welcome to the white house. my name is sandy, and i'll be your tour guide. in case you don't know it, you've come on a very special day. today. this is the east room. many of the portraits you see were saved from the fire set by the british in 1814. the site for the white house was chosen by president washington and pierre l'enfant. sir, are you okay? sir, maybe you should wait out in the lobby. this is the state dining room where the most powerful world leaders are entertained.