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American Morning
Interview With Mark Kimmitt, Dan Senor
Aired May 19, 2004 - 07:00 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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: An American soldier pleading guilty to abuse after a fast moving day of military justice in Baghdad.
The man Democrats blame for a loss in the last election, Ralph Nader, meeting face-to-face today with John Kerry.
Randy Johnson is perfect this morning.
All ahead this morning on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, welcome everybody.
It's been a very, very busy news morning. Lots to cover on the court martial of Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits.
Also we're going to talk with two of his friends from his hometown in Pennsylvania this morning.
And we've got Rudy Giuliani going before the 9/11 Commission.
In Washington, some of the top U.S. commanders from Iraq are going to testify on prisoner abuse, so a lot to talk about this morning.
HEMMER: Yes, those hearings running right along side of each other, so we'll watch both of them closely for you.
More also on that dramatic rescue operation on Mount Rainier in the state of Washington. A tragic story. Two experienced climbers went up the mountain together, but only one man came back alive. We'll talk to the rangers involved in that rescue this morning.
O'BRIEN: Yes, a sad story because, of course, they were happy they were going to save one but of course they lost the other -- it is really sad.
Jack Cafferty, good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.
It's a knee jerk reaction. When there's a problem, the first thing politicians tend to do is look around for somebody to blame. That way when they're asked about it, they can deflect attention away from themselves. We have a classic example of that coming up in a few minutes.
HEMMER: All right.
O'BRIEN: All right, Jack, thank you very much. Looking forward to that. Let's get right to our top stories first this morning.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, as we mentioned, appears before the 9/11 Commission as the second day of hearings here in New York City gets under way later this morning.
Yesterday, former police and fire department commissioners took some heat from the 9/11 panel member John Lehman.
He said the communication system used by rescue officials remains a scandal two and a half years after the attacks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN LEHMAN, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: It's not worthy of the Boy Scouts, let alone this great city. It's a scandal that you, as the emergency preparedness manager, did not have line authority to select and find the best technologies of radios and dictate what would be procured to solve these problems.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerick told the panel he believed rescue officials and workers did the best they could.
Today's hearing is set to begin about 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry sits down today for a much-anticipated meeting with Independent candidate Ralph Nader.
Nader's camp is making it clear that Nader will not lead the race but will talk instead about issues that he and Senator Kerry have in common for the good of the American people.
Ralph Nader is on the ballot in at least seven states, including Florida.
In New York, the lights on Broadway were dimmed last night in memory of actor Tony Randall.
Randall starred on stage and the screen and was perhaps best known for his television role as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." He won an Emmy for the show's last season.
Tony Randall died in his sleep on Monday night due to complications from a prolonged illness. He was 84-years-old.
In sports, Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Randy Johnson becomes the oldest player to throw a perfect game. Johnson, who is 40-years-old, finished with 13 strikeouts when the Diamondbacks beat the Atlanta Braves two to nothing. It was the 17th perfect game in Major League history.
HEMMER: Forty years young.
O'BRIEN: It's sort of sad when 40 is considered really old in the game.
HEMMER: Listen, 40 is the new 21. Haven't you heard?
O'BRIEN: Apparently so.
HEMMER: Good for Randy Johnson.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Let's start this morning with a legal proceeding stemming from the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.
Already today in Baghdad, in fact a short time ago, a military judge found Specialist Jeremy Sivits guilty on all charges against him.
Earlier, as expected, Sivits pleaded guilty to three of those four charges, including maltreatment of detainees and dereliction of duty. Last week it was reported that Sivits was cooperating, his testimony expected to be used in other scandal prosecutions.
Three other soldiers, Staff Sargent Ivan "Chip" Frederick, Sargent Javal Davis, and Specialist Charles Graner did not enter pleas today at their arraignments. All three want access to two witnesses, apparently prisoners, who were allegedly abused at the prison west of Baghdad.
Their next hearing set for the 21st of June. Earlier today, in fact an hour ago, I talked with Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt and Dan Senor live in Baghdad.
In an abrupt about face, the military threw the doors of this trial open to the media.
General Kimmitt explains why.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEP. DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS U.S. ARMY: Our primary effort was to have a fair, impartial trial for U.S. Sivits, and that's our primary concern and nothing is going to get in the way of that.
But if we also have a collateral effect of showing the people in this country a fair, impartial judicial system, we believe that that will go far away in demonstrating to the people that yes, these pictures did happen, yes, these acts did happen, but we are taking the right corrective action to investigate, to prosecute, and to bring to trial those accused of these crimes.
HEMMER: General, as you stand there today in Baghdad, can you say with confidence that this is only confined to a handful of soldiers, only confined to a handful of detainees, only confined to one cellblock in Abu Ghraib Prison going back to last fall?
KIMMITT: No, I can't say that, because we have a third investigation going on, as you know, the Major General Fay investigation, and he is taking a much broader look at military intelligence activities in the intelligence activities.
HEMMER: How concerned then are you that this could go further up the chain of command?
KIMMITT: We're not concerned at all. We're going to let these investigations carry out and whatever the investigations determine, they determine.
HEMMER: You're not concerned at all if it goes to the higher levels of the military operating in Baghdad or even tracing it back to the Pentagon?
KIMMITT: Well, I think it's important that we do the investigations and we see what those investigations bear out. I am firmly convinced that it is not -- does not go all the way up to much higher levels here in Baghdad or to the Pentagon, but I think I'll wait and see what the facts of the investigation bear out.
HEMMER: To Dan Senor if I could.
A "Wall Street Journal" report today, and other reports, as well, indicating that the Red Cross warned the U.S. back in the fall of last year, in fact in the month of November about abuse at that prison largely ignored until about January.
Two months later. Is that a fact based on the reporting back here in the U.S.?
DAN SENOR, SR. ADVISER TO COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY: Bill, I haven't seen the report you're referring to.
I can tell you as far as Ambassador Bremer is concerned and Ambassador Jones, who is Ambassador Bremer's deputy in running the Coalition Provisional Authority, they met, or Ambassador Jones met, with the International -- ICRC in January.
By the time they had met it, was to get an update on the report that addressed some of the issues that were addressed in the investigation that was announced by the CJF7 (ph), by the Coalition Military around that same period.
So we really didn't have any advance notice on this particular matter.
HEMMER: There is also a discussion in Washington saying the number of hearings is distracting from the war effort. Do you believe that's the case? Based on your command in Baghdad in central command being sent back to Washington? SENOR: You know, Bill, I haven't heard that, but I will tell you this. I think that it is important for Iraqis and the Arab world to see American democracy, American justice, American accountability at work.
And I don't want to get drawn into a discussion too many hearings, too few hearings. I'm just not close enough to it. But I can tell you that I've heard from a number of Iraqis that they've seen a few things in great clarity since this Abu Ghraib situation really came to light.
One they've seen these hearings go on where American officials are held accountable by their own government. They've seen the President of the United States go before the press, go before the Arab press, and express outrage and talk about how the sensibilities of most Americans have been offended.
And today they're seeing this trial go on here and they will see more of them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Dan Senor and Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt earlier today in Baghdad. Live coverage later today here on CNN, the abuse scandal hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Generals Abizaid, Miller and Sanchez will be there live. We will too at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: This morning's guilty plea by Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits has not shaken supporters from his hometown of Hyman (ph), Pennsylvania.
One of his closest friends, Jamey Ringler and a family friend, the former mayor, Thomas Cunningham, join us this morning from Hyman.
Gentlemen, good morning. Thanks for joining us. We certainly appreciate it.
Jamey, let's begin with you if we can. Specialist Sivits as you now know has plead guilty to three charges. What's your reaction to that this morning?
JAMEY RINGLER, FRIEND OF SOLDIER FOUND GUILTY OF PRISONER ABUSE: I was told that he's been lead to these allegations and all and I just -- I don't know how to react. It's hard to understand. A lot of things don't add up. A lot of things don't add up.
O'BRIEN: Mr. Mayor, how about you? It seems like Jamey's at a loss for words to how to describe his reaction this morning.
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, FAMILY FRIEND OF SOLDIER FOUND GUILTY OF PRISONER ABUSE: Jamey's not at a loss for words. We're all at a loss for words.
We're going to follow this thing all the way through and our main objective will be depending on the sentencing as to what to do will depend on that angle there.
O'BRIEN: I've got to imagine for both of you this has to be something that you're struggling with to explain Jeremy's involvement. I mean, now he has plead guilty. How do you deal with that, Mr. Mayor? I mean, how do you -- how do you come to terms with that?
CUNNINGHAM: Personally, I feel that he has been coerced to -- into saying what he has said. I truly feel that. He didn't leave here in -- with an attitude that would perpetrate such action.
O'BRIEN: Can I ask you for a little clarification. When you say coerced, you mean coerced into his guilty plea, or do you mean coerced into some of the actions that we have seen photographs of?
CUNNINGHAM: I think both -- both. I think he was told to do the action and to the best of my knowledge his action was taking pictures only. I don't think he was in the physical perpetration of the actions toward the detainees.
O'BRIEN: So then sir you don't think he's guilty. You think he was coerced into his guilty plea; you think he is actually innocent in spite of what he says?
CUNNINGHAM: Yes, I do. I truly do. Because that wasn't his demeanor.
O'BRIEN: And how about you, Jamey? You were the best man at his wedding, you know him very well, you're a long time friend. How do you explain the involvement that Jeremy Sivits says that he had in this scandal?
RINGLER: Well I know Jeremy from coaching him. I feel he done what he was told to do so in a sense he is telling the truth by saying that yes he did take these pictures.
But you don't know what they told him in the military. You know they could have told him you take these pictures or you don't know what they told him. So I just feel he's following orders.
O'BRIEN: What's been the reaction in town? Still support for Jeremy Sivits in spite of his plea?
RINGLER: Oh, yes.
CUNNINGHAM: All the way.
O'BRIEN: Interesting.
Mr. Mayor and Jamey as well, thanks gentleman. Appreciate your time this morning.
CUNNINGHAM: Thank you.
RINGLER: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: Bill. HEMMER: About 12 minutes past the hour now, back to Jack and the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: Thank you, William.
The gasoline prices, as you know, are record highs and Democrats are pouring gasoline on the debate over those soaring prices, accusing the White House of failing to take action to stabilize the market ahead of the heaving summer travel season.
We begin here now with a report from Tom Foreman.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOM FOREMAN, CNN: Spiraling gas prices are hammering consumers nationwide and not just on the roadways. Shipping companies, retailers, airlines, almost every corner of the economy is seeing costs rise.
A new survey by the national retail federation finds one-third of Americans ready to trim summer travel. In Washington, Senate Democrats are blaming White House policies and demanding relief.
SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D) NEW YORK: We call on the White House to step up, do what is right for Americans everywhere and send a signal to OPEC that they can't keep their hands around our neck.
FOREMAN: For those Democrats the issue is the Department of Energy's build up since 9/11 of the strategic petroleum reserve, a vast oil supply that is set aside for national emergencies.
The Bush administration insists releasing part of that supply will do little good for consumers and a lot to damage national security.
SPENCER ABRAHAM, ENERGY SECRETARY: The reserve is not there just simply to try to change prices.
FOREMAN: Analysts for the oil industry say the main cause of high gas prices is overseas. The rapidly expanding world economy, especially in China and India is increasing global demand for oil.
Add to that the turmoil in the Middle East, which creates fear about an interruption in supply and prices take off.
For now, consumers can only cope. Gasbuddy.com, a Web site that helps people find cheaper gas is getting a half-million users a day and as AAA releases its summer travel predictions.
SANDRA HINCHER (PH), AAA: We're saying that more people are going to travel, but they're going to alter their plans slightly.
FOREMAN: Taking shorter trips, using more fuel efficient vehicles, and even with that, paying dearly to hit the road.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)
CAFFERTY: And of course the White House says its all Congress' fault for not passing a comprehensive energy plan.
Congress, of course, is controlled by the same Party that controls the White House.
The question is this: who is to blame for record high gas prices? So many things to chose from. E-mail us at am@cnn.com.
HEMMER: A, B, C, D, E, F.
CAFFERTY: We've got a list of 97 potential problems but zero solutions. Isn't that amazing?
HEMMER: $2.33 here in Manhattan for the cheap stuff.
CAFFERTY: Yes?
HEMMER: Fill her up.
CAFFERTY: You buy the cheap stuff?
HEMMER: Sure.
CAFFERTY: OK. I thought you bought the expensive...
HEMMER: You've known me for a couple of years...
CAFFERTY: You drive an SUV, right?
HEMMER: I have a Jeep.
CAFFERTY: SUV. Yes. You need that here in New York City to get around?
HEMMER: If there's ever a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I'm here for you, baby, all right?
CAFFERTY: In case we get snowed in?
HEMMER: Isn't that a softball. See you, Jack.
In a moment here, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani testifying today before the 9/11 Commission.
He'll talk about the emergency response the day of the attacks. What does the panel hope to learn from him?
We'll talk to a member of that Commission live in New York.
O'BRIEN: And a stranded climber rescued by helicopter 12,000 feet up a mountain. But his rescue tinged with sadness. The commander of the mission that saved him is our guest up next. HEMMER: Also in a moment would you trade in your spouse? A whole new angle on reality television. "90-Second Pop" takes a shot at it a bit later this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: A daring rescue on an Oregon mountainside. A 60-year- old man rescued yesterday after plunging 30 feet into a crevasse.
This on Mount Hood. Jeffrey (ph) Godfrey was climbing with a friend when he slipped. The two were not roped together. Godfrey will be OK they say though he suffered broken facial bones and hypothermia. He is now recovering in a hospital in Portland, Oregon.
O'BRIEN: A climber rescued from Washington's Mount Rainier yesterday is said to be in good condition after his ordeal but his climbing companion did not make it.
Peter Cooley and Scott Richards were stranded for four days more than 12,000 feet up the mountain. Cooley had been severely injured in a fall and died during the helicopter flight to a hospital.
Mike Gauthier a commander of the dramatic rescue mission joins us this morning from Ashford, Washington. Nice to see you; thanks for being with us.
MIKE GAUTHIER, CHIEF CLIMBING RANGER, MT. RAINIER: Good morning.
O'BRIEN: Some people, I think, are so shocked because Peter Cooley of course was described as a seasoned climber. Give me some details about what exactly happened on that mountain that led in the end to his fall and his death.
GAUTHIER: Peter and Scott began to climb and were a couple of days out by Saturday morning. They were leading base camp, making good time; things had been good for them on Friday. They had made good time to the base camp, had plenty of rest.
The climbing was going great. I spoke with Scott about it. They were as you described firing up the ridge. Peter had asked to take the lead shortly before the accident occurred and Scott was giving him a billet -- a billet is a climbers way of securing another climber to the mountain in case of a fall.
As Peter led out, he -- Scott observed him tripping, basically. He must have stumbled somehow and he took the fall and Scott caught him but he had fallen over a small cliff and severely injured his head and was knocked unconscious.
O'BRIEN: Well, Scott has said that he melted snow and was able to drip some of that melted snow into Peter's mouth while they were waiting the four days to -- for the rescue.
What else did he do to try to save his partner?
GAUTHIER: You know, initially a lot happened. He had to not only stop him from falling off the mountain but secure him to the mountainside.
Peter came to consciousness but never really gained full consciousness of his situation per se.
He had to dig into a tent platform on the side of the mountain to steep slope, steep ice below rock, up to 12,000 feet. Get Peter into the tent. And basically keep him as stable as possible, warm and dry.
Peter was unable to talk or communicate at all so to prevent him from being dehydrated we recommended that he pour water into rags as you describe it and drip it into his mouth and, quite frankly, we also encouraged Scott and just continually providing positive messages to Peter, uncertain of what he was really understanding, but encouraging him all the way and we were sharing messages from family and friends of Scott over the phone during our phone calls from time to time.
O'BRIEN: And I know that Peter's family has said in the wake of their son's death that they were so grateful that really Scott did every single thing he possibly could.
Peter's aunt, Krissi Walker, said this. She said she told him to please give up mountain climbing. You're just getting to that point where you've been so lucky and nothing's ever happened, but luck runs out.
How unusual in fact are accidents like this with experienced climbers involved?
GAUTHIER: You know, every year we average roughly two to three fatalities on Rainier and it does happen from time to time. Out of 10,000 climbers it's a rather low accident rate.
You know, it's difficult to predict when it's going to occur. Certainly people have a lifetime of climbing without hap.
I think Peter was described to me -- unfortunately I didn't get to meet him personally -- but certainly can feel how incredible a person he was from the descriptions of his friends and family.
I think he truly just had a slip on the mountain. It's not uncommon. I myself have nearly fallen in climbing situations before and sometimes you're fortunate enough to not have that tragic accident.
I really think that Scott should be absolutely commended for his outstanding effort. I don't think Peter could have been with anybody better.
When you're climbing there's a rope that ties you and there's a certain strength and bond to that rope and you work through a lot of issues with the climber. It's not like a day in the office where you have just a couple of hours together.
You're in a tent, you're cooking together, you're eating together, you're struggling through adverse conditions together and it really tries your spirit but you build incredible bonds and Peter and Scott definitely had that bond.
I'm very sad for Peter's family and the Park Service is sorry but we're concerned about Scott too. He's pretty shaken up.
O'BRIEN: Well, Mark Gauthier, the commander of the Mount Rainier rescue. Thanks for talking with us this morning not only about Peter and Scott but also your team as well that pulled off that rescue -- we appreciate it.
HEMMER: Soledad, in a moment here Specialist Jeremy Sivits found guilty. Military justice coming quickly today in Iraq.
Also, Alan Greenspan set to make history. Andy explains that when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Watching the House of Commons today this just into us here at CNN -- watch closely in this videotape.
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is speaking in the regular Wednesday question and answer session when something is thrown behind him.
It appears to be some sort of powder or some sort of dust or something. Roll the videotape and watch behind the British Prime Minister as this happens.
Again, only moments ago Parliament was interrupted not quite sure what it was or why this happened.
But it's certainly something that caught our attention and clearly it caught the attention of most people in London today. We'll follow and let you know what we find out and what's happening there in the House of Parliament moments ago. Now Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Let's talk business now. Phone service in fact could be hit in some major states. Thousands of workers don't get their way, plus Alan Greenspan gets the call yet once again.
Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business" this morning. Let's start with phone service. Good morning.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Good morning to you. I hope that wasn't a shoe, by the way, going by Tony Blair's head.
O'BRIEN: It looked like powder. You know you could see the white dust coming from behind him.
SERWER: Yes, very strange. Workers at SBC, the nation's second largest local phone company after Verizon may go on strike within hours, Soledad.
Fifty-five million access lines SBC has in 13 states, a lot of the biggies: California, Texas, Illinois, Michigan -- job security at issue here we're hearing a lot about voice over the Internet phone service. Workers there concerned about that.
SBC saying service will not be interrupted if this happens. You got to figure those service calls if you have an appointment, that may get interrupted.
Meanwhile, let's go to Washington, D.C. where yesterday President Bush nominated Alan Greenspan, 78-year-old to a fifth four year term as the Fed Chairman.
He first was nominated go all the way back to 1987, Soledad, Ronald Regan.
Now, because of the rules at the Fed, he may only serve until 2006 because that's when his appointment as a member of the Fed board expires but that we'll have to see about that.
And here's a trivia question. He has served for 16 years and nine months but he is not the longest serving Fed chairman, Bill and Soledad. Who would that be?
There you go. How about William McChesney. Actually not that long ago, from 1951 to 1970. He served -- there you go -- he served for 18 years and nine months.
So, interestingly, if he only serves to 2006 he will not be the longest serving. If he does the full four years then he will be.
HEMMER: Any reason he would not do this?
SERWER: Health is one reason, for instance. He would be 80 at that point, but I think he wants to keep going.
HEMMER: Markets are up yesterday. We'll get to that again when we talk again.
SERWER: Good futures this morning.
O'BRIEN: Andy, thank you very much. Still ahead this morning a much awaited sequel with some famous voices.
"Shrek II," a controversial network TV debut, and "American Idol" gets set to crown a new queen -- oh, I just can't wait.
Our "90-Second Pop" just ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired May 19, 2004 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: An American soldier pleading guilty to abuse after a fast moving day of military justice in Baghdad.
The man Democrats blame for a loss in the last election, Ralph Nader, meeting face-to-face today with John Kerry.
Randy Johnson is perfect this morning.
All ahead this morning on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, welcome everybody.
It's been a very, very busy news morning. Lots to cover on the court martial of Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits.
Also we're going to talk with two of his friends from his hometown in Pennsylvania this morning.
And we've got Rudy Giuliani going before the 9/11 Commission.
In Washington, some of the top U.S. commanders from Iraq are going to testify on prisoner abuse, so a lot to talk about this morning.
HEMMER: Yes, those hearings running right along side of each other, so we'll watch both of them closely for you.
More also on that dramatic rescue operation on Mount Rainier in the state of Washington. A tragic story. Two experienced climbers went up the mountain together, but only one man came back alive. We'll talk to the rangers involved in that rescue this morning.
O'BRIEN: Yes, a sad story because, of course, they were happy they were going to save one but of course they lost the other -- it is really sad.
Jack Cafferty, good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.
It's a knee jerk reaction. When there's a problem, the first thing politicians tend to do is look around for somebody to blame. That way when they're asked about it, they can deflect attention away from themselves. We have a classic example of that coming up in a few minutes.
HEMMER: All right.
O'BRIEN: All right, Jack, thank you very much. Looking forward to that. Let's get right to our top stories first this morning.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, as we mentioned, appears before the 9/11 Commission as the second day of hearings here in New York City gets under way later this morning.
Yesterday, former police and fire department commissioners took some heat from the 9/11 panel member John Lehman.
He said the communication system used by rescue officials remains a scandal two and a half years after the attacks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN LEHMAN, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: It's not worthy of the Boy Scouts, let alone this great city. It's a scandal that you, as the emergency preparedness manager, did not have line authority to select and find the best technologies of radios and dictate what would be procured to solve these problems.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerick told the panel he believed rescue officials and workers did the best they could.
Today's hearing is set to begin about 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry sits down today for a much-anticipated meeting with Independent candidate Ralph Nader.
Nader's camp is making it clear that Nader will not lead the race but will talk instead about issues that he and Senator Kerry have in common for the good of the American people.
Ralph Nader is on the ballot in at least seven states, including Florida.
In New York, the lights on Broadway were dimmed last night in memory of actor Tony Randall.
Randall starred on stage and the screen and was perhaps best known for his television role as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." He won an Emmy for the show's last season.
Tony Randall died in his sleep on Monday night due to complications from a prolonged illness. He was 84-years-old.
In sports, Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Randy Johnson becomes the oldest player to throw a perfect game. Johnson, who is 40-years-old, finished with 13 strikeouts when the Diamondbacks beat the Atlanta Braves two to nothing. It was the 17th perfect game in Major League history.
HEMMER: Forty years young.
O'BRIEN: It's sort of sad when 40 is considered really old in the game.
HEMMER: Listen, 40 is the new 21. Haven't you heard?
O'BRIEN: Apparently so.
HEMMER: Good for Randy Johnson.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Let's start this morning with a legal proceeding stemming from the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.
Already today in Baghdad, in fact a short time ago, a military judge found Specialist Jeremy Sivits guilty on all charges against him.
Earlier, as expected, Sivits pleaded guilty to three of those four charges, including maltreatment of detainees and dereliction of duty. Last week it was reported that Sivits was cooperating, his testimony expected to be used in other scandal prosecutions.
Three other soldiers, Staff Sargent Ivan "Chip" Frederick, Sargent Javal Davis, and Specialist Charles Graner did not enter pleas today at their arraignments. All three want access to two witnesses, apparently prisoners, who were allegedly abused at the prison west of Baghdad.
Their next hearing set for the 21st of June. Earlier today, in fact an hour ago, I talked with Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt and Dan Senor live in Baghdad.
In an abrupt about face, the military threw the doors of this trial open to the media.
General Kimmitt explains why.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEP. DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS U.S. ARMY: Our primary effort was to have a fair, impartial trial for U.S. Sivits, and that's our primary concern and nothing is going to get in the way of that.
But if we also have a collateral effect of showing the people in this country a fair, impartial judicial system, we believe that that will go far away in demonstrating to the people that yes, these pictures did happen, yes, these acts did happen, but we are taking the right corrective action to investigate, to prosecute, and to bring to trial those accused of these crimes.
HEMMER: General, as you stand there today in Baghdad, can you say with confidence that this is only confined to a handful of soldiers, only confined to a handful of detainees, only confined to one cellblock in Abu Ghraib Prison going back to last fall?
KIMMITT: No, I can't say that, because we have a third investigation going on, as you know, the Major General Fay investigation, and he is taking a much broader look at military intelligence activities in the intelligence activities.
HEMMER: How concerned then are you that this could go further up the chain of command?
KIMMITT: We're not concerned at all. We're going to let these investigations carry out and whatever the investigations determine, they determine.
HEMMER: You're not concerned at all if it goes to the higher levels of the military operating in Baghdad or even tracing it back to the Pentagon?
KIMMITT: Well, I think it's important that we do the investigations and we see what those investigations bear out. I am firmly convinced that it is not -- does not go all the way up to much higher levels here in Baghdad or to the Pentagon, but I think I'll wait and see what the facts of the investigation bear out.
HEMMER: To Dan Senor if I could.
A "Wall Street Journal" report today, and other reports, as well, indicating that the Red Cross warned the U.S. back in the fall of last year, in fact in the month of November about abuse at that prison largely ignored until about January.
Two months later. Is that a fact based on the reporting back here in the U.S.?
DAN SENOR, SR. ADVISER TO COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY: Bill, I haven't seen the report you're referring to.
I can tell you as far as Ambassador Bremer is concerned and Ambassador Jones, who is Ambassador Bremer's deputy in running the Coalition Provisional Authority, they met, or Ambassador Jones met, with the International -- ICRC in January.
By the time they had met it, was to get an update on the report that addressed some of the issues that were addressed in the investigation that was announced by the CJF7 (ph), by the Coalition Military around that same period.
So we really didn't have any advance notice on this particular matter.
HEMMER: There is also a discussion in Washington saying the number of hearings is distracting from the war effort. Do you believe that's the case? Based on your command in Baghdad in central command being sent back to Washington? SENOR: You know, Bill, I haven't heard that, but I will tell you this. I think that it is important for Iraqis and the Arab world to see American democracy, American justice, American accountability at work.
And I don't want to get drawn into a discussion too many hearings, too few hearings. I'm just not close enough to it. But I can tell you that I've heard from a number of Iraqis that they've seen a few things in great clarity since this Abu Ghraib situation really came to light.
One they've seen these hearings go on where American officials are held accountable by their own government. They've seen the President of the United States go before the press, go before the Arab press, and express outrage and talk about how the sensibilities of most Americans have been offended.
And today they're seeing this trial go on here and they will see more of them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Dan Senor and Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt earlier today in Baghdad. Live coverage later today here on CNN, the abuse scandal hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Generals Abizaid, Miller and Sanchez will be there live. We will too at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: This morning's guilty plea by Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits has not shaken supporters from his hometown of Hyman (ph), Pennsylvania.
One of his closest friends, Jamey Ringler and a family friend, the former mayor, Thomas Cunningham, join us this morning from Hyman.
Gentlemen, good morning. Thanks for joining us. We certainly appreciate it.
Jamey, let's begin with you if we can. Specialist Sivits as you now know has plead guilty to three charges. What's your reaction to that this morning?
JAMEY RINGLER, FRIEND OF SOLDIER FOUND GUILTY OF PRISONER ABUSE: I was told that he's been lead to these allegations and all and I just -- I don't know how to react. It's hard to understand. A lot of things don't add up. A lot of things don't add up.
O'BRIEN: Mr. Mayor, how about you? It seems like Jamey's at a loss for words to how to describe his reaction this morning.
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, FAMILY FRIEND OF SOLDIER FOUND GUILTY OF PRISONER ABUSE: Jamey's not at a loss for words. We're all at a loss for words.
We're going to follow this thing all the way through and our main objective will be depending on the sentencing as to what to do will depend on that angle there.
O'BRIEN: I've got to imagine for both of you this has to be something that you're struggling with to explain Jeremy's involvement. I mean, now he has plead guilty. How do you deal with that, Mr. Mayor? I mean, how do you -- how do you come to terms with that?
CUNNINGHAM: Personally, I feel that he has been coerced to -- into saying what he has said. I truly feel that. He didn't leave here in -- with an attitude that would perpetrate such action.
O'BRIEN: Can I ask you for a little clarification. When you say coerced, you mean coerced into his guilty plea, or do you mean coerced into some of the actions that we have seen photographs of?
CUNNINGHAM: I think both -- both. I think he was told to do the action and to the best of my knowledge his action was taking pictures only. I don't think he was in the physical perpetration of the actions toward the detainees.
O'BRIEN: So then sir you don't think he's guilty. You think he was coerced into his guilty plea; you think he is actually innocent in spite of what he says?
CUNNINGHAM: Yes, I do. I truly do. Because that wasn't his demeanor.
O'BRIEN: And how about you, Jamey? You were the best man at his wedding, you know him very well, you're a long time friend. How do you explain the involvement that Jeremy Sivits says that he had in this scandal?
RINGLER: Well I know Jeremy from coaching him. I feel he done what he was told to do so in a sense he is telling the truth by saying that yes he did take these pictures.
But you don't know what they told him in the military. You know they could have told him you take these pictures or you don't know what they told him. So I just feel he's following orders.
O'BRIEN: What's been the reaction in town? Still support for Jeremy Sivits in spite of his plea?
RINGLER: Oh, yes.
CUNNINGHAM: All the way.
O'BRIEN: Interesting.
Mr. Mayor and Jamey as well, thanks gentleman. Appreciate your time this morning.
CUNNINGHAM: Thank you.
RINGLER: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: Bill. HEMMER: About 12 minutes past the hour now, back to Jack and the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: Thank you, William.
The gasoline prices, as you know, are record highs and Democrats are pouring gasoline on the debate over those soaring prices, accusing the White House of failing to take action to stabilize the market ahead of the heaving summer travel season.
We begin here now with a report from Tom Foreman.
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TOM FOREMAN, CNN: Spiraling gas prices are hammering consumers nationwide and not just on the roadways. Shipping companies, retailers, airlines, almost every corner of the economy is seeing costs rise.
A new survey by the national retail federation finds one-third of Americans ready to trim summer travel. In Washington, Senate Democrats are blaming White House policies and demanding relief.
SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D) NEW YORK: We call on the White House to step up, do what is right for Americans everywhere and send a signal to OPEC that they can't keep their hands around our neck.
FOREMAN: For those Democrats the issue is the Department of Energy's build up since 9/11 of the strategic petroleum reserve, a vast oil supply that is set aside for national emergencies.
The Bush administration insists releasing part of that supply will do little good for consumers and a lot to damage national security.
SPENCER ABRAHAM, ENERGY SECRETARY: The reserve is not there just simply to try to change prices.
FOREMAN: Analysts for the oil industry say the main cause of high gas prices is overseas. The rapidly expanding world economy, especially in China and India is increasing global demand for oil.
Add to that the turmoil in the Middle East, which creates fear about an interruption in supply and prices take off.
For now, consumers can only cope. Gasbuddy.com, a Web site that helps people find cheaper gas is getting a half-million users a day and as AAA releases its summer travel predictions.
SANDRA HINCHER (PH), AAA: We're saying that more people are going to travel, but they're going to alter their plans slightly.
FOREMAN: Taking shorter trips, using more fuel efficient vehicles, and even with that, paying dearly to hit the road.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)
CAFFERTY: And of course the White House says its all Congress' fault for not passing a comprehensive energy plan.
Congress, of course, is controlled by the same Party that controls the White House.
The question is this: who is to blame for record high gas prices? So many things to chose from. E-mail us at am@cnn.com.
HEMMER: A, B, C, D, E, F.
CAFFERTY: We've got a list of 97 potential problems but zero solutions. Isn't that amazing?
HEMMER: $2.33 here in Manhattan for the cheap stuff.
CAFFERTY: Yes?
HEMMER: Fill her up.
CAFFERTY: You buy the cheap stuff?
HEMMER: Sure.
CAFFERTY: OK. I thought you bought the expensive...
HEMMER: You've known me for a couple of years...
CAFFERTY: You drive an SUV, right?
HEMMER: I have a Jeep.
CAFFERTY: SUV. Yes. You need that here in New York City to get around?
HEMMER: If there's ever a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I'm here for you, baby, all right?
CAFFERTY: In case we get snowed in?
HEMMER: Isn't that a softball. See you, Jack.
In a moment here, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani testifying today before the 9/11 Commission.
He'll talk about the emergency response the day of the attacks. What does the panel hope to learn from him?
We'll talk to a member of that Commission live in New York.
O'BRIEN: And a stranded climber rescued by helicopter 12,000 feet up a mountain. But his rescue tinged with sadness. The commander of the mission that saved him is our guest up next. HEMMER: Also in a moment would you trade in your spouse? A whole new angle on reality television. "90-Second Pop" takes a shot at it a bit later this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: A daring rescue on an Oregon mountainside. A 60-year- old man rescued yesterday after plunging 30 feet into a crevasse.
This on Mount Hood. Jeffrey (ph) Godfrey was climbing with a friend when he slipped. The two were not roped together. Godfrey will be OK they say though he suffered broken facial bones and hypothermia. He is now recovering in a hospital in Portland, Oregon.
O'BRIEN: A climber rescued from Washington's Mount Rainier yesterday is said to be in good condition after his ordeal but his climbing companion did not make it.
Peter Cooley and Scott Richards were stranded for four days more than 12,000 feet up the mountain. Cooley had been severely injured in a fall and died during the helicopter flight to a hospital.
Mike Gauthier a commander of the dramatic rescue mission joins us this morning from Ashford, Washington. Nice to see you; thanks for being with us.
MIKE GAUTHIER, CHIEF CLIMBING RANGER, MT. RAINIER: Good morning.
O'BRIEN: Some people, I think, are so shocked because Peter Cooley of course was described as a seasoned climber. Give me some details about what exactly happened on that mountain that led in the end to his fall and his death.
GAUTHIER: Peter and Scott began to climb and were a couple of days out by Saturday morning. They were leading base camp, making good time; things had been good for them on Friday. They had made good time to the base camp, had plenty of rest.
The climbing was going great. I spoke with Scott about it. They were as you described firing up the ridge. Peter had asked to take the lead shortly before the accident occurred and Scott was giving him a billet -- a billet is a climbers way of securing another climber to the mountain in case of a fall.
As Peter led out, he -- Scott observed him tripping, basically. He must have stumbled somehow and he took the fall and Scott caught him but he had fallen over a small cliff and severely injured his head and was knocked unconscious.
O'BRIEN: Well, Scott has said that he melted snow and was able to drip some of that melted snow into Peter's mouth while they were waiting the four days to -- for the rescue.
What else did he do to try to save his partner?
GAUTHIER: You know, initially a lot happened. He had to not only stop him from falling off the mountain but secure him to the mountainside.
Peter came to consciousness but never really gained full consciousness of his situation per se.
He had to dig into a tent platform on the side of the mountain to steep slope, steep ice below rock, up to 12,000 feet. Get Peter into the tent. And basically keep him as stable as possible, warm and dry.
Peter was unable to talk or communicate at all so to prevent him from being dehydrated we recommended that he pour water into rags as you describe it and drip it into his mouth and, quite frankly, we also encouraged Scott and just continually providing positive messages to Peter, uncertain of what he was really understanding, but encouraging him all the way and we were sharing messages from family and friends of Scott over the phone during our phone calls from time to time.
O'BRIEN: And I know that Peter's family has said in the wake of their son's death that they were so grateful that really Scott did every single thing he possibly could.
Peter's aunt, Krissi Walker, said this. She said she told him to please give up mountain climbing. You're just getting to that point where you've been so lucky and nothing's ever happened, but luck runs out.
How unusual in fact are accidents like this with experienced climbers involved?
GAUTHIER: You know, every year we average roughly two to three fatalities on Rainier and it does happen from time to time. Out of 10,000 climbers it's a rather low accident rate.
You know, it's difficult to predict when it's going to occur. Certainly people have a lifetime of climbing without hap.
I think Peter was described to me -- unfortunately I didn't get to meet him personally -- but certainly can feel how incredible a person he was from the descriptions of his friends and family.
I think he truly just had a slip on the mountain. It's not uncommon. I myself have nearly fallen in climbing situations before and sometimes you're fortunate enough to not have that tragic accident.
I really think that Scott should be absolutely commended for his outstanding effort. I don't think Peter could have been with anybody better.
When you're climbing there's a rope that ties you and there's a certain strength and bond to that rope and you work through a lot of issues with the climber. It's not like a day in the office where you have just a couple of hours together.
You're in a tent, you're cooking together, you're eating together, you're struggling through adverse conditions together and it really tries your spirit but you build incredible bonds and Peter and Scott definitely had that bond.
I'm very sad for Peter's family and the Park Service is sorry but we're concerned about Scott too. He's pretty shaken up.
O'BRIEN: Well, Mark Gauthier, the commander of the Mount Rainier rescue. Thanks for talking with us this morning not only about Peter and Scott but also your team as well that pulled off that rescue -- we appreciate it.
HEMMER: Soledad, in a moment here Specialist Jeremy Sivits found guilty. Military justice coming quickly today in Iraq.
Also, Alan Greenspan set to make history. Andy explains that when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Watching the House of Commons today this just into us here at CNN -- watch closely in this videotape.
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is speaking in the regular Wednesday question and answer session when something is thrown behind him.
It appears to be some sort of powder or some sort of dust or something. Roll the videotape and watch behind the British Prime Minister as this happens.
Again, only moments ago Parliament was interrupted not quite sure what it was or why this happened.
But it's certainly something that caught our attention and clearly it caught the attention of most people in London today. We'll follow and let you know what we find out and what's happening there in the House of Parliament moments ago. Now Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Let's talk business now. Phone service in fact could be hit in some major states. Thousands of workers don't get their way, plus Alan Greenspan gets the call yet once again.
Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business" this morning. Let's start with phone service. Good morning.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Good morning to you. I hope that wasn't a shoe, by the way, going by Tony Blair's head.
O'BRIEN: It looked like powder. You know you could see the white dust coming from behind him.
SERWER: Yes, very strange. Workers at SBC, the nation's second largest local phone company after Verizon may go on strike within hours, Soledad.
Fifty-five million access lines SBC has in 13 states, a lot of the biggies: California, Texas, Illinois, Michigan -- job security at issue here we're hearing a lot about voice over the Internet phone service. Workers there concerned about that.
SBC saying service will not be interrupted if this happens. You got to figure those service calls if you have an appointment, that may get interrupted.
Meanwhile, let's go to Washington, D.C. where yesterday President Bush nominated Alan Greenspan, 78-year-old to a fifth four year term as the Fed Chairman.
He first was nominated go all the way back to 1987, Soledad, Ronald Regan.
Now, because of the rules at the Fed, he may only serve until 2006 because that's when his appointment as a member of the Fed board expires but that we'll have to see about that.
And here's a trivia question. He has served for 16 years and nine months but he is not the longest serving Fed chairman, Bill and Soledad. Who would that be?
There you go. How about William McChesney. Actually not that long ago, from 1951 to 1970. He served -- there you go -- he served for 18 years and nine months.
So, interestingly, if he only serves to 2006 he will not be the longest serving. If he does the full four years then he will be.
HEMMER: Any reason he would not do this?
SERWER: Health is one reason, for instance. He would be 80 at that point, but I think he wants to keep going.
HEMMER: Markets are up yesterday. We'll get to that again when we talk again.
SERWER: Good futures this morning.
O'BRIEN: Andy, thank you very much. Still ahead this morning a much awaited sequel with some famous voices.
"Shrek II," a controversial network TV debut, and "American Idol" gets set to crown a new queen -- oh, I just can't wait.
Our "90-Second Pop" just ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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