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Chalabi's Home Raided by U.S.-Iraqi Task Force; Hastert, McCain Spar Over Iraq, Budget; Parents Warned of Calcium Deficiencies; Champion Poker Player Shares Story

Aired May 20, 2004 - 11:30   ET

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


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


DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: Two new photos have surfaced from Abu Ghraib prison of smiling soldiers hovering over a body, a man identified as a dead Iraqi prisoner. Both soldiers are already implicated in that scandal. Neither photo has been authenticated by authorities.
The 2005 budget is headed to the Senate following, House approval along a party-line vote. The $2.4 trillion package may be in trouble in the Senate. Moderate Republicans want to trim tax cuts to contain the deficit.

Let's get back now to the joint U.S.-Iraqi raid on the Iraqi National Congress headquarters in Baghdad today. There is some suggestion from INC leader Ahmed Chalabi that this has quite a bit to do with the U.N.'s oil-for-food program.

For more on that and the investigation under way from the U.N., let's bring in our senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth to help us sort it all out.

Richard, good morning.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Yes, this complicated oil-for-food scandal just got a little messier.

Ahmed Chalabi, the Iraqi Governing Council member, and his advisors are alleging that this raid on his home could have been looking for papers that involve the oil-for-food humanitarian program, now being investigated globally.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AHMED CHALABI, IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER: I am now calling for policies which -- to liberate the Iraqi people, to get full sovereignty now, and I am putting the case in a way which they don't like.

I have questioned Brahimi's role. They don't like. I have opened up the investigation of the oil-for-food program, which casts doubt about the integrity of the U.N. here. They don't like this.

(END VIDEO CLIP) ROTH: One of Chalabi's advisers in London said it was a cover-up attempt by the Coalition Provisional Authority. That group spokesman, Dan Senor, denying this, saying that this is a separate investigation, that an Iraq independent supreme audit board is really controlling the investigation now and that's not the reason for the raid.

In about an hour, Paul Volcker, the leader of one of those other probes, the U.N. investigation, will be briefing the press with an update. He's already said to the press in a statement this morning that his first priority will be investigating potential misconduct by U.N. officials.

The former director of the oil-for-food program, Benan Sevan, his name turned up in an Iraqi newspaper as receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of oil vouchers, something Sevan denies.

The first report from Volcker may be in three months, but a complete report in one year.

Secretary-General Annan, one of those looking forward to the results.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOFI ANNAN, SECRETARY-GENERAL, UNITED NATIONS: It's an independent inquiry. And so I have not got involved with them to find out what they got or did not get. I want them to get on with their work and get us a report.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: Volcker and Annan say that the U.N. must worry about all of these audits and probes, and that's why paper is not being released to the press or congressional critics who want to see documents. They say the U.N. now must investigate to see what's happening.

A team led by Volcker was in Baghdad representing him and is now back here in the U.S.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Richard Roth at the U.N., thank you for that.

Senator John Kerry makes a return to Capitol Hill today, hours after President Bush's visit there. Both White House contenders trying to head off problems within their own party.

"INSIDE POLITICS" anchor Judy Woodruff has our campaign update. She is live in Washington.

Judy, good morning.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, there, Daryn.

Well, the White House is saying President Bush went to the Hill this morning to thank Republican lawmakers for their hard work. But amid the smiles for the cameras, the president was well aware that some in his own party have complained that the administration kept them in the dark about the cost of the Iraq mission and the prisoner abuse scandal.

Those were some of the topics discussed during the president's visit.

Meantime, Senator Kerry will be on the Hill later today as a tough vote nears on the compromised budget that squeaked through the House last night. Kerry got flack from some fellow Democrats for missing a close Senate vote on unemployment benefits last week.

John Kerry met one-on-one yesterday with the man that some say could cost him the election.

Kerry and independent candidate Ralph Nader met for more than an hour. They focused on their common differences with President Bush, and Kerry did not ask Nader to quit the race.

Ralph Nader will be my guest on today's "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

John Kerry's Catholic faith and his support for abortion rights have focused new attention on Catholic lawmakers whose views are at odds with some church teachings.

Forty-eight Catholic Democrats who serve in Congress has signed a letter to Washington's cardinal archbishop. The letter says threats by a few Catholic bishops to withhold communion from lawmakers who back abortion rights are, quote, "miring the church in partisan politics."

First lady Laura Bush seems to be in the spotlight more frequently these days, taking part in Bush/Cheney campaign events. This afternoon, we're going to take a look at what her role is shaping up to be in the 2004 campaign.

We'll have that plus much more when I go "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 Eastern, 12:30 Pacific. But for now, right back to Daryn in Atlanta.

KAGAN: All right, Judy, thank you for that. Looking forward to seeing you and some videotape later today.

Bickering between Republicans and Democrats isn't enough. Now GOP leaders are going at each other. They look almost like Democrats.

Our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, looks at that political infighting.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Another day of GOP versus GOP. The top Republican in the House took an unusually harsh swipe at Senator John McCain for arguing against cutting taxes during wartime.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anyway, his -- his observation was, never before when we've been at war have we been worrying about cutting taxes. And his question was, where's the sacrifice? We have the war in Iraq...

SEN. DENNIS HASTERT (R-IL), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: If you want to see the sacrifice, John McCain ought to visit our young men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda. There's the sacrifice in this country.

JOHNS: McCain fired back in a written statement, "I fondly remember a time when real Republicans stood for fiscal responsibility. Apparently those days are long gone for some in our party."

But most of the Republican sniping this week is over whether Senator John Warner should keep holding high-profile public hearings on the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

SEN. JOHN WARNER (R-VA), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: It's an open process and we're going to show the world how we fairly, firmly, and calmly deal with this situation.

JOHNS: But some Republicans disagree, saying the generals need to be fighting the war instead of answering questions before Congress.

SEN. JAMES INHOFE (R), OKLAHOMA: Quite frankly, I'm sorry that you guys are here. I'd rather be handling this in some way where we can get your statement, get it in the record and have that done with. Because you have an awesome responsibility.

JOHNS: And in the House, the Republican chairman of the Armed Services Committee who has accused his Senate counterparts of being mesmerized by the TV cameras, pointedly turned down an offer by General Ricardo Sanchez to testify.

Congressman Duncan Hunter told Sanchez in a letter, "Go back to Iraq. Please return to the troops as soon as possible. They need you there. We need you there."

(on camera) Part of the frustration among Republicans is that the war in Iraq is drowning out the congressional agenda. And in an election year there is fear foreign policy will matter more in the race for the White House than in campaigns for House and Senate.

Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: High blood pressure, osteoporosis, think it only happens to older people? There's new research finding kids are at greater risk for both diseases than you'd believe. We'll tell you what you can do to protect your children.

And later, an insider's look at the big money and big stakes on the table at the poker World Series.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: All right, parents. You're thinking kids only cause hypertension? Think again. A new study details a long-term risk of kids developing high blood pressure. Details on that coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: You might think that high blood pressure is just an adult health issue. But you are wrong if that's what you believe. Turns out that even very young children are at risk that can spell serious trouble later in life if that problem persists.

The July issue of "Pediatrics" magazine will publish new guidelines for blood pressure screening in children, beginning at the young age of 3 years.

Parents are also advised to make sure that their kids have healthy bones. "Prevention" magazine warns that lack of calcium and lack of exercise are causing more bone fractures in children.

"Prevention" deputy editor Amy O'Connor joins us in New York to talk about what you need to know, parents.

Good morning, Amy. Good to have you here with us.

AMY O'CONNOR, DEPUTY EDITOR, "PREVENTION": Thanks. Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: Are we really talking about osteoporosis in children?

O'CONNOR: What we're talking about, as you mentioned, are brittle bones, weak bones, bones that are at risk for fracture, and that are at risk for osteoporosis later in life.

These are problems that we used to think only happened to old people. Now doctors are seeing it in young children. In fact, there's been a 42 percent increase in arm fractures in young children over the last 30 years. And that's an indication that they are at risk for osteoporosis.

KAGAN: So what are the culprits out there? It's not just all the skateboards and scooters, I image?

O'CONNOR: Right. But actually, that is one of the high impact sports. Of course, if you are predisposed to weak bones, you're probably going to get a broken bone if your head hits the concrete.

But it actually has a lot more to do with what kids aren't eating and what they're not doing. They're not getting enough calcium, and they're not getting enough exercise. They're spending too much time in front of the TV, and they're drinking too much soda.

KAGAN: OK. So let's talk about what parents can do. No. 1, diet.

O'CONNOR: Right. KAGAN: Pump your kids full of milk?

O'CONNOR: Well, you don't have to pump them full of milk, but parents should be aware that kids probably need more calcium than they're getting.

Children who are 3 years old need 500 milligrams of calcium a day. Up to 8 years old, they need 800 milligrams a day. And up to 18, they need 1,300 milligrams. When you think about a glass of milk only has 500 milligrams. As yourself, is your kid getting enough calcium?

KAGAN: Probably not. What about physical activity? So you're saying don't do too much dangerous physical activity, but don't be a couch potato or video game potato either.

O'CONNOR: Your kids can play high impact sports. Just try and make sure they wear their helmets and their kneepads. I know they don't want to, but do make an effort to put your foot down.

And try and make sure they get enough weight bearing exercise. And when I say weight bearing, I don't mean pumping iron. I mean skipping, jumping rope, even running around an hour a day is what doctors recommend that kids should be getting to make sure their bones are strong and they don't get osteoporosis later in life.

KAGAN: Yes. And not squishing your little sister. That would not be an appropriate weight bearing exercise either.

Amy O'Connor, thank you so much, "Prevention" magazine. Thanks for helping us build some healthy kids.

O'CONNOR: Thank you.

KAGAN: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our web site. You'll find the latest medical news, a health library and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.

We are at 44 minutes past the hour. Just ahead, we're going to check in with our friend Susan Lisovicz on Wall Street, look at that market action.

And get ready to ante up. The poker champ Chris Moneymaker -- yes, that's his real name, he claims. We'll ask him. He is giving us the deal, the insider's look at the poker World Series.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

KAGAN: It is the 2004 World Series of Poker, begins June 8 in Las Vegas. Last year's champ has the name to back up his winning ways.

Chris Moneymaker won $2.5 million in the 2003 tourney. He's joining us from L.A. with his best poker face on.

Chris, good morning.

CHRIS MONEYMAKER, WINNER, 2003 WORLD SERIES OF POKER: Good morning, Daryn. How are you doing?

KAGAN: I've got to ask: is Moneymaker your real last name?

MONEYMAKER: It is my real last name. I've been asked that...

KAGAN: Yes, I bet.

MONEYMAKER: ... more times than I care to mention. But yes, I've got to bring my I.D. out quite a bit and show it.

KAGAN: OK. Take us to last year. You invest 40 bucks to get into the contest. And that way on down the line ends up being $2.5 million, a huge prize. Tell us a little bit about that ride.

MONEYMAKER: Basically, you know, I'm just your average guy, sitting, playing on the computer, and put 40 bucks into a tournament and end up winning the tournament, which got me into another tournament.

And fourth place in the tournament was $8,000 in cash, which would have gone a long way to help out my family at the time. The top three seeds got to go to the main event of the World Series.

And I was trying to get to fourth place, but a buddy talked me into going ahead and getting one of the seats.

And so I go out to Vegas. And I'm just extremely excited just to go play in the World Series. The World Series is the biggest poker event in the world. It's what everybody tries to get to. And everybody -- every poker player looks forward to playing in this event.

KAGAN: Now, tell us about some of the players that you were up against last year. These were, you know -- these are the Cal Ripkens, the Michael Jordans of the poker world.

MONEYMAKER: Yes. You see Phil Helm, if you see Phil Ivy, they're household names now. And when you see them on TV, then you walk out there, and you sit down and you play it on the table with them, it's pretty incredible to sit across the table and stare these guys face-to-face and try to play poker with them.

KAGAN: All right. So you're looking across the table. You know these guys. They've got to be looking across at you going, who is this guy? Where did he come from?

MONEYMAKER: Last year, you know, I was wearing a poker star shirt that, you know, had basically labeled me as an Internet player. And when they see that, you know, they lick their lips and think, "Yum yum," you know, because they're going to really -- they're going to attack you. KAGAN: They're thinking "loser."

MONEYMAKER: Yes, they are.

KAGAN: Of course, you showed them differently. Now, this year, in the tournament, as I understand it twice as many players, and you don't have the benefit of people saying, "Well, who is Chris Moneymaker?" People are going to be aiming for you.

MONEYMAKER: It's definitely going to be different this year. I think they've got already 1,600 people registered this year. So I mean, it's going to be an insane tournament this year.

But I've had the whole year to get accustomed to, "Oh, here comes Chris Moneymaker." I've adapted my game to fit that a little bit better, so I'll be ready for it.

KAGAN: And just real quickly, for all those poker aficionados out there, your best poker tip?

MONEYMAKER: It depends on how long you've been playing. The best poker tip for a new player is bet the same amount every time. That way no one can get a real -- get a real good read on you.

KAGAN: Would not have thought of that. Good luck in the tournament.

MONEYMAKER: Thank you very much; I appreciate it.

KAGAN: When you take it all, you come back and visit with us again, OK?

MONEYMAKER: Definitely.

KAGAN: Chris Moneymaker, poker champ. Appreciate it.

MONEYMAKER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Another type of contest going on, a lesson in "Idol" worship: vote early, vote often. CNN LIVE TODAY continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Aloha on "American Idol." Hawaii's Jasmine Trias is packing her bags to the island after getting booted off the stage by viewers last night.

That leaves Diana DeGarmo and Fantasia Barrino going head to head in next week's "American Idol" finale. Well, congratulations to them and good luck for them.

I understand that there has been some videotape shot at the White House. And getting word that we're actually going to be able to show you these comments from President Bush in just a moment.

And here's President Bush. Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming. I've really been looking forward to this discussion with our friend. Welcome. The first chance I have to wish you a happy name day, tomorrow.

KOSTAS KARAMANLIS, PRIME MINISTER OF GREECE: You know about that.

BUSH: I know about that. Glad to do so.

We'll talk about a lot of subjects. We've already covered quite a few. And then I'm going to host a lunch with the prime minister here shortly.

One of the topics I do want to discuss is the Olympic games, how excited I am for your country to host the Olympic games. I wish I could attend, but this is a political season. So instead I am sending my father to lead our delegation.

I want to thank you for your very close cooperation, working together to make sure the games are successful, that people are able to travel to your beautiful country in as secure an environment as possible.

You're making very good progress, Mr. Prime minister. And I appreciate your hard work. I know your intentions are to have this be the best possible games, and for that I'm grateful.

Look forward to continuing our discussion over lunch. And of course, I want to congratulate you for your -- for the victories you achieved, and look forward to working with you. Welcome.

KARAMANLIS: Thank you very much, Mr. President. And I would like to thank you for your warm hospitality.

And since you raised the question of the Olympic games, I would like to take the opportunity to say we are doing everything humanly possible in terms of energy, resources, professionals, to secure really successful games. And I'm confident that we will succeed with that.

BUSH: Welcome.

Thank you, all. My pleasure, thank you, sir, very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Well, that was some brief videotape shot at the White House. Usually there are some questions taken from reporters when we have opportunities like that. But basically, President Bush welcoming the prime minister of Greece.

With the summer games just a few months away, a lot of concern that Athens will not be ready, either with facilities or with security. The president saying he won't be able to attend but he believe that the Greeks will be ready to go.

That's going to wrap it up for me. I'm Daryn Kagan. I'll see you right back here tomorrow morning. Wolf Blitzer takes over from Washington.

Hi, Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, ANCHOR: Hi, Daryn. Thanks very much.

Unfolding this hour, several important developments.

A one-time, very close advisor to the Bush administration now expressing outrage after U.S. troops take part in a raid on his House in Baghdad.

Still more questions about a U.S.-led attack in western Iraq that killed at least 20 people, maybe as many as 40. Coalition officials insist the target was a safe house for terrorists, not a wedding party.

And on Capitol Hill, President Bush meeting in private with House and Senate Republicans today. We're on the agenda. We're watching what's going on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHALABI: My message to the CPA is let my people go. Let my people be free. We are grateful to President Bush for liberating Iraq, but it is time for the Iraqi people to run their affairs. The government...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In Iraq, things have apparently came to a head between the United States and the Iraqi leader who calls himself America's best friend there.

Today, U.S. forces were part of a raid against the headquarters of Ahmed Chalabi, whose leadership role in the new Iraq is largely due to U.S. backing, including millions of U.S. dollars.

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 May 20, 2004 - 11:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: Two new photos have surfaced from Abu Ghraib prison of smiling soldiers hovering over a body, a man identified as a dead Iraqi prisoner. Both soldiers are already implicated in that scandal. Neither photo has been authenticated by authorities.
The 2005 budget is headed to the Senate following, House approval along a party-line vote. The $2.4 trillion package may be in trouble in the Senate. Moderate Republicans want to trim tax cuts to contain the deficit.

Let's get back now to the joint U.S.-Iraqi raid on the Iraqi National Congress headquarters in Baghdad today. There is some suggestion from INC leader Ahmed Chalabi that this has quite a bit to do with the U.N.'s oil-for-food program.

For more on that and the investigation under way from the U.N., let's bring in our senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth to help us sort it all out.

Richard, good morning.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Yes, this complicated oil-for-food scandal just got a little messier.

Ahmed Chalabi, the Iraqi Governing Council member, and his advisors are alleging that this raid on his home could have been looking for papers that involve the oil-for-food humanitarian program, now being investigated globally.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AHMED CHALABI, IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER: I am now calling for policies which -- to liberate the Iraqi people, to get full sovereignty now, and I am putting the case in a way which they don't like.

I have questioned Brahimi's role. They don't like. I have opened up the investigation of the oil-for-food program, which casts doubt about the integrity of the U.N. here. They don't like this.

(END VIDEO CLIP) ROTH: One of Chalabi's advisers in London said it was a cover-up attempt by the Coalition Provisional Authority. That group spokesman, Dan Senor, denying this, saying that this is a separate investigation, that an Iraq independent supreme audit board is really controlling the investigation now and that's not the reason for the raid.

In about an hour, Paul Volcker, the leader of one of those other probes, the U.N. investigation, will be briefing the press with an update. He's already said to the press in a statement this morning that his first priority will be investigating potential misconduct by U.N. officials.

The former director of the oil-for-food program, Benan Sevan, his name turned up in an Iraqi newspaper as receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of oil vouchers, something Sevan denies.

The first report from Volcker may be in three months, but a complete report in one year.

Secretary-General Annan, one of those looking forward to the results.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOFI ANNAN, SECRETARY-GENERAL, UNITED NATIONS: It's an independent inquiry. And so I have not got involved with them to find out what they got or did not get. I want them to get on with their work and get us a report.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: Volcker and Annan say that the U.N. must worry about all of these audits and probes, and that's why paper is not being released to the press or congressional critics who want to see documents. They say the U.N. now must investigate to see what's happening.

A team led by Volcker was in Baghdad representing him and is now back here in the U.S.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Richard Roth at the U.N., thank you for that.

Senator John Kerry makes a return to Capitol Hill today, hours after President Bush's visit there. Both White House contenders trying to head off problems within their own party.

"INSIDE POLITICS" anchor Judy Woodruff has our campaign update. She is live in Washington.

Judy, good morning.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, there, Daryn.

Well, the White House is saying President Bush went to the Hill this morning to thank Republican lawmakers for their hard work. But amid the smiles for the cameras, the president was well aware that some in his own party have complained that the administration kept them in the dark about the cost of the Iraq mission and the prisoner abuse scandal.

Those were some of the topics discussed during the president's visit.

Meantime, Senator Kerry will be on the Hill later today as a tough vote nears on the compromised budget that squeaked through the House last night. Kerry got flack from some fellow Democrats for missing a close Senate vote on unemployment benefits last week.

John Kerry met one-on-one yesterday with the man that some say could cost him the election.

Kerry and independent candidate Ralph Nader met for more than an hour. They focused on their common differences with President Bush, and Kerry did not ask Nader to quit the race.

Ralph Nader will be my guest on today's "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

John Kerry's Catholic faith and his support for abortion rights have focused new attention on Catholic lawmakers whose views are at odds with some church teachings.

Forty-eight Catholic Democrats who serve in Congress has signed a letter to Washington's cardinal archbishop. The letter says threats by a few Catholic bishops to withhold communion from lawmakers who back abortion rights are, quote, "miring the church in partisan politics."

First lady Laura Bush seems to be in the spotlight more frequently these days, taking part in Bush/Cheney campaign events. This afternoon, we're going to take a look at what her role is shaping up to be in the 2004 campaign.

We'll have that plus much more when I go "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 Eastern, 12:30 Pacific. But for now, right back to Daryn in Atlanta.

KAGAN: All right, Judy, thank you for that. Looking forward to seeing you and some videotape later today.

Bickering between Republicans and Democrats isn't enough. Now GOP leaders are going at each other. They look almost like Democrats.

Our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, looks at that political infighting.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Another day of GOP versus GOP. The top Republican in the House took an unusually harsh swipe at Senator John McCain for arguing against cutting taxes during wartime.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anyway, his -- his observation was, never before when we've been at war have we been worrying about cutting taxes. And his question was, where's the sacrifice? We have the war in Iraq...

SEN. DENNIS HASTERT (R-IL), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: If you want to see the sacrifice, John McCain ought to visit our young men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda. There's the sacrifice in this country.

JOHNS: McCain fired back in a written statement, "I fondly remember a time when real Republicans stood for fiscal responsibility. Apparently those days are long gone for some in our party."

But most of the Republican sniping this week is over whether Senator John Warner should keep holding high-profile public hearings on the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

SEN. JOHN WARNER (R-VA), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: It's an open process and we're going to show the world how we fairly, firmly, and calmly deal with this situation.

JOHNS: But some Republicans disagree, saying the generals need to be fighting the war instead of answering questions before Congress.

SEN. JAMES INHOFE (R), OKLAHOMA: Quite frankly, I'm sorry that you guys are here. I'd rather be handling this in some way where we can get your statement, get it in the record and have that done with. Because you have an awesome responsibility.

JOHNS: And in the House, the Republican chairman of the Armed Services Committee who has accused his Senate counterparts of being mesmerized by the TV cameras, pointedly turned down an offer by General Ricardo Sanchez to testify.

Congressman Duncan Hunter told Sanchez in a letter, "Go back to Iraq. Please return to the troops as soon as possible. They need you there. We need you there."

(on camera) Part of the frustration among Republicans is that the war in Iraq is drowning out the congressional agenda. And in an election year there is fear foreign policy will matter more in the race for the White House than in campaigns for House and Senate.

Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: High blood pressure, osteoporosis, think it only happens to older people? There's new research finding kids are at greater risk for both diseases than you'd believe. We'll tell you what you can do to protect your children.

And later, an insider's look at the big money and big stakes on the table at the poker World Series.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: All right, parents. You're thinking kids only cause hypertension? Think again. A new study details a long-term risk of kids developing high blood pressure. Details on that coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: You might think that high blood pressure is just an adult health issue. But you are wrong if that's what you believe. Turns out that even very young children are at risk that can spell serious trouble later in life if that problem persists.

The July issue of "Pediatrics" magazine will publish new guidelines for blood pressure screening in children, beginning at the young age of 3 years.

Parents are also advised to make sure that their kids have healthy bones. "Prevention" magazine warns that lack of calcium and lack of exercise are causing more bone fractures in children.

"Prevention" deputy editor Amy O'Connor joins us in New York to talk about what you need to know, parents.

Good morning, Amy. Good to have you here with us.

AMY O'CONNOR, DEPUTY EDITOR, "PREVENTION": Thanks. Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: Are we really talking about osteoporosis in children?

O'CONNOR: What we're talking about, as you mentioned, are brittle bones, weak bones, bones that are at risk for fracture, and that are at risk for osteoporosis later in life.

These are problems that we used to think only happened to old people. Now doctors are seeing it in young children. In fact, there's been a 42 percent increase in arm fractures in young children over the last 30 years. And that's an indication that they are at risk for osteoporosis.

KAGAN: So what are the culprits out there? It's not just all the skateboards and scooters, I image?

O'CONNOR: Right. But actually, that is one of the high impact sports. Of course, if you are predisposed to weak bones, you're probably going to get a broken bone if your head hits the concrete.

But it actually has a lot more to do with what kids aren't eating and what they're not doing. They're not getting enough calcium, and they're not getting enough exercise. They're spending too much time in front of the TV, and they're drinking too much soda.

KAGAN: OK. So let's talk about what parents can do. No. 1, diet.

O'CONNOR: Right. KAGAN: Pump your kids full of milk?

O'CONNOR: Well, you don't have to pump them full of milk, but parents should be aware that kids probably need more calcium than they're getting.

Children who are 3 years old need 500 milligrams of calcium a day. Up to 8 years old, they need 800 milligrams a day. And up to 18, they need 1,300 milligrams. When you think about a glass of milk only has 500 milligrams. As yourself, is your kid getting enough calcium?

KAGAN: Probably not. What about physical activity? So you're saying don't do too much dangerous physical activity, but don't be a couch potato or video game potato either.

O'CONNOR: Your kids can play high impact sports. Just try and make sure they wear their helmets and their kneepads. I know they don't want to, but do make an effort to put your foot down.

And try and make sure they get enough weight bearing exercise. And when I say weight bearing, I don't mean pumping iron. I mean skipping, jumping rope, even running around an hour a day is what doctors recommend that kids should be getting to make sure their bones are strong and they don't get osteoporosis later in life.

KAGAN: Yes. And not squishing your little sister. That would not be an appropriate weight bearing exercise either.

Amy O'Connor, thank you so much, "Prevention" magazine. Thanks for helping us build some healthy kids.

O'CONNOR: Thank you.

KAGAN: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our web site. You'll find the latest medical news, a health library and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.

We are at 44 minutes past the hour. Just ahead, we're going to check in with our friend Susan Lisovicz on Wall Street, look at that market action.

And get ready to ante up. The poker champ Chris Moneymaker -- yes, that's his real name, he claims. We'll ask him. He is giving us the deal, the insider's look at the poker World Series.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

KAGAN: It is the 2004 World Series of Poker, begins June 8 in Las Vegas. Last year's champ has the name to back up his winning ways.

Chris Moneymaker won $2.5 million in the 2003 tourney. He's joining us from L.A. with his best poker face on.

Chris, good morning.

CHRIS MONEYMAKER, WINNER, 2003 WORLD SERIES OF POKER: Good morning, Daryn. How are you doing?

KAGAN: I've got to ask: is Moneymaker your real last name?

MONEYMAKER: It is my real last name. I've been asked that...

KAGAN: Yes, I bet.

MONEYMAKER: ... more times than I care to mention. But yes, I've got to bring my I.D. out quite a bit and show it.

KAGAN: OK. Take us to last year. You invest 40 bucks to get into the contest. And that way on down the line ends up being $2.5 million, a huge prize. Tell us a little bit about that ride.

MONEYMAKER: Basically, you know, I'm just your average guy, sitting, playing on the computer, and put 40 bucks into a tournament and end up winning the tournament, which got me into another tournament.

And fourth place in the tournament was $8,000 in cash, which would have gone a long way to help out my family at the time. The top three seeds got to go to the main event of the World Series.

And I was trying to get to fourth place, but a buddy talked me into going ahead and getting one of the seats.

And so I go out to Vegas. And I'm just extremely excited just to go play in the World Series. The World Series is the biggest poker event in the world. It's what everybody tries to get to. And everybody -- every poker player looks forward to playing in this event.

KAGAN: Now, tell us about some of the players that you were up against last year. These were, you know -- these are the Cal Ripkens, the Michael Jordans of the poker world.

MONEYMAKER: Yes. You see Phil Helm, if you see Phil Ivy, they're household names now. And when you see them on TV, then you walk out there, and you sit down and you play it on the table with them, it's pretty incredible to sit across the table and stare these guys face-to-face and try to play poker with them.

KAGAN: All right. So you're looking across the table. You know these guys. They've got to be looking across at you going, who is this guy? Where did he come from?

MONEYMAKER: Last year, you know, I was wearing a poker star shirt that, you know, had basically labeled me as an Internet player. And when they see that, you know, they lick their lips and think, "Yum yum," you know, because they're going to really -- they're going to attack you. KAGAN: They're thinking "loser."

MONEYMAKER: Yes, they are.

KAGAN: Of course, you showed them differently. Now, this year, in the tournament, as I understand it twice as many players, and you don't have the benefit of people saying, "Well, who is Chris Moneymaker?" People are going to be aiming for you.

MONEYMAKER: It's definitely going to be different this year. I think they've got already 1,600 people registered this year. So I mean, it's going to be an insane tournament this year.

But I've had the whole year to get accustomed to, "Oh, here comes Chris Moneymaker." I've adapted my game to fit that a little bit better, so I'll be ready for it.

KAGAN: And just real quickly, for all those poker aficionados out there, your best poker tip?

MONEYMAKER: It depends on how long you've been playing. The best poker tip for a new player is bet the same amount every time. That way no one can get a real -- get a real good read on you.

KAGAN: Would not have thought of that. Good luck in the tournament.

MONEYMAKER: Thank you very much; I appreciate it.

KAGAN: When you take it all, you come back and visit with us again, OK?

MONEYMAKER: Definitely.

KAGAN: Chris Moneymaker, poker champ. Appreciate it.

MONEYMAKER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Another type of contest going on, a lesson in "Idol" worship: vote early, vote often. CNN LIVE TODAY continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Aloha on "American Idol." Hawaii's Jasmine Trias is packing her bags to the island after getting booted off the stage by viewers last night.

That leaves Diana DeGarmo and Fantasia Barrino going head to head in next week's "American Idol" finale. Well, congratulations to them and good luck for them.

I understand that there has been some videotape shot at the White House. And getting word that we're actually going to be able to show you these comments from President Bush in just a moment.

And here's President Bush. Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming. I've really been looking forward to this discussion with our friend. Welcome. The first chance I have to wish you a happy name day, tomorrow.

KOSTAS KARAMANLIS, PRIME MINISTER OF GREECE: You know about that.

BUSH: I know about that. Glad to do so.

We'll talk about a lot of subjects. We've already covered quite a few. And then I'm going to host a lunch with the prime minister here shortly.

One of the topics I do want to discuss is the Olympic games, how excited I am for your country to host the Olympic games. I wish I could attend, but this is a political season. So instead I am sending my father to lead our delegation.

I want to thank you for your very close cooperation, working together to make sure the games are successful, that people are able to travel to your beautiful country in as secure an environment as possible.

You're making very good progress, Mr. Prime minister. And I appreciate your hard work. I know your intentions are to have this be the best possible games, and for that I'm grateful.

Look forward to continuing our discussion over lunch. And of course, I want to congratulate you for your -- for the victories you achieved, and look forward to working with you. Welcome.

KARAMANLIS: Thank you very much, Mr. President. And I would like to thank you for your warm hospitality.

And since you raised the question of the Olympic games, I would like to take the opportunity to say we are doing everything humanly possible in terms of energy, resources, professionals, to secure really successful games. And I'm confident that we will succeed with that.

BUSH: Welcome.

Thank you, all. My pleasure, thank you, sir, very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Well, that was some brief videotape shot at the White House. Usually there are some questions taken from reporters when we have opportunities like that. But basically, President Bush welcoming the prime minister of Greece.

With the summer games just a few months away, a lot of concern that Athens will not be ready, either with facilities or with security. The president saying he won't be able to attend but he believe that the Greeks will be ready to go.

That's going to wrap it up for me. I'm Daryn Kagan. I'll see you right back here tomorrow morning. Wolf Blitzer takes over from Washington.

Hi, Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, ANCHOR: Hi, Daryn. Thanks very much.

Unfolding this hour, several important developments.

A one-time, very close advisor to the Bush administration now expressing outrage after U.S. troops take part in a raid on his House in Baghdad.

Still more questions about a U.S.-led attack in western Iraq that killed at least 20 people, maybe as many as 40. Coalition officials insist the target was a safe house for terrorists, not a wedding party.

And on Capitol Hill, President Bush meeting in private with House and Senate Republicans today. We're on the agenda. We're watching what's going on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHALABI: My message to the CPA is let my people go. Let my people be free. We are grateful to President Bush for liberating Iraq, but it is time for the Iraqi people to run their affairs. The government...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In Iraq, things have apparently came to a head between the United States and the Iraqi leader who calls himself America's best friend there.

Today, U.S. forces were part of a raid against the headquarters of Ahmed Chalabi, whose leadership role in the new Iraq is largely due to U.S. backing, including millions of U.S. dollars.

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