Subject: Finnegan and POTUS
From: <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:26:00 -0400

See below, 3rd paragraph is on Finnegan. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Geiger, Kimberly [mailto:[email-masked]] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 2:10 PM
To: Finkenbinder, Benjamin N.; Hogan, Katherine J.
Subject: Pool report #3

At this annual luncheon, which began under Pres. Reagan and Spk. Tip O'Neill, Pelosi introduced Obama but first made brief remarks, in which she noted the absence of Sen. Kennedy.

Obama also spoke about Kennedy.  Told a story about how Kennedy attributed a legislative success to, "luck of the Irish."

Obama also acknowledged, "my outstanding vice president and his newest chief of staff," referring to Finnegan Biden, the VP's granddaughter -- the two Bidens sat at a table to the right of Obama's.

Obama cracked a few jokes throughout his remarks (full transcript to come).  Excerpts here:

Reagan and O'Neill "agreed on their love of all things Irish, including a good scrum."

On discovery of Obama's Irish roots during presidential campaign: "My first thought was why didn't anyone discover this when I was running in Chicago...would have gotten here sooner."

On past history of Irish being stereotyped, blamed for society's ills:  " Naturally, it was a good fit for them to go into politics."

Obama then introduced the Taoiseach, who made some remarks.  Following his remarks, the Taoiseach and Obama shook hands.  Pelosi introduced the musical entertainment, performed by Frankie Gavin and De Dannan.  

At conclusion of the luncheon, Obama walked down the Capitol steps with the Speaker, Taoiseach, foreign minister and sergeant at arms.  The Air Force Reserve Pipe Band was lined up along the steps and played a tune.  

Obama returned to the W.H., entered at around 1:50 p.m.

Details on the menu and seat assignments at the president's table are below.

Kim Geiger
Tribune Washington Bureau
Cell:  (510) 316-3703
[email-masked]

PS -- Taoiseach is pronounced "tee-shock" or "tee-shook"

POTUS's table (Starts at 1 o'clock and moves clockwise):

1.  Speaker Nancy Pelosi
  2.  Prime Minister Brian Cowen, Taoiseach
  3.  Mrs. Mary Cowen, wife of Taoiseach
  4.  Governor Martin O'Malley
  5.  Sir Nigel Sheinwald, British Ambassador to the US
  6.  Lady Julia Sheinwald, wife of British Ambassador
  7.  Rep. Richard Neal
  8.  Ambassador Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the US
  9.  Mrs. Marie Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the US
  10.  Mrs. Vicki Kennedy
  11.  President Barack Obama

Menu:

FIRST COURSE

Crab and Shrimp in Artichokes

Individual whole Artichokes trimmed and hollowed then steamed, chilled, and filled with a blend

of jumbo lump Crabmeat, poached Shrimp, Lemon Juice, and a dash of Hot Pepper Sauce.

Served chilled and garnished with Fennel Greens and Lemon slices.

Basil and Lemon Biscuits and Cheese Palmiers

Small Basil-Lemon Biscuits baked with Gruyère and Herb Puff Pastry Palmiers.

MAIN COURSE

Noisettes of Lamb

Noisettes of Lamb Loin marinated with Lavender, Oregano, Garlic, and Pinot Noir. Pan seared

and served on a bed of Leeks with a roasted Garlic Reduction Sauce.

Silver Queen Corn Soufflé Timbale

A delicate individual Timbale of sweet Silver Queen Corn blended with mild Leeks and baked in

savory Custard.

Spring Vegetables with Tarragon-Champagne Beurre Composé

Tender spring Leek Rondelles, tiny Radishes, Rainbow Baby Carrots, Asparagus Spears and

Edamame lightly blanched then topped with Tarragon-Champagne Compound Butter.

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