Pool Reports of October 19, 2023

In-Town Pool Report #1 — Checking In

Hello from a sunny morning at the White House! I'm your pool reporter today.

In-town pool call time is 10 a.m. There are no updates to the schedule.

EDT

10:00 AM In-Town Pool Call Time

10:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Closed Press

8:00 PM THE PRESIDENT addresses the nation to discuss our response to Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel and Russia's ongoing brutal war against Ukraine
Oval Office
Restricted Pool (Gather 7:50 PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)

In-Town Pool Report #2 — Lid until 1:15 p.m.

The White House has called a lid until 1:15 p.m.

In-Town Pool Report #3 — No briefing today

For those of you asking — WH Press Office confirms that no briefing will be added to the schedule today.

In-Town Pool Report #4 — WH illuminated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From the White House:

This evening through tomorrow night, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day on October 20th, the White House will be illuminated pink to encourage everyone to check with their doctor about whether it's time for a mammogram or other cancer screenings.

In-Town Pool Report #5 — Call with President Zelenskyy

From the White House:

This afternoon, President Biden held a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of his remarks tonight to discuss the United States' continued commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst Russia's brutal war. A readout will follow.

In-Town Pool Report #6 — Lid until 7 p.m.

White House called a lid until 7pm.

In-Town Pool Report #7 — Entering Oval

Pool was ushered into the Oval Office at 7:59pm and POTUS was already seated behind the Resolute Desk. POTUS began speaking at 8:01.

FLOTUS was seated along the wall closest to POTUS. Staff were seated along the wall as well, including Karine Jean-Pierre, Anita Dunn and Jeff Zients.

This is POTUS' second address from the Oval Office.

Link to the live feed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMRs97QZY48

In-Town Pool Report #8 — Address over

POTUS finished speaking at 8:16 and about 30 seconds later someone said "Clear." Someone said "that was great" quietly. A few staff clapped.

Pool was ushered out at 8:18.

Most of the furniture had been moved out of the Oval Office to make room for the lights, camera, and teleprompter.

Several staff seated in chairs along the wall had notebooks in their laps, but few took notes and all seemed to keep their eyes on POTUS the whole time he spoke.

I have a few photos and will share if requested.

In-Town Pool Report #9 — Travel/photo lid

The WH has called a travel/photo lid.

In-Town Pool Report #10 — Conversation with family of Wadea Alfayoumi

From the White House:

Following the President's Oval Office address to the nation this evening, the President and First Lady spoke tonight to the father of Wadea Alfayoumi, as well as Wadea's uncle. The President and First Lady expressed their deepest condolences to the Alfayoumi family as they mourn; their prayers that Wadea's mother, Hannan Shahin, makes a full recovery; and their commitment to keep speaking out against anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and anti-Muslim hate and violence.