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CNN Live At Daybreak

Judge Puts Hold on Pledge Ruling

Aired June 28, 2002 - 05:19   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: OK, we have to talk about it again, the Pledge controversy, because we have an update. One day after a San Francisco judge ruled the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional, he put his own ruling on hold pending an appeal. The man behind this week's ruling is a California atheist who has catapulted into the world spotlight.

CNN's James Hattori has more on him.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Forty-nine-year- old Michael Newdow opens his own limo door when the networks fetch him for the morning TV talk shows. All of a sudden this emergency room physician, who happens to have a law degree and is working on a master's in public health, is the focus of international attention.

(on camera): What do you want them to know about you?

MICHAEL NEWDOW, ATHEIST: I'm an American citizen who thinks this is really cool that you can uphold the Constitution with just your brain and your computer.

It all began one Sunday in 1954, that old Pledge of Allegiance, it needed something more...

HATTORI: He's a guitar picking, harmonica playing atheist, originally from New York, grew up in New Jersey, the father of an 8- year-old girl. But beyond that, avoids talking about his private life, insisting it's not relevant.

NEWDOW: They have the Pledge of Allegiance, some old religion blues.

HATTORI: Have you ever set foot in a church?

NEWDOW: Sure.

HATTORI: What was your impression?

NEWDOW: I have even sat through some of their things. I don't want to insult people. I find it interesting that people do this, but if it makes them feel good, hey, free exercise I'm all for, OK? HATTORI (voice-over): Twenty-five years ago, he joined the Universal Life Church, which offers to make you a card carrying ordained minister by mail.

(on camera): Do they believe in God?

NEWDOW: I think you can believe anything you want them to. The Universal Life Church, I think their motto is do what's right.

HATTORI (voice-over): Newdow seems to be managing the widespread criticism and the threats on his answering machine...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, Mike, this is Steven, (EXPLETIVE DELETED) I'm going to be in your neighborhood today, and I'm going to look you up and I'm going to beat your (EXPLETIVE DELETED).

HATTORI: Even joking around about his newfound celebrity.

NEWDOW: Actually, the president, I think, is inviting me to the White House. So, recognizing that I'm a true American patriot upholding the Constitution.

HATTORI (on camera): You're pun struck and kidding, right?

NEWDOW: No, no. This is clear and I just want him to know I'm busy.

HATTORI (voice-over): But when it comes to the First Amendment, he says he's deadly serious.

NEWDOW: Freedom of religion as long as God you choose, they had that Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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