evan recounted his day in detail , from sabri hassan 's startling news about the oman revelations while he was in his pool to his hiding out in a cheap motel in virginia ; from his confrontation with frank swann of the state department to his arrival at the white house under escort ; from his hostile meeting with the white house chief of staff to his eventual presentation to the president of the united states , who proceeded to louse up everything by scheduling an award ceremony in the blue room next tuesday - with the marine band .