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CNN Live Today

9/11 Commission to Turn Focus to FBI, Secrecy That Shut Down Communications Within Agency, Other Branches of Government

Aired April 12, 2004 - 10:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Turning now to the 9/11 Commission. That 9/11 Commission will turn its focus to the FBI and the secrecy that shut down communications both within the agency and with other branches of government. Attorney General John Ashcroft and his predecessor, Janet Reno, are among those expected to testify. Those hearings resume tomorrow. Our national correspondent Bob Franken looks ahead to tomorrow's hearing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The matters addressed in this next set of hearings are among the most fundamental for this Commission -- how did the law enforcement and intelligence agencies there to protect the United States fail to protect the United States on September 11?

There will be some new revelations. There will be some new twists and turns.

FRANKEN: The testimony will come from those at the heart of the war on terrorism -- attorneys general present and prior; FBI directors current and past; and the CIA director, the same one for this administration and the previous one.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: If anything might have helped stop 9/11, it would have been better information about threats inside the United States, something made very difficult by structural and legal impediments that prevented the collection and sharing of information by our law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

FRANKEN: Translation -- the agencies were too tangled in bureaucracy and regulation to share information, essential information, such as a memo from an FBI agent in Arizona warning of the possibility of a large group of Osama bin Laden followers taking flight lessons in the United States. It was sent two months before the attacks and ignored.

And, information about people suspected of being terrorists evading detection in the U.S.

SEN. BOB GRAHAM (D-FL), INTELLIGENCE CHAIRMAN: All of those organizations, the Department of Justice, the FBI, the CIA have a share of the responsibility and at one point or the other in this process could have interdicted the plot. FRANKEN (on camera): That is still being debated. But the leaders of those agencies will be given the chance to explain. There will be tough questions with no easy answers.

Bob Franken, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We are heading to the pumps. Just Ahead, Does the high price of gasoline have you down? There might be some relief in sight. We'll take you live to the New York Auto Show for details on that.

Plus, what a way to end the drought. Phil Mickelson takes it all at the Master's. A live update from Augusta when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: This is the part of the program where we like to take a look at some stories happening "Across America."

In San Diego, the medical examiner's office has ruled that the elderly parents of Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators say the couples who were in their early 80s apparently didn't open the fireplace flue and the toxic fumes from the fire filled their home. "Weird Al" Yankovic is known for his parodies of popular songs.

North Carolina homecoming from the war in Iraq. Some 200 airmen returned to Pope Air Force Base after spending as much as a year overseas. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Reservists who were supposed to return yesterday did not. Their deployment with the 846th Transportation Company has now been extended because of the increasing violence in Iraq.

He sold the shirt off his back and all of his other worldly possessions to bet on a single spin of the roulette wheel. It paid off for a 32-year-old Brit. He doubled his $135,000 by correctly choosing red. He says it wasn't desperation, but opportunity that drove him to the all-or-nothing gamble.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASHLEY REVELL, ALL-OR-NOTHING GAMBLER: The only reason I could do this is because of my family, my mom, my dad and my friends. I knew that if I lost, they would always be there and they would be able to look after me so, you know, it's because of them I can do this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Yes, but his father, by the way, says that he advised his son against making the move, and he says he's still against it, despite the lucky outcome.

Just how high will it go? We're talking about the crazy gas prices, and manic drivers across the country are asking about the still rising price of gasoline. In the last two weeks alone, gas prices rose on average 2 1/2 cents a gallon. So the new high, $1.79 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Worst, experts say those prices are only going higher. But what about the poor folks in San Diego? They are paying the most. $2.22 a gallon. Tulsa Oklahoma has the cheapest prices, at $1.59.

Motorist who are fuming about the pumped up price of gas may decide to go to electric. We can go to the New York International Auto Show to check out lots of hype on hybrids, those highly fuel- efficient cars that run on electricity and gasoline.

Our Fred Katayama is at the car show, and he joins us with a preview of the offerings.

Fred, good morning.

FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Yes, hybrids are among the 30 new vehicles that are debuting here at the New York International Auto Show, the nation's largest. Grabbing the spotlight, hybrid vehicles, they're those ones that help you save on gas and also are very low in terms of emissions, one that environmentalists love.

Let's take a look at the innards of a Lexus. This is the traditional combustion engine that's in every car, the one driven by gas. Look over to the right, that's where you see an electric motor that's being powered by a battery. This is what takes over when you're driving at slow speeds in the city. It saves you gas.

Now, what's new about these hybrids this year is that we're starting to see bigger, brawnier and classier versions of hybrids. You're no longer relegated to the tiny Prius that Cameron Diaz drives out in Hollywood. Ford is coming out with the Escape, the 1st hybrid SUV of its kinds. We're also seeing the very first luxury hybrid. This is the Lexus, the Lexus RX-400H, and what sets this vehicle apart from other hybrids, it does not sacrifice on performance, gives 20 percent more horsepower than the conventional RX-330. And what's more its' 30 percent more fuel efficient, getting about 36 miles per gallon in the city.

Now if you're in the mood for a pickup instead, well, Dodge is coming out with the Ram later on this year.

There's only one drawbacks to hybrids right now, and that is price. They're roughly about 4,000 dollars more than the price of your non-hybrid car -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes, but the way gas prices are going, it will take you about a week to make up that difference.

KATAYAMA: Yes, yes. And they're going to make more people want to buy these cars.

KAGAN: One thing I've learned, there is a difference between a hybrid and a completely electric car.

KATAYAMA: Right. See, Hybrid cars still rely on gasoline. So when you're driving at fast speeds, the gasoline part takes over. And what's interesting is, you actually save more money driving in the city on a hybrid than you do on a conventional car, because you're using the electric motor, whereas with those gas-powered vehicles you and I drive, it's all gas.

KAGAN: Fred Katayama, in New York, thanks for a look at the new cars.

Someone who is just running on pure joy, Phil Mickelson. Did you see his day yesterday at the Masters? Larry Smith got to do that, and he is going to brings us more on, what was this, the 47th try overall for Phil Mickelson at a golf major.

Hey, Larry.

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn, yes, one for 47, not good odds, but he'll take it. He's still wearing that green jacket today, I'm sure. And coming up, I'll tell you the inspiration behind his huge break-through victory.

Let's go back to you.

KAGAN: Thank you, Larry, look forward to that, the happy story of the day, no doubt.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is it his time? Yes! At long last!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Can you see that video too many times? I don't think so. It's the putt that started a dream, left-handed golfer Phil Mickelson finally gets it right, winning the Masters yesterday, a long wait for a major win. Larry Smith of CNN Sports joins us live from Augusta, Georgia. The Masters is amazing. Sunday at Augusta is amazing. Yesterday, one of the top Sundays ever.

SMITH: No question, and what an emotional week, too, when you look at Tom Watson's caddy, Bruce Edwards, dying after a long battle with ALS, Thursday morning, Arnold Palmer saying goodbye on Friday after 50 Masters, and Phil Mickelson coming through with such a dramatic win. But you know, it was like the boy who cried wolf. So many times, we've seen Phil Mickelson contention in the final round of a major, but failed to make the shots to get the victory. But not this time. The 33-year-old draining five birdies down the stretch, including that dramatic putt on 18, to erase those demons in the past, and finally get that coveted Masters green jacket. Twelve years and 47 majors since he turned pro and finally grabs that elusive brass ring.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHIL MICKELSON, MASTERS WINNER: To have it be such a difficult journey to win my first major makes it that much more special, sweeter, and it feels awesome.

My first thought was I did it, you know, I finally did it. I knew I could, but I finally did it.

I had a different feeling playing this week. I had a different feeling entering this tournament. I just had a real belief that I was going to come through this week.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: You know, Ernie Els is the guy who was waiting in case Mickelson missed that putt. It would have forced a playoff between the two. Even he said later, after his phenomenal round, when he was looking for his first Masters win, and fourth major title overall. He said later that, simply, Phil hit the shots to win it, and so hats off to him.

One other thing, Daryn, Mickelson's grandfather died in January, at age 97, and he told him before he passed away that this would be his year, and certainly, so far, it is.

KAGAN: Well, and one thing that Phil Mickelson definitely talked about, and you could see yesterday, was his family around him and the importance of family, and just the story of him just really sticking to it. When you take his amateur career and his professional career, as we were saying, as it's going to that story, this is his 47th try at a major. This is a man who certainly has shown he can win a number of times on tour, but to get the monkey off his back is key. I'm sure it's not going to be the last major win we see from Phil Mickelson.

SMITH: No, and that's the thing, too. You knew at some point, it was going to come through. He's just too good of a golfer. Now his 23rd win overall, first major win. It's the first time now that we've ever had six consecutive first-time major winners. When you go back to PGA in 2002, when Rich Beam won it. Phil Mickelson, though, certainly, you would think there are many more majors in his bag before he's done, only 33 years old.

KAGAN: Yes, and it was neat to see a lefty to lefty. Mike Weir, last year's champ, a left-hander, giving it to another left-hander this year. Hey, what about Tiger? What is up with his game?

SMITH: Yes, Tiger Woods, that is the big question right now. Everyone feels, again, he still is the best golfer in the world, but he just didn't make the shots this weekend. Saturday was his worst round ever as a pro. At the Masters, a 75, never got it going on Sunday. Now seven majors in a row without a win for him, and so you're going to the U.S. open in June, and the questions will be, will Tiger be able to put it together in time? We'll wait and see.

KAGAN: All right, and probably, lucky you, will be there seeing it in person.

SMITH: I hope so.

KAGAN: Larry Smith, from a rainy Augusta, Georgia, thank you.

SMITH: Well, speaking of the weather, storms ripped through Texas over the weekend, a look at that damage. Also a forecast and a live weather update, when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Looking at the aftermath of a violent storm system in Texas over the weekend. In Houston, high winds tore the roofs off of apartment buildings, and baseball-sized hail battered the city and suburbs. Rain flooded many low areas, and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour left several store fronts hard hit and some 85,000 people without electrical power. No injuries, though, were reported. More rain is expected today.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

KAGAN: Want to take our viewers now to a news conference. It's a spilt news conference. We have General John Abizaid, General Sanchez in Baghdad. The reporters are at the Pentagon asking questions. Let's listen in.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

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 April 12, 2004 - 10:34   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Turning now to the 9/11 Commission. That 9/11 Commission will turn its focus to the FBI and the secrecy that shut down communications both within the agency and with other branches of government. Attorney General John Ashcroft and his predecessor, Janet Reno, are among those expected to testify. Those hearings resume tomorrow. Our national correspondent Bob Franken looks ahead to tomorrow's hearing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The matters addressed in this next set of hearings are among the most fundamental for this Commission -- how did the law enforcement and intelligence agencies there to protect the United States fail to protect the United States on September 11?

There will be some new revelations. There will be some new twists and turns.

FRANKEN: The testimony will come from those at the heart of the war on terrorism -- attorneys general present and prior; FBI directors current and past; and the CIA director, the same one for this administration and the previous one.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: If anything might have helped stop 9/11, it would have been better information about threats inside the United States, something made very difficult by structural and legal impediments that prevented the collection and sharing of information by our law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

FRANKEN: Translation -- the agencies were too tangled in bureaucracy and regulation to share information, essential information, such as a memo from an FBI agent in Arizona warning of the possibility of a large group of Osama bin Laden followers taking flight lessons in the United States. It was sent two months before the attacks and ignored.

And, information about people suspected of being terrorists evading detection in the U.S.

SEN. BOB GRAHAM (D-FL), INTELLIGENCE CHAIRMAN: All of those organizations, the Department of Justice, the FBI, the CIA have a share of the responsibility and at one point or the other in this process could have interdicted the plot. FRANKEN (on camera): That is still being debated. But the leaders of those agencies will be given the chance to explain. There will be tough questions with no easy answers.

Bob Franken, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We are heading to the pumps. Just Ahead, Does the high price of gasoline have you down? There might be some relief in sight. We'll take you live to the New York Auto Show for details on that.

Plus, what a way to end the drought. Phil Mickelson takes it all at the Master's. A live update from Augusta when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: This is the part of the program where we like to take a look at some stories happening "Across America."

In San Diego, the medical examiner's office has ruled that the elderly parents of Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators say the couples who were in their early 80s apparently didn't open the fireplace flue and the toxic fumes from the fire filled their home. "Weird Al" Yankovic is known for his parodies of popular songs.

North Carolina homecoming from the war in Iraq. Some 200 airmen returned to Pope Air Force Base after spending as much as a year overseas. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Reservists who were supposed to return yesterday did not. Their deployment with the 846th Transportation Company has now been extended because of the increasing violence in Iraq.

He sold the shirt off his back and all of his other worldly possessions to bet on a single spin of the roulette wheel. It paid off for a 32-year-old Brit. He doubled his $135,000 by correctly choosing red. He says it wasn't desperation, but opportunity that drove him to the all-or-nothing gamble.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASHLEY REVELL, ALL-OR-NOTHING GAMBLER: The only reason I could do this is because of my family, my mom, my dad and my friends. I knew that if I lost, they would always be there and they would be able to look after me so, you know, it's because of them I can do this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Yes, but his father, by the way, says that he advised his son against making the move, and he says he's still against it, despite the lucky outcome.

Just how high will it go? We're talking about the crazy gas prices, and manic drivers across the country are asking about the still rising price of gasoline. In the last two weeks alone, gas prices rose on average 2 1/2 cents a gallon. So the new high, $1.79 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Worst, experts say those prices are only going higher. But what about the poor folks in San Diego? They are paying the most. $2.22 a gallon. Tulsa Oklahoma has the cheapest prices, at $1.59.

Motorist who are fuming about the pumped up price of gas may decide to go to electric. We can go to the New York International Auto Show to check out lots of hype on hybrids, those highly fuel- efficient cars that run on electricity and gasoline.

Our Fred Katayama is at the car show, and he joins us with a preview of the offerings.

Fred, good morning.

FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Yes, hybrids are among the 30 new vehicles that are debuting here at the New York International Auto Show, the nation's largest. Grabbing the spotlight, hybrid vehicles, they're those ones that help you save on gas and also are very low in terms of emissions, one that environmentalists love.

Let's take a look at the innards of a Lexus. This is the traditional combustion engine that's in every car, the one driven by gas. Look over to the right, that's where you see an electric motor that's being powered by a battery. This is what takes over when you're driving at slow speeds in the city. It saves you gas.

Now, what's new about these hybrids this year is that we're starting to see bigger, brawnier and classier versions of hybrids. You're no longer relegated to the tiny Prius that Cameron Diaz drives out in Hollywood. Ford is coming out with the Escape, the 1st hybrid SUV of its kinds. We're also seeing the very first luxury hybrid. This is the Lexus, the Lexus RX-400H, and what sets this vehicle apart from other hybrids, it does not sacrifice on performance, gives 20 percent more horsepower than the conventional RX-330. And what's more its' 30 percent more fuel efficient, getting about 36 miles per gallon in the city.

Now if you're in the mood for a pickup instead, well, Dodge is coming out with the Ram later on this year.

There's only one drawbacks to hybrids right now, and that is price. They're roughly about 4,000 dollars more than the price of your non-hybrid car -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes, but the way gas prices are going, it will take you about a week to make up that difference.

KATAYAMA: Yes, yes. And they're going to make more people want to buy these cars.

KAGAN: One thing I've learned, there is a difference between a hybrid and a completely electric car.

KATAYAMA: Right. See, Hybrid cars still rely on gasoline. So when you're driving at fast speeds, the gasoline part takes over. And what's interesting is, you actually save more money driving in the city on a hybrid than you do on a conventional car, because you're using the electric motor, whereas with those gas-powered vehicles you and I drive, it's all gas.

KAGAN: Fred Katayama, in New York, thanks for a look at the new cars.

Someone who is just running on pure joy, Phil Mickelson. Did you see his day yesterday at the Masters? Larry Smith got to do that, and he is going to brings us more on, what was this, the 47th try overall for Phil Mickelson at a golf major.

Hey, Larry.

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn, yes, one for 47, not good odds, but he'll take it. He's still wearing that green jacket today, I'm sure. And coming up, I'll tell you the inspiration behind his huge break-through victory.

Let's go back to you.

KAGAN: Thank you, Larry, look forward to that, the happy story of the day, no doubt.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is it his time? Yes! At long last!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Can you see that video too many times? I don't think so. It's the putt that started a dream, left-handed golfer Phil Mickelson finally gets it right, winning the Masters yesterday, a long wait for a major win. Larry Smith of CNN Sports joins us live from Augusta, Georgia. The Masters is amazing. Sunday at Augusta is amazing. Yesterday, one of the top Sundays ever.

SMITH: No question, and what an emotional week, too, when you look at Tom Watson's caddy, Bruce Edwards, dying after a long battle with ALS, Thursday morning, Arnold Palmer saying goodbye on Friday after 50 Masters, and Phil Mickelson coming through with such a dramatic win. But you know, it was like the boy who cried wolf. So many times, we've seen Phil Mickelson contention in the final round of a major, but failed to make the shots to get the victory. But not this time. The 33-year-old draining five birdies down the stretch, including that dramatic putt on 18, to erase those demons in the past, and finally get that coveted Masters green jacket. Twelve years and 47 majors since he turned pro and finally grabs that elusive brass ring.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHIL MICKELSON, MASTERS WINNER: To have it be such a difficult journey to win my first major makes it that much more special, sweeter, and it feels awesome.

My first thought was I did it, you know, I finally did it. I knew I could, but I finally did it.

I had a different feeling playing this week. I had a different feeling entering this tournament. I just had a real belief that I was going to come through this week.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: You know, Ernie Els is the guy who was waiting in case Mickelson missed that putt. It would have forced a playoff between the two. Even he said later, after his phenomenal round, when he was looking for his first Masters win, and fourth major title overall. He said later that, simply, Phil hit the shots to win it, and so hats off to him.

One other thing, Daryn, Mickelson's grandfather died in January, at age 97, and he told him before he passed away that this would be his year, and certainly, so far, it is.

KAGAN: Well, and one thing that Phil Mickelson definitely talked about, and you could see yesterday, was his family around him and the importance of family, and just the story of him just really sticking to it. When you take his amateur career and his professional career, as we were saying, as it's going to that story, this is his 47th try at a major. This is a man who certainly has shown he can win a number of times on tour, but to get the monkey off his back is key. I'm sure it's not going to be the last major win we see from Phil Mickelson.

SMITH: No, and that's the thing, too. You knew at some point, it was going to come through. He's just too good of a golfer. Now his 23rd win overall, first major win. It's the first time now that we've ever had six consecutive first-time major winners. When you go back to PGA in 2002, when Rich Beam won it. Phil Mickelson, though, certainly, you would think there are many more majors in his bag before he's done, only 33 years old.

KAGAN: Yes, and it was neat to see a lefty to lefty. Mike Weir, last year's champ, a left-hander, giving it to another left-hander this year. Hey, what about Tiger? What is up with his game?

SMITH: Yes, Tiger Woods, that is the big question right now. Everyone feels, again, he still is the best golfer in the world, but he just didn't make the shots this weekend. Saturday was his worst round ever as a pro. At the Masters, a 75, never got it going on Sunday. Now seven majors in a row without a win for him, and so you're going to the U.S. open in June, and the questions will be, will Tiger be able to put it together in time? We'll wait and see.

KAGAN: All right, and probably, lucky you, will be there seeing it in person.

SMITH: I hope so.

KAGAN: Larry Smith, from a rainy Augusta, Georgia, thank you.

SMITH: Well, speaking of the weather, storms ripped through Texas over the weekend, a look at that damage. Also a forecast and a live weather update, when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Looking at the aftermath of a violent storm system in Texas over the weekend. In Houston, high winds tore the roofs off of apartment buildings, and baseball-sized hail battered the city and suburbs. Rain flooded many low areas, and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour left several store fronts hard hit and some 85,000 people without electrical power. No injuries, though, were reported. More rain is expected today.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

KAGAN: Want to take our viewers now to a news conference. It's a spilt news conference. We have General John Abizaid, General Sanchez in Baghdad. The reporters are at the Pentagon asking questions. Let's listen in.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

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