Below is the White House pool report about the Obama-Gates-Crowley “beer summit” this evening, submitted by Mimi Hall of USA Today.
It was, alas, only a photo op. The pool had no opportunity to ask questions as we were roped off about 50 feet from the group.
The big surprise: Vice President Joe Biden was at the table with the men. POTUS invited him to join the group this afternoon.
Clockwise, they sat around the round, white table in this order: Obama, Crowley, Gates, Biden. (editor’s correction: Counterclockwise)The men were drinking beer from clear glass mugs and munching on peanuts and pretzels served in small silver bowls.
The beers:
POTUS: Bud Light
VPOTUS: Bucklers
Gates: Sam Adams Light
Crowley: Blue MoonIn the 30 seconds your pool was out there, Sgt. Crowley was doing most of the talking. Gates appeared to be leaning in, listening intently. At one point, POTUS laughed heartily.
Gates and Crowley wore dark suits. POTUS and VPOTUS were in white shirts, jackets off. POTUS had his sleeves rolled up.
Both Gates and Crowley brought their families to the White House and they toured the East Wing together before the sit-down. Gates brought his kids, fiance and father. Crowley brought his wife and kids. The men met POTUS in the Oval Office before moving out into the Rose Garden.
During the sit-down, the family members were given a tour of the West Wing.
