Vice Presidential Pool Reports of May 15, 2024

VP Pool Report #1

Good afternoon from the Washington Marriott Georgetown where the vice president is delivering remarks at the Indian American Impact Project's 2024 Summit.

Pool was told the stop was off the record until the VP arrived on site. We caught a glimpse of the VP entering her car at 5:04. Her motorcade was rolling from the White House at 5:06.

The VP entered a ballroom and started speaking at 5:17.

More on her remarks to come.

VP Pool Report #2

The room was set up with round tables facing a small stage featuring a podium and backdrop that read "Desis Decide."

As the vice president took the stage, some briefly chanted "four more years." One person yelled "shame on you," which appeared to be in reference to the war in Gaza but it was not completely clear and quieted quickly.

The VP started her remarks by noting she was "very proud to be a part of the first meetings when impact was born."

She commended the organization's work in voter education and mobilization, specifically mentioning its work in Georgia, which flipped blue in 2020.

The VP spoke about her mom coming to the U.S. from India at 19 years old. She noted her mother marched for Civil Rights in Berkeley, CA.

The VP said growing up she would go back to India every two years and her grandfather would take her on his morning walks. "And I remember as a young girl … hearing them discuss the importance of standing for what is right and fairness."

"This election coming up in six months, I think is presenting a question to each of us, which is what kind of world do we want to live in?" the VP said. "And what kind of country do we want to live in?"

"And one of the ways that we answer that question is to seek office and to participate in elections, knowing that the outcome of those elections matter in fundamental ways," she continued.

She then asked those in the room to raise their hand if they wanted to run for office. A handful of hands went up.

"You're going to find yourself in rooms, where you are the only one who looks like you, the only one who has had your life experience," the VP said.

"And what I've been saying to you each — look around this room and hold on to this image. And remember, that when you walk into those rooms when you walk into those situations, you remember you are not alone. We are all there," she said.

The VP wrapped remarks at exited the ballroom at 5:27.

Background from the White House:

On background from a White House official:

This afternoon, Vice President Harris will make an unannounced stop at the Indian American Impact Project's Annual Summit, where she will deliver brief remarks. She will speak about the Biden-Harris Administration's work to defend and realize the

"Promise of America," whether it be by fighting to defend fundamental freedoms, or investing in working families.

The Vice President delivered the keynote address at the Indian American Impact Project's Inaugural Summit in 2018. In 2023, the Vice President and Second Gentleman hosted a Diwali celebration at their residence in collaboration with the Indian American Impact Project.

VP Harris and this year's AANHPI Heritage Month The Vice President's stop at the Indian American Impact Project's Annual Summit is the latest in engagements the Vice President has had this month in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. On Monday, the Vice President participated in amoderated conversation at the annual Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

Legislative Leadership Summit with actor and comedian Jimmy_O. Yang in Washington, DC. Later that day, the President and Vice President delivered remarks the White House AANHPI celebration.

Last week, the Vice President hosted more than 500 community leaders and small business owners from across the country at her residence to celebrate AANHP| Heritage Month. The theme of the reception, was a traditional "Night Market" and 20 vendors showcased their small businesses, which included restaurants and artisan shops.