In-town pool report #4: More pre-arrival color

A green tarp has been removed from the podium unveiling four chairs covered with clear plastic rain protectors and a lectern with the presidential seal. Attendees have been told to take their seats. Military members are standing with either US or UK flags on poles on the stairs on each side of the first level of the South Portico. MIlitary units from all the services marched in and took positions at attention facing the podium about 20 yards in front of it. Recorded music is playing intermittently as multiple federal agents, including one with binoculars watch from the White House roof. You can hear occasional banging and metal clanging from the ballroom construction site when music is not playing.

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Jim Puzzanghera

Washington Bureau

The Boston Globe

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