Pool Reports by Brian Bennett, TIME Magazine
| Sent: | Reports: |
| September 7, 2021 09:15 |
In town pool report #1 - checking in Greetings from the White House. The temperature is 71 degrees, under a blue sky and a handful of white clouds. It's a morning for putting on postcards. Your pooler was tested for COVID-19, following the usual procedures for the protective pool, and is wearing a mask inside the press workspace. We're now waiting for President Biden's scheduled 9:50 AM departure from the South Lawn of the White House. He's slated for a day trip to New York and New Jersey to attend meetings about the impacts of Hurricane Ida. |
| September 7, 2021 09:43 |
In town pool report #2 - pool gathered for departure Pool has gathered for President Biden's departure from the South Lawn. |
| September 7, 2021 10:02 |
In town pool report #3 - departure, Biden quotes President Biden walked out of the south portico of the White House at 9:47 am. He came over briefly to talk to reporters. He was asked about what he wants to see on the trip today in New York and New Jersey. He said, "I'm hoping to see the things we're going to be able to fix permanently with the build that we have in for infrastructure." Asked how he's going to get Democrats on board for his infrastucture proposal he said: "The sun is going to come out tomorrow." It was hard to hear over the helicopter and cross talk. Please check quotes against transcript. |
| September 7, 2021 | [APP Note: Report #4 does not exist or was not received by the APP.] |
| September 7, 2021 10:50 |
In town pool report #5 -- passing along a WH statement on POTUS Thursday remarks on Delta From a White House official: On Thursday the President will speak to the American people about his robust plan to stop the spread of the Delta variant and boost vaccinations. As the President has said since day 1, his administration will pull every lever to get the pandemic under control. On Thursday, the President will lay out a six pronged strategy that will help us do just that, working across the public and private sectors. |
| September 7, 2021 18:24 |
In town pool report #6 - Gathering for arrival at 6:30 pm Gathering at 6:30 pm for Marine One arrival on the South Lawn. |
| September 7, 2021 19:02 |
In town pool report #7 - Biden landed, spoke briefly President Biden stepped off Marine One onto the South Lawn at 6:44 pm. First Lady Jill Biden was watching from the South Portico balcony. Biden waved to her as he walked across the lawn. Biden came to talk briefly with reporters. He spoke about his trip to NY and New Jersey and said he's "confident" his administration can get help to the people that need it. He was asked about his next steps on the pandemic. He said he'd talk about that tomorrow or Thursday. He was asked about China funding the Taliban. Biden: "China has a real problem with the Taliban." Asked if he had spoken with Sen. Manchin on infrastructure, Biden said: "Joe at the end has always been there. He's always been with me. I think we can work something out." Will send fuller quotes shortly. |
| September 7, 2021 19:13 |
In town pool report #8 - quotes from Biden arrival at WH Here are fuller quotes from Biden's arrival at the White House. Biden spoke with reporters for about 1 min 30 seconds. On his trip to NY and New Jersey: "A great trip to New Jersey and New York. People need help. I'm confident we can give it to them. I'm confident we can help change their circumstances." Asked about his next steps on the pandemic and what he will lay out: "I'll talk about it tomorrow. Or Thursday." Q: Are you worried the Taliban will get funding from China? Biden: "Well, China has a real problem with the Taliban. So [inaudible] going to try to work out some arrangement with the Taliban. As does Pakistan as does Russia as does Iran. We're all trying to figure out what do they do now. It'll be interesting to see what happens." Asked if he had spoken with Sen. Manchin on infrastructure, Biden said: "Joe at the end has always been there. He's always been with me. I think we can work something out. I look forward to speaking with him." Q: Are you comfortable with the timing of the bill? Seing what you've seen in New Jersey today and New York, should the first bill that gets passed be on that? Biden: "I'm comfortable proceeding the way we've proceeded so far." As always, check quotes against transcript. |
| September 7, 2021 19:14 |
In town pool report #9 - lid White House called a lid at 6:52 pm. Good night all. |
Pool Reports below by S.V. Dáte, HuffPost
| Sent: | Reports: |
| September 7, 2021 09:48 |
WH travel pool report 1 — Andrews, gaggle reminder Good morning from Joint Base Andrews. President Biden is to arrive here shortly to fly to NYC, from where he will visit flood damaged neighborhoods in north central New Jersey and Queens. The remnants of Hurricane Ida killed about 50 people in the northeast as it passed through. Reminder that Jen Psaki is scheduled to take questions from the pool en route to New York. The audio will be streamed back to the WH as well as through the WH web site. Pool cannot transmit from the plane in flight, and the gaggle will likely take place just before landing, and we will be scrambling to board the Ospreys right afterward, so if you want full details from the gaggle in a timely manner, pool respectfully suggests you tune in. |
| September 7, 2021 10:01 |
WH travel pool report 2 Marine 1 touched down at Joint Base Andrews here in suburban Maryland at 1000. Per the WH press office: Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, the President will be greeted by Col. Matthew E. Jones, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing. Traveling with the President to New Jersey and New York: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell |
| September 7, 2021 10:04 |
WH travel pool report 3 — departure from DC President Biden stepped off Marine 1 at 1003 and walked to the stairs leading to the forward door of AF1. He waved to but did not engage with the press pool gathered just ahead of the port wing. We are flying today aboard one of the two modified Boeing 747s, tail number 28000. We should be airborne shortly. |
| September 7, 2021 11:00 |
WH travel pool report 4 — arrival in NYC and gaggle AF1 landed at Kennedy airport in Queens at 1055 after a 40-minute flight. Press secretary Jen Psaki conducted a 17-minute Q-and-A toward the end of the flight, taking questions on: Biden's upcoming COVID speech on Thursday. Some quotes coming when possible. |
| September 7, 2021 11:12 |
WH travel pool report 5 — departure for NJ, gaggle quotes POTUS is aboard Marine 1, New York City edition, at 1110, ready for departure to New Jersey. Psaki on Taliban: "There is no rush to recognition." Said that would depend on their behavior. Including how they treated American and Afghan allies trying to leave. Said she would not characterize what's going on as a hostage situation. Climate change "No one is immune to climate change" Said every dollar spent now saves $6 in future. (Too loud for further transcribing because of Ospreys) |
| September 7, 2021 11:40 |
WH travel pool report 6 — Arrival in New Jersey Marine 1 touched down at Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough Township at 1137 following a 20-minute flight across the mouth of New York harbor and then west. Per the WH press office: Upon arrival at Central Jersey Regional Airport, the President will be greeted by: |
| September 7, 2021 11:47 |
WH travel pool report 7 — em route to training center The president chatted a few minutes with local members of Congress and Gov. Murphy on the tarmac of the tiny airport. At 1144 he climbed into his Suburban for the drive to the Somerset County Emergency Management Training Center. At 1145 we are rolling. |
| September 7, 2021 12:00 |
WH travel pool report 8 — arrival at training center The president's motorcade arrived at the training center at 1200. The route through town provided evidence of the flood damage, with piles of garbage bags and sodden furniture heaped along the curbs. The streets were also lined with residents holding cell phones above their heads. Among them were large clumps of Trump supporters waving signs and shouting. |
| September 7, 2021 12:34 |
WH travel pool report 9 — briefing from local officials The president sat at the head of a big U made up of 11 folding tables. To his right, Gov. Murphy, to his left, FEMA director Deanne Criswell. They sat in a large garage with painted concrete floors. Pallets of water bottles and food were arranged behind him. Maps of the affected areas to either side. The president began speaking at 1223. "You really took a hit." "The losses we witnessed were profound." Expressed condolences to the families of those who died. "I'm here to see first-hand what the damage is." He listed off the various help that FEMA has provided, and his major disaster declaration. "Climate change is here. We're living through it now. " Every part of the country is getting hit by extreme weather." Said the country needs to The club but R has finally acknowledged that climate change is real." We're at one of those inflection points where we act, or we're going to be in real, real trouble." (Please check quotes against recording/transcript) Per the WH press office: In attendance for the President's briefing with local leaders: |
| September 7, 2021 12:39 |
WH travel pool report 9a — corrected list of officials The mayor of Manville is not in the room. Here is the corrected list: In attendance for the President's briefing with local leaders: |
| September 7, 2021 13:58 |
WH travel pool report 10 — motorcade to flood damaged neighborhood The president's motorcade left the Somerset County Emergency Management Training Center at 1358 en route to a flood-damaged neighborhood in Manville, NJ. |
| September 7, 2021 14:16 |
WH travel pool report 11 — flooding tour President Biden's motorcade arrived in Manville, NJ, at 1415 where he is to tour the flood damage in the Lost Valley neighborhood. |
| September 7, 2021 14:25 |
WH travel pool report 12 — Biden walks neighborhood The president got out of his SUV in shirt sleeves, shaking hands and chatting with residents had emptied the contents of their homes onto the curbs. Sen. Booker walked ahead, introducing himself and chatting. (Biden was out of earshot, but a Trump flag waving guy and his family stood in their yard one street over, calling Biden a tyrant and demanding that he resign.) |
| September 7, 2021 14:58 |
WH travel pool report 13 — more visits with residents , en route to airport Biden was close enough to hear shouted questions. Asked about the damage, he said he had seen water marks as high as the windows of the homes. "Literally over your head. That is pretty amazing. " Biden then introduced the pool with a family (names coming, per WH) whose home was totally destroyed by a fire that began as the flooding happened. "Well, thank God you're safe," Biden told them. Per a FEMA official on the tour, the neighborhood, right on the banks of the Millstone River, was over saturated to start with when it received record rainfall. The pro-Trump group screaming at Biden got a contingent of USSS agents to focus on them as Biden continued his walk, speaking with more residents, including a small boy who Sen. Booker had engaged with minutes earlier. At 1456, the pool is rolling back toward the airport and the waiting helicopters. |
| September 7, 2021 15:04 |
WH travel pool report 14 — departing New Jersey At 1502 the president is aboard Marine 1 for the short flight to LaGuardia airport. Pool has loaded onto Ospreys and we should lift momentarily. |
| September 7, 2021 15:33 |
WH travel pool report 15 — LaGuardia arrival Marine 1 set down on the tarmac at Queens' other airport at 1530. We are boarding a motorcade for the drive to a nearby neighborhood to visit flood damage here in New York City, as well. Per the WH: Upon arrival at LaGuardia Airport, the President will be greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. |
| September 7, 2021 15:40 |
WH travel pool report 16 — rolling toward affected neighborhood The motorcade is underway at 1537. |
| September 7, 2021 15:52 |
WH travel pool report 17 — Queens flooding stop The presidential motorcade came to a stop just minutes from the airport. Pool is an alley between two rows of three-story walkups. A lectern is set up just behind us where Biden is to give remarks. POTUS is outside of our vision at the moment. |
| September 7, 2021 16:04 |
WH travel pool report 18 — Biden neighborhood walk The president walked down the alley of broken asphalt and occasional puddles , in shirtsleeves and wearing a black mask, beside him Sen Schumer, Mayor DeBlasio and others in tow, greeting residents. (Tech note: DeBlasio appears to be wearing a Blackberry on his hip. ) (Biden's remarks are to carried by CSPAN) |
| September 7, 2021 16:33 |
WH travel pool report 19 — Biden remarks Biden is about to give his remarks in Queens, with a backdrop of torn up, mildewy drywall stacked in a heap. (Possibly obscured by all the local officials around him.) (They are being carried live on cspan and elsewhere.) Residents in the alley said they had been waiting hours to see Biden in a neighborhood that saw its basements flooded to the ceiling, including some basement apartments. "And there he is, the president of the United States. God bless," said one as Biden approached. Per the WH: Governor Kathy Hochul (NY) |
| September 7, 2021 16:40 |
WH travel pool report 20 — remarks begin Biden took the lectern at 1640. From the WH, additional attendees: State Senator Brian Benjamin (NY) |
| September 7, 2021 17:04 |
WH travel pool report 21 — Biden remarks conclude The president wrapped at 1655 after speaking for 15 minutes. (The remarks were not amplified at the site, so please check quotes against recording and transcript. ) He spoke of the damage he had seen, pointed out that the people of this neighborhood were not wealthy. "These are the first ones who are hurt, and the last ones who are helped. Well, that's not going to happen this time." He said climate change was an international problem and needed a global response. "We've got to move the rest of the world. Not just America." "The threat is here. it's not going to get any better. The question is is going to get worse." Said action was necessary now to prevent even storms and destruction in the future. "This is code red. The nation and the world are in peril." He pushed his infrastructure plans, both the bipartisan plan passed by the Senate as well as his build back better plan to make bridges and roads and electricity grids able yo withstand more severe weather. "It saves us 6$ for every dollar we spend doing those things." He finished his speech at 1654, then engaged with a family watching from an elevated back porch, including the seven year old child, promising, that anytime America confronts a difficult problem, it manages to solve it. "The thing about America, every time we end up with a problem, going into a serious circumstance, we come out better than we went in. That's because we're so diverse. That's America." |
| September 7, 2021 17:07 |
WH travel pool report 22 — heading back to LaGuardia At the 1706 the motorcade was rolling back toward the northern Queens airport to take helicopters back to the southern Queens airport for the flight home. |
| September 7, 2021 17:14 |
WH travel pool report 23 — back in Marine 1 At 1713 President Biden was back aboard Marine 1 for the short hop south to Kennedy airport and Air Force 1. We should be in the air within minutes. |
| September 7, 2021 17:33 |
WH travel pool report 24 — departure for Andrews President Biden stepped off of the helicopter and climbed up the steps to Air Force 1 at 1731. He did not stop to take questions from the pool, who are now boarding up the aft door. We should be in the air shortly for the flight home. |
| September 7, 2021 18:35 |
WH travel pool report 25 — arrival at Andrews, departure for WH Air Force 1 touched down at Joint Base Andrews at 1818 following a quick, 38-minute flight back from New York. President Biden came down the stairs 10 minutes later, greeted by Col. Matthew E. Jones, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing, and walked directly to Marine 1, DC edition, and stepped aboard at 1829. The helicopter was aloft at 1834 bound for the White House. Handing off to my in-town colleague for the remainder of the day. Until next time. |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of September 7, 2021 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/352224