Pool Reports of October 25, 2022

In-town pool report #1 — checking in

Good morning and happy Tuesday —

It's a gloomy 56 degrees in Washington, where President Joe Biden will receive his updated COVID-19 vaccine at 2:05pm ET and deliver remarks urging Americans to do the same.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/tEXjrxOZZGg

The White House adds that "White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha will be joining the Press Briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre," currently scheduled to follow the president at 2:45pm ET.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/gT9mQZZNxHU

Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

In-town pool report #2 — gathering

Pool is now gathering at the stakeout ahead of POTUS' vaccine event in the South Court Auditorium.

Reminder that you follow along here:

https://youtu.be/tEXjrxOZZGg

In-town pool report #3 — 2 min warning

… was called at 2:05pm ET, but pool is yet to enter the room. More to follow

In-town pool report #4 — event begins

At 2:10pm.

Watch here:

https://youtu.be/tEXjrxOZZGg

In-town pool report #5 — attendees

Here's a picture of POTUS at the podium with the WH COVID team behind him:

https://twitter.com/tocradio/status/1584971080027885568?s=46&t=Vhv9-YBAW...

And passing along a list of attendees from the White House

In attendance for the President's remarks on the ongoing fight against the virus:

Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor and Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Ashish Jha, Coordinator, White House COVID-19 Response Team
Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General
Ms. Tracey Brown, President of Retail and Chief Customer Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Dr. Sree Chaguturu, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health
Ms. Heyward Donigan, President and CEO, Rite Aid
Mr. Vivek Sankaran, CEO, Albertsons Companies, Inc.

Speaking Program
The President

In-town pool report #6 — event over

POTUS wrapped his remarks at 2:22pm before rolling up his sleeve and receiving his vaccine onstage.

He fielded a few questions from press while the shot was administered. A full transcript will be sent in a future report.

Summarized highlights below.

Q: Is COVID still a national emergency?

A: We have to make sure it doesn't become one

Q: reaction to saudis urging no SPR release

(No answer)

Q: Was it a mistake for NY to withdraw vaccine mandate for private employers?

A: No, state decision

Q: reaction to reports regarding Russian false flag nuclear attack?

A: It would be a mistake for Russia to launch a nuclear attack. Would not say whether he thought Russia would or not… he's been talking to NatSec team today about Russia potentially using dirty bomb

In-town pool report #7 — note on vaccine

Passing along from WH

The President receives his updated COVID-19 vaccine from a member of the White House Medical Unit.

In-town pool report #8 — full q/a

Otter link:

https://otter.ai/u/_WvcDVJ12cfFVZ8DaX05HJT65U4

Q/A transcript

Q: Mr. President, is COVID still a national emergency?

POTUS: It's a necessity to deal with to make sure it doesn't become one.

Q: What's your reaction to the Saudis on oil urging the US not to use the reserves?

(No answer)

Q: Sir, do you think it's a mistake for New York to withdraw it's mandate for vaccines?

Say again?

Q: Do you think it's a mistake for New York to withdraw its vaccine mandate for private employers?

No, I don't think — that's a local judgement. Thank you.

Q: What is your next move now that Brittney Griner lost her appeal, Mr. President?

We are in constant contact with Russian authorities to get Brittney Griner out, and so far we are not agreeing (inaudible) but we're not stopping.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: On the dirty bomb allegations from Russia as it relates to Ukraine. Do you believe that this is the beginning of a false flag operation? Is Russia preparing to deploy a dirty bomb itself or a nuclear weapon?

I spent a lot of time today talking about that. Let me just say: Russia would be making an incredible, serious mistake if it were to use a tactical nuclear weapon. I'm not guaranteeing that it's a false flag operation yet. Don't know, but it would be a serious mistake, a very serious mistake

In-town pool report #9 — briefing delayed

... until 3:15pm ET, per White House

Reminder that Dr. Ashish Jha will join WH press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Watch here: https://youtu.be/gT9mQZZNxHU

In-town pool report #10 — 2 min warning

Watch the briefing here:

https://youtu.be/gT9mQZZNxHU

In-town pool report #11 — travel/photo lid

... called at 5:03pm ET.

Have a great Tuesday evening, y'all!