WHCA is deeply concerned that CNN has rejected our repeated requests
to include the White House travel pool inside the studio. Through
conversations and advocacy, we urged CNN to grant access to at least one
print pool reporter for the duration of the debate. WHCA has been
informed that one print reporter will be permitted to enter the studio
during a commercial break to briefly observe the setting. That is not
sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential
coverage. The White House pool has a duty to document, report and
witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the
American people.
The pool is there for the “what ifs?” in a world where the unexpected does happen.
The pool reporter works on behalf of the entire White House press
corps. Print pool reports are an important part of the historical
record. Further, the pool is screened by the US Secret Service and
travels with the president on Air Force One so there is no security
issue. The Biden campaign told WHCA it supports our request. The Trump
campaign told WHCA it would not oppose the inclusion of the White House
pool reporter. The Trump campaign has a separate press corps.
Tonight’s debate will have no audience present and includes format
rules that can silence candidates’ microphones. We don’t know how this
will play out in real time. A pool reporter is there to observe what is
said and done when microphones are off or when either candidate is not
seen on camera but may speak, gesture, move, or engage in some way.
WHCA believes this principle of coverage matters. The White House
travel pool has been included in past presidential debates and we
believe that standard of access is essential. Precedent matters for
future debates.
