Presidential lecterns of the United States

Three types of lectern are used by the president of the United States. The Blue Goose is the main bullet-resistant lectern, used mostly at the White House and for domestic speeches. Its downsized counterpart, the Falcon, is used for travel purposes, and the Toast lectern is the smallest version, used for informal events. The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) presides over many Blue Goose and Falcon lecterns, building them and sending teams to set up the lecterns at all events where the president, vice president, or first lady speak. All three types are usually adorned with the seal of the president of the United States when they are in attendance.

Designs

Blue Goose

Described by Politico as "bulky" and "formal", and named by the United States Secret Service after the color of its top and its gooseneck microphone, the bullet-resistant or bullet-proof Blue Goose lecterns are boxy, with a dark blue desk section and dark panels on their wide bases. They reportedly weigh several hundred pounds and are often transported in an aluminum crate, in the military cargo plane that transports the limousines and other presidential items. The lecterns often feature glass-paned teleprompters placed on their corners, with space for paper copies of a script in case of errors, as well as space for a glass of water. Dual Shure SM57 microphones have been used for most of the lecterns' appearances, with the occasional use of condenser microphones under the Clinton and Trump presidencies. The sides on the top of the lectern feature foam pads that are covered in blue leather for more comfortable leaning.