EMAIL DETAILS

From: bounce-847873-2253447@list.whitehouse.gov [mailto:bounce-847873-2253447@list.whitehouse.gov] On Behalf Of White House Press Office
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 9:53 PM
To: Owens, Missy
Subject: Fw: 5/24 VPOTUS pool report, Philadelphia fundraiser


________________________________
From: Fitzgerald, Thomas <tfitzgerald@phillynews.com>
To: Allen, Elizabeth M.; Alexander, Elizabeth
Sent: Mon May 24 21:41:02 2010
Subject: 5/24 VPOTUS pool report, Philadelphia fundraiser

VPOTUS Print Pool Report
Fundraiser
Philadelphia, Pa.
5-24-2010

Tom Fitzgerald
The Philadelphia Inquirer
(215) 313-3099


VPOTUS made remarks at a campaign fundraiser for his son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, who was home recovering from a mild stroke suffered two weeks ago. Beau’s doctors would not allow him to attend the reception and dinner at the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, the Vice President said. He did disclose that Beau is feeling so well that the two of them were “pounding golf balls in the mist” together at the driving range Monday morning.

Other than that, VPOTUS committed no news. There was plenty of levity, however. Pooler was escorted in to the room for the remarks and ushered out as VPOTUS finished and the Keystone State Boychoir launched into the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

About 100 people attended the event in the restaurant, which is in the restored Fairmount Water Works on the Schuylkill River, just south of Boathouse Row. Hosts were Michael Karloutsos, the owner of the restaurant; Father Alex Karloutsos, a high-ranking official in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; and George Tsunis of New Hampshire, a real-estate magnate and hotelier.

Hallie Biden, Beau’s wife, spoke first, saying that the Delaware AG “wanted you to know he’s feeling great tonight and wishes he could be here.” When nasty sound-system feedback drowned out her words, VPOTUS moved quickly to her side and put an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s a lucky man who has one daughter, and it’s a luckier man whose sons bring you two more daughters,” VPOTUS said. “This is not my daughter-in-law, this is my daughter.”

VPOTUS praised the Greek community, even though most supported then-Mass. Gov. Michael Dukakis over him in the 1988 Democratic presidential primaries: “This is the most incredible community in the country. You have a piece of my heart.”

“I said to Father Alex, and press I want you to note that I say this with humor. Mark ‘humor,’” he said, pointing toward pooler’s notebook. “This is an attempt at humor. But I said if things don’t straighten up in my church I’m coming over.”

VPOTUS said that Beau is healthy, and champing at the bit to get back to work. “I’m going to tell you a piece of news I probably shouldn’t,” VPOTUS said. “They will not let him go back to work, but he called me at 8 o’clock this morning and said, ‘Dad, your first event’s not until 10, can we go to the driving range?’ So we were out at the driving range pounding golf balls in the mist this morning.” Later, Beau walked two miles home from his doctor’s office, where he went for blood tests, VPOTUS said.

He thanked the crowd for its support and noted that Beau Biden decided to forgo a run for his former Senate seat to see to a conclusion his office’s prosecution of a Lewes, Del. physician on 450 counts of sexual abuse of children.

“Beau is a man of absolute honor and integrity,” VPOTUS said. “He had a job to finish and he is intent on finishing the job.”

The Beau Biden campaign declined to disclose ticket prices for the fundraiser or to say how much was raised.

Per the OVP, here was the menu at the dinner which followed the reception:

FIRST COURSE
Grilled Octopus Salad
Romaine, tomato, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon-dill dressing

Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Grigio 2008

SECOND COURSE
Limestone Springs PA Striped Bass
Baby spring vegetable confit, olive gremolata, grilled ramp

Frei Brothers Sonoma County Chardonnay 2008

INTERMEZZO
Blood Orange Sorbet

MAIN COURSE
Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Short Rib
Pommes anna, chanterelle demi glace

Chateau Bautisse Saint-Emilion 2005

DESSERT
The Water Wheel
Flour less chocolate torte, chocolate Bavarian cream,
Chambord ganache