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CNN Live Today
Cheney, Kerry Making Major Speeches Today
Aired March 17, 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: On to politics. Vice President Dick Cheney is out there making speeches today, as is the Democratic nominee to be, John Kerry. Handling all of this for us, Dana Bash at the White House and Bob Franken. Dana, you go first.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, The vice president's speech in California at the Reagan Library is part of an administration blitz, a P.R. blitz surrounding the year anniversary of the war in Iraq. And it's intended to highlight what aides still believe is the president's top asset. That is his wartime credentials and also to provide what they call a contrast between that and Senator Kerry as someone who they don't think is up to the task and someone who they say is weak on defense.
Now according to excerpts provide by an administration source, Vice President Cheney will say, quote, "We must support those around the world who are taking risks to advance freedom, justice and democracy, just as President Ronald Reagan did. American policy must be clear and consistent in its purposes. And American leaders, above all, the commander in chief, must be confident in our nation's cause and unwavering until the danger to our people is fully and finally removed."
Now the Reagan Library is a backdrop and the vice president's new attack line will suggest that Ronald Reagan's fight against communism is not unlike the current fight against terrorism for the president and really start to compare the fight against Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale to the current fight for President Bush against Senator Kerry.
Now, this speech will not just be focused on domestic politics, Daryn. The vice president will also try to make the point that allies must continue to stand firm on the war in Iraq and on the war on terrorism. He'll say that our determination is unshakeable.
KAGAN: All right, looking forward it that. Dana Bash at the White House.
Now Bob Franken is looking to see what John Kerry, the Democratic presidential hopeful will have to say at George Washington University. That starts at 9 Eastern, 9 Pacific (sic).
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And what Senator Kerry hopes to do is to turn what Dana describe as the White House effort to turn the war time president's credentials into an asset, Kerry would like to turn into a liability. He's harshly critical of the administration's conduct in the Iraq war. He will point out that the United States is still, quote, "bogged down in Iraq" and that it is the result of "failed policies," to use his words, "that drive allies away and create a steady loss of lives, and mounting costs in dollars that are not going to end."
Of course there's been an awful lot of controversy involving Kerry and his claim that he made before fund raisers that there were many foreign leaders who were supporting his candidacy in hopes that he would defeat George W. Bush. And he's been challenged on that by a Bush campaign spokesman.
Well, he's gotten some support from a man who was just elected to be the new Spanish prime minister.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER ELECT (through translator): Regarding the American elections in November, I say to the Spanish people this is our opportunity to do things before the Americans. Let's change our government here and then see how Kerry does in the elections over there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FRANKEN: And the election of the new Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero is viewed, of course, as a repudiation of the pro-American policies of the man he is replacing in Spain, after the violence of last week there.
Now when the comments were presented to the White House press secretary this morning, Scott McClellan, he responded by saying, we want to work together, quoting McClellan, "Obviously, there is a time for elections and there is a time for focusing on working together on issues of mutual concern." Continuing the quote, "We have a strong alliance and we want to continue to work together."
So what this really points out, Daryn, as significant as the occasion is, the anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, in effect, nothing is above politics these days -- Daryn.
KAGAN: No, even so early in the season, they are coming out swinging already. Bob Franken, thank you so much for that.
And just to give you an idea of when the speeches take place, the vice president as Dana was mentioning will be at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. that is scheduled to get underway at 1:30 Eastern. And John Kerry also speaking later.
We'll be back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: On the one-year anniversary, the truest cost of war may be measured by the families who have lost loved ones. Our Jason Carroll introduces us to one war widow who is approaching the anniversary of her husband's death in combat.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A year ago, Chelle Pokorney was living the American dream. A nice home in North Carolina, a loving husband, a beautiful daughter. Last March 23, it all changed.
Her husband, Lieutenant Frederick Pokorney, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. One of the last letters he sent to their daughter, Taylor, a cherished keepsake.
CHELLE POKORNEY, WAR WIDOW: "I love you very, very much and I miss you so much my heart hurts. And I hope I get hem to you and Mommy soon. And don't forget me. Love always, Daddy."
CARROLL: Gone was the dream of a life together and the financial and emotional support that is part of that dream.
POKORNEY: First month everybody was there, they were all helping and then they all go away and you're going, wow. It is just a lonely feeling.
CARROLL: Pokorney had to sell the house in North Carolina, but found an apartment in New York City.
POKORNEY: We're being New Yorkers walking, jaywalking.
CARROLL: And a way to ease the loneliness.
POKORNEY: Did you get flag that had with your husband's name on it?
CARROLL: Pokorney works for the intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund created to support families of troops killed in action.
POKORNEY: It's called an F-11 Tiger.
CARROLL: Now she reaches out to other widows needing help, be it financial...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is such a hard thing to ask for help.
CARROLL: ... or emotional.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're just tired of doing it by yourself all the time.
CARROLL (on camera): There just seems to be this person that just seems very strong. And it's just a different person.
POKORNEY: I think I've grown. I think through this tragedy in my own personal life with my daughter and my family, everything I've gone through in the last year has made me grow.
CARROLL (voice-over): For Chelle, who got an award for her work, says it helps knowing she's helping others, always realizing the part of her own life that can't be changed.
POKORNEY: When she asks for her daddy or cries when she hurts, knowing I can't give her that. Knowing that she has to grow up with her daddy, I just -- it breaks my heart. And I don't know how you -- I can't fix it, and I always want to fix things, and I can't.
CARROLL: Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Jason, thank you for that story.
Double trouble doubled in the Lone Star State. From 40 tiny fingers to 40 tiny toes. A special delivery special for different reason. Not just your average quadruplets. We'll tell you what the twist is.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: In Fresno, California, 57-year-old Marcus Wesson is scheduled to be arraigned about six hours from now for allegedly killing nine family members. Wesson was known for his bizarre and eccentric behavior, but apparently nobody expected this.
Allison Ash is with our affiliate KGPE, and she is following the case for us from Fresno.
Allison, good morning.
ALLISON ASH, KGPE REPORTER: Good morning, Daryn. How are you doing?
KAGAN: I'm doing fine.
Leading up to this arraignment, there were some documents filed. Anything that sheds light on what took place in the Wesson home?
ASH: You know, that document that was filed yesterday for the very first time told us the names of all nine victims and it told us that there are nine counts of murder against Marcus Wesson.
But there are no details being released at this point, nothing about the evidence and how they were all killed. Now, we do know that they were all shot, but no one will give us any definitive answers on where they were shot. Sources are telling us, however, two independent sources, are telling us that they were shot in the eye, that all nine victims were shot in the eye. But that is unconfirmed by police, by the coroner, by the DA. This is source information only at this point.
KAGAN: Speaking to the district attorney, any word on whether they plan to go for the death penalty in this case?
ASH: Well, they did file gun specifications, along with those murder charges, and that opens the door for later on, if there is a conviction, they can go for the death penalty. So that is certainly something that's on the table.
KAGAN: Meanwhile, Fresno strikes me as just the type of city where people would say, not here, this is not the place you expect something like this to take place. What about the mood and the reaction of the Fresno community?
ASH: Well, it's been a whole bag of different kinds of emotions. First, there was complete and total shock that this could happen in our community. And then as the bizarre details unfolded, about a man with many wives, about the secrecy, about the 12 coffins that were inside the house, people began shaking their heads and saying, how is this possible here? How is it possible that we didn't see it coming? But i've got to tell you that now people are really starting to take it upon themselves to try to mourn, to try to help the family get through this.
If you just take a look over here, a memorial is growing. Every day, people come by here. Hundreds of people coming by to drop off balloons, stuffed animals, to light a candle. Many people bringing nine candles, one for each of these young people who died in this terrible incident.
So the people here are really -- they are taking it hard. Many churches have been having prayer sessions. There was a prayer breakfast yesterday morning. And what they're waiting for now are some signals, really, from the family as to what does -- do the remaining family members need. People here want to help. And that's kind of the nature of the beast here in Fresno.
I don't know if you've ever heard this, but oftentimes the central valley here in California is referred to as California's Bible Belt. These are people who are always ready to mobilize, want to help out when others are hurting and others are in need, as you have got to believe the Wesson family is right now, the remaining members.
KAGAN: Allison, thank you for your reporting today, Allison Ash from our from our affiliate KGPE in Fresno. Thank you for the latest.
Lighten things up here a little bit. Let's show you a live picture from Savannah, Georgia. You can call it one of the headquarters of St. Patrick's Day. This is their St. Patrick's Day parade, the second largest in the U.S., second only to, can you guess? New York City. But I'd say the weather in Savannah certainly a lot nicer. They're expecting 500,000 people at this parade in Savannah today for the celebration. And if you've been anywhere in the low country, in that part of the world around St. Patrick's Day, you know they turn the river green, getting in the spirit.
On that, we're going to take a break. They're waving at us. All right. Take a break. We'll be back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: We go to Texas. These babies under the plastic wrap there are very special. Doctors in Houston calling in a one in 11 million chance. A mother giving birth to quadruplets. We've heard of that before, but these turned out to be two sets of identical twins. Four boys deliver by C-section on Monday, ranging in weight from two pounds five ounces, to three pounds four ounces.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: And just in time to get started with the second hour of "CNN LIVE TODAY," which begins right now.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired March 17, 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: On to politics. Vice President Dick Cheney is out there making speeches today, as is the Democratic nominee to be, John Kerry. Handling all of this for us, Dana Bash at the White House and Bob Franken. Dana, you go first.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, The vice president's speech in California at the Reagan Library is part of an administration blitz, a P.R. blitz surrounding the year anniversary of the war in Iraq. And it's intended to highlight what aides still believe is the president's top asset. That is his wartime credentials and also to provide what they call a contrast between that and Senator Kerry as someone who they don't think is up to the task and someone who they say is weak on defense.
Now according to excerpts provide by an administration source, Vice President Cheney will say, quote, "We must support those around the world who are taking risks to advance freedom, justice and democracy, just as President Ronald Reagan did. American policy must be clear and consistent in its purposes. And American leaders, above all, the commander in chief, must be confident in our nation's cause and unwavering until the danger to our people is fully and finally removed."
Now the Reagan Library is a backdrop and the vice president's new attack line will suggest that Ronald Reagan's fight against communism is not unlike the current fight against terrorism for the president and really start to compare the fight against Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale to the current fight for President Bush against Senator Kerry.
Now, this speech will not just be focused on domestic politics, Daryn. The vice president will also try to make the point that allies must continue to stand firm on the war in Iraq and on the war on terrorism. He'll say that our determination is unshakeable.
KAGAN: All right, looking forward it that. Dana Bash at the White House.
Now Bob Franken is looking to see what John Kerry, the Democratic presidential hopeful will have to say at George Washington University. That starts at 9 Eastern, 9 Pacific (sic).
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And what Senator Kerry hopes to do is to turn what Dana describe as the White House effort to turn the war time president's credentials into an asset, Kerry would like to turn into a liability. He's harshly critical of the administration's conduct in the Iraq war. He will point out that the United States is still, quote, "bogged down in Iraq" and that it is the result of "failed policies," to use his words, "that drive allies away and create a steady loss of lives, and mounting costs in dollars that are not going to end."
Of course there's been an awful lot of controversy involving Kerry and his claim that he made before fund raisers that there were many foreign leaders who were supporting his candidacy in hopes that he would defeat George W. Bush. And he's been challenged on that by a Bush campaign spokesman.
Well, he's gotten some support from a man who was just elected to be the new Spanish prime minister.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER ELECT (through translator): Regarding the American elections in November, I say to the Spanish people this is our opportunity to do things before the Americans. Let's change our government here and then see how Kerry does in the elections over there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FRANKEN: And the election of the new Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero is viewed, of course, as a repudiation of the pro-American policies of the man he is replacing in Spain, after the violence of last week there.
Now when the comments were presented to the White House press secretary this morning, Scott McClellan, he responded by saying, we want to work together, quoting McClellan, "Obviously, there is a time for elections and there is a time for focusing on working together on issues of mutual concern." Continuing the quote, "We have a strong alliance and we want to continue to work together."
So what this really points out, Daryn, as significant as the occasion is, the anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, in effect, nothing is above politics these days -- Daryn.
KAGAN: No, even so early in the season, they are coming out swinging already. Bob Franken, thank you so much for that.
And just to give you an idea of when the speeches take place, the vice president as Dana was mentioning will be at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. that is scheduled to get underway at 1:30 Eastern. And John Kerry also speaking later.
We'll be back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: On the one-year anniversary, the truest cost of war may be measured by the families who have lost loved ones. Our Jason Carroll introduces us to one war widow who is approaching the anniversary of her husband's death in combat.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A year ago, Chelle Pokorney was living the American dream. A nice home in North Carolina, a loving husband, a beautiful daughter. Last March 23, it all changed.
Her husband, Lieutenant Frederick Pokorney, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. One of the last letters he sent to their daughter, Taylor, a cherished keepsake.
CHELLE POKORNEY, WAR WIDOW: "I love you very, very much and I miss you so much my heart hurts. And I hope I get hem to you and Mommy soon. And don't forget me. Love always, Daddy."
CARROLL: Gone was the dream of a life together and the financial and emotional support that is part of that dream.
POKORNEY: First month everybody was there, they were all helping and then they all go away and you're going, wow. It is just a lonely feeling.
CARROLL: Pokorney had to sell the house in North Carolina, but found an apartment in New York City.
POKORNEY: We're being New Yorkers walking, jaywalking.
CARROLL: And a way to ease the loneliness.
POKORNEY: Did you get flag that had with your husband's name on it?
CARROLL: Pokorney works for the intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund created to support families of troops killed in action.
POKORNEY: It's called an F-11 Tiger.
CARROLL: Now she reaches out to other widows needing help, be it financial...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is such a hard thing to ask for help.
CARROLL: ... or emotional.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're just tired of doing it by yourself all the time.
CARROLL (on camera): There just seems to be this person that just seems very strong. And it's just a different person.
POKORNEY: I think I've grown. I think through this tragedy in my own personal life with my daughter and my family, everything I've gone through in the last year has made me grow.
CARROLL (voice-over): For Chelle, who got an award for her work, says it helps knowing she's helping others, always realizing the part of her own life that can't be changed.
POKORNEY: When she asks for her daddy or cries when she hurts, knowing I can't give her that. Knowing that she has to grow up with her daddy, I just -- it breaks my heart. And I don't know how you -- I can't fix it, and I always want to fix things, and I can't.
CARROLL: Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Jason, thank you for that story.
Double trouble doubled in the Lone Star State. From 40 tiny fingers to 40 tiny toes. A special delivery special for different reason. Not just your average quadruplets. We'll tell you what the twist is.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: In Fresno, California, 57-year-old Marcus Wesson is scheduled to be arraigned about six hours from now for allegedly killing nine family members. Wesson was known for his bizarre and eccentric behavior, but apparently nobody expected this.
Allison Ash is with our affiliate KGPE, and she is following the case for us from Fresno.
Allison, good morning.
ALLISON ASH, KGPE REPORTER: Good morning, Daryn. How are you doing?
KAGAN: I'm doing fine.
Leading up to this arraignment, there were some documents filed. Anything that sheds light on what took place in the Wesson home?
ASH: You know, that document that was filed yesterday for the very first time told us the names of all nine victims and it told us that there are nine counts of murder against Marcus Wesson.
But there are no details being released at this point, nothing about the evidence and how they were all killed. Now, we do know that they were all shot, but no one will give us any definitive answers on where they were shot. Sources are telling us, however, two independent sources, are telling us that they were shot in the eye, that all nine victims were shot in the eye. But that is unconfirmed by police, by the coroner, by the DA. This is source information only at this point.
KAGAN: Speaking to the district attorney, any word on whether they plan to go for the death penalty in this case?
ASH: Well, they did file gun specifications, along with those murder charges, and that opens the door for later on, if there is a conviction, they can go for the death penalty. So that is certainly something that's on the table.
KAGAN: Meanwhile, Fresno strikes me as just the type of city where people would say, not here, this is not the place you expect something like this to take place. What about the mood and the reaction of the Fresno community?
ASH: Well, it's been a whole bag of different kinds of emotions. First, there was complete and total shock that this could happen in our community. And then as the bizarre details unfolded, about a man with many wives, about the secrecy, about the 12 coffins that were inside the house, people began shaking their heads and saying, how is this possible here? How is it possible that we didn't see it coming? But i've got to tell you that now people are really starting to take it upon themselves to try to mourn, to try to help the family get through this.
If you just take a look over here, a memorial is growing. Every day, people come by here. Hundreds of people coming by to drop off balloons, stuffed animals, to light a candle. Many people bringing nine candles, one for each of these young people who died in this terrible incident.
So the people here are really -- they are taking it hard. Many churches have been having prayer sessions. There was a prayer breakfast yesterday morning. And what they're waiting for now are some signals, really, from the family as to what does -- do the remaining family members need. People here want to help. And that's kind of the nature of the beast here in Fresno.
I don't know if you've ever heard this, but oftentimes the central valley here in California is referred to as California's Bible Belt. These are people who are always ready to mobilize, want to help out when others are hurting and others are in need, as you have got to believe the Wesson family is right now, the remaining members.
KAGAN: Allison, thank you for your reporting today, Allison Ash from our from our affiliate KGPE in Fresno. Thank you for the latest.
Lighten things up here a little bit. Let's show you a live picture from Savannah, Georgia. You can call it one of the headquarters of St. Patrick's Day. This is their St. Patrick's Day parade, the second largest in the U.S., second only to, can you guess? New York City. But I'd say the weather in Savannah certainly a lot nicer. They're expecting 500,000 people at this parade in Savannah today for the celebration. And if you've been anywhere in the low country, in that part of the world around St. Patrick's Day, you know they turn the river green, getting in the spirit.
On that, we're going to take a break. They're waving at us. All right. Take a break. We'll be back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: We go to Texas. These babies under the plastic wrap there are very special. Doctors in Houston calling in a one in 11 million chance. A mother giving birth to quadruplets. We've heard of that before, but these turned out to be two sets of identical twins. Four boys deliver by C-section on Monday, ranging in weight from two pounds five ounces, to three pounds four ounces.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: And just in time to get started with the second hour of "CNN LIVE TODAY," which begins right now.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
