Vice Presidential Pool Reports of July 6, 2024

VP Harris has arrived at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center ahead of her 5pm panel discussion here at the Essence Festival.

She greeted members of the Congressional Black Caucus and took a group photo with them. The members present for the photo were Reps. Jennifer McClellan, Nikema Williams, Terri Sewell, Maxine Waters, Steven Horsford, Joyce Beatty, Valerie Foushee and Jasmine Crockett.

Afterward, VP participated in a photo line with members of the public. She also signed a poster that said, "First but not the last."

"Control" by Janet Jackson was among the songs playing in the background.

Her panel is scheduled to begin at 5pm CT.

On background from a Biden-Harris campaign official:

Vice President Harris is stopping by the "Seat at the Table" booth inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Sponsored by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) PAC, and Rolling Sea Action Fund, the booth highlights the Biden-Harris administration's accomplishments for Black communities and provides attendees with information to register to vote and check their registration.

The Vice President will be joined by Glynda Carr, Co-Founder and President of Higher Heights for America, and the following members of the Congressional Black Caucus:

VP Harris walked on the stage at the Essence Festival's Global Black Economic Forum. She took the stage at 5:09 after a sizzle reel video featuring President Biden. The song "Freedom" by Beyoncé played. That was also her walk up music Friday night.

The conversation is being moderated by Essence CEO Caroline A. Wanga. Harris has on an electric blue suit.

The panel is streaming live on the Essence Festival website. You may have to click on the GBEF HQ channel
https://www.essence.com/festival2024-v2/

VP travel pool report #3: speech background

VP Harris spoke for 30 minutes. The remarks were live streamed on the Essence Festival website.

The talk was focused more on encouraging the crowd to support the Biden-Harris ticket and celebrating their achievements during the first term, especially is it pertains to Black people.

Harris was not asked about Biden's debate performance, nor did she address it during her remarks.

Motorcade is now en route to New Orleans airport.

Per the VP's office:

On background from a Biden-Harris campaign official:

The Vice President is joining ESSENCE CEO and President Caroline Wanga for a moderated conversation for an edition of ESSENCE's Chief to Chief series.
In addition, the list of Congressional Black Caucus members was accidentally cut off of pool report #1.

The Vice President will be joined by Glynda Carr, Co-Founder and President of Higher Heights for America, and the following members of the Congressional Black Caucus:

• Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03)

• Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30)

• Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04)

• Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV-04)

• Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04)

• Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL-07)

• Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-43)

• Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA-05)

VP travel pool report #4: wheels up

VP Harris is on AF2 headed back to Andrews AFV. Wheels up at 6:23 p.m. CT.