Pool Reports of September 25, 2024

WH out-of-town pool report #1/ POTUS briefed on styrene leak in Ohio

Greetings from the RON in New York. The White House sent the following:

'President Biden has been briefed on the styrene leak from a parked railcar in Cleves, Ohio, and the Biden-Harris Administration is in touch with state and local officials. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials are on the ground assisting with hazmat operations and air quality testing. The President has directed his team to provide any resources that may be needed. We urge residents to heed the warnings of emergency personnel, especially those instructed to evacuate.'

WH in-town pool report #2/ POTUS on the move

POTUS's motorcade began rolling from the RON in midtown Manhattan at 10.38am. The daily guidance says POTUS will be joining ABC's The View for a live interview this morning.

The White House sends the following:

'Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to the The View live studio:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Curtis Ried, Deputy Assistant to the President & NSC Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary
John McCarthy, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor for Political Engagement
Julia Reed, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President'

WH out of town pool report #3/ Arrival at ABC

POTUS’s motorcade arrived at the ABC studios at 11am after an uneventful journey. Many people stood on sidewalks taking photos and videos on their phones as the motorcade went by.

WH out of town pool report #4/ POTUS on The View

POTUS and FLOTUS walked on to The View set at 11.09am to wild cheers and applause. They greeted several people then left again. This was not broadcast.

A fast talking show runner urged the audience to repeat their enthusiasm when POTUS returned for his interview. She said: "Pretend that you didn't see the president… Act like this didn't happen!… We're all actors, everybody!"

POTUS, wearing jacket, checked shirt and no tie, returned to the set at 11.14am and was again met with cheers, whoops and applause. He greeted The View hosts one by one then sat down.

Asked about not seeking reelection, POTUS said: "I am at peace with my decision… Working with Kamala, she is bright, she is tough, she is honorable."

The interview is ongoing and airing live on ABC.

WH out of town pool report #5/ The View studio

POTUS is sitting at the centre of a table with three female hosts to his left and three female hosts to his right. Each has a coffee mug in front of them. The table has an illuminated 'The View' logo at the front.

Behind them a big screen has been showing a montage of POTUS photos. Other screens show scenes from New York or recreations of brick walls. There is a mini lounge with furniture and a furry white carpet to one side.

The audience is seated in two rows on the black studio floor, then four ascending rows behind the cameras. There are numerous studio lights hanging from the ceiling.

POTUS talked with the hosts during a commercial break but couldn't be heard by the audience or pool. The studio MC asked members of the audience where they are from.

The interview then resumed. POTUS said Donald Trump does not believe in democracy or guardrails and described January 6 as "bizarre".

WH out of town pool report #6/ POTUS jokes with audience member

During commercial breaks the big screen has been showing clips of POTUS's past appearances on The View.

In the second break, the studio MC pointed out a 95-year-old grandmother in the audience. POTUS gave her a a thumbs up and quipped: "If you're older than me, I want to meet you."

Interview has resumed, now focused on the Middle East. POTUS said: "There needs to be a two state solution… There's a desire to see change in the region."

WH out of town pool report #7/ Interview ends

POTUS’s interview on The View ended with a standing ovation at 11.47am.

WH out of town pool report #8/ POTUS on the move

The motorcade began rolling from the ABC studios in New York at 12.07pm.

WH out of town pool report #9/ Notable POTUS comments on The View

More detail on POTUS talking on The View today about his decision not to seek reelection:

"Look," POTUS began, laughing momentarily, "I never fully believed the assertions that somehow there was this overwhelming reluctance on my running again. I didn't sense that and although the polling - they said Biden's polling was different - the fact of the matter is my polling was about always within range of beating this guy.

"But what I did was – I think there were – it makes sense – there were some folks who would like to see me step aside so they have a chance to move on. I get that. That's just human nature.

"But that wasn't the reason that I stepped down. I stepped down because I started thinking about it. You know, it's hard to think –"

POTUS looked at co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin and continued: "I know you're only 30 but it's hard to think of – it's hard for me to even say how old I am. No, I'm serious. I give you my word. It's like, holy God, that can't be right, this can't be right... No woman close to me is as old as I am. None."

Co-host Whoopi Goldberg interjected: "Right now they are!"

The panel and audience laughed.

Asked if he would have won if he stayed in the race, POTUS replied: "Yes. I was confident I would beat Trump. He's a loser."

Golberg said: "I don't like the way they did it. I'm just gonna say it out loud because nobody says it outloud. I didn't like the way it was done publicly. I thought they could have done this in a different way because we didn't need to hear all the inner fight. I didn't like it. I'm saying it to you. You were my ride or die."

ENDS

WH out of town pool report #10/ POTUS back at RON

POTUS's motorcade returned to the RON in midtown Manhattan at 12.27pm after an uneventful journey.

WH out of town pool report #11/ POTUS meet General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam

At 2.18pm pool was taken to a room at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel in New York. POTUS was sitting with General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam, with national flags behind them. There were a dozen officials seated in the room including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, plus interpreters.

The two leaders gave brief introductory remarks and did not take questions. Pool left the room at 2.21pm.

WH out of town pool report #12/ More from bilat in New York

More from POTUS's bilateral meeting with General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam.

POTUS said one year ago in Hanoi "we began a new era" in US-Vietnam relations. "Since then I've been very proud of the progress we made."

He said: "First of all, we made historic investments in semiconductors and supply chains. I want to note this was made possible by our CHIPS and Science Act here at home.

"Secondly, we launched unprecedented cooperation on cybersecurity. Third, we stood united in building a more open and secure Indian Ocean – commitment to freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

"Finally, we continue our path breaking work to heal the wounds of war. I'm proud that we in the United States committed $250 million to dioxin remediation, as well as many things we have to do as well."

POTUS added: "There's nothing beyond our capacity if we work together."

General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam said it was the third time they have met and thanked POTUS for his condolences on the death of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in July.

He recalled POTUS's visit to Vietnam in September last year as a historic milestone and welcomed "the growth" of US-Vietnam relations.

From the White House:

'The President is holding a bilateral meeting with General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam.

U.S. Delegation
T.H. Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
T.H. Jon Finer, Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
T.H. Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
T.H. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam
T.H. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, National Security Council
T.H. Nicole Smolinske, Director for Southeast Asia, National Security Council

Vietnam Delegation
H.E. Nguyen Hoa Binh, First Deputy Prime Minister
H.E. Phan Van Giang, Minister of Defense
H.E. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of Propaganda Committee
H.E. Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security
H.E. Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of External Relations Committee
H.E. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs'

WH out of town pool note #1/ Background briefing on Vietman

A senior administration official spoke to the pool for 10 minutes about POTUS's bilateral meeting with General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam.

The official said: "They talked about the importance of the work that we're doing to continue to resolve war legacy issues, including projects like dioxin remediation and repatriation of remains and war artefacts, and also talked about areas of common interest where we're working and have a lot more to do, such as on cybersecurity and in areas like contributing to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"All in all, it's an extremely warm meeting which I think marks the fact that the United States and Vietnam are genuinely in a transformed relationship that is really firing on all cylinders. There was a lot of identification of specific projects, such as areas for future investment in Vietnam, a desire to keep working together and deepen cooperation on semiconductors and other high technology areas and of course promote our people to people ties and so on."

The official took questions about China and other topics but there were no dramatic revelations. If you need more, I will try to help.

WH out of town pool report #13/ Pool gathers

Pool was taken to another room at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel for an event that will launch a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction. It is open to pre-credentialed media.

A stage has been set up with the presidential lectern and two 'New York, NY' signs. The backdrop is a giant blue panel with the words 'Supporting Ukrainian recovery and reconstruction'. There are two big TV screens with the same message against blue and yellow.

The hotel room has wallpaper and mouldings and is mostly surrounded by a blue curtain. There are five rows of seats in front of the pool. Then come three rows of press seats, followed by people standing and a bank of cameras further back. Easy listening music is playing over the sound system.

WH out of town pool report #14/ POTUS speaks about Ukraine

At 4pm world leaders who have signed on to the Ukrainian recovery and reconstruction joint declaration walked on stage. The declaration itself was displayed on a stand at the front of the stage.

POTUS stood in the middle, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on his immediate right and British prime minister Keir Starmer on his immediate left. The hotel's easy listening music resumed briefly as the leaders posed for a group photo.

Then POTUS began speaking from the lectern. Livestream here:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

From the White House:

'President is hosting an event with world leaders launching a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction.

Speaking Program
The President
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine
President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom'

WH out of town pool report #15/ POTUS finishes, Zelensky speaks

POTUS finished speaking at 4.07pm, left the stage and took a seat next to Keir Stamer on the front row. The men appeared to exchange a few words. POTUS applauded as Volodymyr Zelensky walked to the lectern. The Ukrainian president is speaking now. Livestream continues:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

WH out of town pool report #16/ Ukraine event ends without further POTUS comments

The speaking programme finished with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau joining virtually at 4.26pm. POTUS rose from his seat, glanced around and walked behind a black curtain. He did not respond to shouted questions.

WH out of town pool report #17/ POTUS meets Macron

From the White House:

'President Biden met with President Macron of France on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah and prevent a wider war. The leaders also discussed our support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression and the joint declaration the leaders will sign pledging their support for Ukraine's reconstruction.'

WH in-town pool report #18/ POTUS briefed on Hurricane Helene

From the White House:

'The President was briefed today on Hurricane Helene and its potential impacts. Yesterday, the President approved the Governor of Florida's request for an emergency disaster declaration, which unlocks additional federal resources to help the state respond to the storm. The entire Biden-Harris Administration stands ready to provide further assistance to Florida, and other states in the path of the storm, as needed. The President continues to urge residents—especially those who have been instructed to evacuate—to listen to local officials.'

WH out of town pool report #19/ POTUS on the move

POTUS’s motorcade started rolling in midtown Manhattan at 5.21pm. The daily guidance says he will be hosting a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

WH out of town pool report #20/ POTUS arrives at Met

POTUS's motorcade reached the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 5.35pm after an uneventful journey watched by many pedestrians. Pool is now holding inside the building.

WH out of town pool report #21/ POTUS at the Met

POTUS and FLOTUS entered the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Musuem of Art in New York at 5.49pm. FLOTUS spoke first to the hundreds of guests at a reception.

POTUS began by thanking Michael Bloomberg - "He's still the mayor" - and quoting his mother. He said: "We must never end bow, bend, break or give up."

Remarks are ongoing.

WH out of town pool report #22/ POTUS finishes

POTUS finished speaking at 5.56pm. Six trumpeters played a fanfare from a balcony high above.

WH out of town pool report #23/ Greeting POTUS at the Met

Among those pool spotted at the reception were Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, New York Mayor Eric Adams and chef and humanitarian Jose Andres.

From the White House:

'Greeting the President and the First Lady upon arrival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art:

Max Hollein, CEO and Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Tony James, Co-Chair of the Met Board and his spouse, Amabel James'

WH out of town pool report #24/ POTUS's full remarks at the Met

Flanked by two giant, ornately carved urns, POTUS spoke for four and a half minutes at a reception in the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

FLOTUS made introductory remarks at 5.49pm. Then POTUS, wearing dark blue suit, white shirt and light blue tie, with his voice echoing, told the hundreds of guests:

"It was worth the trip. Welcome everyone, it's a delight to see you all. You know, my fellow leaders and friends, it's an honour to welcome you here tonight. I should start off by saying we owe a special thanks tonight to Mayor Bloomberg. He's not the mayor right now but he's still the mayor. Mr Mayor, thank you for all you've done.

"I want to begin by quoting someone who I wish was here tonight: my mom Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden. Growing up, my mom had an expression – a lot of expressions – she had a backbone like a ramrod. My mom, she used to say, Joey, remember never bow, never bend, never yield and never give up.

"Folks, as I said yesterday at the United Nations, I recognise the challenges the world faces: Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, war, hunger, poverty, climate change. But my message to you tonight is this. We must never, ever, ever bow, bend, yield or give up and, most importantly, we must never lose faith - lose faith in our ability to do so much.

"I was first elected to the United States Senate when I was 29 years old - 280 years ago."

POTUS and FLOTUS smiled and the audience laughed.

POTUS continued: "Since then, I've seen the impossible become reality for real. I've seen the Berlin Wall come down. I've seen Poland leave – I shouldn't go on, I guess, but I've seen apartheid end. I've seen humanity pull together to prevent a nuclear war. I've seen war criminals and dictators face justice and accountability for human rights violations and I've seen countries in the Middle East make peace.

"So always remember in America - I've spent a lot of time with Xi of China and we were in the Tibetan plateau and it was one of my 90 some hours alone with him. He looked at me and said, can you define America for me? Absolutely true story. He said, can you define America for me? I said yes, in one word. Possibilities. Possibilities. We believe anything is possible. No, I really mean it. Remember nothing is impossible.

"Folks, look, in our time, we turned the page on a whole range of issues. We turned the page. Nothing is impossible, as I said, but we turned the page – the worst pandemic in a century. We defended Ukraine as a tyrant threatened to wipe it off the map. We made the largest investment in history to fight climate change, the existential threat to humanity and folks, time and again – I mean this sincerely – time and again our nation and our world found a way forward.

"But make no mistake. It didn't happen by accident. None of it was inevitable. It took people like all of you assembled here tonight refusing to give up, rejecting the forces that pull us apart, believing that change is possible and fighting to make it so. Every single day that's what you in this room assembled have done. Ladies and gentlemen, that's our change.

"Together we can broker deals, end wars and suffering. We can stop the spread of disease and dangerous weapons alike. We can make AI empower people, not shackle them. We can cut our emissions and achieve our climate ambitions. We can leave our children literally a better world. That's our obligation. And we can, we can do this, I can say to you, I mean it sincerely, I've never been more optimistic in my life because of all of you and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Keep it up.

"And every time I'd walk out of my grandpop's house up in Scranton he'd yell Joey, keep the faith! My grandmother would no, Joey, spread it – spread it, spread it, spread it. Folks, remember nothing is beyond our capacity when we work together – nothing at all. So, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you're doing. I appreciate it very, very much. It's an honour to be with you. Thank you."

ENDS

WH out of town pool report #25/ POTUS on the move

POTUS's motorcade departed the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York at 7.39pm.

WH out of town pool report #26/ POTUS on Marine One

The motorcade reached the Wall Street Landing Zone at 8pm. Pool spotted POTUS aboard Marine One, looking down. Pool is now on a separate helicopter, taking off.

WH out of town pool report #27/ Travelling with POTUS

From the White House:

'Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to John F. Kennedy International Airport:

Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President'

WH out of town pool report #28/ POTUS at JFK airport

POTUS landed at JFK International Airport in New York at 8.22pm. Pool has gathered beside Air Force One.

WH out of town pool report #29/ POTUS boards AF1

POTUS disembarked Marine One at 8.30pm and walked with FLOTUS across the tarmac at JFK airport. He waved to reporters but did not respond to questions. He boarded Air Force One at 8.31pm.

WH out of town pool report #30/ Travelling with POTUS

From the White House:

'Traveling with the President and The First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Communications
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President & Homeland Security Advisor & Deputy National Security Advisor
Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Curtis Ried, Deputy Assistant to the President & NSC Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
John McCarthy, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor for Political Engagement
Mala Adiga, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Policy & Projects for the First Lady
Jordan Montoya, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the First Lady
Julia Reed, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President'

WH out of town pool report #31/ AF1 lands

Air Force One took off from JFK airport in New York at 8.41pm. John Kirby of the NSC came to the press cabin during the flight and talked off the record. Air Force One landed at Joint Base Andrews at 9.19pm.

WH out of town pool report #32/ POTUS

At 9.27pm POTUS and FLOTUS walked down the stairs of Air Force One, briefly conversed with a greeter then walked across the tarmac at to Marine One, which lifted off from Joint Base Andrews at 9.33pm.

WH out of town pool report #33/ Travelling with POTUS

From the White House:

'Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Marine One en route to the South Lawn:

Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President'

White House In-Town Pool #1

Good evening all,

I am your in-town pooler for President Biden’s arrival back from his trip to New York City.

Pool is gathered at the Palm Room doors for POTUS’ South Lawn return.

White House In-Town Pool #2 - Statement on Middle East

POTUS came over to the pool shortly after landing and mentioned the WH statement calling for a

21-day ceasefire on the Lebanese-Israel border.

Please check against the official transcript, however, it appeared he said there has been "significant support" generated for a ceasefire from Europe.

More to come on full quote.

M1 landed on the South Lawn at 9:46 p.m.

POTUS and FLORUS stepped off M1 at 9:48 pm. The President helped her down the stairs as they walked toward the residence.

White House In-Town Pool #3 - Full Quote/Lid

Here's the full quote from POTUS as best I could hear it:

"We put out a statement for a 21 days ceasefire along the Israeli and Lebanese border. We were able to generate significant support from Europe as well as the Arab nations … it's important the war does not widen. I'll have more to say tomorrow."

The president was also asked about NYC Mayor Eric Adams' indictment as he walked away. It's not clear he heard the shouted questions as he departed.

A lid was called at 9:59 pm.