Pool Reports of April 1, 2024

In town pool report #1

Good morning! I'll be your print pooler today.

Passing along from the White House—

The President and the First Lady were interviewed by Al Roker on the TODAY Show to discuss the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll.

More TK from the roll!

In town pool report #2

Passing along from the White House--

The opening of the White House Easter Egg Roll was delayed until 8:30 AM due to thunder and lightning. The overall event has resumed.

In town pool report #3

Pool is now heading outside, earlier than the delayed time.

In town pool report #4

Passing along from the White House--

For information about this year's White House "EGGucation" Roll - please see the press release from the White House sent out last week:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/28/white-house-announces-theme-and-activities-for-the-2024-easter-egg-roll/

A few highlights from the release:

Today, the White House is hosting the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition dating back to 1878. A teacher for more than 30 years, First Lady Jill Biden is continuing her theme of "EGGucation" for the event, transforming the South Lawn and Ellipse into a school community, full of fun educational activities for children of all ages to enjoy.

In addition to the time-honored traditions of rolling and hunting eggs, this year's White House Easter "EGGucation" Roll will also feature a School House Activity Area, Reading Nook, Field Trip to the Farm, Picture Day, a Physical "EGGucation" Zone, a Snack Time Tent and more. The South Façade of the White House is adorned with balloons, marked with STEAM school subjects, a nod to Dr. Biden's belief that with EGGucation, "all students can soar."

In total, approximately 40,000 people will take part in this year's Easter "EGGucation" Roll, including thousands of military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. Tickets for the general public were distributed to guests from all across the country through an online public lottery.

The American Egg Board, on behalf of America's Egg Farmers, continues its more than 45-year history of participation in the event as our legacy partner in support of the White House Easter Egg Roll.

In town pool report #5

President Biden came outside for remarks at 11:16am with the First Lady and the Easter bunny. Remarks starting now.

The remarks will be streamed here- https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

Spotted at the roll by the pool:

Rep. Colin Allred with two children, Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, former USCP officer Harry Dunn, national security communications adviser John Kirby.

In town pool report #6

The First Lady spoke for about a minute. The president then spoke for about two minutes.

"Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal.. It's time to pray for one another," he said.

"We're a great nation because we're good people."

"Because of you, the American people... I've never been more optimistic about American than I am today," he said to cheers from the crowd.

He introduced the Easter bunny to the crowd and said he would come down to the lawn to roll an egg.

In town pool report #7- briefing moved/ roll color/ questions

Briefing has been moved to 12:30pm.

Biden walked out to the lawn with the first lady and the bunny at 11:29am.

Biden blew the whistle to start a group of kids doing the egg roll game. He bent over to talk to a little girl in a pink jacket who was crying. She stopped crying and Biden and her rolled the egg together for a moment.

He spoke to other kids in the group and the first lady walked around too.

The first lady then blew the whistle to start another group of kids in the egg roll game. Biden talked to another group over a fence on the perimeter of this section.

After greeting that group, Biden noticed a small child in her fathers arms and bent down to greet her. Other kids went over to him and circled around him. He took a photograph with that group and spoke with them for a few minutes.

A small group of young girls yelled out "President Biden" three times from another area but were out of ear shot for the president.

Biden began to walk out at 11:43am. He stopped and talked to another group and put a black hat on as the rain picked up. Hunter Biden stood behind him, mostly looking on but he spoke to some people in the group too.

He took shouted questions from a reporter- please check against transcript, pool was out of ear shot.

Q: What does Easter mean to you?

Biden: "Time for forgiveness and people getting together. And a little bit of love and no phoniness. Be straight with people."

Q: Speaker Johnson called it outrageous that Easter Sunday was transgender day of visibility, what do you say to Speaker Johnson?

Biden: "He's thoroughly uninformed."

Q: Uninformed how?

Biden: "I didn't do that."

He walked away at 11:46m.

We are now back inside.

In town pool report #8- 2 mins

2 minutes to the White House press briefing.

In town pool report #9- briefing ends

Briefing started at 12:38pm.

The Easter bunny came out to the podium first, before Karine. Easter candy was passed out to reporters.

Briefing ended at 1:23pm.

In town pool report #10

Passing along from the White House—

Today, the President spoke to Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who is in Baltimore to meet with state and local officials and stakeholders. He also called Harold J. Daggett, President of the International Longshoremen's Association.

In town pool report #11- lid

We have a lid.

Have a good evening, all!