Pool Reports of October 29, 2024

POTUS Out of Town Pool 1: Leaving White House

Good afternoon -

I will be your out of town print pooler today for the President's trip to Maryland. The day's schedule is below.

One note: plans changed and the pool is not lifting from JBA, but rather alongside POTUS at Ft McNair. We're also departing rather behind schedule. The motorcade began rolling from the White House at 1:05 pm

We did not see POTUS enter his vehicle but heard a group of several dozen staffers and visitors gathered on the steps of EEOB loudly cheer him on. Many of them waited more than a half hour to see POTUS.

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EDT

10:00 AM In-Town Pool Call Time

10:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the President's Daily Brief
Closed Press

11:15 AM Out-of-Town Pool Call Time
Joint Base Andrews Overhang

12:30 PM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route to Fort Lesley J. McNair
North Grounds
In-Town Travel Pool (Gather 12:15 PM – Palm Room Doors)

12:40 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives to Fort Lesley J. McNair
Fort Lesley J. McNair
In-Town Travel Pool

12:50 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Fort Lesley J. McNair enroute to Baltimore, Maryland
Fort Lesley J. McNair
In-Town Travel Pool

1:15 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Baltimore, Maryland
Port of BaltimoreLanding Zone
Out-of-Town Pool

2:00 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on how his Investing in America agenda is rebuilding our infrastructure, tackling the climate crisis, and creating good paying union jobs
Baltimore, Maryland
Open Press

4:00 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Baltimore, Maryland enroute to Potomac, Maryland
Port of BaltimoreLanding Zone
Out-of-Town Pool

4:30 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Potomac, Maryland
Bethesda Landing Zone
Out-of-Town Pool

4:50 PM THE PRESIDENT attends a political engagement
Potomac, Maryland
Closed Press

5:50 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Potomac, Maryland en route to Fort Lesley J. McNair
Bethesda Landing Zone
Out-of-Town Pool

6:05 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives to Fort Lesley J. McNair
Fort Lesley J. McNair
In-Town Travel Pool

6:15 PM THE PRESIDENT departs Fort Lesley J. McNair enroute to the White House
Fort Lesley J. McNair
In-Town Travel Pool (Gather 5:00 PM – Palm Room Doors)

6:25 PM THE PRESIDENT arrives to the White House
North Grounds
In-Town Travel Pool

6:45 PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a campaign call
Virtual
Closed Press

POTUS Out of Town 2: Arriving Ft McNair + Lift

After a short and uneventful ride, the motorcade arrived at Ft McNair at 1:15 pm. POTUS then stepped out of the Beast and strode across a grassy lawn to a waiting Marine One. He did not acknowledge the pool and were too far away to shout questions.

The press boarded our helo a few moments later. We did not see M1 lift. Next stop: Baltimore

And from the WH:

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to Fort Lesley J. McNair:

Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
John McCarthy, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor for Political Engagement
Terry Wolff, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Senior Director for the Middle East & North Africa
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS Out of Town Pool 3: Arriving Baltimore

Marine One touched down at the Port of Baltimore landing zone at 1:43 pm. POTUS stepped off M1 three minutes later and waved at the pool but did not approach. We then hopped in the motorcade for a drive that lasted all of two minutes. We're now elsewhere on the port and waiting for the program to begin.

As the press Osprey approached Baltimore, we had a clear view of the damaged Francis Scott Key Bridge, much of its span missing.

And from the WH:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Port of Baltimore Landing Zone:

Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS Out of Town #4: Port of Baltimore Event Begins

POTUS took the stage at 2:17 pm, following remarks by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and port worker Gwen Williamson of International Longshoreman Association Local 333. Other speakers preceded our arrival. The event is being live-streamed.

From the WH:

The President is delivering remarks on how his Investing in America agenda is rebuilding our infrastructure, tackling the climate crisis, and creating good paying union jobs.

Speaking Program:
Senator Ben Cardin (MD)
Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)
Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore, Maryland
County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County, Maryland
Gloria Nelson, President of Turner Station Conservation Teams
Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Governor Wes Moore (MD)
Gwen Williamson, International Longshoreman Association Local 333 & Introducer
The President

POTUS Out of Town 5: Baltimore event concludes + Puerto Rico comment

President Biden wrapped up at 2:31 pm. He spoke in front of a few hundred people gathered at the port, the water glistening behind him. POTUS praised the local officials there as well and the longshoremen union workers who just received significant pay raises.

He dwelled at length on the recovery and repair efforts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, noting that estimates suggested it would take "six months or more but you cleared it in 78 days."

POTUS said that the effort was aided by workers from all over the country adding "including, yes, from Puerto Rico." The crowd cheered at the clear reference to a comedian's racist comments about Puerto Rico at Donald Trump's MSG rally on Sunday. Biden then muttered "I'd like to take that guy for a swim out there" drawing laughs. Biden then joked about Rep. Steny Hoyer, who was in attendance, saying "Steny is looking at me like 'Don't get going, Joe, slow up.'"

Later, Biden made a clear reference to Trump by once again mocking his predecessor's pledge to have an Infrastructure Week. Biden added "He didn't build a damn thing."

He touted how union-friendly his administration has been and its works on climate change, infrastructure and manufacturing. And he concluded by praising Baltimore for "getting back up fast" and said that it represented the nation's resilient spirit.

We loaded the motorcade and about to roll

POTUS Out of Report 6: OTR Ice Cream + Gaggle

We are making an OTR stop for ice cream at B'More Licks in Baltimore's waterfront Canton neighborhood. POTUS entered the shop at 3:02 pm. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joined.

Biden asked for chocolate chip but was told by an employee at the counter that they don't carry the iconic flavor. She added "I would have made some if I knew you were coming!" POTUS then ordered one scoop of vanilla and one of chocolate.

While waiting, POTUS took a few questions. He was asked if he would watch the VP's speech at the Ellipse tonight and said yes. When asked why he was not going to attend, he answered "It's for her." He then demurred as to what her campaign's closing argument should be

He was then asked if he had concerns about North Korean troops training in Russia and he answered "I am concerned about it, yes." He was then asked if Ukraine should strike those troops and answered "if they cross into Ukraine."

Pool was then escorted from the shop.

POTUS Out of Town 7: Leaving Ice Cream Shop

POTUS stepped out of the store at 3:28 pm and posed for photos and chatted with delighted onlookers. He shook hands, took several selfies and pet a dog. As he did so, he recounted President Truman's famed saying that if you want a friend in Washington, "get a dog." It got a laugh.

Motorcade is rolling at 3:35 pm.

From the WH about that stop:

President Biden is campaigning with County Executive of Prince George's County and Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate Angela Alsobrooks and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott at BMORE LICKS, a local ice cream shop in Baltimore, Maryland.

POTUS Out of Town 8: Departing Baltimore

The motorcade returned to the Port of Baltimore at 3:48 pm. Our helicopters were waiting for us and we did not see POTUS board M1.

We are now aboard the press Osprey and will be lifting soon. Next stop: Potomac, MD for a political engagement.

POTUS Out of Town 9: Arriving for Potomac stop

Marine One was wheels down at the landing zone - on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bethesda - at 4:19 pm. POTUS strode to his car and was inside moments later.

We are now making the drive to nearby Potomac, rolling at 4:25 pm.

And from the WH:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

POTUS Out of Town 11: Leaving Fundraiser

The motorcade left the fundraiser at 5:21 pm and began to wind its way past the lovely homes of Potomac back to the landing zone.

From the WH: the fundraiser was at the home of former Rep. John Delaney (MD-06) and his wife, April McLean Delaney. She is currently running for Congress. Participating in a photoline with the President:

Former Governor Terry McAuliffe (VA)
Former Rep. John Delaney (MD-06), his spouse April McLean Delaney, and their three daughters

POTUS Out of Town 12: Lifting back to DC

The motorcade arrived back at the landing zone at 5:30 pm. POTUS quickly boarded M1 and we all should be airborne soon for the short ride back to Washington

From the WH:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Fort Lesley J. McNair:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President