WASHINGTON–President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden strolled from the White House on Friday to a nearby sandwich shop for lunch to highlight the plight of furloughed federal workers during the shutdown–and to urge House Republicans for an up or down vote on a funding measure. My column on why Obama is pushing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) for an up or down vote in the House is HERE. Obama made another plea to Boehner Friday for a vote from the sandwich shop.
below, pool report…
Subject: Pool report 3
Obama and Biden walked out of the White House, no jackets on this warm
day, and took a short walk down Pennsylvania to Taylor sandwich shop.
On the way the president got a few cheers and claps and reassurances.
Including “hang tough Mr President” and “you’re doing the right
thing”. Biden was in his signature Rayban shades.
People having lunch an staff at Taylor were thrilled.
Potus walked in and told pool :
Part of the reason we’re here is we’re starving
The other reason we’re here is that this establishment is giving out
10 per cent off to furloughed (employees)
This is an indication of how ordinary Americans are looking out for
one another “
He said “right now” the House has the opportunity to end the shutdown,
which “could be over today”
“I’m happy to have negotiations but we can’t do it with a gun held to
the head of the American people”.
Your pooler asked potus whether he was “winning”, a reference to
anonymous Wsj quote that WH is winning and shutdown could go on. Potus
stopped and responded.
He said “there’s no winning” and “no one is winning” as long as folks
aren’t on the job etc.
Biden ordered the 9th street sub
Pooler couldn’t make out what potus ordered or who paid
He’s now outside and doing two rope lines
