Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Today
U.S. Military Says Three Marines, Two Soldiers Killed in Iraq Wednesday
Aired March 19, 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: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories at this hour. The U.S. military now says there are a total of three Marines and two soldiers killed in Iraq Wednesday. We initially reported one Marine and two Army personnel. Officials are not providing details on the other Marine casualties, only saying they were killed while conducting security and stability operations.
Secretary of State Colin Powell made a surprise visit to Baghdad but was greeted by an even bigger surprise. A walkout by Arab journalists protesting the deaths of two Arabic reporters at a U.S. check point. The Arabic language network El Arabia says that its employees were killed by U.S. troops who opened fire when a second car sped through the checkpoint.
The Ohio man accused of two dozen highway shootings is due in a Las Vegas courtroom at any moment. Lawyers for Charles McCoy Jr. say he'll waive extradition in order to speed his return to Columbus. Prosecutors are exploring whether to seek the death penalty in the serial shootings which left one passenger dead.
Just moments ago the Pakistani military held a news conference on the latest hunt and closing in on what is believed to be the number two man in al Qaeda. Let's listen in to what the military leaders in Islamabad had to say.
All right. We'll work on getting that.
Right now let's get the latest from Barbara Starr, who is at the pentagon -- Barbara.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, by all accounts that Pakistani military assault continues. Reports from the area do indicate the Pakistani military today has moved in additional ground troops, air action is underway. That they now believe they may have as many as 400 al Qaeda fighters holed up in this area. A lot of fighting back and forth. Every indication there are casualties on both sides.
Now, earlier today the Pakistani minister of information said he expects this operation to be wrapped up one way or the other within the next 48 hours. That a number of deadlines that had been given to these fighters had passed and Pakistanis are determined to end this.
They still do believe that al-Zawahiri, the close confidant of Osama Bin Laden number two in al Qaeda, is amongst the high value targets. He is the high value target they believe holed up in this area. But of course, they don't know for sure.
Now, here at the Pentagon, officials say they are waiting, watching the situation closely waiting to hear from the Pakistanis, to get more information on what is going on. Earlier today General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked to CNN about the situation and what all of this means for al Qaeda and the possibility of catching Osama bin Laden.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEN. RICHARD MYERS, CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHEIFS: Certainly if you capture somebody like al-Zawahiri, that would be good news because presumably he knows where UBL is or was. If he talks or is captured with documents or other material, you might be able to find out where some of the leadership is, absolutely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: But, Daryn, as you said just a few moments ago the Pakistanis are now talking more about the situation on the ground.
KAGAN: Barbara, will stay with us. We have that sound ready to go. We're looking at pictures of the compound where it is believed al-Zawahiri might be hiding out or whoever it is they're closing in on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not going to name those two or three persons but their names keep on appearing in the media generally, the wanted men. They are in houses.
So this is where we have gone to carry out the search. They had actually underestimated the resistance that they would face. That is all -- so they actually barged into terrorists dens.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Barbara, if we still have you with us, very sensitive issue in Pakistan. The idea that it's the Pakistani military and not the U.S. military. There are many reports that the U.S. military is helping out perhaps behind the scenes or perhaps from across the border.
STARR: That is a sensitive question, Daryn. We have talked to senior officials offline here this morning. They do say there are no U.S. military troops on the in this current fight ground inside Pakistan.
But the second point that is made is that there is a reinforcement of U.S. military troops on the Afghan side of the border watching those mountain passes, making sure that if anybody does go on the run, that they cannot escape back into Afghanistan and again be on the loose.
Now, I have to tell you, we also are learning that essentially the timing of this operation yesterday, the fact that the Pakistanis became so public about the feeling they had that a high valued target was there did somewhat take top officials here in Washington by surprise. Not that an operation was under way. They knew the Pakistanis had become very public, that they were moving through this region over the last several days and to get to your point, certainly the U.S. military and the CIA had been providing generic communications, intelligence and reconnaissance support to the Pakistanis as they moved through this area.
But it had caught Washington by surprise that the Pakistanis went out in public they believed they had a high valued target, though they could not be certain. We are told, no U.S. military assistance on ground in Pakistan today.
KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you.
It was one year ago today that President Bush stared into a television camera and declared the nation at war. In the next hour he addresses the war and the nation once again on this, the first anniversary. Kathleen Koch is at the White House with a preview.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. This is a very important speech for the president today. His opportunity one year later to defend U.S. actions in Iraq and the strength of the coalition at a time when its future appears to be increasingly uncertain. In the audience will be not only lawmakers, bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and Pentagon officials, but also ambassadors from the countries that are part of the U.S.-led coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Administration officials yesterday told me that the president in his speech will insist that those countries end two of the most violent and dangerous regimes on earth, liberating over 50 million people. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the president will also touch on last week's attacks in Spain, saying they are a grim reminder that the civilized world is at war and must stay united.
The president will also call this time in history a time of testing when terrorists are trying to shake the will and resolve of the U.S. and its allies. To that end McClellan said the president placed a previously scheduled call this morning to the president of Poland. Aleksander Kwasniewski. Yesterday the Polish leader said he felt misled about the threat of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq during the buildup to the war in Iraq.
McClellan said the president thanked the Polish leader for his leadership, for his support in Iraq. The two agreed they needed to continue to stand firmly together against terrorism and they agreed Poland would keep its 2,400 troops in Iraq.
In that 15 minute call, we are also told the Polish leader explained his statements by saying he was referring to Saddam Hussein who was the one misleading the world about the weapons of mass destruction.
Finally today, the President will wrap-up this anniversary by visiting with wounded soldiers and their families at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda (sic). This will be his third visit there. This is something that he does do in private not in front of the cameras -- Daryn.
KAGAN: The speech is in front of the cameras and our viewers will be able to see that live on CNN. Kathleen Koch, thank you.
Uday, Qusay and now eBay? A growing number of items reported to come from Saddam Hussein's looted palaces. One U.S. soldier is selling a rug, another is peddling purloined silver wear. Spokesman for the U.S. Central Command says soldiers are not supposed to bring back such war trophies but individual commanders decide how strictly those rules are enforced.
How democrats can win back the White House the woman who challenged Arnold Schwarzenegger in California for the recall says she knows exactly what the democrats need to do. Arianna Huffington is our guest later this hour.
And, that does look like it hurt. But we'll tell you it's not as bad as it looks. Find out what really happened just ahead on "CNN LIVE TODAY."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MARKET REPORT)
KAGAN: Looking at some other news, former Christian televangelist Tammy Faye Messner is facing a challenge of her own. She revealed last night that she's been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. This happened last night on our "LARRY KING LIVE." She said she will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is still coming to grips with the devastating news.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAMMY FAYE MESSNER, TELEVANGELIST: I'm scared, but that's not wrong to be scared. It's OK. God knows I'm scared and he understands that. I don't like what's happening to me. The other day I was laying in a tanning bed and I was crying out to God, I hate what I'm going through. I hate this. I hate this. I'm so scared. What am I going to do?
(EBD VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Messner was successfully treated for colon cancer eight years ago. Last year she released a self-help book called "I Will Survive and You Will, Too."
Some other stories across America- a 3-year-old child is in critical condition after being attacked by a 300-pound gorilla at the Dallas Zoo. Jabari the gorilla was killed when he charged at police 30 minutes after escaping from his enclosure. The boy's mother told us about the attack.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) KEISHA HEARD, ATTACKED BY GORRILLA: The gorilla actually bit him in his head and on his thigh. So I think his lung is punctured and he's had bite wounds in his side and around his face and around his eye area really bad.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We're pulling for him.
How are you doing? Looks like your arm is in a bandage, possibly a cast. What's happening there?
HEARD: I think the gorilla stepped on my hand. That's what happened there. Then he bit my leg. He actually hit me across my head and flung me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Three other people were slightly hurt. The zoo's gorilla exhibit is closed today. It is expected to reopen tomorrow.
In Los Angeles, one of the pioneers of MTV has died. J.J. Jackson was on the air as a veejay when the network first started in 1981. He was with MTV for five years and then he returned to Los Angeles as a radio deejay. He was 62. He apparently had a heart attack while he was driving home.
In Michigan snowy conditions were especially treacherous the other day for a state trooper in Monroe County. Watch this video. A teenage driver spun out of control and knocked Officer Keith Carlson into the ditch. Incredibly he wasn't hurt. Officer Carlson is back on the job today. One tough guy.
And in New York raw ambition may be more important than talent or experience. This is the scene on Wall Street as people lined up to audition for the next season of "The Apprentice." Donald Trump is handling the screening along with a couple of his top assistants.
So what do the Democrats have to do in order to take over the White House this November? Arianna Huffington has some advice and a new book out we'll hear from her coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: As we've been telling you President Bush marks today's Iraq War anniversary with a White House speech taking place just minutes from now. Speaking to ambassadors -- he's seeking to sure up the coalition, calling it a time of testing.
With more on presidential politics and a look at the campaign that is out there, Arianna Huffington joins us. She ran for governor in California's recall election. And she has a new book out. She rips fanatics and fools. Arianna Huffington is our guest in Los Angeles this morning. Thanks for getting up early.
ARIANA HUFFINGTON, POLITCAL WRITER: Thank you.
KAGAN: Looking at the war in Iraq which the president will do in just a few minutes with his speech. Do you see it as a success or failure?
HUFFINGTON: Well, it's clearly been a failure especially if you look at what the president is trying to do today. He's trying, by having all the diplomats present in the White House during the speech, to show that somehow the world is united.
But in fact every day we have more evidence that the world is united against America. Yesterday we had the president of Poland, who is one of the allies, a member of the coalition, saying that the Polish people feel they were taken for a ride when it comes to why we went into Iraq and the truth.
We see what happened in Spain. Again and again we have that demonstration that this administration is really isolated when it comes to the support from the international community.
KAGAN: Let me just ask you this. Do you think it's a failure to remove Saddam Hussein from power?
HUFFINGTON: No. Every civilized human being must be happy to remove Saddam Hussein from power. But at what cost? At what cost in terms of lives, in terms of treasure? At what cost in terms of all the domestic priorities that are unattended, including protecting the homeland.
There's still so much work left to be done in terms of protecting the homeland. As we saw in Spain, we are so vulnerable. And going to Iraq and removing Saddam doesn't make us safer here. Beyond that it's the squandering of this enormous goodwill toward America that was there after September 11.
KAGAN: As we look forward, do you think this is going to plague for the Democrats or Republicans the way the war has gone?
HUFFINGTON: It all depends on whether John Kerry will be bold enough to take on this administration, both on the domestic front and on the foreign policy front.
This is not the time to really pretend that there's something that can be a middle road. There are two very different visions for America. That's what the Democratic nominee and all the Democrats running need to make very clear.
The question really is what kind of America do you want to live in? And Democrats need to take back from the Republicans the word responsibility. Because this administration has been deeply irresponsible in terms of the tax cuts, in terms of the jobless recovery and in terms of...
KAGAN: We just have a minute left. I want to ask you, from your new book that's out, you say the Democrats need to propose a return to idealism boldness and generosity of spirit not just be negative. Is John Kerry the man who will be able to do that?
HUFFINGTON: Absolutely. I have a lot of quotes in the book, of very visionary speeches from John Kerry. And I think the more visionary he stays, if more he rallies the American people around hope as opposed to around fear, which is what George Bush has been doing.
KAGAN: Arianna Huffington. Thank you so much for your time. The book is "Ripped from Fanatics and Fools."
HUFFINGTON: Thank you.
KAGAN: Again we are minutes away from the president's address. He is due to speak in the East Room of the White House at the top of the hour. Of course, we'll bring that to you live. That is bringing on some special coverage for us today. So, my shift is short. I'm Daryn Kagan. I will see you on Monday. Wolf Blitzer takes over at if top of the hour.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Iraq Wednesday>
Aired March 19, 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: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories at this hour. The U.S. military now says there are a total of three Marines and two soldiers killed in Iraq Wednesday. We initially reported one Marine and two Army personnel. Officials are not providing details on the other Marine casualties, only saying they were killed while conducting security and stability operations.
Secretary of State Colin Powell made a surprise visit to Baghdad but was greeted by an even bigger surprise. A walkout by Arab journalists protesting the deaths of two Arabic reporters at a U.S. check point. The Arabic language network El Arabia says that its employees were killed by U.S. troops who opened fire when a second car sped through the checkpoint.
The Ohio man accused of two dozen highway shootings is due in a Las Vegas courtroom at any moment. Lawyers for Charles McCoy Jr. say he'll waive extradition in order to speed his return to Columbus. Prosecutors are exploring whether to seek the death penalty in the serial shootings which left one passenger dead.
Just moments ago the Pakistani military held a news conference on the latest hunt and closing in on what is believed to be the number two man in al Qaeda. Let's listen in to what the military leaders in Islamabad had to say.
All right. We'll work on getting that.
Right now let's get the latest from Barbara Starr, who is at the pentagon -- Barbara.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, by all accounts that Pakistani military assault continues. Reports from the area do indicate the Pakistani military today has moved in additional ground troops, air action is underway. That they now believe they may have as many as 400 al Qaeda fighters holed up in this area. A lot of fighting back and forth. Every indication there are casualties on both sides.
Now, earlier today the Pakistani minister of information said he expects this operation to be wrapped up one way or the other within the next 48 hours. That a number of deadlines that had been given to these fighters had passed and Pakistanis are determined to end this.
They still do believe that al-Zawahiri, the close confidant of Osama Bin Laden number two in al Qaeda, is amongst the high value targets. He is the high value target they believe holed up in this area. But of course, they don't know for sure.
Now, here at the Pentagon, officials say they are waiting, watching the situation closely waiting to hear from the Pakistanis, to get more information on what is going on. Earlier today General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked to CNN about the situation and what all of this means for al Qaeda and the possibility of catching Osama bin Laden.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEN. RICHARD MYERS, CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHEIFS: Certainly if you capture somebody like al-Zawahiri, that would be good news because presumably he knows where UBL is or was. If he talks or is captured with documents or other material, you might be able to find out where some of the leadership is, absolutely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: But, Daryn, as you said just a few moments ago the Pakistanis are now talking more about the situation on the ground.
KAGAN: Barbara, will stay with us. We have that sound ready to go. We're looking at pictures of the compound where it is believed al-Zawahiri might be hiding out or whoever it is they're closing in on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not going to name those two or three persons but their names keep on appearing in the media generally, the wanted men. They are in houses.
So this is where we have gone to carry out the search. They had actually underestimated the resistance that they would face. That is all -- so they actually barged into terrorists dens.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Barbara, if we still have you with us, very sensitive issue in Pakistan. The idea that it's the Pakistani military and not the U.S. military. There are many reports that the U.S. military is helping out perhaps behind the scenes or perhaps from across the border.
STARR: That is a sensitive question, Daryn. We have talked to senior officials offline here this morning. They do say there are no U.S. military troops on the in this current fight ground inside Pakistan.
But the second point that is made is that there is a reinforcement of U.S. military troops on the Afghan side of the border watching those mountain passes, making sure that if anybody does go on the run, that they cannot escape back into Afghanistan and again be on the loose.
Now, I have to tell you, we also are learning that essentially the timing of this operation yesterday, the fact that the Pakistanis became so public about the feeling they had that a high valued target was there did somewhat take top officials here in Washington by surprise. Not that an operation was under way. They knew the Pakistanis had become very public, that they were moving through this region over the last several days and to get to your point, certainly the U.S. military and the CIA had been providing generic communications, intelligence and reconnaissance support to the Pakistanis as they moved through this area.
But it had caught Washington by surprise that the Pakistanis went out in public they believed they had a high valued target, though they could not be certain. We are told, no U.S. military assistance on ground in Pakistan today.
KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you.
It was one year ago today that President Bush stared into a television camera and declared the nation at war. In the next hour he addresses the war and the nation once again on this, the first anniversary. Kathleen Koch is at the White House with a preview.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. This is a very important speech for the president today. His opportunity one year later to defend U.S. actions in Iraq and the strength of the coalition at a time when its future appears to be increasingly uncertain. In the audience will be not only lawmakers, bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and Pentagon officials, but also ambassadors from the countries that are part of the U.S.-led coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Administration officials yesterday told me that the president in his speech will insist that those countries end two of the most violent and dangerous regimes on earth, liberating over 50 million people. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the president will also touch on last week's attacks in Spain, saying they are a grim reminder that the civilized world is at war and must stay united.
The president will also call this time in history a time of testing when terrorists are trying to shake the will and resolve of the U.S. and its allies. To that end McClellan said the president placed a previously scheduled call this morning to the president of Poland. Aleksander Kwasniewski. Yesterday the Polish leader said he felt misled about the threat of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq during the buildup to the war in Iraq.
McClellan said the president thanked the Polish leader for his leadership, for his support in Iraq. The two agreed they needed to continue to stand firmly together against terrorism and they agreed Poland would keep its 2,400 troops in Iraq.
In that 15 minute call, we are also told the Polish leader explained his statements by saying he was referring to Saddam Hussein who was the one misleading the world about the weapons of mass destruction.
Finally today, the President will wrap-up this anniversary by visiting with wounded soldiers and their families at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda (sic). This will be his third visit there. This is something that he does do in private not in front of the cameras -- Daryn.
KAGAN: The speech is in front of the cameras and our viewers will be able to see that live on CNN. Kathleen Koch, thank you.
Uday, Qusay and now eBay? A growing number of items reported to come from Saddam Hussein's looted palaces. One U.S. soldier is selling a rug, another is peddling purloined silver wear. Spokesman for the U.S. Central Command says soldiers are not supposed to bring back such war trophies but individual commanders decide how strictly those rules are enforced.
How democrats can win back the White House the woman who challenged Arnold Schwarzenegger in California for the recall says she knows exactly what the democrats need to do. Arianna Huffington is our guest later this hour.
And, that does look like it hurt. But we'll tell you it's not as bad as it looks. Find out what really happened just ahead on "CNN LIVE TODAY."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MARKET REPORT)
KAGAN: Looking at some other news, former Christian televangelist Tammy Faye Messner is facing a challenge of her own. She revealed last night that she's been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. This happened last night on our "LARRY KING LIVE." She said she will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is still coming to grips with the devastating news.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAMMY FAYE MESSNER, TELEVANGELIST: I'm scared, but that's not wrong to be scared. It's OK. God knows I'm scared and he understands that. I don't like what's happening to me. The other day I was laying in a tanning bed and I was crying out to God, I hate what I'm going through. I hate this. I hate this. I'm so scared. What am I going to do?
(EBD VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Messner was successfully treated for colon cancer eight years ago. Last year she released a self-help book called "I Will Survive and You Will, Too."
Some other stories across America- a 3-year-old child is in critical condition after being attacked by a 300-pound gorilla at the Dallas Zoo. Jabari the gorilla was killed when he charged at police 30 minutes after escaping from his enclosure. The boy's mother told us about the attack.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) KEISHA HEARD, ATTACKED BY GORRILLA: The gorilla actually bit him in his head and on his thigh. So I think his lung is punctured and he's had bite wounds in his side and around his face and around his eye area really bad.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We're pulling for him.
How are you doing? Looks like your arm is in a bandage, possibly a cast. What's happening there?
HEARD: I think the gorilla stepped on my hand. That's what happened there. Then he bit my leg. He actually hit me across my head and flung me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Three other people were slightly hurt. The zoo's gorilla exhibit is closed today. It is expected to reopen tomorrow.
In Los Angeles, one of the pioneers of MTV has died. J.J. Jackson was on the air as a veejay when the network first started in 1981. He was with MTV for five years and then he returned to Los Angeles as a radio deejay. He was 62. He apparently had a heart attack while he was driving home.
In Michigan snowy conditions were especially treacherous the other day for a state trooper in Monroe County. Watch this video. A teenage driver spun out of control and knocked Officer Keith Carlson into the ditch. Incredibly he wasn't hurt. Officer Carlson is back on the job today. One tough guy.
And in New York raw ambition may be more important than talent or experience. This is the scene on Wall Street as people lined up to audition for the next season of "The Apprentice." Donald Trump is handling the screening along with a couple of his top assistants.
So what do the Democrats have to do in order to take over the White House this November? Arianna Huffington has some advice and a new book out we'll hear from her coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: As we've been telling you President Bush marks today's Iraq War anniversary with a White House speech taking place just minutes from now. Speaking to ambassadors -- he's seeking to sure up the coalition, calling it a time of testing.
With more on presidential politics and a look at the campaign that is out there, Arianna Huffington joins us. She ran for governor in California's recall election. And she has a new book out. She rips fanatics and fools. Arianna Huffington is our guest in Los Angeles this morning. Thanks for getting up early.
ARIANA HUFFINGTON, POLITCAL WRITER: Thank you.
KAGAN: Looking at the war in Iraq which the president will do in just a few minutes with his speech. Do you see it as a success or failure?
HUFFINGTON: Well, it's clearly been a failure especially if you look at what the president is trying to do today. He's trying, by having all the diplomats present in the White House during the speech, to show that somehow the world is united.
But in fact every day we have more evidence that the world is united against America. Yesterday we had the president of Poland, who is one of the allies, a member of the coalition, saying that the Polish people feel they were taken for a ride when it comes to why we went into Iraq and the truth.
We see what happened in Spain. Again and again we have that demonstration that this administration is really isolated when it comes to the support from the international community.
KAGAN: Let me just ask you this. Do you think it's a failure to remove Saddam Hussein from power?
HUFFINGTON: No. Every civilized human being must be happy to remove Saddam Hussein from power. But at what cost? At what cost in terms of lives, in terms of treasure? At what cost in terms of all the domestic priorities that are unattended, including protecting the homeland.
There's still so much work left to be done in terms of protecting the homeland. As we saw in Spain, we are so vulnerable. And going to Iraq and removing Saddam doesn't make us safer here. Beyond that it's the squandering of this enormous goodwill toward America that was there after September 11.
KAGAN: As we look forward, do you think this is going to plague for the Democrats or Republicans the way the war has gone?
HUFFINGTON: It all depends on whether John Kerry will be bold enough to take on this administration, both on the domestic front and on the foreign policy front.
This is not the time to really pretend that there's something that can be a middle road. There are two very different visions for America. That's what the Democratic nominee and all the Democrats running need to make very clear.
The question really is what kind of America do you want to live in? And Democrats need to take back from the Republicans the word responsibility. Because this administration has been deeply irresponsible in terms of the tax cuts, in terms of the jobless recovery and in terms of...
KAGAN: We just have a minute left. I want to ask you, from your new book that's out, you say the Democrats need to propose a return to idealism boldness and generosity of spirit not just be negative. Is John Kerry the man who will be able to do that?
HUFFINGTON: Absolutely. I have a lot of quotes in the book, of very visionary speeches from John Kerry. And I think the more visionary he stays, if more he rallies the American people around hope as opposed to around fear, which is what George Bush has been doing.
KAGAN: Arianna Huffington. Thank you so much for your time. The book is "Ripped from Fanatics and Fools."
HUFFINGTON: Thank you.
KAGAN: Again we are minutes away from the president's address. He is due to speak in the East Room of the White House at the top of the hour. Of course, we'll bring that to you live. That is bringing on some special coverage for us today. So, my shift is short. I'm Daryn Kagan. I will see you on Monday. Wolf Blitzer takes over at if top of the hour.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Iraq Wednesday>
