WASHINGTON–After requests from major news outlets and wire services, the Obama campaign has agreed to allow coverage for all movements of presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Hat tip to my colleagues who have led this fight for access. This small pool at all events, called a “protective pool,” is similar to one that that follows the president no matter where he goes. Here is the first protective pool report from the New York Times Jeff Zeleny about Obama’s visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
June 28, 2008
No news, no color.
The campaign’s protective pool made its debut today. Your pool departed the
Capital Hilton at 6:50 am, arriving by 7 am at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, where
Senator Obama spent the night.
After holding outside for two hours, your pool drove to far Northwest
Washington. Mr. Obama arrived at the main building of Walter Reed Army Medical
Hospital at 9:20 am. He made no comments when he departed at 11 am.
Your pool followed the motorcade to the Renaissance hotel for NALEO, arriving at
11:15 am.
Jeff Zeleny
New York Times