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American Morning

9/11 Investigation; Interview With Richard Clarke

Aired March 23, 2004 - 9:00 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.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The day the 9/11 Commission waited for is here. Top government officials testify on how the attacks could ever have happened. The first witness to appear is former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. We're going to bring you her testimony live.
Also on the broadcast this morning, our conversation with former White House adviser Richard Clarke. He says the president was lax on terrorism. His answers to White House criticism this morning.

And authorities in South Carolina call on the public for help finding a missing 7-year-old boy.

Those stories are all ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, 9:00 here in New York. The stories this hour:

Is the media coverage in the Scott Peterson trial enough to make minding a jury impossible? We'll talk to an expert on picking juries and find out about how this one of be chosen in California.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, getting the most bang when it comes to selling your home. A big seller's market right now. Gerri Willis is going to join us in a few minutes on a look how you can make even more money than you had ever hoped when you sell your home.

HEMMER: Prices are still up, too. That's right.

Jack Cafferty, good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

Should the words "under god" be removed from the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag? The Supreme Court of the United States may begin deciding that case. We're reading your e-mails: am@cnn.com.

HEMMER: Good deal. Thanks.

Top stories, top of the hour: breaking news in the South. CNN confirming in South Carolina an Amber Alert has been issued for a 7- year-old boy in that state. Law enforcement division issuing the alert earlier today for Hunter Allen Thompson. Officials say he was abducted from a Kmart in Anderson, South Carolina, last night. Deputies say the little boy had gone to another part of the store while family members were shopping, but was missing when they went to locate him. Anderson, South Carolina, an Amber Alert is out. Seven years of age, Hunter Allen Thompson. More when we get it on this developing story.

Tensions high in the Middle East after the killing of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Israeli security source saying Israel will continue to target Hamas leaders without waiting for another terror attack. And meanwhile, already there have been clashes in the West Bank today. Palestinians vowing revenge for Yassin's killing amid a three-day period of mourning for the Hamas spiritual leader.

Military sources in Pakistan say troops are searching House to House for suspected al Qaeda militants. Pakistani sources say troops have captured more than 120 and are now surrounding a network of tunnels found. It's believed some of those suspected militants at one time used those tunnels to get out.

California Governor Schwarzenegger will not be deposed in a libel lawsuit, at least not yet. The governor will have to answer written questions in the suit followed by a Hollywood stuntwoman claiming Schwarzenegger groped her on film sets. A judge ruled Governor Schwarzenegger may be deposed later if attorneys for Rhonda Miller can justify it.

Also, the singer Aretha Franklin in the hospital now. Her publicist keeping mum on the details. Franklin, known as the queen of soul for hits like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" reportedly in stable condition. She will turn 62 this week. In fact, on Thursday of this week.

Best to her and her health.

O'BRIEN: Yes, absolutely. All rooting for the queen of soul to make a good recovery.

HEMMER: That's right.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: The 9/11 Commission hearings are just getting under way, just a few moments ago. The highest officials from the current and former administrations are going to testify today. In fact, you're seeing there Governor Tom Kean of New Jersey, the former governor, he is making the opening remarks.

Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House for us this morning with more on this.

Suzanne, good morning.

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

Well, these historic hearings are really meant to get to the bottom of what both the Bush and the Clinton administrations knew prior to the September 11 attacks. But you can bet that really the outcome of this and what comes of these hearings is going to have a dramatic impact of who occupies the White House in the next four years.

President Bush has made it the centerpiece of his campaign, national security, the war on terror. Today on deck we are going to see former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the current secretary of state, Colin Powell, the former secretary of state, William Cohen., and current Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Notably absent, however, is going to be national security adviser Condoleezza Rice. She has given more than four hours of private testimony before the commission, but the commission would like to see her publicly testify. The White House is claiming executive privilege.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEE HAMILTON, 9/11 COMMISSION VICE CHAIRMAN: We were hopeful that she would speak also publicly, but the White House saw fit not to have her testify publicly. We are disappointed in that because we think that the American people would benefit from hearing from her.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, since the release of Richard Clarke's book, there has been more pressure for her to publicly testify. That coming from a number of senators. So far, no word on whether the commission will actually subpoena her to go before the full commission.

Also, I should let you know as well that Clinton and Gore will rather privately answer questions before the commission. We also expect that President Bush and Cheney privately will answer questions before the chair and the vice chair. The commission is hoping that they will go before all of the members, but so far that is still under negotiation -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Suzanne, if you look forward to tomorrow, you see that George Tenet is scheduled to testify tomorrow morning, and then they're going to wrap it all up in the afternoon with Richard Clark, who you just mentioned. But I'm curious to know why George Tenet only is scheduled for 90 minutes and Richard Clarke is scheduled for two- and-a-half hours.

MALVEAUX: Well, the argument being is that Richard Clarke served for four administrations. Two, as you know, under Clinton, as well as this administration, that he has a case to make. This is something, as you know, Soledad, has been somewhat contentious, controversial in matter. But the commission believes they have appropriated the allotted time that is necessary for both of those members. But again, it is still up for debate.

O'BRIEN: All right. Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne, thanks.

And we're going to take you live as soon as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright begins testifying. We're going to bring that to you live. And that's expected around 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time -- Bill.

HEMMER: President Bush is said to have personally signed off on the White House strategy to rebut the allegations made by his former counterterrorism czar. Richard Clarke's New book accusing the president of ignoring al Qaeda threats before 9/11, and Clarke said the administration has mishandled the war on terror ever since.

Earlier today here on AMERICAN MORNING, I asked Clarke why he paints the picture of a Bush administration that was obsessed with Iraq and Saddam Hussein.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD CLARKE, FMR. COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: In the weeks immediately after 9/11, the president signed national security directive instructing the Pentagon to prepare for the invasion of Iraq, even though they knew at the time from me, from the FBI, from the CIA that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

HEMMER: The White House says before they even arrived at the White House, the previous administration was obsessed with nothing. I wanted you to look at a picture here that we saw last week from NBC News. An al Qaeda terrorist camp outside of Kandahar. They allege at the time, why wasn't anything done to take al Qaeda out? This was August of 2000.

CLARKE: Well, a great deal was done. The administration stopped the al Qaeda attacks in the United States and around the world at the millennium period. They stopped al Qaeda in Bosnia. They stopped al Qaeda from blowing up embassies around world.

They authorized covert lethal action by the CIA against al Qaeda. They retaliated with cruise missile strikes into Afghanistan. They got sanctions on Afghanistan from the United Nations. There was a great deal that the administration did even though at the time, prior to 9/11, al Qaeda had arguably not done a great deal to the United States.

If you look at the eight years of the Clinton administration, al Qaeda was responsible for the deaths of fewer than 50 Americans over those eight years. Contrast that with Ronald Reagan, where 300 Americans were killed in Lebanon and there was no retaliation. Contrast that with the first Bush administration, where 260 Americans were killed on Pan Am 103 and there was no retaliation.

I would argue that, for what had actually happened prior to 9/11, the Clinton administration was doing a great deal. In fact, so much that when the Bush people came into office, they thought I was a little crazy, a little obsessed with this little terrorist, bin Laden. Why wasn't I focused on Iraqi-sponsored terrorism?

HEMMER: Condoleezza Rice with Soledad yesterday on AMERICAN MORNING. This is how she phrased this alleged conversation that happened on the 12th of September 2001... (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I can't recollect such a conversation, but it's not surprising that the president wanted to know if we were going to retaliate, against whom were we going to retaliate. And, of course, Iraq, given our history and given the fact that they tried to kill a former president, was a likely suspect.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: There are now questions about this conversation, what happened, what did not happen? On "60 Minutes" Sunday night you said this: "Well, there's a lot of blame to go around. I probably deserve some blame, too."

How do you blame yourself?

CLARKE: Well, I don't blame myself for making up the conversation. I didn't hallucinate. There were four eyewitnesses to the conversation that the president had with me. So it's very convenient that Dr. Rice and the president are now having a memory lapse, a senior moment. But there are four eyewitnesses who recall vividly what happened and agree with my interpretation.

This is not the president saying, do anything, look at everybody, look at Iran, look as Hezbollah. This is the president in a very intimidating way, finger in my face, saying, I want a paper on Iraq and this attack.

Now, everyone in the room got the same impression. And everyone in the room recalls it vividly. So I'm not making it up.

I don't have to make it up. It's part of a pattern with this administration even before they came into office. It was out to get Iraq, even though Iraq was not threatening the United States.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Richard Clarke, part of our interview from earlier today. Tomorrow, he testifies publicly in front of the commission on 9/11. He said his message then will be that various U.S. mechanisms, the FBI, the CIA, and the White House, failed during both the Clinton administration and the Bush administration.

Well get to that tomorrow. Testimony is set to resume today with Madeleine Albright at the bottom of the hour here -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Senator John Kerry's outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War drew the attention of President Nixon three decades ago. Documents reviewed by CNN showed that Senator Kerry came under FBI surveillance in 1971 after he became the national spokesman of the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

The FBI filed thousands of pages against the organization and Kerry. Senator Kerry had this to say about the documents: "It is almost surreal to learn the extent to which I was followed by the FBI."

HEMMER: Still to come, we'll head back to the 9/11 hearings in Capitol Hill. Again, we mentioned, under way very soon. Stay tuned for more there.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, jury selection resumes in the Scott Peterson case. What are lawyers looking for as they whittle down the jury pool? We're going to talk with a jury consultant just ahead.

HEMMER: Also, if you think you're in the driver's seat if you're selling your home in the hot market, things you should know before you overestimate your own advantage. Still to come this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Kobe Bryant and the woman accusing him of sexual assault will come face to face tomorrow for the first time since the incident that was triggered last June in Colorado. The LA Lakers star says the two had consensual sex at a Colorado resort where the woman worked. Tomorrow, she will testify behind closed doors. Bryant's attorneys want to convince the judge that her sexual history is relevant in the case and should be introduced as evidence.

O'BRIEN: Also today, jury selection resumes in the Scott Peterson case. So far, only one potential juror has been chosen for the double murder trial of the roughly 1,000 people who filled out jury questionnaires.

What exactly are both sides looking for as they look to a jury? Cynthia Cohen is a jury consultant, also founder of Verdict Success, a consulting firm specializing in jury research and trial strategy, live for us in Los Angeles this morning.

Nice to see you, Cynthia. Thanks for being with us.

CYNTHIA COHEN, JURY CONSULTANT: Thank you. Good morning, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Good morning to you. You've seen the questionnaire. A lot of it, I know, is sort of the norm in these kinds of questionnaires. What do you think stands out? What's unusual in it?

COHEN: Well, there were three areas I think that stood out. One was dogs -- about pets. The other was about boats. And the other was about extra marital affairs.

And so I think that the one question that they asked about dogs -- well, actually if you have pets -- and I believe they'll probably follow up individually in the courtroom about pets because, you know, we sort of look at the epicenter of the case and what the evidence is going to show, or what we think that it might show, and how the jurors are going to look at that evidence. And so those are the items that we want to look at.

And the area with Trimble (ph), that black lab who followed Laci Peterson's scent to the boat, people are going to look at that. So the trial consultants and the trial team are going to want to look at how people deal with their pets and how credible they think that that kind of training is, and people following in that. So that's one area.

O'BRIEN: Let's talk about the other two areas. Boats, is the idea that people have a certain knowledge about boats may have a certain amount insight into some of the testimony that Scott Peterson and his team are expected to give?

COHEN: Yes, I believe so, because of that solo fishing trip. And so people who are familiar with the southern part of the San Francisco Bay and know how streams run, know how the waters in the bay, may have closer opinions to what happened, and may be the people who are the spokespeople back in the deliberation.

So the trial team, again, is going to want to question those people who have experience in that area. So I think that that's going to be a particular area because of all of the evidence that came up.

O'BRIEN: A big issue for the jurors is going to be how long this trial's expected to take. I mean, some people say five months. A lot of jurors just can't give that kind of time.

Also, it's a death penalty case. That could remove a lot of people who say they just don't feel comfortable weighing in on those sorts of cases.

Many people have said that means that many government employees are going to be the ones who are filling those jury chairs. Who do you think that helps in the end? Does it help the prosecution or the defense?

COHEN: Well, it really depends, but oftentimes it does help the prosecution. I mean, those first two hurdles of the hardship is really what's going to eliminate at least 70 percent of those people. And then the next hurdle is what they feel about the death penalty, if they have strong moral or philosophical or religious beliefs on that. And it probably helps the prosecution because those who say that there's no way that they can apply the law are going to be removed when they're asked if they could consider the death penalty.

O'BRIEN: Interesting.

COHEN: So it leaves people who would be more prone to be able to apply that. So it would help the prosecution.

O'BRIEN: Cynthia Cohen of Verdict Success. Thanks for being with us. We appreciate it.

COHEN: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: Bill?

HEMMER: Still to come here, we're watching that 9/11 investigation hearing under way on Capitol Hill. The participants have entered the room. There is a little bit of a statement being made at this point. Madeleine Albright, again, the first significant witness, expected at 9:30 Eastern Time, just a few short minutes away. And we'll get to that.

Also in a moment here, when is the right time to sell your home? Gerri Willis back to let you know about the edge that you need to know and the booming housing market.

Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Selling your house in the hot market should be an easy thing to do, but could other sellers steal your thunder? Gerri Willis is working for Andy Serwer, "Minding Your Business," also the author of "The Smart Money Guide to Real Estate Investing."

Nice to have you here. Welcome back. Let's talk about -- it's a seller's market, right?

GERRI WILLIS, FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: Oh, you bet.

HEMMER: Finding the best agent, you're saying what?

WILLIS: Well, you know, you want somebody who has a lot of experience. Here's the problem with what's going on right now: this is a huge second career for a lot of people. People have been jumping in because the market's red hot. Make sure that you have somebody who has experience in the neighborhood you're looking in.

HEMMER: I think that's pretty good advice. Always do the investigation first. You want to market your home, right?

WILLIS: Yes.

HEMMER: Renovations that don't cost you a fortune. What do you recommend?

WILLIS: The secret to marketing your home, everybody thinks it's the open house, right? But they sell only 2 percent of houses. That's not what you want to do.

You want an agent who is going to get you a multiple service listing. The MLS, big selling point for so many buyers who are looking at it online, checking out the houses. Easiest way to get sold.

And think about cheap and easy renovations. Curb appeal, number one. Make sure that door looks fabulous, make sure you've got flowers at the front door. Very simple.

Instead of doing the big kitchen reno that's going to cost $7,000. Spend $700 for a kitchen island. There are lots of short cuts out there. With the bathroom, for example, typical fix-up, $25,000. Instead, pay $500 to fix up those mirrors and fixtures.

HEMMER: Dry the basement?

WILLIS: Yes. You know, musty basement odor is a real turnoff for so many people. And, you know, one point people don't think about, cleaning up your closet space.

People, it's one of the first things they do is go through those closet. Ands if they're a mess, people think, hey, what else is wrong with this house?

HEMMER: Well, that takes a good Saturday or Sunday afternoon, doesn't it? Or maybe even a bit more than that.

WILLIS: It depends on your house.

HEMMER: Yes, that's right. On the same topic, Home Depot is getting into the online registry business. I would have assumed they were already in this part of the market.

WILLIS: Well, no. If you want to register for your wedding, instead of getting china, maybe even get hammer, maybe some nails, maybe some dry wall. Maybe that's what you're looking for.

HEMMER: They make lovely parting gifts.

WILLIS: Would you do that, Bill?

HEMMER: I think it's practical, yes. You know, you have a home and you want to fix it up. Pretty good bargains out there.

WILLIS: No Limoges china for you. You're just going to go right...

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: But the drill is what we're looking for. Markets, quickly, down yesterday.

WILLIS: Right, exactly. We've had a pretty difficult time in the markets lately, but looking better this morning. Looking better this morning, and we're expecting the markets to open higher.

HEMMER: I guess terrorism concerns again weighing heavily. Thank you, Gerri. Good to see you.

WILLIS: You bet.

HEMMER: Here's Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And Jack's got the "Question of the Day."

CAFFERTY: Thank you.

Beginning tomorrow, the Supreme Court of the United States is going to decide what the phrase "under god" means. The judges are going to hear a case brought by an atheist in California who doesn't want his daughter exposed to the phrase "under god" when saying the "Pledge of Allegiance." So the question today is: Do the words "under god" belong in the pledge?

Rustine in Wesley Chapel, Florida: "I am so tired of one person changing things that have been used for years by so many who hold it dear. If you don't believe in a supreme being, then keep your mouth shut when 'under god' is said during the pledge. Just another example of wasted time and money at taxpayers' expense over the ridiculous selfishness of one."

Pete in Columbus, Ohio, has a different view. "No, the pledge itself is patriotic brainwashing and should be eliminated in its entirety. Patriotism should develop based on a respect for the actions of the government. If there's little reason to be patriotic based on our government's bad behavior, so be it."

Meg in Omaha, Nebraska, writes: "I realize he's trying to protect has children from having Christianity shoved down their throats, but I wish he'd stop trying to shove his atheism down mine."

And Jim in Austin, Texas, writes on another topic: "Forget the higher authority issue. I want to know about the CNN furniture. Did that funky half-moon seat you all sit on so gingerly get a fresh covering? Looks like 150-thread count polyester drugstore sheets."

O'BRIEN: Plastic, actually.

CAFFERTY: "Come on, guys. You've got money. Splurge a little. Get some new furniture."

HEMMER: We are one table...

CAFFERTY: A man after my own heart.

O'BRIEN: First of all, it's plastic, and it's not very comfortable because you can't sit up, you have to sit back. It's horrible.

CAFFERTY: It's not comfortable. And it's ugly and it's awful.

HEMMER: And we are taking it to your basement this weekend.

CAFFERTY: Who in Atlanta could Jim write to register his complaint?

O'BRIEN: Let's forward that off for Jim.

CAFFERTY: Let's have a name.

O'BRIEN: All right. We'll take care of it. Still to come this morning...

CAFFERTY: You know all of the names, too, Hemmer. And you won't give one, will you?

HEMMER: Seven years, my friends.

O'BRIEN: May we move on? HEMMER: Yes.

O'BRIEN: The 9/11 Commission hearings are under way right now. We have a rare day as the top brass on the Hill has cabinet officers from both the Clinton and Bush administrations will be answering questions. A look at that's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.

Today, a big day in the investigation of the 9/11 attacks. The 9/11 Commission hearing testimony from top government officials. Opening statements going on right now, and we expect more coming up.

HEMMER: That we do. In a few minutes, Madeleine Albright, secretary, the former, will begin her testimony. After that, you'll get Colin Powell down there today, William Cohen, defense secretary, former, and Donald Rumsfeld as well. It is a significant today on Capitol Hill regarding this issue. So we'll cover it for you.

O'BRIEN: Let's get right to our top stories, though, first this morning.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a 7-year-old South Carolina boy. Word of that alert came in to CNN about a half an hour ago. The state law enforcement division issued the alert early this morning for Hunter Allen Thompson. Officials say he was abducted from a Kmart in Anderson, South Carolina, last night. Deputies say the little boy had gone to another part of the store while family members were shopping, but he was missing when they tried to find him.

Israelis' killing of Hamas' spiritual leader Shekih Ahmed Yassin is reverberating in Iraq as well. There are reports of injuries after a protest took place from 70 miles west of Baghdad. About a thousand people had gathered to protest Israel's killing of Yassin. There were reports of demonstrations in nearby Fallujah as well.

In one Oregon county, the (AUDIO GAP) to postpone issuing marriage licenses to everybody until the court rules on whether same- sex marriages in Oregon are legal. The ruling is expected some time before the end of April.

And the FDA wants new warning labels on some widely used antidepressants. The agency says doctors who prescribe the drugs need to watch patients closely for increasing depression and suicidal behavior. No clear evidence of a link yet, but the warnings were issued anyway. The FDA is asking the makers of 10 antidepressant drugs to add warning to their labels.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HEMMER: We're watching this picture from Capitol Hill now, where the hearing has begun. In a matter of moments, Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state, will be at that microphone, and we'll take you there live, also. Also scheduled to testify today, William Cohen, among others later this afternoon.

Earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING, I talked with the committee chairman, Thomas Kean, and the vice chair, Lee Hamilton, asking Governor Kean about the mission for this week's hearing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THOMAS KEAN, COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Our mission today is to hear from the highest levels of government in both the Clinton and the Bush administration to try and determine what the policy was, what the intelligence was, what the military capabilities were, and what decisions were made in a coordinated way that affected 9/11 leading up to that event.

HEMMER: By the time your hearings are over tomorrow afternoon, will you answer those questions?

KEAN: Yes. We're going to go a good way toward the answer to those questions because we'll have top policymakers in both administrations telling us what they thought and what they did.

HEMMER: Dr. Rice will not testify publicly, Representative Hamilton. But she will speak in private. Can you get a complete picture without her public testimony, sir?

HAMILTON: We think we will have a lot of information from Dr. Rice. She's been very good, very patient with the commission. She's given us four, maybe four-and-a-half-hours, and has said she's willing to come back.

We were hopeful that she would speak also publicly, but the White House saw fit not to have her testify publicly. We are disappointed in that because we think that the American people would benefit from hearing from her. But the administration will send Secretary Armitage here. He will be a good witness for the administration, and we look forward to hearing from him.

HEMMER: On a similar note there, there have been reports that the White House is grudgingly giving you information. Do you believe that to be the case? And has there been any sense of stonewalling from the White House?

HAMILTON: I personally do not accept the word "stonewalling." We've been dealing with some very difficult issues.

There's no doubt at all that the negotiations have slowed us down in getting the material that we wanted. That's one of the reasons we asked for an extension. But we have almost all of the documents we have requested. There may be a few not yet in our possession.

I don't know of any official witness that has not been available to us. This hearing today and tomorrow is, so far as I know, rather unique in the history of Washington with all of these big power players coming together in a matter of two days. So we've been slowed down. We've had conditions put on us sometimes that are a little too restrictive but, by and large, we're going to have the information we need to do the job.

HEMMER: Back to Governor Kean, if I could. Richard Clarke has a book out that has been the talk of Washington from my understanding, from my position here in New York, suggesting that the White House botched the war on terror. At this point in your investigation can you say whether or not that's the case?

KEAN No, and we shouldn't at this point because our investigation still has a number of months to run. We've taken over 15 hours of private testimony from Mr. Clarke. We've taken testimony from figures in this White House and the Clinton White House. We'll do more of that today.

We're not in shape to make a judgement yet. I recognize what Mr. Clarke is saying. He's got a book out there. But its too early for the commission to make a judgement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Thomas Kean, Lee Hamilton earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING.

A live picture now from inside that building. Michael Hurley (ph), a staff member for the 9/11 Commission, delivering his statement at this point. We are moments away from Madeleine Albright. We won't leave this picture for long. We'll get you there live when she sits down if front of that microphone.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, getting in shape without getting injured. The right way to get ready for summer sports season from Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

HEMMER: And good advice, too. That time of year.

How can Dennis Kucinich become president? He'll tell you, tongue planted firmly in cheek, in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Aired March 23, 2004 - 9:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The day the 9/11 Commission waited for is here. Top government officials testify on how the attacks could ever have happened. The first witness to appear is former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. We're going to bring you her testimony live.
Also on the broadcast this morning, our conversation with former White House adviser Richard Clarke. He says the president was lax on terrorism. His answers to White House criticism this morning.

And authorities in South Carolina call on the public for help finding a missing 7-year-old boy.

Those stories are all ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, 9:00 here in New York. The stories this hour:

Is the media coverage in the Scott Peterson trial enough to make minding a jury impossible? We'll talk to an expert on picking juries and find out about how this one of be chosen in California.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, getting the most bang when it comes to selling your home. A big seller's market right now. Gerri Willis is going to join us in a few minutes on a look how you can make even more money than you had ever hoped when you sell your home.

HEMMER: Prices are still up, too. That's right.

Jack Cafferty, good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

Should the words "under god" be removed from the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag? The Supreme Court of the United States may begin deciding that case. We're reading your e-mails: am@cnn.com.

HEMMER: Good deal. Thanks.

Top stories, top of the hour: breaking news in the South. CNN confirming in South Carolina an Amber Alert has been issued for a 7- year-old boy in that state. Law enforcement division issuing the alert earlier today for Hunter Allen Thompson. Officials say he was abducted from a Kmart in Anderson, South Carolina, last night. Deputies say the little boy had gone to another part of the store while family members were shopping, but was missing when they went to locate him. Anderson, South Carolina, an Amber Alert is out. Seven years of age, Hunter Allen Thompson. More when we get it on this developing story.

Tensions high in the Middle East after the killing of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Israeli security source saying Israel will continue to target Hamas leaders without waiting for another terror attack. And meanwhile, already there have been clashes in the West Bank today. Palestinians vowing revenge for Yassin's killing amid a three-day period of mourning for the Hamas spiritual leader.

Military sources in Pakistan say troops are searching House to House for suspected al Qaeda militants. Pakistani sources say troops have captured more than 120 and are now surrounding a network of tunnels found. It's believed some of those suspected militants at one time used those tunnels to get out.

California Governor Schwarzenegger will not be deposed in a libel lawsuit, at least not yet. The governor will have to answer written questions in the suit followed by a Hollywood stuntwoman claiming Schwarzenegger groped her on film sets. A judge ruled Governor Schwarzenegger may be deposed later if attorneys for Rhonda Miller can justify it.

Also, the singer Aretha Franklin in the hospital now. Her publicist keeping mum on the details. Franklin, known as the queen of soul for hits like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" reportedly in stable condition. She will turn 62 this week. In fact, on Thursday of this week.

Best to her and her health.

O'BRIEN: Yes, absolutely. All rooting for the queen of soul to make a good recovery.

HEMMER: That's right.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: The 9/11 Commission hearings are just getting under way, just a few moments ago. The highest officials from the current and former administrations are going to testify today. In fact, you're seeing there Governor Tom Kean of New Jersey, the former governor, he is making the opening remarks.

Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House for us this morning with more on this.

Suzanne, good morning.

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

Well, these historic hearings are really meant to get to the bottom of what both the Bush and the Clinton administrations knew prior to the September 11 attacks. But you can bet that really the outcome of this and what comes of these hearings is going to have a dramatic impact of who occupies the White House in the next four years.

President Bush has made it the centerpiece of his campaign, national security, the war on terror. Today on deck we are going to see former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the current secretary of state, Colin Powell, the former secretary of state, William Cohen., and current Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Notably absent, however, is going to be national security adviser Condoleezza Rice. She has given more than four hours of private testimony before the commission, but the commission would like to see her publicly testify. The White House is claiming executive privilege.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEE HAMILTON, 9/11 COMMISSION VICE CHAIRMAN: We were hopeful that she would speak also publicly, but the White House saw fit not to have her testify publicly. We are disappointed in that because we think that the American people would benefit from hearing from her.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, since the release of Richard Clarke's book, there has been more pressure for her to publicly testify. That coming from a number of senators. So far, no word on whether the commission will actually subpoena her to go before the full commission.

Also, I should let you know as well that Clinton and Gore will rather privately answer questions before the commission. We also expect that President Bush and Cheney privately will answer questions before the chair and the vice chair. The commission is hoping that they will go before all of the members, but so far that is still under negotiation -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Suzanne, if you look forward to tomorrow, you see that George Tenet is scheduled to testify tomorrow morning, and then they're going to wrap it all up in the afternoon with Richard Clark, who you just mentioned. But I'm curious to know why George Tenet only is scheduled for 90 minutes and Richard Clarke is scheduled for two- and-a-half hours.

MALVEAUX: Well, the argument being is that Richard Clarke served for four administrations. Two, as you know, under Clinton, as well as this administration, that he has a case to make. This is something, as you know, Soledad, has been somewhat contentious, controversial in matter. But the commission believes they have appropriated the allotted time that is necessary for both of those members. But again, it is still up for debate.

O'BRIEN: All right. Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne, thanks.

And we're going to take you live as soon as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright begins testifying. We're going to bring that to you live. And that's expected around 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time -- Bill.

HEMMER: President Bush is said to have personally signed off on the White House strategy to rebut the allegations made by his former counterterrorism czar. Richard Clarke's New book accusing the president of ignoring al Qaeda threats before 9/11, and Clarke said the administration has mishandled the war on terror ever since.

Earlier today here on AMERICAN MORNING, I asked Clarke why he paints the picture of a Bush administration that was obsessed with Iraq and Saddam Hussein.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD CLARKE, FMR. COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: In the weeks immediately after 9/11, the president signed national security directive instructing the Pentagon to prepare for the invasion of Iraq, even though they knew at the time from me, from the FBI, from the CIA that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

HEMMER: The White House says before they even arrived at the White House, the previous administration was obsessed with nothing. I wanted you to look at a picture here that we saw last week from NBC News. An al Qaeda terrorist camp outside of Kandahar. They allege at the time, why wasn't anything done to take al Qaeda out? This was August of 2000.

CLARKE: Well, a great deal was done. The administration stopped the al Qaeda attacks in the United States and around the world at the millennium period. They stopped al Qaeda in Bosnia. They stopped al Qaeda from blowing up embassies around world.

They authorized covert lethal action by the CIA against al Qaeda. They retaliated with cruise missile strikes into Afghanistan. They got sanctions on Afghanistan from the United Nations. There was a great deal that the administration did even though at the time, prior to 9/11, al Qaeda had arguably not done a great deal to the United States.

If you look at the eight years of the Clinton administration, al Qaeda was responsible for the deaths of fewer than 50 Americans over those eight years. Contrast that with Ronald Reagan, where 300 Americans were killed in Lebanon and there was no retaliation. Contrast that with the first Bush administration, where 260 Americans were killed on Pan Am 103 and there was no retaliation.

I would argue that, for what had actually happened prior to 9/11, the Clinton administration was doing a great deal. In fact, so much that when the Bush people came into office, they thought I was a little crazy, a little obsessed with this little terrorist, bin Laden. Why wasn't I focused on Iraqi-sponsored terrorism?

HEMMER: Condoleezza Rice with Soledad yesterday on AMERICAN MORNING. This is how she phrased this alleged conversation that happened on the 12th of September 2001... (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I can't recollect such a conversation, but it's not surprising that the president wanted to know if we were going to retaliate, against whom were we going to retaliate. And, of course, Iraq, given our history and given the fact that they tried to kill a former president, was a likely suspect.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: There are now questions about this conversation, what happened, what did not happen? On "60 Minutes" Sunday night you said this: "Well, there's a lot of blame to go around. I probably deserve some blame, too."

How do you blame yourself?

CLARKE: Well, I don't blame myself for making up the conversation. I didn't hallucinate. There were four eyewitnesses to the conversation that the president had with me. So it's very convenient that Dr. Rice and the president are now having a memory lapse, a senior moment. But there are four eyewitnesses who recall vividly what happened and agree with my interpretation.

This is not the president saying, do anything, look at everybody, look at Iran, look as Hezbollah. This is the president in a very intimidating way, finger in my face, saying, I want a paper on Iraq and this attack.

Now, everyone in the room got the same impression. And everyone in the room recalls it vividly. So I'm not making it up.

I don't have to make it up. It's part of a pattern with this administration even before they came into office. It was out to get Iraq, even though Iraq was not threatening the United States.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Richard Clarke, part of our interview from earlier today. Tomorrow, he testifies publicly in front of the commission on 9/11. He said his message then will be that various U.S. mechanisms, the FBI, the CIA, and the White House, failed during both the Clinton administration and the Bush administration.

Well get to that tomorrow. Testimony is set to resume today with Madeleine Albright at the bottom of the hour here -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Senator John Kerry's outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War drew the attention of President Nixon three decades ago. Documents reviewed by CNN showed that Senator Kerry came under FBI surveillance in 1971 after he became the national spokesman of the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

The FBI filed thousands of pages against the organization and Kerry. Senator Kerry had this to say about the documents: "It is almost surreal to learn the extent to which I was followed by the FBI."

HEMMER: Still to come, we'll head back to the 9/11 hearings in Capitol Hill. Again, we mentioned, under way very soon. Stay tuned for more there.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, jury selection resumes in the Scott Peterson case. What are lawyers looking for as they whittle down the jury pool? We're going to talk with a jury consultant just ahead.

HEMMER: Also, if you think you're in the driver's seat if you're selling your home in the hot market, things you should know before you overestimate your own advantage. Still to come this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Kobe Bryant and the woman accusing him of sexual assault will come face to face tomorrow for the first time since the incident that was triggered last June in Colorado. The LA Lakers star says the two had consensual sex at a Colorado resort where the woman worked. Tomorrow, she will testify behind closed doors. Bryant's attorneys want to convince the judge that her sexual history is relevant in the case and should be introduced as evidence.

O'BRIEN: Also today, jury selection resumes in the Scott Peterson case. So far, only one potential juror has been chosen for the double murder trial of the roughly 1,000 people who filled out jury questionnaires.

What exactly are both sides looking for as they look to a jury? Cynthia Cohen is a jury consultant, also founder of Verdict Success, a consulting firm specializing in jury research and trial strategy, live for us in Los Angeles this morning.

Nice to see you, Cynthia. Thanks for being with us.

CYNTHIA COHEN, JURY CONSULTANT: Thank you. Good morning, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Good morning to you. You've seen the questionnaire. A lot of it, I know, is sort of the norm in these kinds of questionnaires. What do you think stands out? What's unusual in it?

COHEN: Well, there were three areas I think that stood out. One was dogs -- about pets. The other was about boats. And the other was about extra marital affairs.

And so I think that the one question that they asked about dogs -- well, actually if you have pets -- and I believe they'll probably follow up individually in the courtroom about pets because, you know, we sort of look at the epicenter of the case and what the evidence is going to show, or what we think that it might show, and how the jurors are going to look at that evidence. And so those are the items that we want to look at.

And the area with Trimble (ph), that black lab who followed Laci Peterson's scent to the boat, people are going to look at that. So the trial consultants and the trial team are going to want to look at how people deal with their pets and how credible they think that that kind of training is, and people following in that. So that's one area.

O'BRIEN: Let's talk about the other two areas. Boats, is the idea that people have a certain knowledge about boats may have a certain amount insight into some of the testimony that Scott Peterson and his team are expected to give?

COHEN: Yes, I believe so, because of that solo fishing trip. And so people who are familiar with the southern part of the San Francisco Bay and know how streams run, know how the waters in the bay, may have closer opinions to what happened, and may be the people who are the spokespeople back in the deliberation.

So the trial team, again, is going to want to question those people who have experience in that area. So I think that that's going to be a particular area because of all of the evidence that came up.

O'BRIEN: A big issue for the jurors is going to be how long this trial's expected to take. I mean, some people say five months. A lot of jurors just can't give that kind of time.

Also, it's a death penalty case. That could remove a lot of people who say they just don't feel comfortable weighing in on those sorts of cases.

Many people have said that means that many government employees are going to be the ones who are filling those jury chairs. Who do you think that helps in the end? Does it help the prosecution or the defense?

COHEN: Well, it really depends, but oftentimes it does help the prosecution. I mean, those first two hurdles of the hardship is really what's going to eliminate at least 70 percent of those people. And then the next hurdle is what they feel about the death penalty, if they have strong moral or philosophical or religious beliefs on that. And it probably helps the prosecution because those who say that there's no way that they can apply the law are going to be removed when they're asked if they could consider the death penalty.

O'BRIEN: Interesting.

COHEN: So it leaves people who would be more prone to be able to apply that. So it would help the prosecution.

O'BRIEN: Cynthia Cohen of Verdict Success. Thanks for being with us. We appreciate it.

COHEN: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: Bill?

HEMMER: Still to come here, we're watching that 9/11 investigation hearing under way on Capitol Hill. The participants have entered the room. There is a little bit of a statement being made at this point. Madeleine Albright, again, the first significant witness, expected at 9:30 Eastern Time, just a few short minutes away. And we'll get to that.

Also in a moment here, when is the right time to sell your home? Gerri Willis back to let you know about the edge that you need to know and the booming housing market.

Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Selling your house in the hot market should be an easy thing to do, but could other sellers steal your thunder? Gerri Willis is working for Andy Serwer, "Minding Your Business," also the author of "The Smart Money Guide to Real Estate Investing."

Nice to have you here. Welcome back. Let's talk about -- it's a seller's market, right?

GERRI WILLIS, FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: Oh, you bet.

HEMMER: Finding the best agent, you're saying what?

WILLIS: Well, you know, you want somebody who has a lot of experience. Here's the problem with what's going on right now: this is a huge second career for a lot of people. People have been jumping in because the market's red hot. Make sure that you have somebody who has experience in the neighborhood you're looking in.

HEMMER: I think that's pretty good advice. Always do the investigation first. You want to market your home, right?

WILLIS: Yes.

HEMMER: Renovations that don't cost you a fortune. What do you recommend?

WILLIS: The secret to marketing your home, everybody thinks it's the open house, right? But they sell only 2 percent of houses. That's not what you want to do.

You want an agent who is going to get you a multiple service listing. The MLS, big selling point for so many buyers who are looking at it online, checking out the houses. Easiest way to get sold.

And think about cheap and easy renovations. Curb appeal, number one. Make sure that door looks fabulous, make sure you've got flowers at the front door. Very simple.

Instead of doing the big kitchen reno that's going to cost $7,000. Spend $700 for a kitchen island. There are lots of short cuts out there. With the bathroom, for example, typical fix-up, $25,000. Instead, pay $500 to fix up those mirrors and fixtures.

HEMMER: Dry the basement?

WILLIS: Yes. You know, musty basement odor is a real turnoff for so many people. And, you know, one point people don't think about, cleaning up your closet space.

People, it's one of the first things they do is go through those closet. Ands if they're a mess, people think, hey, what else is wrong with this house?

HEMMER: Well, that takes a good Saturday or Sunday afternoon, doesn't it? Or maybe even a bit more than that.

WILLIS: It depends on your house.

HEMMER: Yes, that's right. On the same topic, Home Depot is getting into the online registry business. I would have assumed they were already in this part of the market.

WILLIS: Well, no. If you want to register for your wedding, instead of getting china, maybe even get hammer, maybe some nails, maybe some dry wall. Maybe that's what you're looking for.

HEMMER: They make lovely parting gifts.

WILLIS: Would you do that, Bill?

HEMMER: I think it's practical, yes. You know, you have a home and you want to fix it up. Pretty good bargains out there.

WILLIS: No Limoges china for you. You're just going to go right...

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: But the drill is what we're looking for. Markets, quickly, down yesterday.

WILLIS: Right, exactly. We've had a pretty difficult time in the markets lately, but looking better this morning. Looking better this morning, and we're expecting the markets to open higher.

HEMMER: I guess terrorism concerns again weighing heavily. Thank you, Gerri. Good to see you.

WILLIS: You bet.

HEMMER: Here's Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And Jack's got the "Question of the Day."

CAFFERTY: Thank you.

Beginning tomorrow, the Supreme Court of the United States is going to decide what the phrase "under god" means. The judges are going to hear a case brought by an atheist in California who doesn't want his daughter exposed to the phrase "under god" when saying the "Pledge of Allegiance." So the question today is: Do the words "under god" belong in the pledge?

Rustine in Wesley Chapel, Florida: "I am so tired of one person changing things that have been used for years by so many who hold it dear. If you don't believe in a supreme being, then keep your mouth shut when 'under god' is said during the pledge. Just another example of wasted time and money at taxpayers' expense over the ridiculous selfishness of one."

Pete in Columbus, Ohio, has a different view. "No, the pledge itself is patriotic brainwashing and should be eliminated in its entirety. Patriotism should develop based on a respect for the actions of the government. If there's little reason to be patriotic based on our government's bad behavior, so be it."

Meg in Omaha, Nebraska, writes: "I realize he's trying to protect has children from having Christianity shoved down their throats, but I wish he'd stop trying to shove his atheism down mine."

And Jim in Austin, Texas, writes on another topic: "Forget the higher authority issue. I want to know about the CNN furniture. Did that funky half-moon seat you all sit on so gingerly get a fresh covering? Looks like 150-thread count polyester drugstore sheets."

O'BRIEN: Plastic, actually.

CAFFERTY: "Come on, guys. You've got money. Splurge a little. Get some new furniture."

HEMMER: We are one table...

CAFFERTY: A man after my own heart.

O'BRIEN: First of all, it's plastic, and it's not very comfortable because you can't sit up, you have to sit back. It's horrible.

CAFFERTY: It's not comfortable. And it's ugly and it's awful.

HEMMER: And we are taking it to your basement this weekend.

CAFFERTY: Who in Atlanta could Jim write to register his complaint?

O'BRIEN: Let's forward that off for Jim.

CAFFERTY: Let's have a name.

O'BRIEN: All right. We'll take care of it. Still to come this morning...

CAFFERTY: You know all of the names, too, Hemmer. And you won't give one, will you?

HEMMER: Seven years, my friends.

O'BRIEN: May we move on? HEMMER: Yes.

O'BRIEN: The 9/11 Commission hearings are under way right now. We have a rare day as the top brass on the Hill has cabinet officers from both the Clinton and Bush administrations will be answering questions. A look at that's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.

Today, a big day in the investigation of the 9/11 attacks. The 9/11 Commission hearing testimony from top government officials. Opening statements going on right now, and we expect more coming up.

HEMMER: That we do. In a few minutes, Madeleine Albright, secretary, the former, will begin her testimony. After that, you'll get Colin Powell down there today, William Cohen, defense secretary, former, and Donald Rumsfeld as well. It is a significant today on Capitol Hill regarding this issue. So we'll cover it for you.

O'BRIEN: Let's get right to our top stories, though, first this morning.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a 7-year-old South Carolina boy. Word of that alert came in to CNN about a half an hour ago. The state law enforcement division issued the alert early this morning for Hunter Allen Thompson. Officials say he was abducted from a Kmart in Anderson, South Carolina, last night. Deputies say the little boy had gone to another part of the store while family members were shopping, but he was missing when they tried to find him.

Israelis' killing of Hamas' spiritual leader Shekih Ahmed Yassin is reverberating in Iraq as well. There are reports of injuries after a protest took place from 70 miles west of Baghdad. About a thousand people had gathered to protest Israel's killing of Yassin. There were reports of demonstrations in nearby Fallujah as well.

In one Oregon county, the (AUDIO GAP) to postpone issuing marriage licenses to everybody until the court rules on whether same- sex marriages in Oregon are legal. The ruling is expected some time before the end of April.

And the FDA wants new warning labels on some widely used antidepressants. The agency says doctors who prescribe the drugs need to watch patients closely for increasing depression and suicidal behavior. No clear evidence of a link yet, but the warnings were issued anyway. The FDA is asking the makers of 10 antidepressant drugs to add warning to their labels.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HEMMER: We're watching this picture from Capitol Hill now, where the hearing has begun. In a matter of moments, Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state, will be at that microphone, and we'll take you there live, also. Also scheduled to testify today, William Cohen, among others later this afternoon.

Earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING, I talked with the committee chairman, Thomas Kean, and the vice chair, Lee Hamilton, asking Governor Kean about the mission for this week's hearing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THOMAS KEAN, COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Our mission today is to hear from the highest levels of government in both the Clinton and the Bush administration to try and determine what the policy was, what the intelligence was, what the military capabilities were, and what decisions were made in a coordinated way that affected 9/11 leading up to that event.

HEMMER: By the time your hearings are over tomorrow afternoon, will you answer those questions?

KEAN: Yes. We're going to go a good way toward the answer to those questions because we'll have top policymakers in both administrations telling us what they thought and what they did.

HEMMER: Dr. Rice will not testify publicly, Representative Hamilton. But she will speak in private. Can you get a complete picture without her public testimony, sir?

HAMILTON: We think we will have a lot of information from Dr. Rice. She's been very good, very patient with the commission. She's given us four, maybe four-and-a-half-hours, and has said she's willing to come back.

We were hopeful that she would speak also publicly, but the White House saw fit not to have her testify publicly. We are disappointed in that because we think that the American people would benefit from hearing from her. But the administration will send Secretary Armitage here. He will be a good witness for the administration, and we look forward to hearing from him.

HEMMER: On a similar note there, there have been reports that the White House is grudgingly giving you information. Do you believe that to be the case? And has there been any sense of stonewalling from the White House?

HAMILTON: I personally do not accept the word "stonewalling." We've been dealing with some very difficult issues.

There's no doubt at all that the negotiations have slowed us down in getting the material that we wanted. That's one of the reasons we asked for an extension. But we have almost all of the documents we have requested. There may be a few not yet in our possession.

I don't know of any official witness that has not been available to us. This hearing today and tomorrow is, so far as I know, rather unique in the history of Washington with all of these big power players coming together in a matter of two days. So we've been slowed down. We've had conditions put on us sometimes that are a little too restrictive but, by and large, we're going to have the information we need to do the job.

HEMMER: Back to Governor Kean, if I could. Richard Clarke has a book out that has been the talk of Washington from my understanding, from my position here in New York, suggesting that the White House botched the war on terror. At this point in your investigation can you say whether or not that's the case?

KEAN No, and we shouldn't at this point because our investigation still has a number of months to run. We've taken over 15 hours of private testimony from Mr. Clarke. We've taken testimony from figures in this White House and the Clinton White House. We'll do more of that today.

We're not in shape to make a judgement yet. I recognize what Mr. Clarke is saying. He's got a book out there. But its too early for the commission to make a judgement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Thomas Kean, Lee Hamilton earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING.

A live picture now from inside that building. Michael Hurley (ph), a staff member for the 9/11 Commission, delivering his statement at this point. We are moments away from Madeleine Albright. We won't leave this picture for long. We'll get you there live when she sits down if front of that microphone.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, getting in shape without getting injured. The right way to get ready for summer sports season from Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

HEMMER: And good advice, too. That time of year.

How can Dennis Kucinich become president? He'll tell you, tongue planted firmly in cheek, in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)