summit, the Republic of Panama was represented by the following:

Panama Manifest
H.E. Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama
H.E. Ramon Martinez De La Guardia, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the United States
Ms. Alexandra Rodriguez, Advisor to the Minister

Foreign Pool Report #1 - Background Ahead of Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders' Summit

Hello!

I will serve as your foreign pool reporter for the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders' Summit. While it's not confirmed, there's a possibility that some leaders may make stops at the stakeout. I will keep you updated on any developments.

Schedule
Thursday: Most of the leaders participated yesterday in the Americas Partnership - IDB Responsible Investment Forum, co-hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group and the United States Government. The Forum was organized on the occasion of the inaugural Americas Partnership Leaders’ Summit

Friday:

• The leaders had a meeting this morning with Secretary Yellen.
• At 9:45 AM, they will participate in a family photo at the South Portico.
• At 10:00 AM, the leaders will participate in a plenary session for the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders’ Summit.

Participants

• POTUS
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada
• President Gabriel Boric of Chile
• President Gustavo Petro of Colombia
• President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic
• President Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica
• President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador
• President Dina Boluarte of Peru
• President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay
• The Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will not attend. Mexico will be represented by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena.
• The Panamanian President, Laurentino Cortizo, will not attend. Panama will be represented by the Foreign Minister, Janaina Tewaney.

Some facts

• The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity was announced by POTUS at the opening ceremony of the Summit of the Americas that took place in Los Angeles in June 2022.
• According to the White House, during the Summit, the President "will reaffirm the United States' commitment to work together with our partners to deepen economic integration in our hemisphere, drive more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and tackle the underlying economic drivers of irregular migration in our hemisphere."
• According to a US official, the objective of today is to formally establish a "platform" that the leaders of the Western Hemisphere can use to address the challenges facing the region in terms of infrastructure, the environment, technology, migration, and job creation, among others.
• To solidify the APEP as a mechanism for addressing the major issues in the region, the idea is for heads of state and government to meet every two years, and each year, there will be three ministerial-level meetings: one with Foreign Ministers, one with Trade Ministers, and one with Finance Ministers, as indicated by another US official.

Guidance on deliverables

• According to a U.S. official, the deliverables will be shaped by the vision of the POTUS for Latin America. "Whenever the President thinks about Latin America and the Caribbean, he doesn't think about what we should do for the Americas, but rather what we can do together with the Americas." Therefore, anticipate announcements from the United States, as well as from other countries and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
• One of the forthcoming announcements, as mentioned by a U.S. official, will pertain to "green bonds." Specifically, this announcement will address the "tools" that countries can employ to attract investment in projects like the "debt-for-nature" swap that was launched by Ecuador this year. This Ecuadorian project includes a $656 million "blue bond" designed to reduce the country's public debt and direct substantial funding towards the protection of the Galápagos Islands.
• Furthermore, according to the same U.S. official, there will also be announcements concerning tools aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, enhancing infrastructure, addressing human capital gaps, and promoting the semiconductor sector.

Foreign pool #2 - Family photo

Biden walked out to the family photo with the President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay. He also exchanged some words with President Luis Abinader of Dominican Republic.

POTUS was asked what was his message to the Americans trying to get out of Gaza. He answered: "they are coming home, a lot people "

Please check with transcript

Travel Pool Report #1: POTUS arrival at JBA

President Biden landed at JBA in M1 at 1:04 PM. He was wearing a black overcoat and what appeared to be his aviator sunglasses. He was also carrying his cell phone in his right hand and gave a little wave to press with it as he prepared to board the stairs to AF1. He did not come over to take questions.

Travelers per the WH:

Greeting the President upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews:

Colonel Angela Ochoa, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing _________

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Brunswick Executive Airport:

Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator Angus King (ME)
Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Presidential Speechwriter

Travel Pool Report #2: Wheels down in Maine

President Biden landed in Maine on Air Force 1 at 2:22 pm.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gaggled during the flight for a little under half an hour. You should have been able to listen live. Questions on the Israel-Hamas war, Netanyahu, Hezbollah, jobs report, gun laws, a CR and next Tuesday’s elections were among those that were asked.

No other visitors to the press cabin so far.

MSNBC was playing during the flight.

Travel Pool Report #3: FLOTUS joins POTUS

President Biden deplaned AF1 at 2:34 PM.

His wife, first lady Jill Biden, was waiting on the ground. He hugged her and gave her a peck. FLOTUS then hugged Sen. Collins and greeted Sen. King and Rep. Pingree, who had followed the president off the plane. The president took his wife's hand and the two walked with the members of the Maine delegation to Marine 1.

The press pool is traveling by Osprey separately. Pool did not see Biden lift and is lifting in its Osprey now.

Travel Pool Report #4: Lewiston

After an extremely windy Osprey ride, the pool landed in Lewiston at 2:50 pm.

The White House sent the following earlier at the airport.

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to Lewiston Landing Zone:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor

Travel Pool Report #5: POTUS arrival in Lewiston

The president and his traveling company, including FLOTUS landed at 2:57pm on M1 in Lewiston.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline were part of a group of officials waiting at the landing zone for his arrival.

They were positioned quite far away from pool, and it was not possible to hear any part of the conversation over the noise of the wind and aircraft.

Mills hugged the president and then the first lady.

She did a group hug with three federal lawmakers next.

Biden shook hands with Sheline and turned to speak to the broader group. Sheline at one point patted POTUS on the back.

After the brief conversation, the president and first lady entered the Beast at 3:03pm.

Motorcade is rolling.

Travel Pool Report #6: Maine officials on the ground

Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival at Lewiston Landing Zone:

Governor Janet Mills (ME)
Attorney General of Maine Aaron Frey
Speaker of the Maine House Rachel Talbot Ross
Mayor Carl Sheline, Lewiston, ME
Mayor Jason Levesque, Auburn, ME

Travel Pool #7: OTR Schemengees Bar and Grille

The president arrived at Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the sites of last week's mass shooting, at 3:25 pm. He was carrying a bouquet of white flowers in one hand and holding first lady Jill Biden's hand in the other. They paused in front of a memorial outside the bar, where carved pumpkins, flower bouquets, candles and signs were placed. They were joined several moments later by the Maine officials from earlier and bar owner Kathy Lebel. After about 3 minutes, press was moved away from the memorial. POTUS and the others stayed behind.

A photo is attached.

Travel Pool Report #8 second OTR stop: Just-In-Time Recreation

The president is making a second stop at Just-In-Time Recreation, the bowling alley that was a site of the mass shooting last week.

Along the route from the bar and grille a scattering of onlookers stood outside and took photos of the passing motorcade.

Set up across the street: a group of Trump supporters (there were several pro-Trump signs and one that said "buy a gun defend America.")

Motorcade arrived at 3:45pm.

A podium with the presidential seal is set up. The president will be delivering remarks at the site, the White House says.

Travel Pool Report #9: background on OTR stops

Background on the OTR stops, provided by the White House.

Now:

"The President and the First Lady are meeting with first responders, including paramedics, health care providers, nurses, firefighters, and other law enforcement officials on the front lines of the response."

Earlier:

"The President and the First Lady are visiting the Schemengees Bar and Grille Memorial to pay respects to the victims of this horrific attack."

In Attendance:
Governor Janet Mills (ME)
Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator Angus King (ME)
Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
Mayor Carl Sheline, Lewiston, ME
Mayor Jason Levesque, Auburn, ME
Kathy Lebel, Owner of Schemengees Bar and Grille

Travel Pool Rwport #10: POTUS remarks

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline began his remarks from the podium at 3:59 PM.

He said nothing can prepare a community for the grief of losing 18 souls as this one did last week.

"Our collective strength is far greater than any number of bullets."

POTUS acknowledged Maine's federal lawmakers at the top of his remarks. He also said that while he "couldn't be here," he also wanted to recognize Maine Rep. Jared Golden.

POTUS said he met with first responders just before his remarks.

"This is about protecting our freedom" to go to a bowling alley or restaurant, school or church without being shot and killed.

He finished his remarks at 4:06 pm and Maine Sen. Susan Collins spoke next. She said the president and first lady's visit means "so much" to the community and to the state of Maine.

MORE TK

From the White House.

The President is delivering remarks paying respects to the victims of this horrific attack and thanking the first responders, nurses, and others on the front lines of the response.

Attendees

Governor Janet Mills (ME)
Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator Angus King (ME)
Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
Mayor Carl Sheline, Lewiston, ME
Mayor Jason Levesque, Auburn, ME
First responders, including paramedics, health care providers, nurses, firefighters, and other law enforcement officials

Speaking Program

Mayor Carl Sheline, Lewiston, ME
The President
Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator Angus King (ME)
Governor Janet Mills (ME)

Travel Pool Report #11: remarks over

More from the remarks.

Collins reminded media present to include the live interpreter in what they showing at home.

"To my friends in the deaf community, stay strong," she said, signing as she did.

King said the shooting was a "tear in the fabric" of the community. "But it will heal," he said.

Pingree said she was sorry Golden couldn't make it --- but they were embraced by their colleagues on the Hill when they returned to Washington after the shooting and said he read a beautiful tribute last night on the floor.

She thanked POTUS and FLOTUS for coming, said it means "so much comfort and it means so much to our state."

Mills spoke next. She said it is a "comfort and solace" knowing the entire nation stands with Lewiston and Maine.

The road to recovery will be long and tough, she said, but "we put one foot in front of the other."

Remarks ended at 4:15. Pool was led away immediately after.

Travel Pool Report #12: closed press community meeting

The president is running a half-hour ahead of schedule.

He arrived at Raymond A. Geiger Elementary School at 4:25 pm to meet with community members. The meeting is closed press and pool is holding down the hall. The president is scheduled to be here for a little over two hours.

Here’s where we are in the daily guidance:

5:00 PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY meet with families and victims of this horrific attack
Lewiston, Maine
Closed Press

Travel Pool Report #13: POTUS on the move

Motorcade departed the elementary school at 6:35 pm, roughly 45 minutes ahead of schedule. Pool hasn't seen POTUS since the bowling alley.

Travel Pool Report #14: lift from Lewiston/AF1 issue

Motorcade arrived at the Lewiston LZ at 6:58 pm. It's now pitch black. The WH shares the following (and clarified verbally that the statement below refers to AF1.) Pool still hasn't seen POTUS and is about to make the roughly 9 minute Osprey ride back to the Brunswick airport.

"During landing in Maine, the aircraft sustained a minor maintenance issue. A different aircraft will be utilized during the flight from Maine to Delaware."

______

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to Brunswick Executive Airport:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor

Travel Pool Report #15: WH Week Ahead

WEEK AHEAD 11/6 – 11/12

Over the weekend, the President and the First Lady will remain in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

On Monday, the President will depart Rehoboth, Delaware en route to New Castle County, Delaware to highlight how Bidenomics and his Investing in America agenda are fixing long-standing infrastructure needs including the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak.

On Thursday, the President will travel to Illinois.

Later, the President will deliver remarks at an official event.

After, the President will depart Illinois.

On Saturday, the President and the First Lady will host veterans and members of the military community at the White House to commemorate Veterans Day.

After, the President and the First Lady will participate in the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Then, the President will deliver remarks at the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater. The Vice President and the Second Gentleman will attend.

In the afternoon, the President and the First Lady will travel to Wilmington, Delaware.

On Sunday, The President and the First Lady will return to the White House from Wilmington, Delaware.

Travel Pool #16: POTUS arrival in Brunswick

The president arrived at the Brunswick airport in M1 at 7:25 pm.

He walked with the first lady to the plane. He saluted at the bottom of the stairs. It's very windy, and it's doubtful he heard shouted questions.

One other note: asked for additional information on the AF1 issue on the tarmac in Brunswick, Karine directed questions to the Air Force.

Travel Pool Report #17: Traveling with POTUS to Delaware

Per the WH:

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

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Presidential Speechwriter
Vanessa Valdivia, Special Assistant to the President & Press Secretary for the First Lady

Travel Pool Report #18: arrival in DE//pool swap

The president touched down at Dover just before 8:50 pm.

He and the first lady deplanned AF1 at 8:57 pm. A female greeter who pooler couldn't see very well in the dark wrapped her arm around FLOTUS and the first lady did the same back as she walked the first lady to Marine 1. The Bidens are heading to their Rehoboth home for the weekend. They lifted at 9:02 pm.

Now on the smaller plane, which replaced the larger AF1 after the maintenance issue, the pool is taking a deadhead flight back to JBA.

Handing off to the Delaware pool.

Per the WH:

Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base:

Colonel William McDonald, Commander, 436th Airlift Wing

______

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady

Travel Pool Report #19 - Rehoboth Beach Arrival

Good evening from Rehoboth Beach, Del., where the temperature is 52 degrees with a light breeze.

Marine One touched down at Gordons Pond at 9:25 p.m. ET.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stepped off Marine One at 9:29 and boarded their vehicle. The pool was positioned at roughly 50 yards from the president's vehicle so there were no opportunities for Q-and-A with the president.

At 9:32 p.m., the president's motorcade was rolling.

Travel Pool Report #20 - Residence/Lid

President Biden's motorcade arrived at his Rehoboth Beach vacation home at 9:35 p.m., per the White House.

A lid has been declared. Good night.