Vice Presidential Pool Reports of July 17, 2024

VP travel pool #1 departure for Michigan

Good morning all.

We're wheels up imminently at JBA heading to Kalamazoo, MI. Set to land at Battle Creek International airport where pre-credentialed media will be able to access arrival and event, as well as the pool.

At 2:25pm ET VPOTUS will give remarks at a political event before participating in a moderated conversation slated for 2:35.

It will be live-streamed on the campaign accounts.

VP Harris arrived at JBA on M2 at 11:44. Wearing a black suit she gave a quick wave to the press before boarding AF2.

She came back and spoke to the pool off the record.

VP travel pool #2 — arrival Michigan

AF2 wheels down in Battle Creek International Airport at 1:20 ET.

VP Harris was greeted from the steps of the plane by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The pair hugged and spoke for around two minutes before VPOTUS joined the motorcade. She did not take questions from press on the tarmac.

On background from a Biden-Harris campaign official:

On Wednesday, July 17, Vice President Harris will deliver remarks and participate in a moderated conversation with Olivia Troye, a former Trump-Pence administration national security official, and Amanda Stratton, a Michigan mother and former Republican voter who has a personal reproductive health story.

Additional speakers include Senator Debbie Stabenow and Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller. This visit marks the Vice President's fourth trip to Michigan this year and seventh since taking office.

OTR: VP will address the Trump shooting in first campaign event since Saturday.

Pool arrived at event venue, did not see VPTOUS arrive.

VP remarks still slated for 2:25ET.

VP travel pool #3 -- remarks on Trump shooting

VP Harris took to the stage at Kalamazoo's Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum at 2:22pm ET to a standing ovation and long cheers.

She began with comments on Saturday's shooting.

"As we all know it was a heinous, horrible and cowardly attack… We said a prayer for his well being.

Her thoughts immediately turned to Melania: "The bottom line is that no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in office. Our hearts go out to the family of Corey Compratore, a true hero…

"Just as we must reject political violence, we must also embrace a robust discussion about what is at stake in this election"

The moderated conversation on reproductive rights is now starting. More to follow. Can provide more quotes on Trump once we leave venue, the internet is terrible.

Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who is not seeking reelection, addressed the crowd beforehand, praising the Biden-Harris ticket.

"I can't wait for her to debate JD Vance, he should be shaking in his boots right now," she said to a cheers from the crowd, describing him as a "clone" of Donald Trump. "The truth of the matter is that JD Vance, and certainly Donald Trump, are wrong for America," she added.

VP travel pool #4 -- departing for JBA

The conversation on reproductive freedom was with Olivia Troye, a former Trump-Pence administration national security official and Amanda Stratton, a Michigan mother and former Republican voter.

Early on in the conversation, the VP drew on personal experience:

"You know I started my career as a prosecutor, you may not know why. When I was in high school I learned that my best friend was being molested… and so I decided I wanted to take on a career that was about protecting, in particular, women and children from violence."

The conversation also pivoted to gun violence.

"By the way I love Gen Z, if you have Gen Z in your life maybe it's complicated for you, but they're really great," she said, while mentioning her campaign college tour.

The entire event – remarks included – last around 30 minutes and 475 people were in attendance.

VPOTUS back at AF2 at 3:02ET. Wheels up imminently.

Shout if you have questions about the moderated conversation, reception has been almost non-existent but can help with more once we land – but no news lines.

VP Travel Pool #5 — arrival JBA

Wheels down at JBA at 4:23.

VP descended steps of AF2, gave a final wave to press and then joined motorcade back to WH — as it's very windy.