Vice Presidential Pool Reports of October 27, 2024

VP out of town pool report #1 rolling

Good morning, I'm your out-of-town VP print pooler today. It's a sunny 45 degrees here in Philadelphia.

The pool vans pulled out of the Warick Hotel Rittenhouse at 9:23 am.

A few dozen people were gathered outside the front of the hotel, waving and cheering as the VP's motorcade drove out.

Your pooler did not lay eyes on VP Harris.

We are headed to a church in West Philadelphia where Harris will be speaking.

Let me know if you have any questions!

VP out of town pool report #2 church

After a short drive from center city Philly into West Philadelphia, the VP's motorcade pulled up at 9:36 am near The Church of Christian Compassion.

We drove through a working-class neighborhood with onlookers here and there along the way waving and taking photos with their phones.

On most of the telephone poles along the drive were professionally made signs that read "We won't go back," "Defend Democracy," or "Defend choice."

The pool right now is in the balcony of the predominantly Black church. A band is playing, and worshippers are standing up and singing along, as a female pastor leads the congregation in gospel song.

The church is near capacity. The bottom pews are completely full and people are filing into the balcony level which still has a few empty seats.

I'm told the church livestreams its services. Here's the church website.

VP Harris is tentatively scheduled to speak at 10 am.

compassion-ministries.com

VP out of town pool report #3 Harris speaking at church

VP Harris began speaking at 10:19 am.

She was introduced by the pastor with an enthusiastic, "Madame Vice President!"

"Please take a seat everybody," a smiling Harris said, before thanking the church leaders. The speech is ongoing.

Harris entered through the front of the building and came up alongside pews while the band and pastor sang a song with the chorus, "Thank you, Lord."

Harris smiled, waved at the crowd and took a seat in the front pew. She clapped to the beat, like the rest of the congregation, as the song continued and swayed back and forth.

"Make some noise!" the pastor said when the song finished. "Halleluiah!"

Harris hugged several people near her when the pastor asked the congregation to greet their neighbors.

The church is near capacity but there remains some empty pews at the very top of the balcony.

Harris is speaking at a lectern with two teleprompters. There is a large television screen behind here.

Some worshippers in the crowd are wearing black sweatshirts that read "Pray and Vote." I've spotted some "Harris/Walz" shirts and some women wearing shirts that say "Kamala."

Here is the link to watch on the church's livestream

https://www.compassion-ministries.com/watch-online

VP out of town pool report #4 Harris speech and disruption

Harris spoke for about 13 minutes, ending at 10:32 pm.

Harris told the congregation than in 9 days they have "the power" to decide their future. She recounted a lesson from the Apostle Paul.

"God's power doesn't just work for us, it works within us," she said.

Harris: "I grew up in a church that took that lesson to heart as a little girl on Sunday night. My sister Maya and I — the whole 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California — where we attended Sunday school. We sang at the Children's Choir and where I first learned, in a way, that I fully understood the teachings of the Bible and the power of faith.

"My earliest memories of those teachings are about in loving a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for them."

At one point, someone appeared to interrupt the VP by shouting something. I could not detect what was yelled — and the apparent protester was out of view from my balcony spot.

When it happened, the band started playing again and many in the crowd shouted, "We aren't going back!"

"We have nine days to decide the future of our nation," Harris said.

Harris: "It must be about the good work we can do together, about our fundamental values and about who we are as Americans and as people of faith here in Pennsylvania right now. Each of us has an opportunity to make a difference, because in this moment, we do face a real question, what kind of country do we want to live?"

"We were born for a time such as this," Harris said, raising her voice and bringing the crowd to its feet.

"In this moment, we do face a real question: what kind of country do we want to live in? A country of chaos, fear and hate, or a country of freedom, justice and compassion?"

"And the great thing about living in a democracy is we, the people, have the choice to answer that question."

"We've got work to do," Harris said.

After Harris spoke, the church band then broke into a song with the lyrics, "When we fight, we win."

Harris is seated in the front row as the pastor gives a sermon.

Please check transcript and watch video to check quotes.

VP out of town pool report #5 Harris to address reporters

I meant to write am, not pm, in the previous report — obviously.

Harris walked off the church stage at 11:06 am. Some in the crowd yelled, "We love you!"

The press is now set up in a small room in the church where Harris will be addressing reporters. Four American flags are set up.

Harris remained seated in the front pew of the church while Senior Pastor W. Lonnie Herndon gave a sermon. Herndon ended at 11:05 am.

"In nine days, we'll be able to do this — turn the page!" Herndon said "We are turning the page!"

The entire congregation stood on their feet to applaud the VP when Herndon said that.

Herndon went through many of Harris' campaign policies in a sermon about "the Good Samaritan," prompting Harris to stand up and clap.

Herndon said after the service, "We're going to all go watch the Philadelphia Eagles and make sure we vote."

"You understand church," Herndon told the VP. He then led a prayer asking the Lord to bless the VP and her team over the next nine days and give her "renewed strength" and thanking the lord for "strategy to victory."

VP bowed her head during the prayer.

Among those in Harris' front pew was Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is attending service and provided remarks at the Church of Christian Compassion in West Philadelphia. She is joined by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Williams, and Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

VP out of town pool report #6 Harris talks to reporters

VP Harris arrived in a small makeshift media room inside the church at about 11:30 am and made a brief statement and took some question.

Harris changed from her church outfit and is wearing a blue blazer and blue jeans.

In opening remarks, Harris said: "Well, it is good to be back in Philadelphia, and we're going to have a an active day of speaking with folks in various neighborhoods around town and really highlighting something and that you will hear me say, often — which is I truly believe we have so much more in common than what separates us."

"This obviously will be a stark contrast with Donald Trump, who increasingly is using dark and divisive language even more than he has done in the past. He talks about America being the garbage can of the world, and just continuously, I think, demeans the character and nature of who we are as Americans."

Question about the activity of Elon Musk in Pennsylvania:

Harris: "I haven't really been paying attention. I'm focused on our work. But thank you for asking."

Question about gentrification:

Harris touted her proposed expanded child tax credits, small business incentives, homeownership incentives as well as other campaign policies.

"So there are multitude of issues that affect homeowners, including, obviously, the challenges for homeownership itself," Harris said.

Question about whether she's getting the Philadelphia turnout — specifically black turnout — she needs to win Pennsylvania:

"I'm very excited about the reports that we're getting about enthusiasm. And to your point, Philadelphia is a very important part of our path to victory. And it is the reason I'm spending time here but I'm feeling very optimistic about the enthusiasm that's her and the commitment from folks of every background."

Question about whether Harris is concerned about conversations between Trump and Netanyahu.

Harris: "No, and I do believe that it is critically important that we as the United States of America be an active participant in encouraging one that this war ends, that we get the hostages out, but also that there is a real commitment among nations to a two-station solution."

Question about internal polling:

Harris: "So to be very frank with you, my internal polling is my instinct," she said, adding she will "let campaign people discuss that stuff."

Question about whether she has to win Pennsylvania to win the election.

Harris: "Pennsylvania will be key. No doubt."

Please check quotes.

We have now moved to a neighborhood barbershop. More details to come.

VP out of town pool report #7 Harris at barbershop

VP Harris walked into Philly Cuts shortly after noon ET. It's located in another part of West Philly not far from the church.

Harris sat down in a barbershop chair and talked to several young Black men who were seated in other chairs.

It was incredibly hard to hear the discussion unfortunately. I heard a question from one young man — an artist — about student loan debt.

"We don't pay teachers enough," Harris said. "Student loan debt is an issue."

Harris said part of her agenda is to create incentives for working people like teachers.

She talked about the need to recruit and retain more Black men teachers "because we know the benefit to overall society."

Across the street, a large crowd of Harris supporters were holding Harris-Walz signs and cheering.

"The MVP of the White House!" one man yelled.

We were escorted outside and are waiting outside while Harris remains in the barbershop.

In the previous report, I wasn't able to send the entirety of Harris talk with reporters because we immediately left to the barbershop. You should be able to find the video.

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is stopping by a West Philadelphia barber shop, Philly Cuts, for a conversation with young Black men and community leaders moderated by Pennsylvania State Representative Jordan Harris.

VP out of town pool report #8 Harris sits in "lucky chair"

After the pool was escorted outside, still photographers were brought back into the barbershop.

I wasn't able to witness the exchange myself but this is what I learned:

The photographers tell me the barbers had VP Harris go to the back of the shop to sit in the "lucky chair." It was a barbers chair similar to the one she was seated at earlier.

The barbers told VP Harris that every candidate running for elected office who has sat in the chair has won their election, according to photographers who were in the room.

I unfortunately didn't get a list of all the candidates who have sat in the chair.

The pool is waiting inside vans as we wait to leave for the next stop.

VP out of town pool report #9 book shop visit "Victory runs through Philly"

The VP's motorcade rolled away from the barbershop at 12:59 pm. We went just a few blocks away to Hakim's Bookstore and Gift Shop.

It's an African American-themed bookstore with books about Africa, civil rights icons, and slavery on the shelves.

"Hi — hi there," a smiling Harris said after ending the front door into small room cramped with reporters.

"I'm so happy to see you," Harris said to an elderly woman, whose name I learned is Ann Hughes.

She is the mother of state PA Sen. Vincent Hughes, who was at the store in addition to Mayor Cherelle Parker.

"I plan on putting on some pounds after this is over," Harris said as she hugged Ann Hughes. "They're working me to the bone."

I couldn't make out what was said to Harris that prompted those remarks.

"You and your daughter have been so amazing all of these years," Harris said.

"We're going to do it. Victory runs through Philly. It runs through Pennsylvania," Harris said.

Harris was then introduced to another woman who she hugged.

"It's beautiful. It's just so beautiful," Harris said of the shop before getting a tour.

One of the store's workers told Harris the shop is the oldest African American book store in Philly and the East Coast.

Harris asked to see a good book for an 8 year old and a 6 year old. (Perhaps for her nieces?)

"This is going to be great because she really wants a dog," Harris said, looking at one of the books.

After just a few minutes, the press was escorted outside as Harris remained inside.

Dozens of supporters were outside including two VP backers on a horse with a Harris-Walz sign draped across the back of the horse.

We were rolling again to a new stop at 1:21 pm.

VP out of town pool #10 Harris interview

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Earlier today, Vice President Harris taped an interview with Walter Perez for 6abc Action News Philadelphia that will begin airing later this evening.

The interview took place at the barbershop, I'm told.

And from earlier:

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris visited Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop, a Black-owned small business in West Philadelphia. The Vice President was joined by Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton.

VP out of town pool report #11 Puerto Rican restaurant stop

VP's motorcade went across town into a working class Puerto Rican neighborhood called Freddy and Tony's Restaurant.

The restaurant is small and packed and has Puerto Rican flags on the walls. All the tables were full with customers, many with signs that read "Latinos con Harris."

VP Harris entered at 1:54 pm and immediately spoke. VP was introduced by Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker.

"Nine days, and hard work is good work as we know — and we are winning," Harris said.

"Obviously the goal is to win but the goal is to also, in this process, build community and build coalitions," Harris said, "and to remind people that we're all in this together."

Harris said the era of Trump has been to "Divide people" and "make people feel small."

"Truly the path to victory runs through Philly and it through Pennsylvania. It runs through all of you," Harris said.

"We're afraid of the cages," one man interjected and said to Harris, prompting some laughter in the restaurant.

Harris responded: "You know, here's the thing: I so strongly believe that our campaign and this fight really is not a campaign against something, it's for something. You know, today, for example, I announced my policy on Puerto Rico."

"This is not a new area of focus for me," VP Harris said, recounting a trip she took there after Hurricane Maria.

Even as a US senator, she said she "felt a need and an obligation" to "make sure Puerto Rico's needs were met."

Harris talked about her vision for "an opportunity economy."

"It's about giving people access to opportunity, knowing that the people in all communities — in all communities — they want, yes, a job, but they want to be able to build wealth. They want to be able to build intergenerational wealth, home ownership, small business growth, right? So I call it an opportunity economy. The thing I mentioned this morning is I'm going to create basically an opportunity economy Task Force for Puerto Rico."

This remark drew cheers.

She said the task force will be focused on bringing economic opportunities to the Puerto Rican island "as an extension" of her overall plan as well as the electrical grid in Puerto Rico.

"So I came because I want to thank you all for what you're doing, but I also want to share with you that the work that we are doing is — yes, it's about this campaign. But it's so much more. I really believe that we are all a part of a new generation of leadership for our country that is optimistic and ambitious, and if may I say for myself, quite impatient about knowing that we can get things done."

Harris gave a high five to one man in a seat near here.

"We're going to get it done," Harris said, again thanking them from taking time from their Sunday to join here.

There were chants of "Si se Puede" and "when we fight, we win!"

We were escorted outside while Harris remained inside. We are currently waiting in the pool vans.

VP out of town pool report #12 more on restaurant stop

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is stopping by Freddy & Tony's Restaurant, a locally-owned Puerto Rican restaurant in North Philadelphia and greeting with members of Philadelphia's Puerto Rican community alongside Philadelphia City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

VP out of town pool report #13 Harris speaks to middle school kids

The VP's motorcade made a short drive to a you basketball facility called the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center.

We pulled in around 2:34 pm. ET.

Hundreds of supporters were outside cheering, taking photos, etc as we drove in.

Upon entering, we entered one of the individual gyms and started watching some young grade-school age kids do some basketball dribbling and layup drills.

VP Harris entered at 3:04 pm with a woman who was escorting her.

VP watched on as the kids, all young Black boys and girls, did their warm ups. They then walked over to the VP and hugged her. Harris then had a conversation with the dozen or so children.

"Coach has been telling me about how hard you are working and how disciplined you are and how smart you are," Harris said. "And you know, the reason I do what I do is when I look at you, I know the future of our country is so bright."

Harris told them, "I am so happy that you all decided at such an early age to be here." She told them they are "part of the role model club."

Harris had a brief talk with the kids, asking them whether they won their last game — they didn't — and other questions. She provided some life lessons.

"We all make mistakes," Harris said. "That's part of life," she said, adding that it's about what you learn from your mistakes. "That's the path to running for the United States. It's just like that."

Harris went one by one and asked what their names are before asking a question.

"I like to say chin up, shoulders out," Harris told one of them. (I couldn't decipher what was said that prompted this response.)

Harris talked about the importance of learning.

"It's like a muscle and you've got to practice it," she said of the brain, "and you get smarter and smarter and smarter."

Harris on middle school:

"Middle school is a little weird, isn't it? To me, elementary and high school — you know where you're going and you know where you've been. But middle school …"

It was difficult to hear all the remakes. The pool was escorted out and is currently waiting in a larger gym to watch a Harris campaign rally.

VP Harris has not entered yet.

On behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign

Vice President Harris is delivering remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign community event at The Alan Horowitz "Sixth Man" Center, a Youth Basketball facility in Northwest Philadelphia. Ahead of her remarks, the Vice President is greeting with youth basketball players.

Speakers:
State Representative Roni Green
Speaker Joanna McClinton
Kerry Marshall, Harris-Walz campaign field organizer

Program:
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker
Coach Randyll Butler, Philadelphia Youth Basketball Coach, Introducer
Vice President Kamala Harris

VP out of town pool report #14 Harris rally speech and Gaza protester

VP Harris arrived on stage inside a gym at the 4:24 p.m. to Beyonce's "Freedom" and ended her remarks at 4:42 pm.

Shortly after she started talking, someone toward the back fainted and needed medical attention. Harris stopped to let medical professionals get to the person.

"That's what we do. We look out for each other.," Harris said.

The event was held in what's essentially a large gym of several basketball courts.

Harris spoke in front of a large sign that reads "Philly votes early." The campaign said there are about 3,000 people here. An adjacent basketball court acted as a spillover area for the audience, which grew steadily ahead of Harris arriving on stage.

"Hey Philadelphia, it's good to be back! Hey Philly, I've got a question: Are you ready to do this?" Harris said.

"Yes!" the crowd responded.

"Make no mistake: We will win" Harris said. "We will win because if you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for."

At 4:31 pm, Harris was interrupted by a Gaza protester. The crowd responded in chats of, "We aren't going back!"

Harris said she is committed to end this war and bring the hostages home – then she got back to her speech.

"We have the ability to turn the page on that same old tired payback," Harris said, referring to the ear of Trump. "We are ready to chart a new way forward."

"We are a new generation of leadership that is optimistic and excited" about the challenges ahead of us, Harris said.

"The great thing about living in a democracy – as long as we keep it – is that we the people have the power to choose our direction," Harris said.

She said her campaign has been about "building community and coalitions."

Harris called it one of the "highest forms of patriotism" is to "get out and vote."

"From now until Election Day, we are going to get out the vote here in Pennsylvania," Harris said, later applauding Generation Z for being "impatient for change" on climate change, gun control and other causes.

"Philadelphia, we have nine days to get this done. And for the next nine days, no one is sitting on the sidelines. There is too much on the line. And we can't wake up on the day after the election, and regret what could have been done during those last nine days."

"We are going to get to the polls, and we are going to make our voices heard," Harris said. "Now is the time to vote early. Get it done tomorrow if you can. And if you have received your ballot in the mail, don't wait to get it out today."

"The choice truly is within your hands," Harris said. "Are you ready to make your voices hard?" she yelled.

She then raised her voice with her conclusion. "Are you ready to fight for it? And when we fight, we win!"

As always, check the quotes from video or transcript. It was hard to hear from the press area.

Before Harris spoke, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker gave an impassioned speech urging not just Philadelphians – but residents in the surrounding suburban counties – to turn out for Harris. She recounted dark times from the 2016 election, and said Democrats won in 2020 because of high turnout in Philly and the surrounding counties.

Harris was introduced by coach Randyll Butler of the Philadelphia Youth Basketball Coach, who introduced Harris as "Our MVP."

VP out of town pool report #15 more on rally

Actor Don Cheadle was sitting in the front row at the campaign rally.

Also a point of clarification. The 3,000 crowd estimation did not come from the campaign as I wrote in the previous report. It was the estimation from security at the event. I misunderstood. My apologies.

VP out of town pool #16 Harris boards Air Force Two

The VP's motorcade pulled out of the basketball facility at 5 pm. We jumped on the interstate and headed to the airport and arrived at 5:22 pm.

Harris stepped out of a black suburban at 5:23 pm and took a photograph with a group of people before boarding Air Force Two. She did not address reporters.

VP out of town pool report #17 wheels up and Nacho Doritos

Air Force Two is wheels up at 5:39 pm ET.

Before we took off, your pooler spotted VP Harris toward the front of the plane eating from a red personal-sized bag of Nacho Doritos while talking to senior staff.

We are on the way back to JBA after a busy day in Philly.

VP out of town pool report #18 landed

Air Force Two landed at JBA at 6:09 pm — ahead of schedule.

Harris did not come to the back of the plane to talk to reporters, as she sometimes does.

Harris disembarked the plane at 6:21 pm. She waved at reporters but did not walk over to answer questions.

A few reporters — including me — shouted her name but she walked the other direction to Marine Two. She boarded Marine Two at 6:23 pm and then lifted off shortly after at 6:26 pm.

That's it for me, folks! Have a great rest of your Sunday.

WH out of town pool report #19 lid called earlier

Missed earlier:

The Vice President arrived to the U.S. Naval Observatory's at 6:42pm. We have a lid.