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Vice Presidential Pool Reports of November 4, 2024

November 04, 2024

Pool Reports by Lauren Fedor, Financial Times

Sent: Reports:
November 4, 2024
11:15 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #1

Good morning from Detroit, Michigan, where it's cloudy and 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'll be your print pooler today, the final day of the 2024 presidential campaign. The VP will be barnstorming Pennsylvania, with five scheduled stops.

We are expected to leave Detroit en route to Scranton, Pennsylvania, at noon ET.

Motorcade began rolling from the RON at 11:10 ET. Pool did not see the VP exit the RON.

November 4, 2024
11:54 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #2 — airport arrival and "feeling good"

The motorcade arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at approximately 11:35 ET after an uneventful ride.

The VP stepped out of her black SUV about five minutes later. She responded to one shouted question from the press, saying she was "feeling good" and giving a thumbs-up before boarding AF2 with a brief wave.

The VP is wearing a black blazer and a white, black and grey silk scarf.

After boarding the plane, she came back to the press cabin for a 5-minute OTR with the pool.

Wheels up soon for Scranton.

November 4, 2024
13:24
EST

VP Travel Pool Report #3 — Scranton arrival

AF2 was wheels up from Detroit at 12:09PM ET and wheels down at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport at 1:07PM ET.

It was an uneventful flight and we had no visitors to the press cabin after takeoff.

VP walked off the plane at 1:20PM ET and went straight into her waiting black SUV. She waved to the press but did not stop as she walked to the car.

Motorcade began rolling away from the airport at 1:22PM ET.

We're expecting the VP to attend a canvass kickoff here in Scranton. Will share more details when I can.

November 4, 2024
13:45 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #4 — Scranton event arrival

Motorcade arrived at Montage Mountain Resorts, a ski resort in Scranton, at 1:34PM ET.

It is overcast and 57 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no snow on the slopes.

Pool has been brought into an indoor space/lodge packed with several hundred supporters. There is a small stage and podium set up with the VP seal. Behind the stage is a red, white and blue sign that appears homemade/hand painted reading "VOTE FOR FREEDOM," and two American flags.

November 4, 2024
14:02 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #5 — Scranton remarks

VP entered the room at 1:52PM to "Freedom" and cheers from the crowd. She was introduced by Glen Arthur, a local carpenter (see more details below), who called her an "MVP" and champion of workers."

She addressed the room of campaign volunteers and thanked them for supporting her campaign. She spoke for around six minutes. Select quotes to come, but like last night, she did not mention Donald Trump by name, instead referring to him as "this other guy."

Additional details on the canvas kickoff below from the Harris-Walz campaign:

Vice President Harris is stopping by a Harris-Walz campaign canvass kickoff in Scranton, Pennsylvania where she will greet with volunteers and deliver brief remarks.

Speakers:
Scranton Mayor Paige Cogentti
Bill Gaughan, Lackawanna County Commissioner
Matt McGloin, Lackawanna County Commissioner
Angel Pilkey-Chevez, Regional Organizer for the Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign

Program:
Senator Bob Casey
Glen Arthur, Carpenters and Joiners Local 445 Instructor, Introducer
Vice President Harris

November 4, 2024
14:31 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #6 — more from Scranton/Nueva Network interview

The motorcade began rolling from the ski resort at 2:05PM ET.

We arrived back at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport at 2:19PM ET.

The VP emerged from her black SUV at 2:21 ET and waved as she boarded the plane.

We should be wheels up soon — according to VP's official schedule, we are meant to be wheels up to Allentown, PA, at 2:35PM ET.

Additional quotes from Scranton canvas kickoff:

"What you all are signed up to do today, and what you have been doing…let's enjoy it."

"This whole era of this other guy…it makes people feel alone. It makes people feel like there is nobody standing with them…as we are getting out the vote…let's be intentional about building community…about reminding people we have so much more in common than what separates us."

The loudest cheers came after VP said "We love our country" and someone in the crowd shouted back: "We love you!"

The crowd began chanting "Ka-ma-la" before the VP encouraged them to start chanting: "Let's get out the vote! Let's get out the vote!"

The Harris-Walz campaign also passes along the following:

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris taped an interview with Alex El Genio Lucas for the nationally syndicated Nueva Network that will air twice tomorrow on morning drive time radio at 6AM PT/9AM ET and 9AM PT/11AM ET.

November 4, 2024
15:18 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #7 — Allentown arrival

AF2 was wheels up from Scranton at 2:35PM ET.

We landed at Lehigh Valley International Airport 20 minutes later, at 2:55PM ET.

VP walked off the plane at 3:06PM. She was greeted by Lehigh county commissioner Geoff Brace and his wife and young son. Harris shook their hands and spoke to the family for several minutes before getting in her waiting SUV.

Motorcade began rolling from the airport at 3:11PM.

November 4, 2024
15:56 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #8 — Allentown rally arrival/overflow remarks

The motorcade arrived at Muhlenberg College in Allentown at roughly 3:25PM ET.

The route from the airport passed through residential neighborhoods where many people stood outside their homes, smiling and waving. The motorcade saw several Harris-Walz signs in front yards as well as a smaller number of Trump-Vance signs.

The pool was first brought into a packed gymnasium where a full band was performing Spanish-language music on a large blue stage. Behind the stage are several signs reading "A PRESIDENT FOR ALL" and "VOTE FOR FREEDOM." A group of women in the front row were dancing holding a Puerto Rican flag.

We were then brought next door to an overflow room where the VP addressed a crowd of several hundred more supporters who were watching the other room on a large TV screen. (I have asked for crowd size estimates.)

PA Governor Shapiro entered the overflow room at 3:49PM ET and introduced Harris, who spoke for two minutes.

"Are we ready to do this? Are we ready to vote? Are we ready to win?" she asked the cheering crowd, adding: "The path to the White House runs through this room right here."

We've been moved back into the gymnasium now. More to come.

November 4, 2024
16:39 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #9 — Allentown rally

Rapper Fat Joe spoke for about six minutes, imploring undecided Latinos to vote for Harris, asking: "Where is your orgullo? Where is your pride?"

He was followed by Elizabeth Strong, a local business owner of Puerto Rican descent who introduced the vice-president as someone who would be a president for "all Americans, including Puerto Ricans."

VP took to the stage at 4:13PM to "Freedom."

She spoke for about 20 minutes, sticking largely to her stump speech. Once again she did not mention Trump by name.

She was briefly interrupted about eight minutes into the speech by a lone female protester. It was difficult to hear what the protester was shouting as she was removed from the room.

"I don't believe people who disagree with me are the enemy…we are fighting for a democracy right now," Harris said, turning towards the protester. "We love our democracy, and democracy can be a bit complicated sometimes."

Campaign says there are 2,500 people in the gymnasium and another 1,700 in the overflow room.

More details on the event from the campaign below —

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is delivering remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign rally at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania alongside Fat Joe and Governor Josh Shapiro.

Speakers:
Alex Ferrier, Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign organizer
Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk
Reverend Luis Cortes
Congresswoman Susan Wild
Governor Josh Shapiro
Frankie Negrón, performance

Program:
Fat Joe
Elizabeth Strong, Puerto Rican small business owner, Introducer
Vice President Harris

November 4, 2024
16:46 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #10 — Allentown departure

The motorcade started rolling from Muhlenberg College at 4:40PM ET. We are driving to the next stop in Reading, PA, which is about an hour away from Allentown.

November 4, 2024
18:30 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #11 — Reading stop - Puerto Rican restaurant

The motorcade stopped at the Old San Juan Cafe in Reading, PA, just after 6PM ET after a long but uneventful drive.

It is a very small restaurant and patrons were sat at four tables, beneath murals of Puerto Rico.

Harris walked into the restaurant at 6:09PM ET and began greeting voters. The pool was held back and it was near impossible to hear her conversations. She was joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

The restaurant owner, Diana de La Rosa, gave the VP a short tour of the restaurant and helped her place her order, which included cassava and yellow rice.

"I'm very hungry. I don't get a chance to eat as often as I like," the VP said, adding she needed her credit card to pay.

She and AOC continued to chat with de La Rosa, though it was again hard for the pool to hear. At one point the VP said: "I have a saying. I eat no for breakfast. Which means I don't hear no."

The pool was ushered out at 6:20PM, before the VP left the restaurant. Motorcade began rolling at 6:27PM.

As we turned the corner we saw a large crowd of supporters cheering and waving Harris-Walz signs and Puerto Rican flags.

More details from the Harris campaign —

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is stopping by Old San Juan Cafe in Reading, Pennsylvania alongside Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and Governor Josh Shapiro. While at the restaurant the Vice President will greet with owner Diana de la Rosa.

November 4, 2024
18:57 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #12 — Reading OTR canvassing

The motorcade pulled up to a quiet residential neighborhood in Reading at 6:38PM ET for a previously unannounced stop.

The pool was ushered into position outside one home's front doorstep. Harris walked up the driveway and greeted a couple, a man and a woman, and their adult son, who introduced himself as Cole.

"Cole, that's our son's name!" Harris said as she shook his hand.

Harris was joined by two campaign volunteers holding signs and a clip board. It was again difficult to hear much of the conversation as the pool was held at a short distance. But we could hear the VP say: "I wanted to go door knocking!"

The pool then moved to a second home a few doors down. At the second house the VP rang the doorbell. A woman answered and hugged the VP before ushering her husband to join her.

The woman enthusiastically told the VP she had already voted for her, and said her husband would cast his ballot for Harris tomorrow.

The pool was moved away before the VP finished her conversation with the couple. The motorcade began rolling out of the neighborhood at 6:55PM.

November 4, 2024
19:27 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #13 — Reading departure

Motorcade arrived at Reading Regional Airport at 7:07PM ET and the VP boarded AF2 soon after.

We held on the tarmac for nearly 20 minutes and took off at approx. 7:26PM ET.

We are running a bit behind the VP's official schedule.

Next stop: Pittsburgh.

November 4, 2024
20:29 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #14 — Allegheny arrival and Doug Emhoff

AF2 landed at 8:10PM ET at Allegheny County Airport after an uneventful flight.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrived in an SUV on the tarmac and walked up the stairs of the plane at 8:19PM. The couple walked off of the plane together at 8:23PM. The VP waved to the press before entering the car.

Motorcade began rolling from the airport at 8:25PM.

November 4, 2024
20:59 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #15 — Pittsburgh rally arrival

The motorcade arrived at the Pittsburgh rally at 8:45PM ET after a short, winding drive from the airport.

The rally is taking place at Carrie Furnace, a national historic landmark. There is a huge outdoor crowd facing a stage set up in front of the former blast furnace. Several large screens are live streaming a rally in Milwaukee with Gov. Tim Walz, Harris's running mate.

The crowd here cheered as Walz likened the election to the end of a football game: "This thing is tied. But we've got the damn ball."

Projected on the side of the blast furnace is a sign in lights: "Steelworkers for Harris Walz / United Steelworkers"

More to come…

November 4, 2024
21:07 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #16 — Harris on stage in Pittsburgh

Harris took to the stage in Pittsburgh just after 9PM ET, walking on to Beyoncé's "Freedom." She was introduced by Cedric the Entertainer.

The rally is being live-streamed.

November 4, 2024
21:24 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #17 — leaving Pittsburgh rally

The VP spoke for less than 10 minutes in Pittsburgh, sticking largely to her stump speech. A small number of protesters tried to interrupt about four minutes in, but they were drowned out by cheers from the crowd.

The pool was pulled back to the vans just as Katy Perry took the stage to perform.

Motorcade started rolling from the rally at 9:20PM.

November 4, 2024
21:47 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #18 — Allegheny County Airport

Motorcade arrived back at Allegheny County Airport at 9:40PM ET.

The VP stepped out of her SUV at 9:42PM and boarded AF2 with the Second Gentleman, who waved to the press. They were followed up the stairs by the VP's sister, Maya Harris, and brother-in-law, Tony West.

We will be wheels up to Philadelphia — our final stop — soon.

Campaign says 15,000 people were at the rally in Pittsburgh. More details below.

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is delivering remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign rally and concert at Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania featuring performances by Katy Perry, Andra Day and DJ D Nice. The Vice President will be joined by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senator John Fetterman and other state and local leaders.

Program:
DJ TeeJay, performance
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey
Claire Shoral, Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign organizer
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
DJ Arie Cole, performance
Senator John Fetterman
Andra Day, performance

Cedric the Entertainer, Introducer
Vice President Harris
Katy Perry, performance

November 4, 2024
22:54 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #19 — Philadelphia arrival

AF2 was wheels up from Allegheny County Airport at 9:56PM ET.

The plane touched down at Philadelphia International Airport at 10:35PM ET after another uneventful flight.

VP and Second Gentleman walked down the stairs at 10:47PM ET. They were followed several paces behind by Maya Harris and Tony West.

Motorcade began rolling away from the airport at 10:50PM ET.

November 4, 2024
23:19 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #20 — Philadelphia rally arrival

The motorcade arrived at the Philadelphia rally — the last of the VP's campaign — in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, at 11:10PM.

The crowd has been singing along to songs including Don't Stop Believing, September and Love Train.

I have asked for a crowd size. A large number of supporters are standing on the "Rocky Steps" of the art museum, and several thousand more are standing facing the stage.

November 4, 2024
23:26 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #21 — Lady Gaga/Doug Emhoff

Lady Gaga took the stage at 11:19, sitting down at a piano and singing God Bless America.

She then made brief remarks about what Harris's election would mean for women: "Tomorrow, women will be a part of making this decision. Today, I am holding in my heart all the tough, tenacious women who made me who I am."

Lady Gaga then introduced Doug Emhoff, who she described as the soon to be first First Gentleman.

Emhoff introduced Oprah Winfrey at 11:24PM.

The rally is being live-streamed. More to come…

November 4, 2024
23:33 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #22 — Oprah/30,000 people/will.i.am

Oprah Winfrey was joined on stage by several first time voters who are supporting Harris.

Oprah is wearing a white suit and a tee shirt that reads: "Yes She Can."

"Every single vote, every one is going to matter…We don't get to sit this one out," she said, before introducing will.i.am, who is now singing his new single, "Yes She Can," about Harris.

Campaign officials say there are 30,000 people here in Philadelphia.

Reminder the rally is being live-streamed.

November 4, 2024
23:58 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #23 — Harris speech

Oprah Winfrey introduced the VP at 11:33PM ET. Vice-president Harris walked on stage to will.i.am's new single before the soundtrack changed to Beyoncé's "Freedom." She embraced Winfrey and waved to the crowd before taking her place behind a glass-enclosed podium.

Harris spoke for about 18 minutes, delivering a version of her stump speech. A few select quotes:

"Philadelphia, are you ready to do this? Are we ready to win? It is good to be back in the city of brotherly love, where the foundation of our democracy was forged."

The VP also made a reference to Rocky, calling the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art a "tribute to those who start as the underdog and climb to victory."

"You will decide the outcome of this election, Pennsylvania."

"We finish as we started: with faith, with optimism, with joy."

Emhoff joined her on stage after she concluded her remarks.

After they walked off stage and the pool was ushered out to vans, Lady Gaga returned to sing a pared-back version of her single The Edge of Glory.

November 5, 2024
00:05 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #24 — Philadelphia rally departure

The motorcade rolled away from the Philadelphia Museum of Art at midnight. It is now officially Election Day.

We're heading to the airport as the VP makes her way back to DC. More to come.

November 5, 2024
00:36 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #25 — wheels up in Philly

The motorcade arrived at Philadelphia International Airport just after 12:15AM.

The VP boarded the plane at 12:20, holding hands with her great-nieces, Amara and Leela Ajagu.

They were followed by the Second Gentleman, Harris's niece Meena Harris, and Meena's husband, Nikolas Ajagu.

The VP responded to a shouted question about whether she was confident she was going to win the election, but it was difficult for the pool to hear her answer over the plane's engine. She appeared to encourage everyone to vote — pool is trying to confirm the exact quote.

AF2 was wheels up at 12:35AM. Next stop: Joint Base Andrews.

Additional info on the Philadelphia rally from the campaign:

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is delivering remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign rally and concert at the "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of the Arts.

The Vice President will also be joined by the Second Gentleman, Governor Josh Shapiro and Oprah Winfrey and the event will feature performances by Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, the Roots and others.

November 5, 2024
01:24 EST

VP Travel Pool Report #26 — JBA arrival

AF2 was wheels down at JBA at 1:03AM ET.

The VP left the plane at 1:18AM ET with the Second Gentleman, Meena Harris and Meena's family. The VP held hands with one her great-nieces, and the Second Gentleman held the other little girl's hand as they walked down the stairs.

The entire family boarded the helicopter, which took off at 1:23AM ET.

Kamala Harris, Vice Presidential Pool Reports of November 4, 2024 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/375097

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