Pool Reports of December 29, 2024

Out-of-town pool report #1: Lid

Good morning from St. Croix,

The White House declared a lid at 11:21am local time, ahead of the 12pm call time (St. Croix is one hour ahead of D.C.)

Have a lovely Sunday,

-Tolu

Out-of-town pool report #2: flagging updated guidance on POTUS remarks on Carter's passing

Good evening from St. Croix,

Passing along the updated guidance from the White House. President Biden plans to make remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.

Pool has gathered and has been swept ahead of the president's remarks. St. Croix is one hour ahead of the East Coast.

From the WH:

Update:

The President will deliver remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. These remarks will be covered by the out-of-town pool.

AST

8:00 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter
Out-of-Town Pool

Out-of-town pool report #3: Motorcade rolling

The pool was swept outside the property where the president is staying in St. Croix. The motorcade began rolling at 8:03pm local time.

The president is scheduled to make remarks on the passing of former president Jimmy Carter.

Out-of-town pool report #4: arrival in Christiansted, St. Croix for remarks

The president's motorcade arrived in downtown Christiansted at 8:18pm ahead of his remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.

Pool is at a building called Company House. Lectern and flags set up.

Remarks will be streamed at whitehouse.gov/live.

Out-of-town pool report #5: Two-minute warning for remarks

The pool has been given a two-minute warning for remarks.

Remarks will be streamed at whitehouse.gov/live.

Out-of-town pool report #6: Remarks begin

President Biden began speaking at 8:23pm local time.

Before walking to the lectern, he told the press: "Sorry to keep you waiting.." he added he had been "on the phone with the family."

Remarks are streaming at whitehouse.gov/live.

Out-of-town pool report #7: remarks over

President Biden spoke all together for about 10 minutes, touching of themes of patriotism and service as he reflected on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter. 

He took a few questions from the press at the end of his remarks. Please check quotes against tape and transcript. 

Asked if there were any lessons Trump could take from Carter:"Decency, decency, decency," he said, adding that Carter would never neglect someone in need or demean them based on their looks.

More from his remarks and the Q&A:

"Jimmy Carter stands as a model for it means to live a life of meaning and purpose," he said. 

He said it was wrong to see Carter as a reflection of "a bygone era."

"I see a man not only not our times, but for all time."

"We could all do well to be a little more like Jimmy Carter."

After his prepared remarks, Biden took a few questions from the press.

"Never give up hope" he said when asked about Carter's post-presidency and whether it inspires him as he prepares to leave office. 

He said his fondest memory of Carter was when he asked for his support early in his presidency.

"I think I've spoken to all the children" he said when asked who in the family he has spoken with. 

"My team is working with his family and other to see to it that he is remembered appropriately"

Remarks were streamed at whitehouse.gov/live.

First Lady Jill Biden was also in attendance.

Out-of-town pool report #8: motorcade rolling

The motorcade began rolling from downtown Christiansted at 8:36pm local time.

St Croix is one hour ahead of the East Coast.

Out-of-town pool report #9: arrival at RON, lid

The president's motorcade arrived back at the residence where he is staying in St. Croix at 8:53pm local time (St. Croix is one hour ahead of the East Coast).

The White House has declared a lid.