Vice Presidential Pool Reports of September 7, 2024

VP pool report 1 — pool gathered

Good day from the sidewalk in front of the vice president's hotel, where the pool has been gathered to be swept.

No guidance yet on where we're headed.

Will advise.

VP pool report 2 — motorcade underway

At 1302 the vice president's motorcade left the hotel toward a destination.

Pool did not see her get in her vehicle.

More to come.

VP pool report 3 — arrival at spice store

The motorcade traveled just a mile to a Penzey's Spice store in the city's Strip District.

VP entered at 1308 to huge cheers both in the street and in the store.

VP pool report 4 — "I'm honored" to have endorsement of Cheney

VP Harris said she was honored to have Dick Cheney's endorsement and said it's time to turn the page on divisiveness and bring our country together in a brief exchange with the pool.

Quotes to come.

When she entered the store, vice president greeted a woman who appeared near tears as they hugged.

VP Harris assured her that things would work out. "We're all in this together."

She then turned to a young girl wearing a Yellow Jackets sweatshirt.

"Did you bring an adult with your? Or are you just hanging out?"

She spoke next with a man, presumably the girl's father, who said he was a 7th grade teacher. "Bless you," she told him.

She then posed for a photo with the family. "Go Yellow Jackets," she told the girl.

She chatted with more customers as press was moved to a new spot and browser through rows of spices.

VP pool report 4 — motorcade rolling

[APP Note: There are two reports numbered 4.]

At 1328 motorcade underway.

VP pool report 5 — motorcade back at hotel — pool holding

Motorcade was back at the hotel at 1331.

Pool in vans and holding. We do not know where VP Harris is.

VP pool report 6 - lid

The VP's office announced a lid at 1340.

Quotes still coming as pool transcribes audio.

VP pool report 7 -- quotes from inside Penzeys

VP Harris took two questions from the pool in the corner of the Penzeys, a jar of some spice in her hand. (Details on purchases below, per the Harris campaign.)

Q: Thoughts about former VP Cheney and former Rep Liz Cheney's endorsements?

"Actually I was honored to have their endorsements, and I think that they both, as leaders who are well respected, are making an important statement, that it's okay, and it's important to put country above party, and I'm honored to have their support."

"People are exhausted about the division and the attempts to kind of divide as Americans, and them stepping up to make this public statement, I think is courageous, but also for people like the folks I was just talking with, it really reinforces for that that we love our country and have more in common that what separates us."

Q: Are you ready to face Donald Trump?

"Yes, I am."

Q: Is this part of your debate prep? What's your favorite part?

"This spice store."

Q: What's the one thing you want to get across to him?

"It's time to turn the page on the divisiveness. It's time to bring our country together. Chart a new way forward."

Earlier in the visit to Penzeys:

To the woman customer who was visibly weeping as she spoke to VP Harris:

"We're going to be fine. We're going to be fine. We are all in this together."

To the girl with the Yellow Jackets sweatshirt, who told the VP her name was Charlotte.

"Are you cooking also? What are you doing here? Did you bring an adult with you or are you just hanging out?"

Her father is a 7th grade geography teacher. Pool could discern what her mom said as she chatted with VP.

As pool was led out of the store, crowds were cheering, some chanting "We're not going back," as they waited for Harris to emerge.

Pool did not notice any protesters, which is perhaps not surprising as this was an OTR, and not announced in advance.

Per the Harris campaign:

Vice President Harris stopped by Penzeys Spices, a small business in Pittsburgh's Strip District, where she greeted with store workers and local patrons, including a teacher, a consumer protection lawyer, and a middle school student. While at Penzeys Spices the Vice President purchased five seasonings: Creamy Peppercorn Dressing Base, Fox Point Seasoning, Trinidad Lemon-Garlic Marinade, Turkish Seasoning, and Tuscan Sunset Salt Free Italian Seasoning.