In town pool #1 - departure and Q&A

Good morning from the White House.

POTUS exited the residence at 11 am.

He took questions on Israel-Gaza deal, the shutdown, Portland and the drug war.

Said it “sounds like a good idea to me” when asked about Putin’s proposal to extend the nuclear arms treaty one more year.

He said Israel-Gaza is a “great deal” and negotiations “going very well.”

If he’ll follow the Portland ruling: “we'll take a look at the order. We haven't seen the order today.”

Asked about federal layoffs: “everybody that gets laid off is because of the Democrats.”

Full quotes to come.

At 11:07 am POTUS said “okay let’s go.”

FLOTUS - wearing jeans and a brown leather jacket - came out to joking him.

Ahead of POTUS exiting the residence, about half dozen guests came out of the diplomatic room exit and lined up opposite the press.

Marine One was wheels up at 11:11 am.

Seen boarding: Susie Wiles, Walt Nauta, and Natalie Harp.

Emily Goodin

White House Correspondent

McClatchy DC/Miami Herald

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