Pool Reports of October 31, 2023

WH pool report 1 — greetings

Good All Saints Eve Day morning from the White House.

The only public item on the president's schedule is a speech about retirement security at 1530 this afternoon.

Note that the deadline to sign up to attend this in person was 0800, so if you missed it, well, too bad.

Also note that NSC spox Adm. John Kirby, USN (ret) is to join press sec Karine Jean-Pierre on the podium at 1300.

Will advise on any updates.

WH pool report 2 -- lunch lid

The White House press office announced a lid until 1230.

Go enjoy your three-course, two-martini lunch. Your pooler has the conn.

WH pool report 3 -- congressional leaders to stakeout location

WH press office alerts that congressional leaders are at the stakeout location.

WH pool report 4 -- briefing delayed to 1330

Per the WH press office.

WH pool report 5 -- two-minute warning

The WH press at 1346 office announced a two-minute warning until the start of the press briefing.

WH pool report 6 -- briefing begins

WH press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC spokesman John Kirby entered the briefing room at 1348.

WH pool report 7 -- briefing ends

The daily briefing ended at 1444. Adm. Kirby took questions for 32 minutes before leaving. Karine Jean-Pierre took questions for an additional 18 minutes before stepping down from the podium.

WH pool report 8 — state dining room for Biden remarks

Pool and other reporters were brought into the State Dining Room at 1556, where we await the arrival of President Biden. He is to deliver remarks about retirement security and "junk" fees.

The event will be carried on the White House web site, here: And here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35Nq9YmYowY

WH pool report 9 — two minute warning

In the state dining room, arranged with rows of chairs for guests. Press in the back.

WH pool report 10 — Biden enters room

President Biden entered the State Dining Room at 1600. His remarks can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35Nq9YmYowY

WH pool report 11 — Biden begins remarks

The president began speaking at 1404.

There are two teleprompter screens, to the left and right, ahead of him. A large computer with the words "Protecting Retirement Security" was positioned on the podium to his left.

WH pool report 12 — Biden finishes — no questions

The president wrapped up at 1618, after speaking 14 minutes about "junk fees."

The music came up ("God Bless America," from the Marine Corps band out in the foyer) as he finished. He took no questions.

WH pool report 13 -- quotes from event

(As always, please check against transcript. The president speaks softly.)

"We're taking on what we call junk fees."

The president said his administration has been cracking down on "junk fees" in a range of areas, from health care to concert tickets to banking.

"When you come from a working class background, the things that make you the angriest is when people are taking advantage of you."

Biden spoke, as he often does, of his own family growing up, and of his father, who he said. "worked like hell" to have "a little bit of breathing room" at the end of each month after paying all the bills.

"Hidden junk fees make it even harder to have a little bit of breathing room."

Biden said his administration was now moving to protect consumers saving for retirement, especially those who are not financially savvy, from unscrupulous investment advisers and insurance brokers.

"They don't know an annuity from a shinuity," he said of those vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

"They're putting their interests ahead of their clients'," he said of the unscrupulous brokers and advisers.

He said those groups would also be required to have a "fiduciary duty" to their clients.

"The fine print can be filled with hidden fees"

Biden said those fees can result in lost income of up to 1.2 percent per year, accumulating to a loss of 20 percent over a working lifetime.

"The action we're taking today I believe is long overdue."

Per the WH press office:

Attendees

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su
Elected officials, industry leaders, and members of the Biden-Harris Administration

Speaking Program

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su
Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Chief Executive Officer
The President

WH pool report 14 -- lid

The WH press office announced a lid at 1648 and wished everyone a Happy Halloween.

It has brought great joy to serve as your pooler on this important pagan holiday.

Remember that high-fructose corn syrup is bad for you.