Vice Presidential Pool Reports of November 20, 2023

VP pool report #1: LA fundraiser

Ahead of the VP's arrival to the fundraiser, about two dozen protesters opposed to the Israel-Hamas war gathered outside chanting "Free Palestine" and "Harris, Harris you can't hide you're committing genocide." The protesters, which arrived around 4 p.m., held up signs and a large banner that said "No Pride in Genocide!!!," blocking cars on the street and yelling "Shame on you" as people trickled into the fundraiser. Protesters threw fake blood in front of the residence, placing red handprints on the ground. At around 4:45 p.m. about a dozen police officers stood in front of the home where the fundraiser was held.

The fundraiser was at the home of Leslie and Cliff Gilbert-Lurie in Los Angeles, California. More than 100 people were expected to attend the event, according to the VP's office.

Some of the name tags for participants included actor Don Cheadle and Skip Brittenham, a senior partner at entertainment law firm Ziffren Brittenham LLP.

At about 4:50 p.m., pool was held in an outdoor garden area and then a basement gym.

Around 5:37 p.m., pool was told that the protesters moved down the street.

VP pool report #2: LA fundraiser

At about 6:37 p.m., pool headed upstairs from the basement gym. The house was filled with art as people drank wine and ate appetizers. The food included a vegan option: crostini with squash and truffle walnut hummus with pomegranates.

Leslie Gilbert-Lurie delivered opening remarks at a podium between two American flags, noting that more than 140 people were in attendance and the fundraiser has raised close to $500K.

"Harris has always been unrelentingly committed to making the world a better place," she said. "She's a smart, fearless leader and a defender of the underdog."

Harris has met with more than 100 world leaders and traveled to 18 countries, she said. Gilbert-Lurie also added the VP has called out hatred under the MAGA administration, fought for reproductive rights and stronger gun safety measures.

She also praised Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, pointing out he's the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president.

"At this heart breaking moment when antisemitism is rapidly gaining traction along with Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia, it is so reassuring to know that the Second Gentleman understands what many of us are experiencing," she said.

Around 6:50 p.m., Emhoff starts speaking and mentions he's had good conversation about anti-semitism and hate.

"You saw it outside walking in here today," he said, referencing the protesters. "This is the times that we're living in right now."

He mentions that they announced the first ever national strategy to combat antisemitism in May.

VP then approaches the podium but is interrupted by someone at the fundraiser who calls for a cease fire. It's unclear who that person is.

VP pauses and tells participants to take a minute.

"We live in a democracy. This is a very difficult time and it's important that we all agree that people should have the freedom to have their voices heard," she said.

More to come on the VP's remarks.

VP Pool report #3: LA fundraiser

The VP faced a crowd, some seated and others standing, gathered near a pool outside. Trees have lights strung around them.

She said it's a very "heartbreaking" and "heavy time" for anyone who understands and cares, adding that they have to fight against anti-semitism and Islamophobia.

"We've already been dealing with hate in various forms these last several years," she said.

The VP acknowledged the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. "What a beautiful soul she had," Harris said.

Harris said that "We love our country" and the upcoming election is going to be a "test of our willingness to fight for this country."

Noting that she was recently in SF to meet with world leaders for the APEC summit, Harris said she's been asked multiple times if they're going to win the election.

"This is a very critical moment in the history of our country and the history of the world and so much of what we have each fought for and believed in our entire lives is at stake in this election and in this moment," she said. Even though winning reelection is going to be difficult, Harris emphasized multiple times during her remarks "we will win."

She listed off a number of her administration's accomplishments, including keeping the cost of insulin down for seniors, helping to provide affordable high-speed internet for Americans, appointing more diversity to the federal bench and dealing with the climate crisis.

"Lots of accomplishments. The challenge we've got is to let folks know who brung it to him," she said. She adds that the measure of strength is based on who you lift up and a real leader leads with empathy.

"The bottom line is we are going to win. It is not going to be easy. It will not be easy. There are powerful forces in our country right now that are trying to divide our nation. And it will be incumbent on us to hold it together for the sake of the strength of our nation and our future," she said.

By 7:11 p.m., pool is escorted out. Law enforcement are still gathered at the residence. People who participated in the fundraiser are leaving the home by 7:45 p.m.