Pool Report: Obama Meeting With PM Balkenende

Pool Report #1
7-14-09

Pool escorted into Oval at 10:41 a, escorted out at 10:56.

POTUS and Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende seated side by side in front of fireplace. POTUS said they discussed history of Dutch-U.S. relations (Henry Hudson), GITMO, Afghanistan and global economy.

COLOR/NEWS: Both sides allowed one question. Pooler asked POTUS two: 1. You've predicted unemployment will reach 10 percent nationally soon, how high do you think it will get in states like Michigan where it is already at 14 percent? (check transcript for quotes, recorder error) POTUS said he doesn't have a "crystal ball," Michigan has been "battered" worse than some states, and he expects it to get worse. Pleased Chrysler and GM out of bankruptcy, if his admin hadn't acted on the auto giants situation would be worse. Would also be worse if not for the stimulus plan.

2. Have you been practicing pitching ahead of tonight's game?

POTUS said "I think it's fair to say I wanted to loosen up my arm." Said he has been thinking back to when he threw out the first pitch at a 2005 Chicago White Sox game. Said his goal then was to just "get it high." Probably didn't break 30 mph, he joked, but it did clear the plate.

Dutch reporter asked about Afghanistan

POTUS said "Dutch troops have been some of the most effective in" coalition.

Transcript coming, apologies for the recording error.