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U.S. Forces About to Mount Around-the-Clock Search for Bin Laden; Massive Financial Judgment Against Ford Motor Company

Aired March 05, 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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: CNN has learned that U.S. forces are about to mount an around-the-clock search for Osama bin Laden. The new offensive is being portrayed as the best chance yet of capturing the al Qaeda leader, believed to be hiding in the mountainous wilderness between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has been following this story. She joins us with more.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, if you will, probably is one of the world's worst kept secrets now. Some new details emerging on how the U.S. hopes to accomplish its mission of finally getting the world's most wanted man.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STARR (voice-over): CNN has learned the new strategy to catch Osama bin Laden includes high-tech surveillance to keep a 24/7 watch over the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Officially, none of this is acknowledged.

GENERAL JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Of course, you've read and heard in the press the idea that Osama bin Laden is surrounded, and we have him cornered, and we know where he is, et cetera, et cetera. And, of course, we don't know that.

STARR: But U.S. officials believe bin Laden may be feeling the heat from Pakistani military forces, now hunting him, and could start to move. So, around-the-clock surveillance could pay off.

As one official told CNN, we are putting the pieces in place to throw the net over him. Everything will be in position within days.

Those intelligence gathering centers include U-2 spy planes flying for hours at 70,000 feet or above taking pictures, using radars, and intercepting communications. Unmanned Predators will take a closer look. Flying at 25,000 feet, its cameras see vehicles and people. Special radars operate through clouds. Some may have Hellfire missiles.

Ground sensors may also be set along mountain passes listening for vehicles. Streams of data will be sent via satellite to analysts for quick action. The military has bought up satellite transmission capacity in the region, making sure it can respond quickly.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, Daryn, if any of these sensors actually get a bit lucky and do spot Osama bin Laden, U.S. special forces will be waiting on the ground to capture or kill him. But it's worth remembering, he has slipped the net before -- Daryn.

KAGAN: That, he has. And I know Pakistanis are particularly sensitive about having U.S. troops on Pakistani soil. What about American -- about having American troops on Pakistani soil -- what about having American planes in their airspace?

STARR: Well, there is no indication that any type of armed American planes, for example, would ever fly in Pakistani airspace, such as those unmanned drones with the Hellfire missiles. Those, by all indications, would be limited to the Afghan side of the border.

But it was very interesting as these reconnaissance assets, such as the U-2, fly very high, have a very wide field of view. So they could be flying over Pakistan and still have a good look into the -- they could be flight over Afghanistan and still have a very good look into the Pakistani side of the border. All part of the reason they're looking to put up this huge reconnaissance net 24/7, day and night, and just keep their eye on what's going on in that whole area.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you for that.

Other international news now, President Bush will host his Mexican counterpart, Vincente Fox, in a weekend summit at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas. Immigration and border security will be among the main topics. One issue, though, facing the president today, his newly unveiled re-election ads that do include images that some 9/11 families call upsetting.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us with more.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, White house aides are saying while they're sensitive to the concerns and feelings about people over these ads regarding 9/11, they also say they're not apologizing for it. They say that President Bush, 9/11 really was a defining moment for him, as it was for so many Americans. They also say as well that it really illustrates the campaign slogan, which is steady leadership in times of change. They say, like other Americans, of course, this impacted the president, but it was also a test for his leadership as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: On September 14th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I'll never forget that day. I remember the workers in the hard hats who were shouting "Whatever it takes." Remember the guy who pointed his finger at me, said "Don't let me down." As we all did that day, these men and women searching through the rubble took it personally. I took it personally.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Bush aides say not only did the president take it personally, but it was also the impetus for his preemptive action policy. It was also of course the first front on the war on terror, and they also argue as well that it had an impact on the economy. They say that President Bush inherited a recession, that there was some growth, but that it slowed down and necessitated big expenditures when it came to the war on terror, as well as homeland security, and that part is one of the reasons why you have this record federal deficit.

So, Daryn, they say that it is a legitimate use of that tragedy, and they are trying to be as sensitive as possible.

Today, President Bush is at his Crawford ranch. That is where he's going to be hosting the president of Mexico, Vincente Fox, as well as his wife. We are told they're going to be discussing a number of issues, immigration, security, border patrol, that type of thing.

We're also told, however, not to expect any major announcements regarding policy changes. This really is a chance for the two leaders to get back together. This is something that these two leaders, having gone through a mixed, if not tumultuous relationship. It was Mexico that was against the war with Iraq. It was also United States that put off opening up the borders after September 11th. It's a chance for the two leaders to discuss a lot of their mutual ideas, to share some suggestions, but we don't expect any major announcements out of that meeting -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Suzanne, question for you, getting back to this 9/11 issue. Some criticism of the president using those images in the ads has come from the families who say forget about the ads, forget about the political game, what about what you're doing cooperate with the 9/11 commission, looking into how 9/11 took place. What's the latest on that level of cooperation?

MALVEAUX: Well, we have just learned that the 9/11 commission is going to announce this afternoon they're going to have eight days of public hearings, open hearings. This is going to take place March 23rd, starting March 23rd, and then going on about two days for every month until their deadline, which is about three months away.

What we are told is that in the next couple weeks, you're going to have Clinton and Gore, who will be speaking privately, testifying privately, before the commission. There's still an open question whether or not the president and the vice president, currently, the current vice president and president are actually going to speak beyond just the chair and the co-chair of the commission, but they have agreed to privately go ahead and answer some questions. Also, the first day of testimony, we are told that it is going to be Powell, Secretary Powell, former Secretary of State Albright, who will be speaking. We're also told that it's going to be Secretary Cohen, as well as some of the others who will go forward and answer questions about their counterterrorism policy, what they knew prior to September 11th. A lot of activity in the months to come.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Suzanne, thank you.

Let's look at some new numbers, new poll showing the U.S. is divided over President Bush and Democratic front-runner John Kerry, split just down the middle. The President is supported by 46 percent of the people surveyed. Kerry has a backing of 45 percent. That would put the men in a statistical tie. The Associated Press poll also shows 6 percent of those polled back independent candidate Ralph Nader.

For the latest on all things political, visit our extensive up- to-the-minute Web site. The address is CNN.com/allpolitics.

Right here in Atlanta, Georgia, a massive financial judgment against Ford Motor Company probably will be appealed. Jurors awarded nearly $48 million to the family of a young girl who was paralyzed in a crash.

Our Gary Tuchman has details on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): All eyes were on this 9-year-old as she entered the courtroom. Kelsey Sasser was 6 when she was paralyzed in a car accident. And the Ford Motor Company was accused of being liable.

ANDREW SCHERFFIUS, FAMILY ATTY.: Can you roll over there and show the jury where you were seated when the accident happened?

TUCHMAN: Attorneys for Kelsey's mother said the family's 2000 Lincoln LS had a detective latch on rear fold-down seat.

SCHERFFIUS: What are you pointing at?

KELSEY SASSER: In the middle.

SCHERFFIUS: Are you sure of that?

TUCHMAN: But Ford presented evidence it said indicated Kelsey was actually riding in the front seat and was seriously hurt by the air bag.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Raise your right hand for me, please.

TUCHMAN: A Ford attorney brought that up in a videotape played in court.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How often did you sit in the front seat? SASSER: Every other week.

TUCHMAN: But not the week of the accident, she said. No other injury lawsuits have been tried involving the rear latches. But Ford was alleged to have been aware of the potential danger.

(on camera): Sasser's attorney asked for $19 million from Ford for pain and suffering. The jury deliberated for parts of two days, before finding the automaker responsible, to the tune of $33 million.

(voice-over): And then the jury had to consider a punitive award.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We, the jury, award the plaintiff $13,959,311.

TUCHMAN: For the Sassers, a total judgment of about $47 million.

(on camera): What went through your mind?

RHONDA SASSER, KELSEY'S MOTHER: Just, it was like a big weight was lifted off my shoulders. We had been told for years we were not telling the truth, and for 12 people to believe us was just such a wonderful feeling.

TUCHMAN (voice-over): Don Dawson is one of Ford's attorneys.

DON DAWSON, FORD MOTOR CO. ATTY.: While we certainly sympathize with the Sassers, we do not believe that Ford in any way contributed to this child's unfortunate outcome.

TUCHMAN: Ford says it will most likely appeal.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Talking retirement, a happy retirement in Florida, or having a brawl at a country club? We're going to tell you -- oh my goodness -- what started this mess.

And we are live from New York. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson on the new Starsky and Hutch movie. It is serious drama. Yes, uh-huh. Stay tuned for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: And let's take a look at some stories from across America. A Philadelphia woman begins a new life with a 6-year-old daughter who she presumed was killed in a house fire as a newborn. A family court judge approved the custody transfer last night, and they were later reunited. A lawyer says it will be a while before the girl lives permanently with her mother. The woman who raised the little girl is charged with snatching her from her crib and setting the house afire to cover the abduction.

In South Florida, check out this meeting, focused on condo owners' rights, got a little out of hand there. With a left hook. Nobody was hurt in this clash over whether future condo owners will be forced into buying memberships for an adjoining country clubs. The word that the amenities include a boxing ring. Can't we all just get along?

You are three minutes away from a preview of one of the most interesting movies of the year, "Starsky and Hutch." Who better to talk about it than Starsky and Hutch. Gentlemen, at attention, you're live on CNN, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You've robbed seven bookies over the past six months. You haven't filed a report, turned in any money. And you haven't even arrested anybody.

OWEN WILSON, ACTOR: How could I arrest them? They'll know I'm a cop.

BEN STILLER, ACTOR: Oh, I wouldn't worry, I don't think you're in any danger of being mistaken for a real cop.

WILSON: Oh, really? Then why don't you do me a favor and go get yourself another perm and let the grown-ups talk.

STILLER: For your information, my hair is naturally curly.

WILSON: No it's not.

STILLER: Yes, it is.

WILSON: That's a perm job all the way.

STILLER: Touch it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey! Why are you touching him?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Hey, if "Charlie's Angels" could do it, then you know "Starsky and Hutch" couldn't be far behind. Campy remake of a classic television has become a winning formula in Hollywood. Add a couple of golden boys, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. You hope for a winner. We have both winners with us this morning.

Gentlemen. Good morning.

STILLER: Good morning. How are you?

KAGAN: I'm doing great.

Last I saw, you were walking along the red carpet last Sunday.

STILLER: Yes. Yes. That was a little crazy.

KAGAN: Doing that little Oscar thing.

STILLER: Yes, doing our little Oscar bit.

KAGAN: Very funny, by the way.

STILLER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Speaking of funny, how about taking on Starsky and Hutch? this is not the "Starsky and Hutch" that my brother and I grew up watching, I've got to tell you.

STILLER: You know, I don't know. If you really go back and watch the episodes, they started out very serious, and then by season, like, four or five, or three or four, they were getting a lot kind of goofier and funnier, I think. So maybe we embraced, like, the spirit of the later episodes.

WILSON: You know, and things like sort of wearing their shoulder holsters in the showers and shaving, they really did that on the show.

KAGAN: Hey, that's sexy, come on.

WILSON: It is, sexy, isn't it? It is a good look.

KAGAN: It works for me.

STILLER: You know, the way the director described the movie to us, the tone of it, was, like, this is like the original pilot for "Starsky and Hutch" if they fired me and Owen and ended up hiring...

KAGAN: So this is finding your inner Starsky and Hutch.

STILLER: That's right. It was a journey. It was an incredible journey. I was transformed.

KAGAN: Well, part of that transformation, tells us about who plays Huggy Bear?

WILSON: Huggy Bear is played by Snoop Dog. And it's funny, because I was over in Europe, and That seemed to be the first question everybody wanted to know when I said I was in the movie, was who's going to play Huggy Bear? And people get excited when they hear Snoop Dog's name. He does a great job.

KAGAN: Yes, I was going to say, how does he do. How is his interpretation of this serious Shakespearian character of Huggy Bear?

WILSON: How would you say his interpretation is? STILLER: Well, you know, I think he took the idea of Huggy Bear as sort of like the godfather of the neighborhood, and kind of made it more of a sort of like powerful figure than he was in the show, which I think he was kind of like just like sort of a bar owner, and I think there were other implications that Snoop kind of, just in his own persona, this cool factor, that Huggy was always cool, but I think Huggy is a little more of a kind of like runs the show in this interpretation of "Starsky and Hutch."

WILSON: And anytime Snoop Dog is going to be there, there's also going to be a slight Cheech and Chong element to it also.

KAGAN: And just to be able to say Snoop Dog. Well, there you go.

WILSON: Snoop Dog and Huggy Bear are two names that are fun to say.

KAGAN: And the other serious thespian in your movie, Carmen Elektra.

STILLER: Yes, yes. That was fun to work with. She's great. She's...

WILSON: Carmen Elektra and Amy Smart were both really good playing the cheerleaders. There was kind of a lack of political correctness in the show, and it was funny to kind of play that with the girls.

STILLER: Yes, sort of the '70s mentality of guys toward girls, you were almost expected to hit on any woman you ran into.

KAGAN: That was your job when you went to work.

STILLER: That was sort of expected, yes. And if there was a thug, you had to rough him up.

KAGAN: Got it. So is there an actual plot with this movie?

STILLER: Excuse me?

KAGAN: Is there a plot?

WILSON: We do have Vince Vaughn plays the villain. And it was great to have Vince kind of, because sometimes in movies like this, the villain is sort of your stock villain. It's great, because Vince is hilarious, and he and Jason Bateman area really funny together.

KAGAN: And let me just ask you this, because you are both guys in Hollywood that wear a number of hats, writing, producing, acting. What's the best part, what's the best role to play of all those?

WILSON: I don't know. Just depends on kind of the different thing. If you feel that you're acting in something that's turning out good, that's a good feeling.

STILLER: I don't look good in hats, so I never wear a hat.

KAGAN: It would smash down that hair.

STILLER: Exactly.

KAGAN: Bad hair.

STILLER: Which is naturally curly.

KAGAN: Can you demonstrate that for us, Owen. Do a little -- the real thing. Lovely.

WILSON: It really is. Wow.

STILLER: I don't know how I feel about this, yes, because there's some product in it.

KAGAN: Well, We messed you up for the next interview, but we had a good time anyway.

WILSON: Nice talking to you.

KAGAN: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, thanks. Good luck with the movie, "Starsky and Hutch."

WILSON: Thank you very much.

You can keep your eye on entertainment, 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment. Among the highlights you'll find there are a preview of the new season of "The Sopranos." That begins Sunday night on HBO.

Attorney General John Ashcroft rushed to emergency care. We'll have an update from the hospital and a closer look at his condition. Viggo Mortenson new movie "Hidalgo" premiers today. Stick around for my sit-down interview with him, and we're back for the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY, right after this break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com





Laden; Massive Financial Judgment Against Ford Motor Company>


Aired March 5, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: CNN has learned that U.S. forces are about to mount an around-the-clock search for Osama bin Laden. The new offensive is being portrayed as the best chance yet of capturing the al Qaeda leader, believed to be hiding in the mountainous wilderness between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has been following this story. She joins us with more.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, if you will, probably is one of the world's worst kept secrets now. Some new details emerging on how the U.S. hopes to accomplish its mission of finally getting the world's most wanted man.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STARR (voice-over): CNN has learned the new strategy to catch Osama bin Laden includes high-tech surveillance to keep a 24/7 watch over the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Officially, none of this is acknowledged.

GENERAL JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Of course, you've read and heard in the press the idea that Osama bin Laden is surrounded, and we have him cornered, and we know where he is, et cetera, et cetera. And, of course, we don't know that.

STARR: But U.S. officials believe bin Laden may be feeling the heat from Pakistani military forces, now hunting him, and could start to move. So, around-the-clock surveillance could pay off.

As one official told CNN, we are putting the pieces in place to throw the net over him. Everything will be in position within days.

Those intelligence gathering centers include U-2 spy planes flying for hours at 70,000 feet or above taking pictures, using radars, and intercepting communications. Unmanned Predators will take a closer look. Flying at 25,000 feet, its cameras see vehicles and people. Special radars operate through clouds. Some may have Hellfire missiles.

Ground sensors may also be set along mountain passes listening for vehicles. Streams of data will be sent via satellite to analysts for quick action. The military has bought up satellite transmission capacity in the region, making sure it can respond quickly.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, Daryn, if any of these sensors actually get a bit lucky and do spot Osama bin Laden, U.S. special forces will be waiting on the ground to capture or kill him. But it's worth remembering, he has slipped the net before -- Daryn.

KAGAN: That, he has. And I know Pakistanis are particularly sensitive about having U.S. troops on Pakistani soil. What about American -- about having American troops on Pakistani soil -- what about having American planes in their airspace?

STARR: Well, there is no indication that any type of armed American planes, for example, would ever fly in Pakistani airspace, such as those unmanned drones with the Hellfire missiles. Those, by all indications, would be limited to the Afghan side of the border.

But it was very interesting as these reconnaissance assets, such as the U-2, fly very high, have a very wide field of view. So they could be flying over Pakistan and still have a good look into the -- they could be flight over Afghanistan and still have a very good look into the Pakistani side of the border. All part of the reason they're looking to put up this huge reconnaissance net 24/7, day and night, and just keep their eye on what's going on in that whole area.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you for that.

Other international news now, President Bush will host his Mexican counterpart, Vincente Fox, in a weekend summit at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas. Immigration and border security will be among the main topics. One issue, though, facing the president today, his newly unveiled re-election ads that do include images that some 9/11 families call upsetting.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us with more.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, White house aides are saying while they're sensitive to the concerns and feelings about people over these ads regarding 9/11, they also say they're not apologizing for it. They say that President Bush, 9/11 really was a defining moment for him, as it was for so many Americans. They also say as well that it really illustrates the campaign slogan, which is steady leadership in times of change. They say, like other Americans, of course, this impacted the president, but it was also a test for his leadership as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: On September 14th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I'll never forget that day. I remember the workers in the hard hats who were shouting "Whatever it takes." Remember the guy who pointed his finger at me, said "Don't let me down." As we all did that day, these men and women searching through the rubble took it personally. I took it personally.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Bush aides say not only did the president take it personally, but it was also the impetus for his preemptive action policy. It was also of course the first front on the war on terror, and they also argue as well that it had an impact on the economy. They say that President Bush inherited a recession, that there was some growth, but that it slowed down and necessitated big expenditures when it came to the war on terror, as well as homeland security, and that part is one of the reasons why you have this record federal deficit.

So, Daryn, they say that it is a legitimate use of that tragedy, and they are trying to be as sensitive as possible.

Today, President Bush is at his Crawford ranch. That is where he's going to be hosting the president of Mexico, Vincente Fox, as well as his wife. We are told they're going to be discussing a number of issues, immigration, security, border patrol, that type of thing.

We're also told, however, not to expect any major announcements regarding policy changes. This really is a chance for the two leaders to get back together. This is something that these two leaders, having gone through a mixed, if not tumultuous relationship. It was Mexico that was against the war with Iraq. It was also United States that put off opening up the borders after September 11th. It's a chance for the two leaders to discuss a lot of their mutual ideas, to share some suggestions, but we don't expect any major announcements out of that meeting -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Suzanne, question for you, getting back to this 9/11 issue. Some criticism of the president using those images in the ads has come from the families who say forget about the ads, forget about the political game, what about what you're doing cooperate with the 9/11 commission, looking into how 9/11 took place. What's the latest on that level of cooperation?

MALVEAUX: Well, we have just learned that the 9/11 commission is going to announce this afternoon they're going to have eight days of public hearings, open hearings. This is going to take place March 23rd, starting March 23rd, and then going on about two days for every month until their deadline, which is about three months away.

What we are told is that in the next couple weeks, you're going to have Clinton and Gore, who will be speaking privately, testifying privately, before the commission. There's still an open question whether or not the president and the vice president, currently, the current vice president and president are actually going to speak beyond just the chair and the co-chair of the commission, but they have agreed to privately go ahead and answer some questions. Also, the first day of testimony, we are told that it is going to be Powell, Secretary Powell, former Secretary of State Albright, who will be speaking. We're also told that it's going to be Secretary Cohen, as well as some of the others who will go forward and answer questions about their counterterrorism policy, what they knew prior to September 11th. A lot of activity in the months to come.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Suzanne, thank you.

Let's look at some new numbers, new poll showing the U.S. is divided over President Bush and Democratic front-runner John Kerry, split just down the middle. The President is supported by 46 percent of the people surveyed. Kerry has a backing of 45 percent. That would put the men in a statistical tie. The Associated Press poll also shows 6 percent of those polled back independent candidate Ralph Nader.

For the latest on all things political, visit our extensive up- to-the-minute Web site. The address is CNN.com/allpolitics.

Right here in Atlanta, Georgia, a massive financial judgment against Ford Motor Company probably will be appealed. Jurors awarded nearly $48 million to the family of a young girl who was paralyzed in a crash.

Our Gary Tuchman has details on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): All eyes were on this 9-year-old as she entered the courtroom. Kelsey Sasser was 6 when she was paralyzed in a car accident. And the Ford Motor Company was accused of being liable.

ANDREW SCHERFFIUS, FAMILY ATTY.: Can you roll over there and show the jury where you were seated when the accident happened?

TUCHMAN: Attorneys for Kelsey's mother said the family's 2000 Lincoln LS had a detective latch on rear fold-down seat.

SCHERFFIUS: What are you pointing at?

KELSEY SASSER: In the middle.

SCHERFFIUS: Are you sure of that?

TUCHMAN: But Ford presented evidence it said indicated Kelsey was actually riding in the front seat and was seriously hurt by the air bag.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Raise your right hand for me, please.

TUCHMAN: A Ford attorney brought that up in a videotape played in court.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How often did you sit in the front seat? SASSER: Every other week.

TUCHMAN: But not the week of the accident, she said. No other injury lawsuits have been tried involving the rear latches. But Ford was alleged to have been aware of the potential danger.

(on camera): Sasser's attorney asked for $19 million from Ford for pain and suffering. The jury deliberated for parts of two days, before finding the automaker responsible, to the tune of $33 million.

(voice-over): And then the jury had to consider a punitive award.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We, the jury, award the plaintiff $13,959,311.

TUCHMAN: For the Sassers, a total judgment of about $47 million.

(on camera): What went through your mind?

RHONDA SASSER, KELSEY'S MOTHER: Just, it was like a big weight was lifted off my shoulders. We had been told for years we were not telling the truth, and for 12 people to believe us was just such a wonderful feeling.

TUCHMAN (voice-over): Don Dawson is one of Ford's attorneys.

DON DAWSON, FORD MOTOR CO. ATTY.: While we certainly sympathize with the Sassers, we do not believe that Ford in any way contributed to this child's unfortunate outcome.

TUCHMAN: Ford says it will most likely appeal.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Talking retirement, a happy retirement in Florida, or having a brawl at a country club? We're going to tell you -- oh my goodness -- what started this mess.

And we are live from New York. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson on the new Starsky and Hutch movie. It is serious drama. Yes, uh-huh. Stay tuned for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: And let's take a look at some stories from across America. A Philadelphia woman begins a new life with a 6-year-old daughter who she presumed was killed in a house fire as a newborn. A family court judge approved the custody transfer last night, and they were later reunited. A lawyer says it will be a while before the girl lives permanently with her mother. The woman who raised the little girl is charged with snatching her from her crib and setting the house afire to cover the abduction.

In South Florida, check out this meeting, focused on condo owners' rights, got a little out of hand there. With a left hook. Nobody was hurt in this clash over whether future condo owners will be forced into buying memberships for an adjoining country clubs. The word that the amenities include a boxing ring. Can't we all just get along?

You are three minutes away from a preview of one of the most interesting movies of the year, "Starsky and Hutch." Who better to talk about it than Starsky and Hutch. Gentlemen, at attention, you're live on CNN, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You've robbed seven bookies over the past six months. You haven't filed a report, turned in any money. And you haven't even arrested anybody.

OWEN WILSON, ACTOR: How could I arrest them? They'll know I'm a cop.

BEN STILLER, ACTOR: Oh, I wouldn't worry, I don't think you're in any danger of being mistaken for a real cop.

WILSON: Oh, really? Then why don't you do me a favor and go get yourself another perm and let the grown-ups talk.

STILLER: For your information, my hair is naturally curly.

WILSON: No it's not.

STILLER: Yes, it is.

WILSON: That's a perm job all the way.

STILLER: Touch it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey! Why are you touching him?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Hey, if "Charlie's Angels" could do it, then you know "Starsky and Hutch" couldn't be far behind. Campy remake of a classic television has become a winning formula in Hollywood. Add a couple of golden boys, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. You hope for a winner. We have both winners with us this morning.

Gentlemen. Good morning.

STILLER: Good morning. How are you?

KAGAN: I'm doing great.

Last I saw, you were walking along the red carpet last Sunday.

STILLER: Yes. Yes. That was a little crazy.

KAGAN: Doing that little Oscar thing.

STILLER: Yes, doing our little Oscar bit.

KAGAN: Very funny, by the way.

STILLER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Speaking of funny, how about taking on Starsky and Hutch? this is not the "Starsky and Hutch" that my brother and I grew up watching, I've got to tell you.

STILLER: You know, I don't know. If you really go back and watch the episodes, they started out very serious, and then by season, like, four or five, or three or four, they were getting a lot kind of goofier and funnier, I think. So maybe we embraced, like, the spirit of the later episodes.

WILSON: You know, and things like sort of wearing their shoulder holsters in the showers and shaving, they really did that on the show.

KAGAN: Hey, that's sexy, come on.

WILSON: It is, sexy, isn't it? It is a good look.

KAGAN: It works for me.

STILLER: You know, the way the director described the movie to us, the tone of it, was, like, this is like the original pilot for "Starsky and Hutch" if they fired me and Owen and ended up hiring...

KAGAN: So this is finding your inner Starsky and Hutch.

STILLER: That's right. It was a journey. It was an incredible journey. I was transformed.

KAGAN: Well, part of that transformation, tells us about who plays Huggy Bear?

WILSON: Huggy Bear is played by Snoop Dog. And it's funny, because I was over in Europe, and That seemed to be the first question everybody wanted to know when I said I was in the movie, was who's going to play Huggy Bear? And people get excited when they hear Snoop Dog's name. He does a great job.

KAGAN: Yes, I was going to say, how does he do. How is his interpretation of this serious Shakespearian character of Huggy Bear?

WILSON: How would you say his interpretation is? STILLER: Well, you know, I think he took the idea of Huggy Bear as sort of like the godfather of the neighborhood, and kind of made it more of a sort of like powerful figure than he was in the show, which I think he was kind of like just like sort of a bar owner, and I think there were other implications that Snoop kind of, just in his own persona, this cool factor, that Huggy was always cool, but I think Huggy is a little more of a kind of like runs the show in this interpretation of "Starsky and Hutch."

WILSON: And anytime Snoop Dog is going to be there, there's also going to be a slight Cheech and Chong element to it also.

KAGAN: And just to be able to say Snoop Dog. Well, there you go.

WILSON: Snoop Dog and Huggy Bear are two names that are fun to say.

KAGAN: And the other serious thespian in your movie, Carmen Elektra.

STILLER: Yes, yes. That was fun to work with. She's great. She's...

WILSON: Carmen Elektra and Amy Smart were both really good playing the cheerleaders. There was kind of a lack of political correctness in the show, and it was funny to kind of play that with the girls.

STILLER: Yes, sort of the '70s mentality of guys toward girls, you were almost expected to hit on any woman you ran into.

KAGAN: That was your job when you went to work.

STILLER: That was sort of expected, yes. And if there was a thug, you had to rough him up.

KAGAN: Got it. So is there an actual plot with this movie?

STILLER: Excuse me?

KAGAN: Is there a plot?

WILSON: We do have Vince Vaughn plays the villain. And it was great to have Vince kind of, because sometimes in movies like this, the villain is sort of your stock villain. It's great, because Vince is hilarious, and he and Jason Bateman area really funny together.

KAGAN: And let me just ask you this, because you are both guys in Hollywood that wear a number of hats, writing, producing, acting. What's the best part, what's the best role to play of all those?

WILSON: I don't know. Just depends on kind of the different thing. If you feel that you're acting in something that's turning out good, that's a good feeling.

STILLER: I don't look good in hats, so I never wear a hat.

KAGAN: It would smash down that hair.

STILLER: Exactly.

KAGAN: Bad hair.

STILLER: Which is naturally curly.

KAGAN: Can you demonstrate that for us, Owen. Do a little -- the real thing. Lovely.

WILSON: It really is. Wow.

STILLER: I don't know how I feel about this, yes, because there's some product in it.

KAGAN: Well, We messed you up for the next interview, but we had a good time anyway.

WILSON: Nice talking to you.

KAGAN: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, thanks. Good luck with the movie, "Starsky and Hutch."

WILSON: Thank you very much.

You can keep your eye on entertainment, 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment. Among the highlights you'll find there are a preview of the new season of "The Sopranos." That begins Sunday night on HBO.

Attorney General John Ashcroft rushed to emergency care. We'll have an update from the hospital and a closer look at his condition. Viggo Mortenson new movie "Hidalgo" premiers today. Stick around for my sit-down interview with him, and we're back for the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY, right after this break.

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