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CNN Live Today
President Responding to John Kerry; Gay Rites
Aired March 03, 2004 - 10:30 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 LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Here are the top stories at this hour. The independent commission looking into the September 11th attacks is refusing some strict limitations on how they can interview President Bush and Vice President Cheney. "The New York Times" reports that the White House only wants the panel's chairman and vice chairman to interview Mr. Bush, and only for an hour. The panel also wants national security adviser Condoleezza Rice to answer some questions, which so far she's refused to do in public.
Palestinian security sources tell CNN that in New Paltz, New York, the villages young mayor is due in court tonight to face charges over the same-sex marriages he was performing last Friday at city hall. An Israeli helicopter strike has killed three Hamas members, that attack happening as they were traveling by car near a Jewish settlement in Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed the strike. It is the second strike since Saturday.
And the judge in the Scott Peterson murder trial has dealt a blow to the defense. The judge is allowing jurors to consider evidence gathered by police wiretaps and scent-sniffing dogs. The dogs could provide the most damaging evidence. They apparently detected Laci Peterson's scent at the marina where her husband claimed to be fishing the day she disappeared. Jury selection starts tomorrow.
And California elections officials say there were scattered technical problems for voters using a touchscreen for the first time, but the officials blame poll workers, not the machines. Apparently there were some delays up to two hours in San Diego County.
John Kerry saying bring it on to the president of the United States, and the president is now responding.
Kathleen Koch standing by at the White House this morning.
Good morning, Kathleen. The battle begins.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It does begin, and that war chest is indeed large, now topping $143 million, and the president, as you said, will be adding to it not only today in California, but then later when he travels to Texas over the coming days. In California, the president will first be attending faith-based initiative, a conference there, but then he'll be quickly heading to two back-to- back fund-raisers in Los Angeles. The president holding to a pattern that we've seen since the primary season began, basically going to an important state in the days after Democratic presidential candidates have been there in number, hammering the president and his policies. Mr. Bush basically attempting to recapture the spotlight and set the record straight. And Republicans do insist that they're points the president can win on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ED GILLESPIE, RNC CHAIRMAN: I am very much looking forward to running on the president's record of results. If you look at what's going on in the economy today, a 4 percent growth rate in the last quarter of 2003, 8.2 percent the quarter before that, over 100,000 jobs created last month alone. We're seeing momentum in this recovery as a result of the president's policies, that would be reversed by senator Kerry's policies. And when it comes to actions in Iraq, Senator Kerry was opposed to the war in Iraq, he voted against the Gulf War in 1991. If his policies were in place today, place Saddam Hussein would not only be in Baghdad, he'd still be in Kuwait.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOCH: Now the president isn't going quite so negative in the first campaign ads that his campaign is going to be putting out, starting today. Sources tell us it is a positive spot, highlighting the president's leadership in challenging times. The ads will start running tomorrow on national cable networks and also in 15 to 17 so- called battleground states around the country. The campaign spending some $4.5 million in this first ad buy.
And now that Super Tuesday is over with, the president does indeed see that the general election season has started. Mr. Bush called Massachusetts Senator John Kerry just before 8:00 last night to congratulate him on a string of, quote, "decisive victories." A Bush campaign spokesman said that the president added he looks forward to a spirited debate in the fall. And, Carol, the president, as we speak is now departing on that trip to California, now just leaving the south hall.
Back to you.
LIN: All right, thank you very much, the president heading out to California. Kathleen Koch at the White House.
Now we want to talk about some strange couplings on Capitol Hill, in the political sense. It was a rare showing of common interest by lawmakers on both sides of a very divisive issue, both gunning for the same goal, shooting down GOP gun legislation.
CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Senate Larry Craig, a member of the NRA board, led both the move to pass the bill and then the move to kill it.
SEN. LARRY CRAIG (R), OHIO: But I now believe it is so dramatically wounded that it should not pass, and I would urge my colleagues to vote against it.
JOHNS: And they did, overwhelmingly. What set Craig and the NRA off was a provision added by gun control advocates, renewing the 10- year-old ban on assault weapons.
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: I deeply believe that assault weapons don't belong on the streets of our communities.
JOHNS: And a requirement on background checks of people who buy weapons at gun shows.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We also need this amendment because my law-abiding constituents who attend gun shows in Arizona shouldn't have to rub shoulders with the scum of the earth who use this loophole to evade background checks.
JOHNS: Shortly before the final vote, the NRA fired off an e- mail to Senate supporters, saying we oppose final passage, and warn the vote will be used in our future evaluations and endorsement of candidates.
WAYNE LAPIERRE, NRA EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT: We're going get as many gun owners, and hunters and Second Amendment supporters to the polls and tell them to stand up for freedom.
JOHNS: Earlier, presidential candidates John Kerry and John Edwards elevated the issue by jumping off the campaign trail to vote and score political points.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: President Bush promised the American people that he would work to renew the assault weapons ban, but now, under pressure, he's walking away from that commitment.
JOHNS: The administration has said it supports the assault weapons ban, but doesn't want it attached to the gun liability measure. Republicans made a point of noting Kerry's appearance on the Senate floor.
SEN. RICK SANTORUM (R), PENNSYLVANIA: Notice he wasn't here for the Medicare prescription drug vote, or for the energy vote or for a lot of other votes, but it was so important he come back and vote to -- on the assault weapons ban.
JOHNS: This was a vote where neither side got what it wanted, and now, both sides are vowing they'll be back.
Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: On to another divisive issue. In New Paltz, New York, the villages young mayor is due in court tonight to face charges over the same-sex marriages he was performing last Friday at city call. Jason West is only 26 years old, and he was cited because the gay couples did not have valid marriage licenses. Now he denies that he broke law and he talked about it on our AMERICAN MORNING program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) MYR. JASON WEST, NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK: I'm disappointed in district attorney Williams, that he's chosen to prosecute me for upholding the constitution of the state. The constitution is clear. It requires equal protection under the law. Our laws are exclusively gender neutral, and in my opinion, it's the department of health that is violating the law by discriminating who they issue marriage licenses to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LIN: He could actually face a year in jail. Mayor West says he actually may perform more ceremonies, same-sex marriages, this weekend, providing he's out of jail.
Regardless of what happens in New Paltz, New York, Maltma (ph) County, Oregon this morning will become the third jurisdiction in the U.S. to welcome same-sex marriages.
Sam Louis (ph) of affiliate KGW has the latest from Portland. Sounds pretty noisy behind you.
Sam, is that related to the marriage ceremonies?
SAM LOUIS (ph), KGW REPORTER: Carol Lin, when I first got here, we only had a couple of dozen folks here. And there are some cheering, a lot of folks coming by honking their horns, giving their support.
Right now, as you can see, the line is clearly going all around the building, snaking around the building. We now have over 100 folks here in line. What they're looking for are these marriage licenses for same-sex couples. They will be given out starting at 10:00, and then starting at 10:00 and throughout the remainder of the day, marriage ceremonies will be performed as well by the ACLU and Basic Rights Oregon, which is a gay and lesbian activist group.
Now the county commissioners made this announcement yesterday. As you can see, a lot of people are singing right now, having a good time. They are very excited about this day. Many of the were surprised that Maltma County, here in Portland, Oregon are even allowing this. So starting at 10:00, these marriage licenses will be handed out. We have about 100 folks, and expecting a lot more as it draws closer to that time.
Back to you.
LIN: Sam, any legal action threaten to stop these ceremonies?
LOUIS: Well, we've met a couple of protesters but they've been fairly peaceful. Sheriff's deputies, Maltma County sheriff's deputies, are here on hand as well, increase their security, just in case. But as I mentioned, they do not anticipate any problems today.
LIN: All right, looks like a happy day at city hall. Thank you very much, Sam Louis Well, the Magic Kingdom seems a little less magic for Michael Eisner. Is he going to be able to keep his job? That's what he's wondering.
And steroid accusations in Major League Baseball has some people crying foul ball.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: A judge has ruled Kobe Bryant's defense attorneys will be able to question his accuser about her sexual history. The state district judge issued the ruling yesterday hours after the woman's attorney denied that she had sex with someone else the morning after the alleged rape. The 19-year-old hotel worker is scheduled to face Bryant and his attorney's questions in three weeks. They can ask anything they want, bottom line.
Well, Major League Baseball teams are shaking off the winter chill in spring training, but a steroid scandal in spring training. A lawyer for superstar Barry Bonds's is denying published reports that the slugger received illegal drugs from a trainer now under indictment.
CNN sports reporter Jose Burke has more on that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the day "The San Francisco Chronicle" reported a link between baseball slugger Barry Bonds and illegal steroids, the superstar kept silent.
"The Chronicle" reported that according to information given to federal investigators, bonds received steroids and human growth hormone from his personal trainer, Greg Anderson. Anderson was one of four people indicted last month on federal drug charges.
Bonds' attorney, Michael Raines, denied the accusation. In a, Raines said, "We continue to adamantly deny that Barry was provided, furnished or supplied any illegal substances at any time by Greg Anderson. This latest pronouncement is a complete disregard for the truth."
One of the authors of the story, which said New York Yankees stars Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield received steroids as well, spoke to CNN.
MARK FAINARU-WADA, "SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE": All we're saying is that federal investigators we're told they received the drugs. And in Bonds' case, we're talking about dating back to 2001. So, I mean, people will make their judgments for themselves about what the athletes motives were. KARP: During that 2001 season, Bonds hit 73 home run, setting a new single-season record. It was a high point for a game that has been under suspicion almost ever since.
BOB DUPUY, MLB PRESIDENT, COO: Are we concerned about the impact this might have on the game? Yes. But we're also not ready to prejudge anyone as a result of what's come out so far.
KARP (on camera): Baseball's testing program will continue this season, even as it comes under fire from experts and players alike for being too lax. A player doesn't earn a year-long suspension until he's been caught five times.
Josie Burke, CNN, Scottsdale, Arizona.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And on another sports note, the Cincinnati Reds say that their season-opener will honor Marge Schott, a former owner who died yesterday after a brief illness. The 75-year-old Schott she saw her Reds a World Series and suffer a number of public embarrassments. Her off-the-cuff comments condemned as racist and pro-Hitler, often overshadowed her charitable work. Marge Schott was a chain smoker, who had been hospitalized many times for lung problems. The cause of death has not been released.
Coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY, we are going to tell you about the tax gains that could come with losing weight. Details just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: So what do these pictures we're showing you now have anything to do with you filing your taxes? Well, we actually found out that if you are deemed medically obese, the money that you actually spend to lose that weight might be tax deductible. The catch is you've got to be working under doctors' orders, but think about the thousands of dollars that people might shell out for surgery, or drugs or counseling. You might actually be able to write-off some of that cost.
Of course, before you do any of this, it's a good idea to either get the publication from the IRS, the 502 publication, or check with your accountant.
And of course, we all know that fast food is fattening, or do we? There were a couple of lawsuits actually against fast food companies claiming they were unhealthy or damaging to consumers.
Well, now, the fast food industry is actually responding in many ways. They're changing their menu. And for example, look at what McDonald's is doing now. Those supersized fries and those big drinks, the supersized drinks at McDonald's, are getting tossed out. The company says they're not selling.
Michael Jacobson is with the center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington. Michael, you've read about this, heard about this. You know, McDonald's says we're trying to appear healthier to people and maybe get rid of a lost leader at the same time. Do you believe them, good intents?
MICHAEL JACOBSON, CTR. FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: Well, whatever the intent was, the effect is good. These are monster products, 400 calorie soft drinks, 600-calorie orders of fries. I mean, they really are a prescription for obesity, and I think -- I applaud the company for getting rid of those products over the course of the year, apparently. I don't know why it takes a year to get rid of them, but remember what you're left with is a large order of fries and a large coke. That large order of fries is like eating a quarter pounder, you know, 540 calories, half a day's worth of saturated fat. That's no health food.
LIN: No, it's not, and I'm wondering, isn't this really more of a publicity stunt than anything else, because how does this really help the consumer?
JACOBSON: Well, it will stop those consumers, and I don't know how many there are, from eating these enormous-sized products, and so probably somebody, instead of getting the 600-calorie french fries will get only 540 calories from a large.
You know, It's a little step forward. I think, though, hopefully this is the first step in a long process in that McDonald's will systemically go through their menu, improve their existing foods. They fry foods in shortening that has transfat. They needn't. They use fattier meat than they need to use. It's hard to get whole grains, fruits or vegetables at McDonald's or just about any other fast food restaurant. Hopefully they'll improve the current choices and have some healthier choices.
LIN: And one might argue that if you want healthy food you wouldn't go to a fast food restaurant to begin with. There are other choices out there.
JACOBSON: Well, that's right. And I think most people who are concerned about health don't go to McDonald's or other fast food restaurants, but sometimes you're stuck. You're with a carload of kids and you've got to do something or you'll go nuts. And the only thing, there is a fast food restaurant. Or if you're out driving, you're starving, you forgot to a pack of a bagged lunch or a picnic basket, you're often stuck at a fast food restaurant.
So I think it's great that they're looking at the nutritional consequences of some of their meals and will make some improvements. Hopefully people will buy their healthier foods, and I don't mean a large order of fries and a large coke.
LIN: Apparently not. Yes, I didn't realize More than 1,000 calories with the supersize fries and cokes.
Thanks, Michael.
JACOBSON: You're welcome.
LIN: All right. Bon appetit, Michael Jacobson.
Well, they say you get what you paid for. So if you long for fresh spring water, you better check your bottle very carefully.
And straight ahead, heating up an alternative fuel, but watch out, it could make you hungry.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: And there he goes. Some fresh tape coming in out of Washington D.C. The president of the United States leaving on Air Force One there. He's departing for California. He's going to be speaking with some Christian-based groups and then raising some money for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.
And in the show-me state, a couple of guys are showing how they can convert used cooking oil into horsepower. Their conversion kits allow regular diesel-powered vehicles to run on discarded vegetable oil. The only drawback to greasel fuel is that your car is going to smell like a bunch of french fries.
(WEATHER UPDATE)
LIN: Coming up in the next hour, speaking of, CNN LIVE TODAY, battling one of the biggest problems associated with diabetes, foot disease. And where in the world odes all the spam come from? Stay for the answer.
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Aired March 3, 2004 - 10:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Here are the top stories at this hour. The independent commission looking into the September 11th attacks is refusing some strict limitations on how they can interview President Bush and Vice President Cheney. "The New York Times" reports that the White House only wants the panel's chairman and vice chairman to interview Mr. Bush, and only for an hour. The panel also wants national security adviser Condoleezza Rice to answer some questions, which so far she's refused to do in public.
Palestinian security sources tell CNN that in New Paltz, New York, the villages young mayor is due in court tonight to face charges over the same-sex marriages he was performing last Friday at city hall. An Israeli helicopter strike has killed three Hamas members, that attack happening as they were traveling by car near a Jewish settlement in Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed the strike. It is the second strike since Saturday.
And the judge in the Scott Peterson murder trial has dealt a blow to the defense. The judge is allowing jurors to consider evidence gathered by police wiretaps and scent-sniffing dogs. The dogs could provide the most damaging evidence. They apparently detected Laci Peterson's scent at the marina where her husband claimed to be fishing the day she disappeared. Jury selection starts tomorrow.
And California elections officials say there were scattered technical problems for voters using a touchscreen for the first time, but the officials blame poll workers, not the machines. Apparently there were some delays up to two hours in San Diego County.
John Kerry saying bring it on to the president of the United States, and the president is now responding.
Kathleen Koch standing by at the White House this morning.
Good morning, Kathleen. The battle begins.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It does begin, and that war chest is indeed large, now topping $143 million, and the president, as you said, will be adding to it not only today in California, but then later when he travels to Texas over the coming days. In California, the president will first be attending faith-based initiative, a conference there, but then he'll be quickly heading to two back-to- back fund-raisers in Los Angeles. The president holding to a pattern that we've seen since the primary season began, basically going to an important state in the days after Democratic presidential candidates have been there in number, hammering the president and his policies. Mr. Bush basically attempting to recapture the spotlight and set the record straight. And Republicans do insist that they're points the president can win on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ED GILLESPIE, RNC CHAIRMAN: I am very much looking forward to running on the president's record of results. If you look at what's going on in the economy today, a 4 percent growth rate in the last quarter of 2003, 8.2 percent the quarter before that, over 100,000 jobs created last month alone. We're seeing momentum in this recovery as a result of the president's policies, that would be reversed by senator Kerry's policies. And when it comes to actions in Iraq, Senator Kerry was opposed to the war in Iraq, he voted against the Gulf War in 1991. If his policies were in place today, place Saddam Hussein would not only be in Baghdad, he'd still be in Kuwait.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOCH: Now the president isn't going quite so negative in the first campaign ads that his campaign is going to be putting out, starting today. Sources tell us it is a positive spot, highlighting the president's leadership in challenging times. The ads will start running tomorrow on national cable networks and also in 15 to 17 so- called battleground states around the country. The campaign spending some $4.5 million in this first ad buy.
And now that Super Tuesday is over with, the president does indeed see that the general election season has started. Mr. Bush called Massachusetts Senator John Kerry just before 8:00 last night to congratulate him on a string of, quote, "decisive victories." A Bush campaign spokesman said that the president added he looks forward to a spirited debate in the fall. And, Carol, the president, as we speak is now departing on that trip to California, now just leaving the south hall.
Back to you.
LIN: All right, thank you very much, the president heading out to California. Kathleen Koch at the White House.
Now we want to talk about some strange couplings on Capitol Hill, in the political sense. It was a rare showing of common interest by lawmakers on both sides of a very divisive issue, both gunning for the same goal, shooting down GOP gun legislation.
CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Senate Larry Craig, a member of the NRA board, led both the move to pass the bill and then the move to kill it.
SEN. LARRY CRAIG (R), OHIO: But I now believe it is so dramatically wounded that it should not pass, and I would urge my colleagues to vote against it.
JOHNS: And they did, overwhelmingly. What set Craig and the NRA off was a provision added by gun control advocates, renewing the 10- year-old ban on assault weapons.
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: I deeply believe that assault weapons don't belong on the streets of our communities.
JOHNS: And a requirement on background checks of people who buy weapons at gun shows.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We also need this amendment because my law-abiding constituents who attend gun shows in Arizona shouldn't have to rub shoulders with the scum of the earth who use this loophole to evade background checks.
JOHNS: Shortly before the final vote, the NRA fired off an e- mail to Senate supporters, saying we oppose final passage, and warn the vote will be used in our future evaluations and endorsement of candidates.
WAYNE LAPIERRE, NRA EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT: We're going get as many gun owners, and hunters and Second Amendment supporters to the polls and tell them to stand up for freedom.
JOHNS: Earlier, presidential candidates John Kerry and John Edwards elevated the issue by jumping off the campaign trail to vote and score political points.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: President Bush promised the American people that he would work to renew the assault weapons ban, but now, under pressure, he's walking away from that commitment.
JOHNS: The administration has said it supports the assault weapons ban, but doesn't want it attached to the gun liability measure. Republicans made a point of noting Kerry's appearance on the Senate floor.
SEN. RICK SANTORUM (R), PENNSYLVANIA: Notice he wasn't here for the Medicare prescription drug vote, or for the energy vote or for a lot of other votes, but it was so important he come back and vote to -- on the assault weapons ban.
JOHNS: This was a vote where neither side got what it wanted, and now, both sides are vowing they'll be back.
Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: On to another divisive issue. In New Paltz, New York, the villages young mayor is due in court tonight to face charges over the same-sex marriages he was performing last Friday at city call. Jason West is only 26 years old, and he was cited because the gay couples did not have valid marriage licenses. Now he denies that he broke law and he talked about it on our AMERICAN MORNING program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) MYR. JASON WEST, NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK: I'm disappointed in district attorney Williams, that he's chosen to prosecute me for upholding the constitution of the state. The constitution is clear. It requires equal protection under the law. Our laws are exclusively gender neutral, and in my opinion, it's the department of health that is violating the law by discriminating who they issue marriage licenses to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LIN: He could actually face a year in jail. Mayor West says he actually may perform more ceremonies, same-sex marriages, this weekend, providing he's out of jail.
Regardless of what happens in New Paltz, New York, Maltma (ph) County, Oregon this morning will become the third jurisdiction in the U.S. to welcome same-sex marriages.
Sam Louis (ph) of affiliate KGW has the latest from Portland. Sounds pretty noisy behind you.
Sam, is that related to the marriage ceremonies?
SAM LOUIS (ph), KGW REPORTER: Carol Lin, when I first got here, we only had a couple of dozen folks here. And there are some cheering, a lot of folks coming by honking their horns, giving their support.
Right now, as you can see, the line is clearly going all around the building, snaking around the building. We now have over 100 folks here in line. What they're looking for are these marriage licenses for same-sex couples. They will be given out starting at 10:00, and then starting at 10:00 and throughout the remainder of the day, marriage ceremonies will be performed as well by the ACLU and Basic Rights Oregon, which is a gay and lesbian activist group.
Now the county commissioners made this announcement yesterday. As you can see, a lot of people are singing right now, having a good time. They are very excited about this day. Many of the were surprised that Maltma County, here in Portland, Oregon are even allowing this. So starting at 10:00, these marriage licenses will be handed out. We have about 100 folks, and expecting a lot more as it draws closer to that time.
Back to you.
LIN: Sam, any legal action threaten to stop these ceremonies?
LOUIS: Well, we've met a couple of protesters but they've been fairly peaceful. Sheriff's deputies, Maltma County sheriff's deputies, are here on hand as well, increase their security, just in case. But as I mentioned, they do not anticipate any problems today.
LIN: All right, looks like a happy day at city hall. Thank you very much, Sam Louis Well, the Magic Kingdom seems a little less magic for Michael Eisner. Is he going to be able to keep his job? That's what he's wondering.
And steroid accusations in Major League Baseball has some people crying foul ball.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: A judge has ruled Kobe Bryant's defense attorneys will be able to question his accuser about her sexual history. The state district judge issued the ruling yesterday hours after the woman's attorney denied that she had sex with someone else the morning after the alleged rape. The 19-year-old hotel worker is scheduled to face Bryant and his attorney's questions in three weeks. They can ask anything they want, bottom line.
Well, Major League Baseball teams are shaking off the winter chill in spring training, but a steroid scandal in spring training. A lawyer for superstar Barry Bonds's is denying published reports that the slugger received illegal drugs from a trainer now under indictment.
CNN sports reporter Jose Burke has more on that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the day "The San Francisco Chronicle" reported a link between baseball slugger Barry Bonds and illegal steroids, the superstar kept silent.
"The Chronicle" reported that according to information given to federal investigators, bonds received steroids and human growth hormone from his personal trainer, Greg Anderson. Anderson was one of four people indicted last month on federal drug charges.
Bonds' attorney, Michael Raines, denied the accusation. In a, Raines said, "We continue to adamantly deny that Barry was provided, furnished or supplied any illegal substances at any time by Greg Anderson. This latest pronouncement is a complete disregard for the truth."
One of the authors of the story, which said New York Yankees stars Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield received steroids as well, spoke to CNN.
MARK FAINARU-WADA, "SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE": All we're saying is that federal investigators we're told they received the drugs. And in Bonds' case, we're talking about dating back to 2001. So, I mean, people will make their judgments for themselves about what the athletes motives were. KARP: During that 2001 season, Bonds hit 73 home run, setting a new single-season record. It was a high point for a game that has been under suspicion almost ever since.
BOB DUPUY, MLB PRESIDENT, COO: Are we concerned about the impact this might have on the game? Yes. But we're also not ready to prejudge anyone as a result of what's come out so far.
KARP (on camera): Baseball's testing program will continue this season, even as it comes under fire from experts and players alike for being too lax. A player doesn't earn a year-long suspension until he's been caught five times.
Josie Burke, CNN, Scottsdale, Arizona.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And on another sports note, the Cincinnati Reds say that their season-opener will honor Marge Schott, a former owner who died yesterday after a brief illness. The 75-year-old Schott she saw her Reds a World Series and suffer a number of public embarrassments. Her off-the-cuff comments condemned as racist and pro-Hitler, often overshadowed her charitable work. Marge Schott was a chain smoker, who had been hospitalized many times for lung problems. The cause of death has not been released.
Coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY, we are going to tell you about the tax gains that could come with losing weight. Details just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: So what do these pictures we're showing you now have anything to do with you filing your taxes? Well, we actually found out that if you are deemed medically obese, the money that you actually spend to lose that weight might be tax deductible. The catch is you've got to be working under doctors' orders, but think about the thousands of dollars that people might shell out for surgery, or drugs or counseling. You might actually be able to write-off some of that cost.
Of course, before you do any of this, it's a good idea to either get the publication from the IRS, the 502 publication, or check with your accountant.
And of course, we all know that fast food is fattening, or do we? There were a couple of lawsuits actually against fast food companies claiming they were unhealthy or damaging to consumers.
Well, now, the fast food industry is actually responding in many ways. They're changing their menu. And for example, look at what McDonald's is doing now. Those supersized fries and those big drinks, the supersized drinks at McDonald's, are getting tossed out. The company says they're not selling.
Michael Jacobson is with the center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington. Michael, you've read about this, heard about this. You know, McDonald's says we're trying to appear healthier to people and maybe get rid of a lost leader at the same time. Do you believe them, good intents?
MICHAEL JACOBSON, CTR. FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: Well, whatever the intent was, the effect is good. These are monster products, 400 calorie soft drinks, 600-calorie orders of fries. I mean, they really are a prescription for obesity, and I think -- I applaud the company for getting rid of those products over the course of the year, apparently. I don't know why it takes a year to get rid of them, but remember what you're left with is a large order of fries and a large coke. That large order of fries is like eating a quarter pounder, you know, 540 calories, half a day's worth of saturated fat. That's no health food.
LIN: No, it's not, and I'm wondering, isn't this really more of a publicity stunt than anything else, because how does this really help the consumer?
JACOBSON: Well, it will stop those consumers, and I don't know how many there are, from eating these enormous-sized products, and so probably somebody, instead of getting the 600-calorie french fries will get only 540 calories from a large.
You know, It's a little step forward. I think, though, hopefully this is the first step in a long process in that McDonald's will systemically go through their menu, improve their existing foods. They fry foods in shortening that has transfat. They needn't. They use fattier meat than they need to use. It's hard to get whole grains, fruits or vegetables at McDonald's or just about any other fast food restaurant. Hopefully they'll improve the current choices and have some healthier choices.
LIN: And one might argue that if you want healthy food you wouldn't go to a fast food restaurant to begin with. There are other choices out there.
JACOBSON: Well, that's right. And I think most people who are concerned about health don't go to McDonald's or other fast food restaurants, but sometimes you're stuck. You're with a carload of kids and you've got to do something or you'll go nuts. And the only thing, there is a fast food restaurant. Or if you're out driving, you're starving, you forgot to a pack of a bagged lunch or a picnic basket, you're often stuck at a fast food restaurant.
So I think it's great that they're looking at the nutritional consequences of some of their meals and will make some improvements. Hopefully people will buy their healthier foods, and I don't mean a large order of fries and a large coke.
LIN: Apparently not. Yes, I didn't realize More than 1,000 calories with the supersize fries and cokes.
Thanks, Michael.
JACOBSON: You're welcome.
LIN: All right. Bon appetit, Michael Jacobson.
Well, they say you get what you paid for. So if you long for fresh spring water, you better check your bottle very carefully.
And straight ahead, heating up an alternative fuel, but watch out, it could make you hungry.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: And there he goes. Some fresh tape coming in out of Washington D.C. The president of the United States leaving on Air Force One there. He's departing for California. He's going to be speaking with some Christian-based groups and then raising some money for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.
And in the show-me state, a couple of guys are showing how they can convert used cooking oil into horsepower. Their conversion kits allow regular diesel-powered vehicles to run on discarded vegetable oil. The only drawback to greasel fuel is that your car is going to smell like a bunch of french fries.
(WEATHER UPDATE)
LIN: Coming up in the next hour, speaking of, CNN LIVE TODAY, battling one of the biggest problems associated with diabetes, foot disease. And where in the world odes all the spam come from? Stay for the answer.
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