Vice Presidential Pool Reports of October 26, 2023

VP pool report #1 - State Luncheon / Maine quotes

Good afternoon from the State Department, where the VP is co-hosting a luncheon with Secretary of State Antony Blinken for Australian PM Albanese. Blinken, the VP and Second Gentleman Emhoff entered at 12:46 pm, standing on stage with the Aussie PM.

Blinken spoke first, welcoming PM Albanese, noting that they share a deep affection for music. He's also known as "DJ Albo," Blinken said as the room laughed. He said the PM was coming from a "very good meeting" on Capitol Hill. He shared his only family ties to Australia, where his stepfather fled to escape the Nazis. He thanked Australia for three Hemsworth brothers, Margot Robbie and Nick Cave -- the crowd laughed.

VP started speaking at 12:56pm and opened by addressing Blinken's service, asking the room to applaud his career. She welcomed the PM, whom she said she's spent considerable time with on overseas trips.
VP REMARKS ON LEWISTON:

Last night Lewiston became yet another community torn apart by senseless gun violence, the VP said.

"Doug and I mourn for those who were killed and grieve for those who were injured," she said.

"We must continue to speak truth about the moment we are in today," she said, noting gun violence is the leading cause of death.

"It does not have to be this way, as our friends in Australia have demonstrated," she said as the crowd applauded.

ON AUSTRALIA

She talked about how Australia stood with the US after 9/11 and former PM Howard grieved with Americans on a visit afterward.

The friendship runs deep, she said, existing between its people and government.

She said she has enjoyed their conversations on advocating for the LGBTQ community and climate crisis, commending Alabnese for taking bold action since he took office.

Says as a daughter of California, the firefighters in her state are thankful for Australian firefighters who offered support during wildifires.

Calls Australia a "true and steadfast" friend to the US.
Earlier color:

Pool was taken into the Benjamin Franklin room, where guests mingled around dozens of tables, adorned with floral centrepieces of hydrangea and tea roses, set up around the room. Pool spotted HUD Sec. Marcia Fudge, Interior Sec. Deb Haaland , US Amb. to Australia Caroline Kennedy, UN Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the NSC's Kurt Campbell, former VP press secretary Symone Sanders, Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Deputy National Security Advisor for cyber Anne Neuberger among the guests. Nancy Pelosi arrived after Blinken's remarks, as VPOTUS took the lectern.
More TK

VP pool report #2 - more Luncheon

Full quote on Lewiston:
"Last night, Lewiston became yet another community torn apart by senseless gun violence.

Once again routine gatherings, this time, bowling alley and a restaurant have been turned into scenes of horrific carnage. Doug and I mourn those who were killed. We pray for those who were injured and grieve with so many whose lives are forever changed and impacted by what happened.

The Biden administration will continue to provide full support to local authorities. And as we gather details, we must continue to speak truth about the moment we are in.

In our country today, the leading cause of death of American children is gun violence. gun violence has terrorized and traumatized so many of our communities in this country and let us be clear, it does not have to be this way. As our friends in Australia have demonstrated."

PM remarks
Albanese began speaking at 1:06 pm by offering his condolences on the Lewiston shooting.

Eight decades ago, Australia looked to America for leadership. "We recognize the world is looking to you now," he said. He said as allies the US and Australia will face the future together.

He talked about Australia's contribution to Ukraine - "Australia may be half a world away from Ukraine, but we're proud to be one of the largest contributors to its military and humanitarian needs."

"We stand with Ukraine to support its courageous people, but also to defend a fundamental principle-- the right of every sovereign nation to peace and security and the responsibility of every sovereign nation to respect the rules that hold the world together."

On Israel:
"Australia unequivocally condemns the atrocities committed by Hamas and the destruction that their acts of terror have inflicted on innocent lives in Israel and in Gaza. And we stand with our international partners and calling for access to life saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza."

Says Biden is a true friend to Israel, showed strength and leadership and offered wisdom and solace.

Says Australia is working to restore its relations with China, but is clear-eyed about the relationship.

Says it's been a privilege to meet the VP and Blinken in so many parts of the world and "I'm glad it's finally here." He invited the VP to come to Australia in the future.

Said he was struck by how much bipartisan support there was on the Hill for AUKUS.

Says Aus is not looking for conflict in the Indo-Pacific with the AUKUS deal, it is looking to prevent it.

He hugged and shook hands with the VP and Secretary. Pool was ushered out at 1:25 pm.

Also correction from earlier : SGOTUS was not on stage with the VP, secretary and PM. He took his seat at the head table after they entered the room.

VPOTUS pool report #1 — Swearing In (Background)

On background from White House Official:

Today, October 26th, Vice President Harris will swear in the commissioners appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. She will be joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. Additional information about the Commission and those who were appointed can be found here.

VPOTUS pool report #2 - Swearing in

Edu. Sec. touches on book bans, end of Affirmative Action and POTUS student loan forgiveness plan.

To the commission members:
"You're here because you embody embody leadership. You embody innovation."

...

"The work of this commission comes at a critical moment for both our Black and brown students in our educational system at large."

...

"You're here because you believe ... that we must be unapologetic in our efforts to combat injustice."

VPOTUS pool #3 - Swearing in

Edu. Sec. Introduces VPOTUS as someone who "understands representation matters."

"She gets it. She understands the power of student voices and she wants to make sure that myself and other cabinet members are pushed to reach the potential of our country."

VPOTUS takes Podium

VPOTUS pool #4 - Swearing In

VPOTUS takes time to address Maine mass shooting

"It became another community torn apart."

Says she and Second Gentlemen are praying for the families, those injured and the community.

She also touches on the disproportionate likelihood of Black Americans to face and die from gun violence.

"it is important for us to speak truth as well as express our compassion"

VPOTUS pool # 5 — FINAL Swearing In

VPOTUS tells commission "we are counting on you" before she asks them to raise their right hands and repeat the oath

END