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CNN Live Sunday

Political Battle Over Clarke's Testimony; Nature's Fury Felt Across Oklahoma

Aired March 28, 2004 - 11:00   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.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 11:00 a.m. in Boston, 10:00 a.m. in Oklahoma City, 9:00 a.m. in Denver. I'm Fredricka Whitfield, and this is CNN LIVE SUNDAY.
Ahead this hour, the political battle over the testimony of anti- terrorism expert Richard Clarke, and the continuing pressure for National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to testify publicly and under oath.

Later, nature's fury felt across Oklahoma. The latest on the storm and the likelihood another round of dangerous weather will hit today.

Also this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OSSIE DAVIS, ACTOR: It was here in Harlem, that we began to establish a sense of who we were as Americans. Who we were, now that we were no longer Africans, now that we were no longer slaves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Celebrating 70 years of the Apollo. A look at the key role the theater has played in the African-American community.

But first, a look at the top stories.

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is caught in the center of a bribery scandal. Now, a chief prosecutor officially recommends the prime minister be indicted in the case. We'll have a live report in a moment.

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Iraq was not a distraction from the war on terrorism. The secretary is countering claims from the former chief anti-terror adviser, Richard Clarke. Rumsfeld also says National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice is anxious to testify publicly before the 9/11 commission, but White House lawyers advise against it because it would erode executive department prerogatives.

Former Iraq leader, Saddam Hussein, has new legal representation. A French attorney known for representing notorious world figures said he will represent Saddam Hussein at any future trial. Saddam Hussein is still in coalition custody in Iraq, where he is being interrogated. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should be indicted, says his government's chief prosecutor. It's all about a bribery scandal in which Mr. Sharon allegedly took hundreds of thousands of dollars while he was foreign minister. CNN's Paula Hancocks has the story now, from Jerusalem.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A prime minister under pressure. Ariel Sharon refusing to acknowledge he could be indicted within a month for an alleged bribery scandal. Opposition politicians smell blood.

YOSSI BAILIN, CHAIRMAN, YEHAD PARTY: If there is a decision of the attorney general to indict the prime minister for bribery, there is no other option for him than to resign.

HANCOCKS: Even some members of his cabinet think if charged, he should step down, or at least step aside while the case proceeds.

The allegations surround a scandal dubbed the Greek Island affair. In the late 1990s, an Israeli businessman, David Appel, paid Sharon's son hundreds of thousands of dollars as an adviser on a property deal in Greece. Sharon himself was foreign minister at the time, and it's alleged he used his influence with the Greek government.

Israel's attorney general is due to decide within weeks whether to charge Sharon, and if he opts for indictment...

ZE'EV SEGAL, TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY: According to our former specific law, the prime minister will not have to resign until a conviction. But according to some judgments of our Supreme Court and of ministers, and according to public morals, the prime minister is expected to resign if he is indicted.

HANCOCKS: The attorney general will have to decide if there is sufficient evidence to create a reasonable chance of a conviction. One Likud party member suggests that is unlikely.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: In the last ten years, many senior Israeli politicians came under criminal investigation. And usually, there was nothing there. Usually, they were totally clear. Let's hope that this is the case in this case, as well.

HANCOCKS (on camera): The latest in a long list of controversy surrounding Sharon could not have come at a worse time. He's due to travel to Washington on April 14, to present his disengagement plan from Gaza to President George Bush. U.S. approval is essential, but could be harder to secure if Sharon is in political limbo.

Paula Hancocks, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: The official mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is over today, and the new Hamas leader has denounced both Israel and President Bush. Israel assassinated Yassin last Monday in a helicopter gunship attack. Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's government has defended the killing of Yassin and says it will whatever it takes to defend Israel. New Hamas leader Abdul Aziz Rantisi verbally attacked the U.S. for continuing to support Israel. He called President Bush, quote, "the enemy of god, the enemy of Islam, and the enemy of Muslims."

A deadly insurgent attack in Iraq has left a British civilian dead. It happened today in the northern city of Mosul. British official says two civilians were killed, one British, one unidentified. No details were given about the attack.

The third and final contingent of soldiers from Japan has arrived in Iraq. They plan to help with a humanitarian mission in the south. There are about 500 Japanese troops stationed in Iraq, all in a non- combat role.

And three U.S. soldiers were wounded in Baqubah, about 30 miles north of Baghdad. Their humvees were hit by explosions from roadside bombs.

Now, the fighting in Pakistan, aimed at rooting out Al Qaeda. In the town of Wana, near Afghanistan, local leaders released 11 captured Pakistani paramilitaries. The region was the scene of intense fighting between Pakistanis and local fighters believed to be defending Al Qaeda members. Pakistan's president calls the region a refuge for terrorists. He says they not be allowed to damage Pakistan.

The controversy over Richard Clarke's criticism of the president's terror efforts is nowhere near dying down. The former anti-terror adviser claims President Bush did not focus enough on terrorism before the September 11 attacks of 2001. High-level Republicans are attacking Clarke's credibility. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is defending Clarke, saying the White House is in, quote, "character assassination mode." Clarke still has plenty to say in his own defense.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD CLARKE, FORMER COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: When I said invading Iraq after 9/11 is like invading Mexico after Pearl Harbor, that didn't go over well. And I was quickly sidelined as someone whose opinions were going to be taken into account.

I'm not going to endorse John Kerry. That's what the White House wants me to do. They want to say I'm part of the Kerry campaign. I've already pledged, I'm not part of the Kerry campaign, and I will not serve in the Kerry administration.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Despite the harsh criticism from Clarke, the majority of Americans still support the terror policies of the president. A new "Newsweek" poll asked Americans, "How has Richard Clarke's testimony to the 9/11 commission affected your view of President Bush?" 65 percent of the respondents say it has had no effect. Only 17 percent of respondents say they now view Mr. Bush negatively. 10 percent say they now have a more positive view of the president.

Vice President Dick Cheney has added his voice to the administration's criticism of Richard Clarke, and CNN's Dana Bash is live from the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas, with more on that.

Dana?

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredricka, the vice president, the secretaries of state and defense, all out again. Really as part of the counteroffensive that has been going on now for more than a week against Richard Clarke. As we just saw he, again, is out on the airwaves today. That is Richard Clarke. Not only hitting back at the White House, or at least continuing his criticism of the White House, of not being well-prepared for September 11 and the terrorist attacks of that day, but also trying to hit back against what he says is the character assassination that they're waging against him, saying that the White House is selectively releasing some of his e-mails and not releasing others that he said might make his point, that he was trying to, he says, raise the issue and raise the point that the Bush administration was not paying enough attention to Al Qaeda. But he also said that any suggestion that he is doing this for personal gain or for politics is just wrong.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CLARKE: It's about Dick Clarke, and it's about his motivation. When really, this is what the White House is trying to get you and others to do, is to focus on me. I'll answer the question, Tim. But I want to point out, again, that this is about the president's job on the war on terrorism. This is about how going into the Iraq hurt the war on terrorism. This is not about Dick Clarke. Dick Clarke's not running for office.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: But Bush officials are still making the case that what they think Richard Clarke is doing is essentially trying to sell books. The vice president telling "Time" magazine, quote, "He's taken advantage of the circumstances this week to promote himself and his book. I don't know the guy well. I have had some dealings with him over the years, but judging based on what I've seen, I don't hold him in high regard."

And that is what we are hearing from the White House. And again, the secretaries of state and defense out this morning. Later today, this evening, on "60 Minutes," the same program that Richard Clarke appeared on last week, we'll hear from the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, who, of course, is under fire for not going before the 9/11 commission and testifying in public.

Fredricka?

WHITFIELD: And Dana, then, how is the White House justifying her presence on the "60 Minutes" program and not before the public under oath during the hearings?

BASH: What they say is that they do want her to respond. Some of the criticism coming from Richard Clarke has not only been generally about the way the administration handled it. But there has been some criticism directed at Dr. Condoleezza Rice about her handling of the situation, even questioning the fact that she didn't hold the proper meetings in and around the days leading up to 9/11.

So, what the White House wants to do is have her come out in a very public way and respond to those. But they are still saying, with regard to doing in public under oath, is not appropriate for her to do so, because, they say, it is an executive privilege issue. She is an aide to the president and it would set a bad precedent for her to go under oath in front of a body that is created by Congress. They're saying for legal reasons, it's just not going to happen at this point.

WHITFIELD: Dana Bash in Crawford, Texas, thanks very much.

We'll hear from the man at the center of the controversy next hour on CNN. Judy Woodruff speaks to Richard Clarke on "LATE EDITION," starting at noon eastern.

The future of space travel is getting a lift from 1950s technology. After the break, why this B-52's precious cargo has NASA breathing a sigh of relief.

Plus this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: We know a lot more about them now than we did then. We know the systems better. We know the human responses better.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Lessons learned from a near nuclear disaster. How the nation has changed since Three Mile Island.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, NASA is celebrating its latest success, getting a jet to fly at roughly 5,000 miles per hour. The unpiloted jet was attached to a rocket that was dropped from this B-52 bomber. The unmanned jet flight lasted only 11 seconds. The test, however though, is for technology that is decades away from deployment. If the tests work, it could allow rocket-speed travel. The third test of the X43A rocket could happen as early as this fall.

It's 25 years to the day since the worst commercial nuclear accident in the United States. The events at Three Mile Island in central Pennsylvania were a watershed for the nuclear power industry and for Americans who suddenly had reason to doubt the safety of these facilities. CNN's Daryn Kagan takes a look back for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DARYN KAGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was a national nightmare on a small island in central Pennsylvania. There were new and terrifying phrases. "Core meltdown," "coolant leaks," "radiation plumes." Finally, it took a presidential visit to reassure the nation.

JIMMY CARTER, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (1979): All those who are involved here who are highly qualified tell me that the reactor core is indeed stable.

KAGAN: After Three Mile Island, Americans took a hard look at the nuclear future. Protests spread. Dozens of plants were canceled. And no new plant licenses have been granted since. Anti-nuclear activist Paul Gunter says that Three Mile Island turned nuclear energy from a growing to a dying industry. But even he admits it's not dead yet.

PAUL GUNTER, DIRECTOR, NUCLEAR WATCHDOG PROJECT: Here's the deal. I've been fighting this, you know, for over 30 years now. It's certainly a struggle that is similar to trying to drive a stake through a vampire's heart.

KAGAN: In fact, nuclear power output has risen steadily, going from 11 to 20 percent of our national electrical power supply, as plants already under construction came on-line, and existing plants grew more efficient.

ANGIE HOWARD, NUCLEAR ENERGY INSTITUTE: That's one of every five homes and businesses receiving power from nuclear energy. And it does so safely. It does so cleanly. It does so economically and reliably.

KAGAN: There is no better example of this than at Three Mile Island, where, right next to the infamous Reactor Two, mothballed at a cost of a billion dollars, TMI-1 is setting records for electrical production. There are still incidents. The Davis Bessie nuclear power plant came close to failure in 2002. But the chairman of the nuclear regulatory commission says today's improved safety record reflects the lessons learned back in 1979.

DR. NILS J. DIAZ, CHAIRMAN, NRC: They are safer than TMI. They're safer than TMI because we know a lot more about them than we did then. We know the systems better. We know the human responses better. We have actually established better regulatory systems and better operating systems.

KAGAN: Critics admit that the industry has learned from experience, but warn against complacency.

DAVID LOCHBAUM, NUCLEAR ENGINEER, UNION CONCERNED SCIENTISTS: We're having plants getting older. Equipment getting older. Safety margins being challenged in a time we're cutting back on safety tests and inspections.

KAGAN: Others point at the failure to solve the problem of how to store nuclear waste. A planned depository at Yucca Mountain won't open until 2010 at the earliest.

GUNTER: The legacy of nuclear waste is a timeless legacy that will outlive the last watt of electricity coming from these facilities.

KAGAN: And despite increased security, Gunter warns nuclear plants remain an ideal terrorist target.

But in a world where blackouts are unacceptable, increased nuclear power is a key part of the U.S. energy plan. Despite government encouragement, there are no new plants on the drawing board yet.

Daryn Kagan, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma. We'll have the spectacular pictures after a short break.

Plus, Mickey does something he hasn't done in two years. Be prepared to pay more for that family vacation.

And still to come, celebrating a launch pad for scores of music legends.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Excited a little bit? About a storm system that spawned tornadoes across parts of Oklahoma on Saturday. The storms touched down in remote, unpopulated areas, thankfully, and caused very little damage and no reports of injuries. But people in the area are still on edge. Not those guys. More storms that could spawn tornadoes are predicted today.

Boy, I think those guys are a little excited.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: We should probably point out, if it's not obvious enough, they weren't screaming for their lives. They were screaming because they're excited to actually see one of those things.

WHITFIELD: It's become a sport, you know.

MARCIANO: It is, in a crazy sort of way. We could see a couple more of those today. But not quite as bad.

WHITFIELD: Good.

MARCIANO: We start you off on the radar imagery. We'll show you where the storms are. Most have been dumping heavy amounts or rain across the area, especially Oklahoma and Kansas throughout the day today. Slowly moving to the east. St. Louis under the gun, as far as rainfall. Go west of St. Louis, towards Jefferson City and Columbia, where they've already seen a tremendous amount of rain. You continue to see that rain. There's going to be issues with flooding. Ahead of the system, it's very warm. It will feel that way in Chicago, eventually cooling down tomorrow. More rain expected in the plains. Cooler across the northeast.

Brazil -- mentioned this the past couple days, hit by a hurricane. We'll fly down there. According to the satellite imagery, looks like a hurricane. It made its way on-shore, 50-mile-per-hour to 60-mile-per-hour winds and heavy rain. They don't see that down here very often, even though it's pretty warm. Rain across the plains and cool across the northeast. And warm for you in southern California.

Fred, back over to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks a lot, Rob.

Come rain or shine, a visit to Mickey and Minnie is going to cost you a bit more. Starting today the price of admission to Disneyland and Disney World is increasing. You'll have to pay $49.75, that's a jump of $2.75, in Disneyland. And Disney World will be over $50. Disney says the higher price reflects the cost of investments.

So much more ahead at the bottom of the hour on "RELIABLE SOURCES." Here's Howard Kurtz with a preview.

HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, "RELIABLE SOURCES": Coming up, first Jason Blair. Now "USA Today's" Jack Kelly caught fabricating stories. Is it too easy for reporters, especially foreign correspondents, to fake it?

Al Franken and a new liberal radio network are taking on the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity. Do they have a prayer?

Plus, the White House media war against Richard Clarke. That and more ahead, on "RELIABLE SOURCES."

WHITFIELD: 70 years ago, at a small theater in Harlem, it opened its doors. And it forever helped change American music. After the break, honoring Apollo's legacy and staying power.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's show time at the Apollo. New York's world- famous theater is celebrating its 70th anniversary. A star-studded benefit tonight will pay tribute tonight to theater's musical heritage. CNN's Adaora Udoji has more from Harlem on the history of the theater where stars are born and legends made.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From the beginning, the Apollo Theater catapulted young unknowns to stardom. The legend, beginning with the life of Ella Fitzgerald, who brought down the house in 1934.

OSSIE DAVIS, ACTOR: Oh, my God, how many times did I go to heaven sitting in those seats out there, how many times? UDOJI: Celebrated artist Ossie Davis began his pilgrimages in 1939. He recalls electrifying performances that inspired new dreams. The theater became a focal point nation-wide, the first time African- Americans performed for African-American audiences, both in the seats and on radio.

DAVIS: There was this beautiful man, Willie Bryant, who was the MC at that time. And it seems to me, as I remember now, that Willie's job was to convert us from country hicks and rubes, whoever we were, wherever we come from, into people who, at the flick of a finger were on top of the heap.

UDOJI: Never before had the door opened so widely for the country to experience treasures few realized it had. The tap-dancing wonders of the Nicholas brothers, the Hines brothers, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Lena Horn and so many others.

DAVIS: It was here in Harlem, that we began to establish a sense of who we were as Americans. Who we were, now that we were no longer Africans, now that we were no longer slaves.

UDOJI: But like all great blues singers, the theater has had its share of troubles.

CHRISTOPHER MOORE, THE SCHOMBURG CENTER: It persevered through the turmoil in the 30s and 40s, and also the 60s, some of the financial problems in the 70s. But it hasn't closed down; it just persevered, which is really part of Harlem, itself.

UDOJI: Its fans have never forgotten. Nearly half a million visit the theater every year, making it one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions. The performers still come, the names are just different. Chris Rock, Tom Jones, already famous before they got here.

UDOJI (on camera): And these streets, where the Apollo has outlived its original neighbors, have also changed. Today, among others, there are Starbucks and Disney stores. But still, if you listen closely, you can almost hear the voices of the past.

Adaora Udoji, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Still much more ahead on CNN SUNDAY. "RELIABLE SOURCES" is next, on the debut, this week, of liberal talk radio with comedian Al Franken and others.

At noon eastern is "LATE EDITION." Judy Woodruff is in the chair today, and one of Judy's guests is Richard Clarke.

At 2:00 eastern, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS," today profiling Janet Jackson and Kobe Bryant.

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


Aired March 28, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 11:00 a.m. in Boston, 10:00 a.m. in Oklahoma City, 9:00 a.m. in Denver. I'm Fredricka Whitfield, and this is CNN LIVE SUNDAY.
Ahead this hour, the political battle over the testimony of anti- terrorism expert Richard Clarke, and the continuing pressure for National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to testify publicly and under oath.

Later, nature's fury felt across Oklahoma. The latest on the storm and the likelihood another round of dangerous weather will hit today.

Also this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OSSIE DAVIS, ACTOR: It was here in Harlem, that we began to establish a sense of who we were as Americans. Who we were, now that we were no longer Africans, now that we were no longer slaves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Celebrating 70 years of the Apollo. A look at the key role the theater has played in the African-American community.

But first, a look at the top stories.

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is caught in the center of a bribery scandal. Now, a chief prosecutor officially recommends the prime minister be indicted in the case. We'll have a live report in a moment.

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Iraq was not a distraction from the war on terrorism. The secretary is countering claims from the former chief anti-terror adviser, Richard Clarke. Rumsfeld also says National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice is anxious to testify publicly before the 9/11 commission, but White House lawyers advise against it because it would erode executive department prerogatives.

Former Iraq leader, Saddam Hussein, has new legal representation. A French attorney known for representing notorious world figures said he will represent Saddam Hussein at any future trial. Saddam Hussein is still in coalition custody in Iraq, where he is being interrogated. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should be indicted, says his government's chief prosecutor. It's all about a bribery scandal in which Mr. Sharon allegedly took hundreds of thousands of dollars while he was foreign minister. CNN's Paula Hancocks has the story now, from Jerusalem.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A prime minister under pressure. Ariel Sharon refusing to acknowledge he could be indicted within a month for an alleged bribery scandal. Opposition politicians smell blood.

YOSSI BAILIN, CHAIRMAN, YEHAD PARTY: If there is a decision of the attorney general to indict the prime minister for bribery, there is no other option for him than to resign.

HANCOCKS: Even some members of his cabinet think if charged, he should step down, or at least step aside while the case proceeds.

The allegations surround a scandal dubbed the Greek Island affair. In the late 1990s, an Israeli businessman, David Appel, paid Sharon's son hundreds of thousands of dollars as an adviser on a property deal in Greece. Sharon himself was foreign minister at the time, and it's alleged he used his influence with the Greek government.

Israel's attorney general is due to decide within weeks whether to charge Sharon, and if he opts for indictment...

ZE'EV SEGAL, TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY: According to our former specific law, the prime minister will not have to resign until a conviction. But according to some judgments of our Supreme Court and of ministers, and according to public morals, the prime minister is expected to resign if he is indicted.

HANCOCKS: The attorney general will have to decide if there is sufficient evidence to create a reasonable chance of a conviction. One Likud party member suggests that is unlikely.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: In the last ten years, many senior Israeli politicians came under criminal investigation. And usually, there was nothing there. Usually, they were totally clear. Let's hope that this is the case in this case, as well.

HANCOCKS (on camera): The latest in a long list of controversy surrounding Sharon could not have come at a worse time. He's due to travel to Washington on April 14, to present his disengagement plan from Gaza to President George Bush. U.S. approval is essential, but could be harder to secure if Sharon is in political limbo.

Paula Hancocks, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: The official mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is over today, and the new Hamas leader has denounced both Israel and President Bush. Israel assassinated Yassin last Monday in a helicopter gunship attack. Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's government has defended the killing of Yassin and says it will whatever it takes to defend Israel. New Hamas leader Abdul Aziz Rantisi verbally attacked the U.S. for continuing to support Israel. He called President Bush, quote, "the enemy of god, the enemy of Islam, and the enemy of Muslims."

A deadly insurgent attack in Iraq has left a British civilian dead. It happened today in the northern city of Mosul. British official says two civilians were killed, one British, one unidentified. No details were given about the attack.

The third and final contingent of soldiers from Japan has arrived in Iraq. They plan to help with a humanitarian mission in the south. There are about 500 Japanese troops stationed in Iraq, all in a non- combat role.

And three U.S. soldiers were wounded in Baqubah, about 30 miles north of Baghdad. Their humvees were hit by explosions from roadside bombs.

Now, the fighting in Pakistan, aimed at rooting out Al Qaeda. In the town of Wana, near Afghanistan, local leaders released 11 captured Pakistani paramilitaries. The region was the scene of intense fighting between Pakistanis and local fighters believed to be defending Al Qaeda members. Pakistan's president calls the region a refuge for terrorists. He says they not be allowed to damage Pakistan.

The controversy over Richard Clarke's criticism of the president's terror efforts is nowhere near dying down. The former anti-terror adviser claims President Bush did not focus enough on terrorism before the September 11 attacks of 2001. High-level Republicans are attacking Clarke's credibility. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is defending Clarke, saying the White House is in, quote, "character assassination mode." Clarke still has plenty to say in his own defense.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD CLARKE, FORMER COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: When I said invading Iraq after 9/11 is like invading Mexico after Pearl Harbor, that didn't go over well. And I was quickly sidelined as someone whose opinions were going to be taken into account.

I'm not going to endorse John Kerry. That's what the White House wants me to do. They want to say I'm part of the Kerry campaign. I've already pledged, I'm not part of the Kerry campaign, and I will not serve in the Kerry administration.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Despite the harsh criticism from Clarke, the majority of Americans still support the terror policies of the president. A new "Newsweek" poll asked Americans, "How has Richard Clarke's testimony to the 9/11 commission affected your view of President Bush?" 65 percent of the respondents say it has had no effect. Only 17 percent of respondents say they now view Mr. Bush negatively. 10 percent say they now have a more positive view of the president.

Vice President Dick Cheney has added his voice to the administration's criticism of Richard Clarke, and CNN's Dana Bash is live from the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas, with more on that.

Dana?

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredricka, the vice president, the secretaries of state and defense, all out again. Really as part of the counteroffensive that has been going on now for more than a week against Richard Clarke. As we just saw he, again, is out on the airwaves today. That is Richard Clarke. Not only hitting back at the White House, or at least continuing his criticism of the White House, of not being well-prepared for September 11 and the terrorist attacks of that day, but also trying to hit back against what he says is the character assassination that they're waging against him, saying that the White House is selectively releasing some of his e-mails and not releasing others that he said might make his point, that he was trying to, he says, raise the issue and raise the point that the Bush administration was not paying enough attention to Al Qaeda. But he also said that any suggestion that he is doing this for personal gain or for politics is just wrong.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CLARKE: It's about Dick Clarke, and it's about his motivation. When really, this is what the White House is trying to get you and others to do, is to focus on me. I'll answer the question, Tim. But I want to point out, again, that this is about the president's job on the war on terrorism. This is about how going into the Iraq hurt the war on terrorism. This is not about Dick Clarke. Dick Clarke's not running for office.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: But Bush officials are still making the case that what they think Richard Clarke is doing is essentially trying to sell books. The vice president telling "Time" magazine, quote, "He's taken advantage of the circumstances this week to promote himself and his book. I don't know the guy well. I have had some dealings with him over the years, but judging based on what I've seen, I don't hold him in high regard."

And that is what we are hearing from the White House. And again, the secretaries of state and defense out this morning. Later today, this evening, on "60 Minutes," the same program that Richard Clarke appeared on last week, we'll hear from the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, who, of course, is under fire for not going before the 9/11 commission and testifying in public.

Fredricka?

WHITFIELD: And Dana, then, how is the White House justifying her presence on the "60 Minutes" program and not before the public under oath during the hearings?

BASH: What they say is that they do want her to respond. Some of the criticism coming from Richard Clarke has not only been generally about the way the administration handled it. But there has been some criticism directed at Dr. Condoleezza Rice about her handling of the situation, even questioning the fact that she didn't hold the proper meetings in and around the days leading up to 9/11.

So, what the White House wants to do is have her come out in a very public way and respond to those. But they are still saying, with regard to doing in public under oath, is not appropriate for her to do so, because, they say, it is an executive privilege issue. She is an aide to the president and it would set a bad precedent for her to go under oath in front of a body that is created by Congress. They're saying for legal reasons, it's just not going to happen at this point.

WHITFIELD: Dana Bash in Crawford, Texas, thanks very much.

We'll hear from the man at the center of the controversy next hour on CNN. Judy Woodruff speaks to Richard Clarke on "LATE EDITION," starting at noon eastern.

The future of space travel is getting a lift from 1950s technology. After the break, why this B-52's precious cargo has NASA breathing a sigh of relief.

Plus this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: We know a lot more about them now than we did then. We know the systems better. We know the human responses better.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Lessons learned from a near nuclear disaster. How the nation has changed since Three Mile Island.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, NASA is celebrating its latest success, getting a jet to fly at roughly 5,000 miles per hour. The unpiloted jet was attached to a rocket that was dropped from this B-52 bomber. The unmanned jet flight lasted only 11 seconds. The test, however though, is for technology that is decades away from deployment. If the tests work, it could allow rocket-speed travel. The third test of the X43A rocket could happen as early as this fall.

It's 25 years to the day since the worst commercial nuclear accident in the United States. The events at Three Mile Island in central Pennsylvania were a watershed for the nuclear power industry and for Americans who suddenly had reason to doubt the safety of these facilities. CNN's Daryn Kagan takes a look back for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DARYN KAGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was a national nightmare on a small island in central Pennsylvania. There were new and terrifying phrases. "Core meltdown," "coolant leaks," "radiation plumes." Finally, it took a presidential visit to reassure the nation.

JIMMY CARTER, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (1979): All those who are involved here who are highly qualified tell me that the reactor core is indeed stable.

KAGAN: After Three Mile Island, Americans took a hard look at the nuclear future. Protests spread. Dozens of plants were canceled. And no new plant licenses have been granted since. Anti-nuclear activist Paul Gunter says that Three Mile Island turned nuclear energy from a growing to a dying industry. But even he admits it's not dead yet.

PAUL GUNTER, DIRECTOR, NUCLEAR WATCHDOG PROJECT: Here's the deal. I've been fighting this, you know, for over 30 years now. It's certainly a struggle that is similar to trying to drive a stake through a vampire's heart.

KAGAN: In fact, nuclear power output has risen steadily, going from 11 to 20 percent of our national electrical power supply, as plants already under construction came on-line, and existing plants grew more efficient.

ANGIE HOWARD, NUCLEAR ENERGY INSTITUTE: That's one of every five homes and businesses receiving power from nuclear energy. And it does so safely. It does so cleanly. It does so economically and reliably.

KAGAN: There is no better example of this than at Three Mile Island, where, right next to the infamous Reactor Two, mothballed at a cost of a billion dollars, TMI-1 is setting records for electrical production. There are still incidents. The Davis Bessie nuclear power plant came close to failure in 2002. But the chairman of the nuclear regulatory commission says today's improved safety record reflects the lessons learned back in 1979.

DR. NILS J. DIAZ, CHAIRMAN, NRC: They are safer than TMI. They're safer than TMI because we know a lot more about them than we did then. We know the systems better. We know the human responses better. We have actually established better regulatory systems and better operating systems.

KAGAN: Critics admit that the industry has learned from experience, but warn against complacency.

DAVID LOCHBAUM, NUCLEAR ENGINEER, UNION CONCERNED SCIENTISTS: We're having plants getting older. Equipment getting older. Safety margins being challenged in a time we're cutting back on safety tests and inspections.

KAGAN: Others point at the failure to solve the problem of how to store nuclear waste. A planned depository at Yucca Mountain won't open until 2010 at the earliest.

GUNTER: The legacy of nuclear waste is a timeless legacy that will outlive the last watt of electricity coming from these facilities.

KAGAN: And despite increased security, Gunter warns nuclear plants remain an ideal terrorist target.

But in a world where blackouts are unacceptable, increased nuclear power is a key part of the U.S. energy plan. Despite government encouragement, there are no new plants on the drawing board yet.

Daryn Kagan, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma. We'll have the spectacular pictures after a short break.

Plus, Mickey does something he hasn't done in two years. Be prepared to pay more for that family vacation.

And still to come, celebrating a launch pad for scores of music legends.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Excited a little bit? About a storm system that spawned tornadoes across parts of Oklahoma on Saturday. The storms touched down in remote, unpopulated areas, thankfully, and caused very little damage and no reports of injuries. But people in the area are still on edge. Not those guys. More storms that could spawn tornadoes are predicted today.

Boy, I think those guys are a little excited.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: We should probably point out, if it's not obvious enough, they weren't screaming for their lives. They were screaming because they're excited to actually see one of those things.

WHITFIELD: It's become a sport, you know.

MARCIANO: It is, in a crazy sort of way. We could see a couple more of those today. But not quite as bad.

WHITFIELD: Good.

MARCIANO: We start you off on the radar imagery. We'll show you where the storms are. Most have been dumping heavy amounts or rain across the area, especially Oklahoma and Kansas throughout the day today. Slowly moving to the east. St. Louis under the gun, as far as rainfall. Go west of St. Louis, towards Jefferson City and Columbia, where they've already seen a tremendous amount of rain. You continue to see that rain. There's going to be issues with flooding. Ahead of the system, it's very warm. It will feel that way in Chicago, eventually cooling down tomorrow. More rain expected in the plains. Cooler across the northeast.

Brazil -- mentioned this the past couple days, hit by a hurricane. We'll fly down there. According to the satellite imagery, looks like a hurricane. It made its way on-shore, 50-mile-per-hour to 60-mile-per-hour winds and heavy rain. They don't see that down here very often, even though it's pretty warm. Rain across the plains and cool across the northeast. And warm for you in southern California.

Fred, back over to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks a lot, Rob.

Come rain or shine, a visit to Mickey and Minnie is going to cost you a bit more. Starting today the price of admission to Disneyland and Disney World is increasing. You'll have to pay $49.75, that's a jump of $2.75, in Disneyland. And Disney World will be over $50. Disney says the higher price reflects the cost of investments.

So much more ahead at the bottom of the hour on "RELIABLE SOURCES." Here's Howard Kurtz with a preview.

HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, "RELIABLE SOURCES": Coming up, first Jason Blair. Now "USA Today's" Jack Kelly caught fabricating stories. Is it too easy for reporters, especially foreign correspondents, to fake it?

Al Franken and a new liberal radio network are taking on the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity. Do they have a prayer?

Plus, the White House media war against Richard Clarke. That and more ahead, on "RELIABLE SOURCES."

WHITFIELD: 70 years ago, at a small theater in Harlem, it opened its doors. And it forever helped change American music. After the break, honoring Apollo's legacy and staying power.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's show time at the Apollo. New York's world- famous theater is celebrating its 70th anniversary. A star-studded benefit tonight will pay tribute tonight to theater's musical heritage. CNN's Adaora Udoji has more from Harlem on the history of the theater where stars are born and legends made.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From the beginning, the Apollo Theater catapulted young unknowns to stardom. The legend, beginning with the life of Ella Fitzgerald, who brought down the house in 1934.

OSSIE DAVIS, ACTOR: Oh, my God, how many times did I go to heaven sitting in those seats out there, how many times? UDOJI: Celebrated artist Ossie Davis began his pilgrimages in 1939. He recalls electrifying performances that inspired new dreams. The theater became a focal point nation-wide, the first time African- Americans performed for African-American audiences, both in the seats and on radio.

DAVIS: There was this beautiful man, Willie Bryant, who was the MC at that time. And it seems to me, as I remember now, that Willie's job was to convert us from country hicks and rubes, whoever we were, wherever we come from, into people who, at the flick of a finger were on top of the heap.

UDOJI: Never before had the door opened so widely for the country to experience treasures few realized it had. The tap-dancing wonders of the Nicholas brothers, the Hines brothers, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Lena Horn and so many others.

DAVIS: It was here in Harlem, that we began to establish a sense of who we were as Americans. Who we were, now that we were no longer Africans, now that we were no longer slaves.

UDOJI: But like all great blues singers, the theater has had its share of troubles.

CHRISTOPHER MOORE, THE SCHOMBURG CENTER: It persevered through the turmoil in the 30s and 40s, and also the 60s, some of the financial problems in the 70s. But it hasn't closed down; it just persevered, which is really part of Harlem, itself.

UDOJI: Its fans have never forgotten. Nearly half a million visit the theater every year, making it one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions. The performers still come, the names are just different. Chris Rock, Tom Jones, already famous before they got here.

UDOJI (on camera): And these streets, where the Apollo has outlived its original neighbors, have also changed. Today, among others, there are Starbucks and Disney stores. But still, if you listen closely, you can almost hear the voices of the past.

Adaora Udoji, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Still much more ahead on CNN SUNDAY. "RELIABLE SOURCES" is next, on the debut, this week, of liberal talk radio with comedian Al Franken and others.

At noon eastern is "LATE EDITION." Judy Woodruff is in the chair today, and one of Judy's guests is Richard Clarke.

At 2:00 eastern, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS," today profiling Janet Jackson and Kobe Bryant.

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