Pool Reports of May 6, 2024

Out-of-Town Pool #1 rolling for DANG

Press van joined Biden's motorcade near his residence at 10:12 am.

Per WH, traveling with the President via motorcade en route to Delaware Air National Guard Base:

Richard Ruffner, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor

Out-of-Town Pool #2 DANG

Motorcade arrived at DANG at 10:22 am

There were no protesters near the residence today.

Biden got out of the car and boarded AF1 as press was unloading at 10:23 am

Wheels up shortly

Out-of-Town Pool #3 JBA arrival

AF1 landed at 10:59 am.

Per WH, the following traveled with the president aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Richard Ruffner, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor

Out-of-Town Pool #4 M1 wheels up

Biden deplaned at 11:08 am.

He didn't stop to answer q's about his call with Netanyahu.

He boarded M1 at 11:09 am. M1 took off at 11:15 am.

Handing off to in-town pool.

Out-of-town Pool #5 Netanyahu call/travelers

President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu, per WH. A readout will be released soon.

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to the South Lawn:

Richard Ruffner, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor

In town pool report #1

Pool is gathering for South Lawn arrival.

In town pool report #2

Marine One touched down at 11:24. The president stepped out at 11:27. While walking to the Oval, he waved at pool but either did not hear or ignored shouted questions on Gaza. For most of the walk to the Oval, he had one aide nearby. He entered the Oval at 11:28.

In town pool report #3 briefing time

From the White House:

The press briefing will begin at 2:15 PM. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will be joined by National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby.

In town pool report #4

Pool is gathering for the East Room presentation of the Commander-in-chiefs trophy to the U.S. Military Academy Army Black Knights football team.

In town pool report #5

There were about 200 in the East Room for the president's presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the U.S. Military Academy Army Black Knights. The team entered to "The Army Goes Rolling Along," the official song of the Army. Seventy-two players entered and stood behind where the president spoke. The president entered the room at 12:08 to Hail to the Chief. In his remarks, he did not mention the team's record – six wins and six losses. He celebrated the two wins that count the most Nov. 4 23-3 over then-17th ranked Air Force and Dec. 9, 17-11 over archrival Navy. "We're here today," he said, "to celebrate a tough team" and "a storied football program." He noted that Secretary of Defense Austin is a graduate of West Point. Among the officeholders and officers in the room, he singled out the hosts of "Crawdads' Countdown to Kickoff," which covers West Point football.

He praised the accountability of the academy. "Critics counted you out," he said. "But you never gave in." He noted it is the 10th time the Military Academy has won the trophy and moved from football to the next steps in the careers of the players when, he said, they will "put on another uniform." He said, "Everyone on the stage stepped up to serve… You represent the very best this country has to offer." He concluded with a loud "Go Army!" He was then presented with a jersey worn during the Navy game with the number 46 on it. It was presented to him by co-captain Jimmy Ciarlo, a 6'2" linebacker from Ringwood, N.J.

Also speaking was Jeff Monken, who is entering his 11th year as coach at West Point. He is 70-55 at the academy. At one point, the president noted how big the trophy is and wondered how they would get it out. The coach assured him he would get it there.

From the White House:

The President is presenting the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the United States Military Academy Army Black Knights at the White House.

Speaking Program
The President
Mr. Jeff Monken, Head Coach of the United States Military Academy Army Black Knights

In attendance for the President's remarks at the presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the United States Military Academy Army Black Knights:

Attendees
Secretary Lloyd Austin, Department of Defense
General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In town pool report 6 lunch lid

there is a lunch lid until 2 p.m.

In town pool report #7

Two minute warning for briefing at 2:26

In town pool report #8

The briefing started at 2:28.

John Kirby took 58 questions between 2:28 and 3 p.m.

Karine Jean-Pierre took 14 questions between 3 and 3:14.

In town pool report #9

(apologies for numbering the last two pool reports #7; one should have been #8)

From the White House:

The President recorded a radio interview with El Show de Chiquibaby. This interview will air on nationally syndicated stations tomorrow.

In town pool report #10

From the White House:

Participating in a photo line with the President:

Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33)
Rep. Nanette Barragan (CA-44)
Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08)
Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
Rep. Tony Cardenas (CA-29)
Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20)
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06)
Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46)
Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42)
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15)
Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08)
Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25)
Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)
Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)

In town pool report #11

Pool is gathering for the Rose Garden Cinco de Mayo event. Mariachi music already is in the air.

In town pool report #12

A lid was declared at 5:46.

President Biden was introduced at the Cinco de Mayo event in the Rose Garden at 5:15. He concluded at 5:27. He began with "Happy Cinco de Mayo," which drew applause and a Four More Years chant. He boasted of the diversity in his Cabinet, saying, "I promised my administration would look like America. I'm proud to say it does." Twice he mentioned that he has the bust of Cesar Chavez in the Oval Office. He praised immigrants, saying, "We are a nation of immigrants. It's why we are so good… It's why we are so strong." He cited relief for student debt, noting the high percentage of Spanish speakers among the nation's students. It is why he said he is "always so focused on Latinos." He said, "The notion we're not going to be paying attention is the dumbest thing I've ever heard." He then cited advances on getting health care coverage to DACA recipients. He urged Congress to do more to protect them. "These have been model citizens. Congress has to act."

He then took aim at recent comments by Donald Trump about immigrants, scornfully noting his promise to deport 11 million and calling them "rapists and murderers" and saying they "are poisoning the blood of our country." "Folks," he said, "that is not who we are." He said the reason the American economy is surging "is because of immigrants. You are dreamers and doers" He returned to the percentage of Spanish speakers in schools, saying, "When you have 28 percent…how in God's name can you not pay attention?" Back to Trump, he said one side is offering "revenge and retribution" while the other side is offering hope and "an America where nobody is left behind."

Several hundred were at the event. Before the president was introduced they were standing in small groups, drinking Margaritas and other drinks and eating the hors d'oeuvres being brought around on trays. When the president came, they surged closer to the Oval Office end of the Rose Garden. The first speaker was first lady Jill Biden, who thanked the musicians and hailed the Mexican Americans "who have profoundly shaped our country." She praised her husband for "fighting injustice every day." But, she said, "He needs your help." She introduced Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., a Mexican American who went to UCLA. He introduced the president.

From the White House:

The President and the First Lady are delivering remarks at a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Rose Garden:

Speaking Program
The First Lady
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat Player and Introducer
The President

In attendance for the President and the First Lady'sremarks at a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Rose Garden:

Attendees
The Second Gentleman
Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Miguel Cardona, Department of Education
Administrator Isabel Guzman, Small Business Administration
Acting Director Robert Shriver, Office of Personnel Management
Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts