Vice Presidential Pool Reports of August 1, 2024

VP travel pool #1 — Navalnaya call

Good morning from Houston. Pool is swept and the motorcade will be rolling shortly for VP's first and only event of the day here.

In meantime, the White House passed this along:

On Background From a White House Official:

The Vice President spoke today to Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny, and welcomed the release of 16 individuals from Russia, including Russian political prisoners who worked with Navalny.

VP travel pool #2 — rolling from RON

The motorcade is rolling from the RON at 12:55 p.m.

Pool did not see Vice President Harris get into her SUV.

We are headed to Fallbrook Church, where Harris will speak at a service underway for the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

VP travel pool #3 — church arrival

The motorcade arrived at Fallbrook Church, in the northern outskirts of Houston, at 1:25 p.m.

A few people gathered along the road near the church taking pictures of the motorcade.

Pool was ushered into the church and is waiting for VP to deliver her eulogy for Shiela Jackson Lee. Pool had not yet set eyes on VP.

The church is packed. There are several prominent officials and others on stage, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Bill and Hillary Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

VP travel pool #4 — eulogy underway

Vice President Harris took the stage at 2:02 p.m.

Her eulogy for Sheila Jackson Lee is now underway.

VP remarks are being live streamed by the White House.

VP travel pool #5 — eulogy over

VP Harris concluded her remarks at 2:16 p.m.

The pool was escorted out of the church as Harris paused to chat with current and former officials on stage.

Pool is now holding outside.

VP travel pool #6 — rolling to airport

At 2:37 p.m., the motorcade is rolling to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Pool did not see Harris exit the church.

VP travel pool #7 — Planning note: remarks coming

Per the White House, VP Harris will deliver remarks on the tarmac in Houston prior to departure.

VP travel pool #8 — airport arrival

The motorcade arrived at the airport at 3:01 p.m.

A lectern has been set up on the tarmac in front of Air Force Two. Pool is gathered waiting for Harris to start her remarks.

VP travel pool #10 — quotes on prisoner exchange

VP Harris exited her SUV on the tarmac at 3:29 p.m.

Harris walked up to a lectern in front of AF2 and delivered remarks on the prisoner exchange with Russia for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others that was announced earlier today.

Gershkovich, Whelan and other prisoners have "shown incredible courage," Harris said.

Harris called their detention "an appalling perversion of justice."

"We never stopped fighting for their release."

Harris spoke for two minutes and then turned and walked up the plane stairs without taking questions.

It was very hard to hear VP over AF2. Please check quotes against transcript when it's out.

VP travel pool #11 — wheels up

AF2 will be wheels up shortly for the return flight to Joint Base Andrews.

VP travel pool #12 — JBA and M2 liftoff

Air Force Two was wheels down at Joint Base Andrews at 7:34 p.m.

The flight back was smooth. VP chief of staff Lorraine Voles came to the back of the plane for a brief OTR.

Harris stepped off the plane at 7:45 p.m. and walked to Marine Two.

Marine Two lifted off at 7:49 p.m.

That's it for this trip. Thanks to all my co-poolers for their help.