Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Terror Warning for the United States, Al Gore Calls for Top Bush Aides to Resign, Controversial Comments by Bill Cosby, Memories of World War II

Aired May 26, 2004 - 17:00   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.


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Terror warning.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: Al Qaeda plans to attempt and attack on the United States in the next few months.

BLITZER: But where and when? Today, a look out for seven people. And a look at hoe cities around the country are bracing.

Call to resign. A former rival names names, taking the Bush administration to task over Iraq.

AL GORE, FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We may have to wait to get rid of Bush and Cheney, but we ought to call on our Republican friends to join us in getting the rest of that team out right now.

BLITZER: From comedy to controversy. What funny man Bill Cosby said about African-Americans that's the talk of talk radio.

Memories of war. Recalling life on the battlefield a half a century ago.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got to be buddy's buddy. You rely on him and he relies on you for protection.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Attorney General John Ashcroft is warning that al Qaeda is planning a major attack here in the United States this summer. And a at a news conference just a short while ago Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller discussed the threat and urged all Americans to be on the look-out for seven al Qaeda operatives who may be in the United States right now.

Joining us now for more on this CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena, our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve. Kelli, let's begin with you.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the purpose of today's press conference, at least according to officials, was to talk about the continuing threat, the increased concern and the plan to deal with it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA (voice-over): A series of high profile public events including the dedication of the World War II Memorial, the economic summit on Sea Island, Georgia, and, of course, the political conventions adding to the concern about possible terror attacks on U.S. soil.

ASHCROFT: Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States in the next few months. This disturbing intelligence indicates al Qaeda's specific intention to hit the United States hard.

ARENA: The attorney general cited public statements, saying al Qaeda is 90 percent ready for an attack which experts trace back to a shadowy group, the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades. Some question the group's credibility.

Still the attorney general says intelligence suggests the impact the Madrid train bombings had on the Spanish elections could lead to similar action here. But he said the government has no specifics.

So what are officials doing about it? For one, a new task force has been set up to deal specifically with the summer threat. Second, the FBI is telling its field agents to go back to their sources for updated information. And agents will also conduct nationwide interviews, much like they did before the war in Iraq seeking intelligence information.

ROBERT MUELLER, FBI DIRECTOR: Information about persons that may have moved into the community recently, persons who seem to be in a community without any roots.

ARENA: The FBI also issuing a new be on the look-out for this man: Adam Yahiye Gadahn, a U.S. citizen wanted for questioning regarding possible threats against the United States.

The bureau also reissued alerts for six others.

ASHCROFT: We know some of them to be very adept at the variety of things that are necessary for the achievement of an attack in the United States. Some of them very familiar with the United States.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: Some local law enforcement officials say lacking specifics there was no need for such a public display. And suggests it's a move by higher ups to merely be on the record if there is an attack. The attorney general defended his actions by saying it is his job to keep Americans safe -- Wolf.

BLITZER: And they're not changing the threat level, it's still yellow?

ARENA: That's right. Still yellow and Jeanne Meserve is here and she can fill you in more on that.

BLITZER: All right, Jeanne, let's talk a little bit about that because you had a chance to speak to Tom Ridge, the secretary of homeland security. What is he saying?

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: A strikingly different tone, Wolf, from the homeland security secretary. Tom Ridge says there is nothing specific enough in the intelligence to warrant raising the terror alert level from yellow to orange.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: There's absolutely nothing in the threats that we've seen that said that al Qaeda would consciously use a particular time frame within which they would want to target an attack. If they were ready to do something, I presume they would.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: Ridge says his level of concern is not as high now as it was over Christmas holidays when selected airline flights were canceled and the threat level was raised. Ridge says we always operate as if terrorists are already in the U.S.

But some state and local homeland security officials indicate they are taking some additional precautions. They're thinking, as the weatherman says, a storm might be coming you close the windows -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Here's what I don't understand. Where was Tom Ridge at this news conference today? We saw Ashcroft, we saw Mueller, we saw Ridge earlier doing interviews including with you. We didn't seem him together with his two colleagues.

MESERVE: He says not to read anything into that. He insists they are still on the same page. He said this was a press conference about law enforcement and that is something that falls under the bailiwick of the Mr. Mueller and Mr. Ashcroft.

However, one person did point out to me that the law enforcement agency charged with heading up security for most of the major events this summer falls within Tom Ridge's department, not John Ashcroft's.

BLITZER: Are you hearing there's any differences between these various cabinet secretaries?

ARENA: No. What we have been hearing, though, is that there are varying differences between what federal officials are saying and what state and local officials are saying.

And state and local counterterrorism officials suggest that this may very well be overblown, that this was not necessary, that there has been a steady stream of information coming in. And while there may be some corroboration of that information suggesting it's more real than previously thought, they really believe that this is a political get it on the record move.

BLITZER: All right.

MESERVE: And some people have suggested to me that they may be playing both ends against the middle. But if you have Ashcroft on one extreme and you have Ridge on the other, that perhaps the reporting and public sense of this will fall somewhere in the middle.

BLITZER: Because there seemed to be some mixed signals being sent out there. And we're trying to find out why. Jeanne Meserve, thanks very much. Kelli Arena, thanks to as well.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry claims President Bush hasn't done enough to protect America against the terrorist threat.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We deserve a president of the United States who doesn't make homeland security a photo opportunity and the rhetoric of a campaign. We deserve a president who makes America safer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: During a speech today in Seattle, Kerry specifically called on the Bush administration to step up protection for U.S. ports and large facilities, like chemical and nuclear plants.

Joining us now for more on the new terror warning, the New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joining us from New York. Commissioner, thanks very much for joining us. What specifically, Commissioner, has Washington, the federal government, told you about these new threats?

COMMISSIONER RAY KELLY, NEW YORK CITY POLICE: Well, we have information, of course, we're working closely with the federal government. We had the basis of this warning certainly before today.

I think what's different here is the credibility of the sources. As the attorney general said there are multiple sources and they are deemed to be quite credible. Again, it lacks specificity which is part of the frustration that we find ourselves in our post-9/11 world. But I think, again, these are deemed to be credible sources by the intelligence community.

BLITZER: Do they share with you the specific nature of the intelligence so that you can -- maybe that kind of information would better help you prepare, God forbid, Commissioner, for some sort of strike in New York City?

KELLY: Yes, they do. They share with us the specifics. But, again, as we've seen so many times in the past, there is not specific information for us to react to. And again, the attorney general said that today. There is information that says that there may be an attack during the election cycle, the election period. But specifics of this attack are lacking.

BLITZER: Let me just be precise because I want to nail you down on this, if we can. You or your intelligence chief, David Cohen who spent a long career over at the CIA, they share all of the raw intelligence information with you?

KELLY: No, well, not raw intelligence. It depends on what we get into a definition of what's raw intelligence. I believe the intelligence that was the basis on the announcement today was shared with the department, certainly before today -- for a period of time before today.

BLITZER: Are you doing anything different as a result of the statements made by the attorney general, the FBI director, today in connection with the Republican National Convention scheduled for the end of august in New York City?

KELLY: Well, we're doing a lot already. As you know, New York is on a higher state of alert. We've been there since the beginning of the Iraq war. So we're doing a lot and we've done that for over a year.

As far as the Republican national convention, is concerned, we're working closely with the Secret Service and the FBI. And, of course, we'll be making adjustments up until that time. But we haven't done anything as a result of this particular warning in relation to the Republican National Convention planning.

BLITZER: Unlike the rest of the country, New York City has been in a higher state of alert, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) red state of alert since 9/11. Has the federal government asked you to do anything else in recent days?

KELLY: No, the federal government hasn't asked us. Again, they have shared information with us and we react based on information that we get. We are changing some of our tactics but that's something that we had in planning stages for a while. So citizens of New York will see some different things that we're doing with our critical response vehicles, our Atlas program, our Hercules team. Some of the deployments will change to a certain degree. We're fundamentally using the same resources we have been using since the beginning of the Iraq war.

BLITZER: I think it's fair to say, though, since the Madrid train bombing there has been heightened concern about the subway, the rail system in New York?

KELLY: Yes, I think that is fair to say. I think part of the alert today, I think, took recognition of that fact. Clearly, this concern about al Qaeda or terrorist groups being emboldened as a result of the impact that they had in Spain and the elections in Spain. So we have to factor that into our planning. BLITZER: It's a tough balancing act. On the one hand being prepared. On the other hand not overly scaring the public at large. You've got a hard mission ahead of you. Good luck to you and everyone in New York as we get ready for the convention in August.

KELLY: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Here's your chance to weigh in on this important story. Our web question of the day is this, will you change your summer plans based on the new terror threat warnings? You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later on in this broadcast.

Reaction to today's terror alert, that is coming up. Find out how cities around the United States are dealing with these new warnings.

Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORE: How dare they drag the good name of the United States of America through the mud of Saddam Hussein's torture prison.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Al Gore, he's fired up and he's on the attack. Targeting President Bush and calling for members of the Bush administration to resign. He names names.

Controversial comments by the comedian Bill Cosby. Why his words are angering some African-Americans. And this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd say the bridge got the corps, the corps moved over the bridge.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In their own words, memories of World War II from the brave men and women who fought on the front lines. One veteran shares his war stories.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. There's been an important development in the John Kerry campaign. Let's bring in our political correspondent Candy Crowley -- Candy.

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: John Kerry will be accepting the nomination of the Democratic party at his party's convention in late June on the -- I'm sorry in late July, on the 29th of July. That wouldn't sound like news except for the last couple of days when we learned that the Kerry campaign was thinking about not officially accepting the nomination until later on, would be four or five weeks later in order to keep on an even playing field money wise with the president.

Since that came out, the Democratic -- the presumptive Democratic nominee has taken a lot of heat, especially from people in Boston, some major fundraisers and some business backers who couldn't understand why they would have a convention when the nominee wasn't going to officially accept. So Kerry campaign backing off this idea. He will accept on the 29th. They hope to fill the money gap for that five weeks between the Democratic convention and the Republican convention through the Democratic party and through state and local parties. So the convention is on and it will have a nominee.

BLITZER: There will be a role call in all of that.

CROWLEY: All of that.

BLITZER: Candy Crowley reporting, breaking that story for us. Thanks very much.

The former vice president Al Gore is calling for the resignation of several top members of the Bush administration. In a scathing speech today, Gore labeled President Bush, quote, "incompetent," the situation in Iraq a catastrophe and he demanded that top Bush aides pay the price.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORE: How dare they subject us to such dishonor and disgrace. How dare they drag the good name of the United States of America through the mud of Saddam's torture prison.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Al Gore, lashing out at his rival from the 2000 election in a speech to the liberal Moveon.org political action committee, the former vice president called the current president to task over the war in Iraq. He accused Mr. Bush of arrogance of bungling the war and of making the world a more dangerous place. And he said the prisoner abuse scandal was a direct result of what Gore called the president's abuse of troops.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GORE: He planted the seeds of war. He harvested a whirlwind. And now the corrupt tree of a war waged on false premises has brought us the evil fruit of Americans torturing and sexually humiliating prisoners who are helpless in their care.

BLITZER: Gore called for the immediate removal of four top Pentagon officials including the defense secretary.

GORE: Donald Rumsfeld ought to resign immediately as the chief architect of this plan. Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Fife (ph), the intelligence chief Stephen Cambone all ought to resign immediately. Our nation is at risk every single day Rumsfeld remains as secretary of defense. Gore also singled out for immediate departure CIA director George Tenet, a colleague in the Clinton administration as well as President Bush's national security adviser.

GORE: Condoleezza Rice ought to resign immediately.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The Republican National Committee has responded with a statement and let me quote directly. "Al Gore served as vice president of this country for eight years. During that time Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States five times and terrorists killed U.S. citizens on at least four different occasions. Al Gore's attacks on the president today demonstrate that he either does not understand the threat of global terror or he has amnesia."

Still ahead, will a country critical of the war in Iraq change its position on what to do there now? And a pair of U.S. lawmakers are back from checking out conditions of detainees at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. What do they have to say? Their eyewitness accounts.

A jury hands down a verdict for an act of terrorism on U.S. soil.

And coping with high waters in northern Illinois. It's a disaster for some.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. We're getting a potentially very important development on Iraq coming from our U.N. correspondent Richard Roth. Richard is joining us now live. Tell our viewers what you learned.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN U.N. CORRESPONDENT: The man who would be prime minister in Iraq won't be. Getting cold feet apparently after being widely tipped in the media Hussain al Shahristani, an Iraqi nuclear scientist who fled Iraq in 1991 has told the U.N. in effect he would rather not have the job of prime minister. A statement attributable to the spokesman for Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. special envoy in Iraq, says, Mr. Shahristani has clarified that he would, quote, "rather prefer to serve his country in other ways." Doesn't mean he won't have another post. It's too early to tell. As for Brahimi, he is definitely upset that name starting to be floated. It starts to risk undermining the process and putting individuals in, quote, "compromising positions." Back to you.

BLITZER: Richard Roth reporting, breaking that story here on CNN.

Elsewhere in the Iraq, troops have captured a key associate of the radical Shiite leader, Muqtada al-Sadr. Riyadh al Nouri was taken into custody in his home during overnight clashes in Najaf. Besides being a militia leader, he is also Sadr's brother-in-law.

In Baghdad, an attack by insurgents killed two Russian contractors and injured at least five other people. The victims were in a bus operated by a Russian company that's trying to help repair Iraqi power facilities. The company said it will pull its remaining workers out of the country.

Germany was one of the staunchest critics of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, but now there are indications there may be some sort of meeting of the minds on the hand-over of power as detailed in a draft resolution the United States is floating at the U.N. security council right now. Here to talk about Germany's position, Wolfgang Ischinger. He's the German ambassador to the United States. Thanks for joining us. I assume Germany is ready to support a new draft U.N. security council resolution but almost certainly will not send troops to Iraq?

WOLFGANG ISCHINGER, GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: I think that's a fair description of our position. We strongly support the fundamental idea associated with this draft resolution, namely the transfer of power to the proposed interim structure, the interim government in Iraq. We believe it's important and the Bush administration is correct in sticking to that plan even though there are a number of difficulties among the -- among the one that you just -- or that we were just listening to.

BLITZER: Here's what I don't understand. Germany does have troops in Afghanistan fighting in the war on terror. What's different between Afghanistan and Iraq?

ISCHINGER: Well, first of all, in Afghanistan NATO, and we are a part of a NATO operation, has found it unfortunately difficult to meet its own objectives. We cannot as NATO, as the west, we cannot afford not to do our job properly in Afghanistan.

BLITZER: Because as you know, there are many Americans that would like to see NATO involved in Iraq. Let me press you on this point. If NATO were to say yes, then Germany certainly would have to go ahead and send troops to Iraq or even then would the answer be no?

ISCHINGER: Well, we wouldn't necessarily have to send troops if NATO went in. We happen to believe that sending in NATO would not necessarily provide any added value. Let me ask you the question, what would be the added value of NATO? What would NATO be able to do that the United States with its more than 130,000 troops can't do? The problem is...

BLITZER: The former NATO supreme commander General John Hwang (ph) who has been a big proponent of using NATO in Iraq, like in Afghanistan, like in Kosovo, or in Bosnia. He thinks that this would be a good statement for the NATO alliance?

ISCHINGER: Well, we have a big concern and I'll make two points. First of all, we believe that we are risking already now that we are not doing our job properly in Afghanistan. The NATO secretary general has urgently asked member countries to provide more support, more troops, more helicopters, more everything to Afghanistan. And member countries are not forthcoming. We the Germans are the No. 1 -- the strongest of contingent in the eyes of the operation in Afghanistan. BLITZER: No one is disputing that. A lot of Americans are wondering, Germany is such a close ally of the United States. If there's a new U.N. security council resolution, greater international authority for a post June 30 status in Iraq, why not let Germany cooperate with the U.S. and other countries and get those troops into Iraq?

ISCHINGER: I think we can make clear that we support this transition in many ways. I'm not sure that additional international military contingents is really the idea. Wolf, I have not heard a single Iraqi representative, not from the governing council and not from the prospective members of the future, that they are interested in having new international contingents in. I hear a lot of noise about their desire rather to see the early reduction of the international presence. So I think we should also listen to the Iraqis. And I have never heard that they want us, the French, the Indians, the Germans and others, to come in on top of the many countries who are already serving in Iraq.

BLITZER: Wolfgang Ischinger, the German ambassador to the United States, explaining his government's position. Thanks very much, Mr. Ambassador.

The war on terror and human rights. Amnesty International releases a scathing report on the U.S. record in fighting terror.

And trip to Guantanamo. Did similar abuses occur at the U.S. naval base at the prison there at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib?

And I'll speak with two United States congressmen who were just there at the detention center, their firsthand report.

And later, Cosby's comments. Debate over whether the comedian went too far in a speaking engagement. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Inside the United States detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay. I'll speak live with two U.S. congressmen who have just returned. Find out what life is like for the al Qaeda and Taliban detainees being held there. We'll do that.

First, though, a quick check of the latest headlines.

A jury convicted Terry Nichols of 161 state murder charges today. He was convicted of all counts connected to the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Office Building in Oklahoma City. Prosecutors want the death penalty. Nichols is already serving a life sentence on federal charges.

Floodwaters continue to cover homes and streets in northern Illinois today. The Des Plaines River is more than four feet above flood stage in several places, but it has started to recede slowly. The Illinois governor declared disasters in Lake County and parts of Cook County, not far from Chicago.

Amnesty International blasts the United States in a new report. The group says the U.S. is abusing human rights in the fight against terrorism. Its report calls prisoner abuse in Iraq a consequence of the Bush administration deciding to -- quote -- "pick and choose which bits of international law it will apply."

As we mentioned, the attorney general, John Ashcroft, is warning that al Qaeda is planning a major attack in the United States this summer. But he emphasized that various intelligence reports do not point to a specific attack planned or a specific city. That said, will today's new warning affect local security measures now in place?

We have reports from three cities.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARK SAYRE, KTNV REPORTER: I'm Mark Sayre in Las Vegas.

So far, news of the latest national terror threat is being handled here about the same way it has in the past. In fact, our state's homeland security chief says there is no specific threat against Las Vegas. And as you can see on the Las Vegas Strip, it is business as usual. A spokesman for McCarran International Airport says there are no increased security precautions being taken at least at this point.

And the last major anti-terror operation occurred here on New Year's Eve. That's when all the airspace here was closed and there were actually radiation detectors among all the revelers here on the Las Vegas Strip.

In Las Vegas, I'm Mark Sayer for KTNV.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHELE KANE, KOVR REPORTER: I'm Michele Kane in Sacramento, California.

The California Highway Patrol, as well as other state officials, say they are ready and prepared for any terrorist activity this summer; 80 percent of officers will be on the road for this Memorial Day weekend. And besides looking for the usual traffic violators, they will also be looking for terrorist activity. They will also be patrolling more in the air. And they will be vigilant at points of interest, like the state capital, the Golden Gate Bridge and Disney Land.

That's the latest from California. I'm Michele Kane.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) MIKE KIRSCH, WFOR REPORTER: I'm Mike Kirsch in Miami, where state and local law enforcement officials today held a quarterly security task force conference. On display here were new chemical suits and gear being distributed to local law enforcement agencies in anticipation of a possible chemical or biological terrorist attack here. There also remains a "be on the lookout" bulletin for at least one alleged al Qaeda operative with South Florida roots. His name is Adnan El Shukrijumah

Now, as far as potential terrorist targets here in Miami, South Florida law enforcement officials are keeping a close eye on cruise line operations. And they are also concerned about the upcoming presidential debate scheduled in September at the University of Miami.

In Miami, Mike Kirsch for WFOR.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And turning now to the treatment of terror suspects in U.S. custody. The Pentagon recently defended the interrogation methods used on al Qaeda and Taliban detainees at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Officials insist the techniques are being used, they are fully consistent, they say, with international law.

The Pentagon response was triggered by criticism from some members of the military attorneys who have complained that some interrogation policies could lead to prisoner abuses.

Two members of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee have just returned from Guantanamo. Phil Gingrey is a Republican from Georgia. Kendrick Meek is a Democrat from Florida. They join us now live.

I'll begin with you, Congressman Meek.

Were you satisfied? Well, first of all, tell us, what did you see at Gitmo?

REP. KENDRICK MEEK (D), FLORIDA: Well, we had an opportunity to go in and see the five different prisons or the detention centers that they have created there, also meeting with administrators that are there that are actually running those detention centers. We saw some detainees having downtime, what have you.

But overall, Wolf, from what I have seen, it's -- I'm glad I went. And I'm glad I had an opportunity.

BLITZER: Did everything look to be above board?

MEEK: It looked to be above board at the time we were there. I had very good confidence in what Brigadier General Hood was doing there, his vision for that particular camp. The colonel that he has in charge of that camp is a elected sheriff here in the United States. And the master sergeant is a 25 year M.P. with good training techniques in corrections.

BLITZER: What about you, Congressman Gingrey? Were you satisfied with what you saw there?

REP. PHIL GINGREY (R), GEORGIA: Wolf, I was very satisfied. And my colleague, Congressman Meek, and I went on behalf of our chairman of Armed Services on the House side, Duncan Hunter, and ranking member Ike Skelton.

It was a good opportunity for us to see that and put it in perspective. There's been some discussion and the suggestion that General Miller, who is now over the operation on all the prison detainee operations in Iraq, brought the system with him from Guantanamo, which could have led to the abuse. Well, Kendrick and I certainly saw no prison abuse. We saw no dogs. We saw no torture.

In fact, they were treated very, very humanely. And we were -- both of us were very encouraged by that.

BLITZER: Well, Congressman Meek, some critics, some skeptics will say, you know what? They cleaned this up for you. They knew you were coming, two influential members of the House Armed Services Committee. What, are they going to let you see you torturing or sexually abusing prisoners?

MEEK: Well, Representative Gingrey and other members of the Armed Services Committee, we have to continue to go back to Guantanamo Bay.

I'm not prepared to say that it never, ever, ever happened at Guantanamo Bay. As you know, there is an admiral that would like to look into General Miller's activities when he was there, to have some further review. But I think it's important that we have to continue to review this. I think that it's important that we have the officials at Guantanamo Bay come before the Armed Services Committee to assure Americans and also assure the world that we are treating these prisoners in a very humane way.

Wolf, these are very dangerous individuals and they are providing information to help save the lives of American troops in theater. And they are from Afghanistan, not from Iraq. We have Saudis there and others.

BLITZER: Are all of the detainees, Congressman Gingrey, as far as you were briefed while you were at Gitmo, are they given the benefits of the Geneva Convention?

GINGREY: Wolf, they absolutely are, with a few exceptions in regard to personal items that they can have, such as telecommunications equipment and video and that sort of thing.

But even though they do not qualify as prisoners of war, according to the third convention of Geneva in 1949, the president and the secretary of defense have granted them all the privileges. In fact, I want to point out, Wolf, that I was there 14 months ago, long before there was any suggestion of a prisoner abuse scandal. So they weren't on their guard protecting anything, hiding anything from us.

And, at that time, of course, General Miller was in charge. And we saw the International Committee of the Red Cross 14 months ago interviewing in a very private manner each and every one of these detainees. So, you know, they had an opportunity to complain. And those complaints were vetted. And General Miller I think has set the standards in Afghanistan -- I mean in regard to these Afghanistan detainees in Guantanamo.

Obviously, the situation in Iraq is a little bit different in those prisons where they are dodging mortar shells and improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades while they are trying to detain some of these bad guys. They are not the people, in that prison, for spitting on the sidewalk or jaywalking. After all, many of them are very, very dangerous, as Congressman Meek has pointed out.

BLITZER: Congressman Gingrey, Congressman Meek, we have to leave it right there. Thanks to both of you for joining us. Good to get your account of what happened there.

(CROSSTALK)

GINGREY: Thank you.

MEEK: Thank you.

BLITZER: Comedy and controversy, sometimes, the two go hand in hand. Now it's Bill Cosby who finds many in the hot seat.

Plus, fighting a war far from home, a look back at life on the battlefield from a place few people know.

And later, celebrating the nation's maritime might. We'll get to that, all of that.

First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Two explosions rocked the city of Karachi, Pakistan, today, both thought to be caused by car bombs. A police officer was killed and more than 20 people were injured. The first bomb went off near the residence of the American consul-general. The second took place nearby about 25 minutes later.

The death toll is expected to keep climbing after devastating floods on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. More than 500 people are reported dead. Hundreds more are missing. Officials are burying the dead as they are being discovered. Heavy rains sent a wall of mud through the area Sunday while residents slept.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his state of the nation address today in Moscow, promising more income and a better life for millions of Russians. Mr. Putin says economic growth would find its way to the public and he would build on the political stability he established since taking over from Boris Yeltsin four years ago.

And people in the Israeli port city of Haifa got to share a very rich dessert, a 660-pound cheesecake claimed by its baker as the world's largest, 250 eggs, more than 150 pounds of flour. The cake was made in honor of a holy feast on the Jewish calender.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In a speech last week marking the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education, Bill Cosby stepped away from his image as a funny TV dad and into a controversy.

Tom Foreman joining us now with a look at reaction to Cosby's remarks on the educational choices made by some African-American families -- Tom.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, right now, Bill Cosby is on the set of "The Tavis Smiley Show" on PBS taping a show for tonight in which he's defending himself against a lot of accusations.

The newspapers here have been all abuzz about the controversy swirling around Bill Cosby. And they have been quoting the speech he made here in Washington in which he criticized poor black families. Now we have the tape of Cosby's own words.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FOREMAN (voice-over): On the outskirts of Washington, D.C., the switchboards are lighting up at WOL Radio every time the predominantly African-American talk station airs Bill Cosby's assessment of the black country.

BILL COSBY, COMEDIAN: The lower economic and lower middle economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

FOREMAN: The comedian said those words during a fund-raiser for Howard University and he went on to attack African-Americans who use improper English, who waste money, who are single parents.

COSBY: No longer is a person embarrassed because they are pregnant without a husband. No longer is a boy considered an embarrassment if he tries to run away from being a father. In all of this work, we cannot blame white people.

FOREMAN: Cosby's comments were spurred by the shooting of a 12- year-old Washington girl who was injured by a stray bullet from a gunfight. The police chief criticized the culture of violence. Cosby took up the cause, putting a fine point on it when he went after families of young men who wind up arrested.

COSBY: Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? And how come you don't know he had a pistol?

FOREMAN: Talk show host George Wilson says many of his listeners are angry. They say bigger social issues, poverty, poor education, must be considered, and they recent being lectured by a multimillionaire.

GEORGE WILSON, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Well, he is perceived to be an outsider of sort. He certainly can relate to being black. He is obviously black. But he really, so to speak, has lost the common touch.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOREMAN: Cosby is not backing off from this controversy. As I said, he is taping a show right now for PBS in which he said a moment ago about black-on-black crime: "I'm really in pain. I want it stopped. Where are we? Who are we?" That will be on "The Tavis Smiley Show" on public television tonight. I'll also have a further update on what he had to say on "ANDERSON COOPER 360" later this evening here -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, that's at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Thanks very much for that, Tom Foreman.

Let's bring back Congressman Kendrick Meek, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

What is your take, Congressman, on this uproar over Bill Cosby's words?

MEEK: Well, it's unfortunate on both ends of the ball. I believe that Bill Cosby is stating what he believes. And in America one can say what he wants to say. He's not an elected official. He's a private citizen.

Some of the comments I don't necessarily subscribe to. But he is in his right of standing on his position. I think that as he speaks more on this, hopefully we'll get more clarification on what he meant. It is very disturbing to many people of color and other folks that are sensitive towards the issues. But when folks say maybe Bill Cosby is skating along the lines of making racist comments, usually a racist never supports black college scholarships, educational programs, or even have a thought about assisting a child that may be living with a single parent.

He has always been on the scene, not only with his wallet, but with his sweat. And another thing about Bill Cosby is the fact that he wasn't born rich. He came up the rough side of the mountain. So this is going to be a very interesting dialogue that's going to take place. And I think that in the end, hopefully, that we'll all get an understanding where Bill Cosby is coming from.

BLITZER: He certainly does have the credentials.

MEEK: Yes.

BLITZER: Kendrick Meek, thanks very much.

MEEK: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: A different time, a different place, but the images of life during battle still remain vivid.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMIL BYKE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: You're together. You are friends. You are buddy-buddy. You got to be buddy-buddy. And you rely on him and he relies on you for protection, you know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Memories both good and bad. One World War II veteran shares his story with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: American forces fighting a difficult war far from home. Today, it's Iraq, but 60 years ago, it was World War II. Memories of that conflict live on in its veterans whose numbers are unfortunately dwindling but whose recollections remain very strong.

Here's CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At the center of America's most famous concourse, a long awaited unveiling. These archways, columns and fountains seem a natural fit to the landscape, a serene, dignified tribute to the conflict that disrupted, then defined a century.

(on camera): Just a couple of miles away, there's another kind of World War II memorial, one that few people know about. Here, in a forgotten corner of Washington, on the grounds where Abraham Lincoln spent his summers, it's now called the Armed Forces Retirement Home. And it's a living, breathing testament to sacrifice.

(voice-over): Take a walk with Emil Byke on these grounds and it hits you. This is a rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account of the war from one of its remaining survivors. Walk with him at Anzio Beach in Italy 60 years ago, you find yourself with a young soldier who will charge through anything, through withering fire to set up an observation post for his 3rd Infantry Division. He take as chestful of mortar shrapnel for that, gets a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, oh, and rejoins his unit the same day.

EMIL BYKE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: Never had a break.

TODD: More than a year later, the Nazis still can't stop him, not with anti-tank mines, small-arms fire and the bomb they placed on the bridge that Emil Byke needs to capture.

BYKE: I saved the bridge and got the corps -- the corps moved over the bridge.

TODD: And those men go on to capture two crucial German towns. Through it all, Emil Byke fights his way through North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, wins two Bronze Stars, three Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and some perspective.

BYKE: You're together. You are friends. You are buddy-buddy. You got to be buddy-buddy. And you rely on him and he relies on you for protection, you know.

TODD: Perspective that so many 20-year-olds are learning again firsthand all these years later.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And the results of our "Web Question of the Day," that's coming up next.

Plus, a parade of ships sailing into New York harbor as Fleet Week begins.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Take a look at this; 8 percent of you say, yes, you will change your summer plans based on new terror threats; 92 percent say you won't. This is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail.

Bill writes this: "I'm sick of all these stupid terrorist warnings that the Bush administration seems to put out the minute things are not going their way in Iraq or on the domestic front and Bush's approval ratings go down. Nobody pays any attention to these vague terrorist warnings. What are we supposed to do, hide in the basement?"

But D.A. writes this: "It's obvious Bush can't win. If he gives terror warnings, they say he is trying to scare people. If he didn't give one and something happened, they would blame him for not warning them. Stop tying the administration's hand and let it fight the war on terror."

A massive liberty call in the nation's biggest city is our picture of the day. It's the start of Fleet Week in New York and that means a parade of Naval and Coast Guard vessels arriving at the port. It also means 4,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guards men and women taking liberty in New York City. Get ready for that.

That's all the time we have.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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 26, 2004 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Terror warning.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: Al Qaeda plans to attempt and attack on the United States in the next few months.

BLITZER: But where and when? Today, a look out for seven people. And a look at hoe cities around the country are bracing.

Call to resign. A former rival names names, taking the Bush administration to task over Iraq.

AL GORE, FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We may have to wait to get rid of Bush and Cheney, but we ought to call on our Republican friends to join us in getting the rest of that team out right now.

BLITZER: From comedy to controversy. What funny man Bill Cosby said about African-Americans that's the talk of talk radio.

Memories of war. Recalling life on the battlefield a half a century ago.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got to be buddy's buddy. You rely on him and he relies on you for protection.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Attorney General John Ashcroft is warning that al Qaeda is planning a major attack here in the United States this summer. And a at a news conference just a short while ago Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller discussed the threat and urged all Americans to be on the look-out for seven al Qaeda operatives who may be in the United States right now.

Joining us now for more on this CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena, our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve. Kelli, let's begin with you.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the purpose of today's press conference, at least according to officials, was to talk about the continuing threat, the increased concern and the plan to deal with it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA (voice-over): A series of high profile public events including the dedication of the World War II Memorial, the economic summit on Sea Island, Georgia, and, of course, the political conventions adding to the concern about possible terror attacks on U.S. soil.

ASHCROFT: Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States in the next few months. This disturbing intelligence indicates al Qaeda's specific intention to hit the United States hard.

ARENA: The attorney general cited public statements, saying al Qaeda is 90 percent ready for an attack which experts trace back to a shadowy group, the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades. Some question the group's credibility.

Still the attorney general says intelligence suggests the impact the Madrid train bombings had on the Spanish elections could lead to similar action here. But he said the government has no specifics.

So what are officials doing about it? For one, a new task force has been set up to deal specifically with the summer threat. Second, the FBI is telling its field agents to go back to their sources for updated information. And agents will also conduct nationwide interviews, much like they did before the war in Iraq seeking intelligence information.

ROBERT MUELLER, FBI DIRECTOR: Information about persons that may have moved into the community recently, persons who seem to be in a community without any roots.

ARENA: The FBI also issuing a new be on the look-out for this man: Adam Yahiye Gadahn, a U.S. citizen wanted for questioning regarding possible threats against the United States.

The bureau also reissued alerts for six others.

ASHCROFT: We know some of them to be very adept at the variety of things that are necessary for the achievement of an attack in the United States. Some of them very familiar with the United States.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: Some local law enforcement officials say lacking specifics there was no need for such a public display. And suggests it's a move by higher ups to merely be on the record if there is an attack. The attorney general defended his actions by saying it is his job to keep Americans safe -- Wolf.

BLITZER: And they're not changing the threat level, it's still yellow?

ARENA: That's right. Still yellow and Jeanne Meserve is here and she can fill you in more on that.

BLITZER: All right, Jeanne, let's talk a little bit about that because you had a chance to speak to Tom Ridge, the secretary of homeland security. What is he saying?

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: A strikingly different tone, Wolf, from the homeland security secretary. Tom Ridge says there is nothing specific enough in the intelligence to warrant raising the terror alert level from yellow to orange.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: There's absolutely nothing in the threats that we've seen that said that al Qaeda would consciously use a particular time frame within which they would want to target an attack. If they were ready to do something, I presume they would.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: Ridge says his level of concern is not as high now as it was over Christmas holidays when selected airline flights were canceled and the threat level was raised. Ridge says we always operate as if terrorists are already in the U.S.

But some state and local homeland security officials indicate they are taking some additional precautions. They're thinking, as the weatherman says, a storm might be coming you close the windows -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Here's what I don't understand. Where was Tom Ridge at this news conference today? We saw Ashcroft, we saw Mueller, we saw Ridge earlier doing interviews including with you. We didn't seem him together with his two colleagues.

MESERVE: He says not to read anything into that. He insists they are still on the same page. He said this was a press conference about law enforcement and that is something that falls under the bailiwick of the Mr. Mueller and Mr. Ashcroft.

However, one person did point out to me that the law enforcement agency charged with heading up security for most of the major events this summer falls within Tom Ridge's department, not John Ashcroft's.

BLITZER: Are you hearing there's any differences between these various cabinet secretaries?

ARENA: No. What we have been hearing, though, is that there are varying differences between what federal officials are saying and what state and local officials are saying.

And state and local counterterrorism officials suggest that this may very well be overblown, that this was not necessary, that there has been a steady stream of information coming in. And while there may be some corroboration of that information suggesting it's more real than previously thought, they really believe that this is a political get it on the record move.

BLITZER: All right.

MESERVE: And some people have suggested to me that they may be playing both ends against the middle. But if you have Ashcroft on one extreme and you have Ridge on the other, that perhaps the reporting and public sense of this will fall somewhere in the middle.

BLITZER: Because there seemed to be some mixed signals being sent out there. And we're trying to find out why. Jeanne Meserve, thanks very much. Kelli Arena, thanks to as well.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry claims President Bush hasn't done enough to protect America against the terrorist threat.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We deserve a president of the United States who doesn't make homeland security a photo opportunity and the rhetoric of a campaign. We deserve a president who makes America safer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: During a speech today in Seattle, Kerry specifically called on the Bush administration to step up protection for U.S. ports and large facilities, like chemical and nuclear plants.

Joining us now for more on the new terror warning, the New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joining us from New York. Commissioner, thanks very much for joining us. What specifically, Commissioner, has Washington, the federal government, told you about these new threats?

COMMISSIONER RAY KELLY, NEW YORK CITY POLICE: Well, we have information, of course, we're working closely with the federal government. We had the basis of this warning certainly before today.

I think what's different here is the credibility of the sources. As the attorney general said there are multiple sources and they are deemed to be quite credible. Again, it lacks specificity which is part of the frustration that we find ourselves in our post-9/11 world. But I think, again, these are deemed to be credible sources by the intelligence community.

BLITZER: Do they share with you the specific nature of the intelligence so that you can -- maybe that kind of information would better help you prepare, God forbid, Commissioner, for some sort of strike in New York City?

KELLY: Yes, they do. They share with us the specifics. But, again, as we've seen so many times in the past, there is not specific information for us to react to. And again, the attorney general said that today. There is information that says that there may be an attack during the election cycle, the election period. But specifics of this attack are lacking.

BLITZER: Let me just be precise because I want to nail you down on this, if we can. You or your intelligence chief, David Cohen who spent a long career over at the CIA, they share all of the raw intelligence information with you?

KELLY: No, well, not raw intelligence. It depends on what we get into a definition of what's raw intelligence. I believe the intelligence that was the basis on the announcement today was shared with the department, certainly before today -- for a period of time before today.

BLITZER: Are you doing anything different as a result of the statements made by the attorney general, the FBI director, today in connection with the Republican National Convention scheduled for the end of august in New York City?

KELLY: Well, we're doing a lot already. As you know, New York is on a higher state of alert. We've been there since the beginning of the Iraq war. So we're doing a lot and we've done that for over a year.

As far as the Republican national convention, is concerned, we're working closely with the Secret Service and the FBI. And, of course, we'll be making adjustments up until that time. But we haven't done anything as a result of this particular warning in relation to the Republican National Convention planning.

BLITZER: Unlike the rest of the country, New York City has been in a higher state of alert, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) red state of alert since 9/11. Has the federal government asked you to do anything else in recent days?

KELLY: No, the federal government hasn't asked us. Again, they have shared information with us and we react based on information that we get. We are changing some of our tactics but that's something that we had in planning stages for a while. So citizens of New York will see some different things that we're doing with our critical response vehicles, our Atlas program, our Hercules team. Some of the deployments will change to a certain degree. We're fundamentally using the same resources we have been using since the beginning of the Iraq war.

BLITZER: I think it's fair to say, though, since the Madrid train bombing there has been heightened concern about the subway, the rail system in New York?

KELLY: Yes, I think that is fair to say. I think part of the alert today, I think, took recognition of that fact. Clearly, this concern about al Qaeda or terrorist groups being emboldened as a result of the impact that they had in Spain and the elections in Spain. So we have to factor that into our planning. BLITZER: It's a tough balancing act. On the one hand being prepared. On the other hand not overly scaring the public at large. You've got a hard mission ahead of you. Good luck to you and everyone in New York as we get ready for the convention in August.

KELLY: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Here's your chance to weigh in on this important story. Our web question of the day is this, will you change your summer plans based on the new terror threat warnings? You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later on in this broadcast.

Reaction to today's terror alert, that is coming up. Find out how cities around the United States are dealing with these new warnings.

Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORE: How dare they drag the good name of the United States of America through the mud of Saddam Hussein's torture prison.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Al Gore, he's fired up and he's on the attack. Targeting President Bush and calling for members of the Bush administration to resign. He names names.

Controversial comments by the comedian Bill Cosby. Why his words are angering some African-Americans. And this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd say the bridge got the corps, the corps moved over the bridge.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In their own words, memories of World War II from the brave men and women who fought on the front lines. One veteran shares his war stories.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. There's been an important development in the John Kerry campaign. Let's bring in our political correspondent Candy Crowley -- Candy.

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: John Kerry will be accepting the nomination of the Democratic party at his party's convention in late June on the -- I'm sorry in late July, on the 29th of July. That wouldn't sound like news except for the last couple of days when we learned that the Kerry campaign was thinking about not officially accepting the nomination until later on, would be four or five weeks later in order to keep on an even playing field money wise with the president.

Since that came out, the Democratic -- the presumptive Democratic nominee has taken a lot of heat, especially from people in Boston, some major fundraisers and some business backers who couldn't understand why they would have a convention when the nominee wasn't going to officially accept. So Kerry campaign backing off this idea. He will accept on the 29th. They hope to fill the money gap for that five weeks between the Democratic convention and the Republican convention through the Democratic party and through state and local parties. So the convention is on and it will have a nominee.

BLITZER: There will be a role call in all of that.

CROWLEY: All of that.

BLITZER: Candy Crowley reporting, breaking that story for us. Thanks very much.

The former vice president Al Gore is calling for the resignation of several top members of the Bush administration. In a scathing speech today, Gore labeled President Bush, quote, "incompetent," the situation in Iraq a catastrophe and he demanded that top Bush aides pay the price.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORE: How dare they subject us to such dishonor and disgrace. How dare they drag the good name of the United States of America through the mud of Saddam's torture prison.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Al Gore, lashing out at his rival from the 2000 election in a speech to the liberal Moveon.org political action committee, the former vice president called the current president to task over the war in Iraq. He accused Mr. Bush of arrogance of bungling the war and of making the world a more dangerous place. And he said the prisoner abuse scandal was a direct result of what Gore called the president's abuse of troops.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GORE: He planted the seeds of war. He harvested a whirlwind. And now the corrupt tree of a war waged on false premises has brought us the evil fruit of Americans torturing and sexually humiliating prisoners who are helpless in their care.

BLITZER: Gore called for the immediate removal of four top Pentagon officials including the defense secretary.

GORE: Donald Rumsfeld ought to resign immediately as the chief architect of this plan. Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Fife (ph), the intelligence chief Stephen Cambone all ought to resign immediately. Our nation is at risk every single day Rumsfeld remains as secretary of defense. Gore also singled out for immediate departure CIA director George Tenet, a colleague in the Clinton administration as well as President Bush's national security adviser.

GORE: Condoleezza Rice ought to resign immediately.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The Republican National Committee has responded with a statement and let me quote directly. "Al Gore served as vice president of this country for eight years. During that time Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States five times and terrorists killed U.S. citizens on at least four different occasions. Al Gore's attacks on the president today demonstrate that he either does not understand the threat of global terror or he has amnesia."

Still ahead, will a country critical of the war in Iraq change its position on what to do there now? And a pair of U.S. lawmakers are back from checking out conditions of detainees at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. What do they have to say? Their eyewitness accounts.

A jury hands down a verdict for an act of terrorism on U.S. soil.

And coping with high waters in northern Illinois. It's a disaster for some.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. We're getting a potentially very important development on Iraq coming from our U.N. correspondent Richard Roth. Richard is joining us now live. Tell our viewers what you learned.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN U.N. CORRESPONDENT: The man who would be prime minister in Iraq won't be. Getting cold feet apparently after being widely tipped in the media Hussain al Shahristani, an Iraqi nuclear scientist who fled Iraq in 1991 has told the U.N. in effect he would rather not have the job of prime minister. A statement attributable to the spokesman for Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. special envoy in Iraq, says, Mr. Shahristani has clarified that he would, quote, "rather prefer to serve his country in other ways." Doesn't mean he won't have another post. It's too early to tell. As for Brahimi, he is definitely upset that name starting to be floated. It starts to risk undermining the process and putting individuals in, quote, "compromising positions." Back to you.

BLITZER: Richard Roth reporting, breaking that story here on CNN.

Elsewhere in the Iraq, troops have captured a key associate of the radical Shiite leader, Muqtada al-Sadr. Riyadh al Nouri was taken into custody in his home during overnight clashes in Najaf. Besides being a militia leader, he is also Sadr's brother-in-law.

In Baghdad, an attack by insurgents killed two Russian contractors and injured at least five other people. The victims were in a bus operated by a Russian company that's trying to help repair Iraqi power facilities. The company said it will pull its remaining workers out of the country.

Germany was one of the staunchest critics of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, but now there are indications there may be some sort of meeting of the minds on the hand-over of power as detailed in a draft resolution the United States is floating at the U.N. security council right now. Here to talk about Germany's position, Wolfgang Ischinger. He's the German ambassador to the United States. Thanks for joining us. I assume Germany is ready to support a new draft U.N. security council resolution but almost certainly will not send troops to Iraq?

WOLFGANG ISCHINGER, GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: I think that's a fair description of our position. We strongly support the fundamental idea associated with this draft resolution, namely the transfer of power to the proposed interim structure, the interim government in Iraq. We believe it's important and the Bush administration is correct in sticking to that plan even though there are a number of difficulties among the -- among the one that you just -- or that we were just listening to.

BLITZER: Here's what I don't understand. Germany does have troops in Afghanistan fighting in the war on terror. What's different between Afghanistan and Iraq?

ISCHINGER: Well, first of all, in Afghanistan NATO, and we are a part of a NATO operation, has found it unfortunately difficult to meet its own objectives. We cannot as NATO, as the west, we cannot afford not to do our job properly in Afghanistan.

BLITZER: Because as you know, there are many Americans that would like to see NATO involved in Iraq. Let me press you on this point. If NATO were to say yes, then Germany certainly would have to go ahead and send troops to Iraq or even then would the answer be no?

ISCHINGER: Well, we wouldn't necessarily have to send troops if NATO went in. We happen to believe that sending in NATO would not necessarily provide any added value. Let me ask you the question, what would be the added value of NATO? What would NATO be able to do that the United States with its more than 130,000 troops can't do? The problem is...

BLITZER: The former NATO supreme commander General John Hwang (ph) who has been a big proponent of using NATO in Iraq, like in Afghanistan, like in Kosovo, or in Bosnia. He thinks that this would be a good statement for the NATO alliance?

ISCHINGER: Well, we have a big concern and I'll make two points. First of all, we believe that we are risking already now that we are not doing our job properly in Afghanistan. The NATO secretary general has urgently asked member countries to provide more support, more troops, more helicopters, more everything to Afghanistan. And member countries are not forthcoming. We the Germans are the No. 1 -- the strongest of contingent in the eyes of the operation in Afghanistan. BLITZER: No one is disputing that. A lot of Americans are wondering, Germany is such a close ally of the United States. If there's a new U.N. security council resolution, greater international authority for a post June 30 status in Iraq, why not let Germany cooperate with the U.S. and other countries and get those troops into Iraq?

ISCHINGER: I think we can make clear that we support this transition in many ways. I'm not sure that additional international military contingents is really the idea. Wolf, I have not heard a single Iraqi representative, not from the governing council and not from the prospective members of the future, that they are interested in having new international contingents in. I hear a lot of noise about their desire rather to see the early reduction of the international presence. So I think we should also listen to the Iraqis. And I have never heard that they want us, the French, the Indians, the Germans and others, to come in on top of the many countries who are already serving in Iraq.

BLITZER: Wolfgang Ischinger, the German ambassador to the United States, explaining his government's position. Thanks very much, Mr. Ambassador.

The war on terror and human rights. Amnesty International releases a scathing report on the U.S. record in fighting terror.

And trip to Guantanamo. Did similar abuses occur at the U.S. naval base at the prison there at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib?

And I'll speak with two United States congressmen who were just there at the detention center, their firsthand report.

And later, Cosby's comments. Debate over whether the comedian went too far in a speaking engagement. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Inside the United States detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay. I'll speak live with two U.S. congressmen who have just returned. Find out what life is like for the al Qaeda and Taliban detainees being held there. We'll do that.

First, though, a quick check of the latest headlines.

A jury convicted Terry Nichols of 161 state murder charges today. He was convicted of all counts connected to the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Office Building in Oklahoma City. Prosecutors want the death penalty. Nichols is already serving a life sentence on federal charges.

Floodwaters continue to cover homes and streets in northern Illinois today. The Des Plaines River is more than four feet above flood stage in several places, but it has started to recede slowly. The Illinois governor declared disasters in Lake County and parts of Cook County, not far from Chicago.

Amnesty International blasts the United States in a new report. The group says the U.S. is abusing human rights in the fight against terrorism. Its report calls prisoner abuse in Iraq a consequence of the Bush administration deciding to -- quote -- "pick and choose which bits of international law it will apply."

As we mentioned, the attorney general, John Ashcroft, is warning that al Qaeda is planning a major attack in the United States this summer. But he emphasized that various intelligence reports do not point to a specific attack planned or a specific city. That said, will today's new warning affect local security measures now in place?

We have reports from three cities.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARK SAYRE, KTNV REPORTER: I'm Mark Sayre in Las Vegas.

So far, news of the latest national terror threat is being handled here about the same way it has in the past. In fact, our state's homeland security chief says there is no specific threat against Las Vegas. And as you can see on the Las Vegas Strip, it is business as usual. A spokesman for McCarran International Airport says there are no increased security precautions being taken at least at this point.

And the last major anti-terror operation occurred here on New Year's Eve. That's when all the airspace here was closed and there were actually radiation detectors among all the revelers here on the Las Vegas Strip.

In Las Vegas, I'm Mark Sayer for KTNV.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHELE KANE, KOVR REPORTER: I'm Michele Kane in Sacramento, California.

The California Highway Patrol, as well as other state officials, say they are ready and prepared for any terrorist activity this summer; 80 percent of officers will be on the road for this Memorial Day weekend. And besides looking for the usual traffic violators, they will also be looking for terrorist activity. They will also be patrolling more in the air. And they will be vigilant at points of interest, like the state capital, the Golden Gate Bridge and Disney Land.

That's the latest from California. I'm Michele Kane.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) MIKE KIRSCH, WFOR REPORTER: I'm Mike Kirsch in Miami, where state and local law enforcement officials today held a quarterly security task force conference. On display here were new chemical suits and gear being distributed to local law enforcement agencies in anticipation of a possible chemical or biological terrorist attack here. There also remains a "be on the lookout" bulletin for at least one alleged al Qaeda operative with South Florida roots. His name is Adnan El Shukrijumah

Now, as far as potential terrorist targets here in Miami, South Florida law enforcement officials are keeping a close eye on cruise line operations. And they are also concerned about the upcoming presidential debate scheduled in September at the University of Miami.

In Miami, Mike Kirsch for WFOR.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And turning now to the treatment of terror suspects in U.S. custody. The Pentagon recently defended the interrogation methods used on al Qaeda and Taliban detainees at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Officials insist the techniques are being used, they are fully consistent, they say, with international law.

The Pentagon response was triggered by criticism from some members of the military attorneys who have complained that some interrogation policies could lead to prisoner abuses.

Two members of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee have just returned from Guantanamo. Phil Gingrey is a Republican from Georgia. Kendrick Meek is a Democrat from Florida. They join us now live.

I'll begin with you, Congressman Meek.

Were you satisfied? Well, first of all, tell us, what did you see at Gitmo?

REP. KENDRICK MEEK (D), FLORIDA: Well, we had an opportunity to go in and see the five different prisons or the detention centers that they have created there, also meeting with administrators that are there that are actually running those detention centers. We saw some detainees having downtime, what have you.

But overall, Wolf, from what I have seen, it's -- I'm glad I went. And I'm glad I had an opportunity.

BLITZER: Did everything look to be above board?

MEEK: It looked to be above board at the time we were there. I had very good confidence in what Brigadier General Hood was doing there, his vision for that particular camp. The colonel that he has in charge of that camp is a elected sheriff here in the United States. And the master sergeant is a 25 year M.P. with good training techniques in corrections.

BLITZER: What about you, Congressman Gingrey? Were you satisfied with what you saw there?

REP. PHIL GINGREY (R), GEORGIA: Wolf, I was very satisfied. And my colleague, Congressman Meek, and I went on behalf of our chairman of Armed Services on the House side, Duncan Hunter, and ranking member Ike Skelton.

It was a good opportunity for us to see that and put it in perspective. There's been some discussion and the suggestion that General Miller, who is now over the operation on all the prison detainee operations in Iraq, brought the system with him from Guantanamo, which could have led to the abuse. Well, Kendrick and I certainly saw no prison abuse. We saw no dogs. We saw no torture.

In fact, they were treated very, very humanely. And we were -- both of us were very encouraged by that.

BLITZER: Well, Congressman Meek, some critics, some skeptics will say, you know what? They cleaned this up for you. They knew you were coming, two influential members of the House Armed Services Committee. What, are they going to let you see you torturing or sexually abusing prisoners?

MEEK: Well, Representative Gingrey and other members of the Armed Services Committee, we have to continue to go back to Guantanamo Bay.

I'm not prepared to say that it never, ever, ever happened at Guantanamo Bay. As you know, there is an admiral that would like to look into General Miller's activities when he was there, to have some further review. But I think it's important that we have to continue to review this. I think that it's important that we have the officials at Guantanamo Bay come before the Armed Services Committee to assure Americans and also assure the world that we are treating these prisoners in a very humane way.

Wolf, these are very dangerous individuals and they are providing information to help save the lives of American troops in theater. And they are from Afghanistan, not from Iraq. We have Saudis there and others.

BLITZER: Are all of the detainees, Congressman Gingrey, as far as you were briefed while you were at Gitmo, are they given the benefits of the Geneva Convention?

GINGREY: Wolf, they absolutely are, with a few exceptions in regard to personal items that they can have, such as telecommunications equipment and video and that sort of thing.

But even though they do not qualify as prisoners of war, according to the third convention of Geneva in 1949, the president and the secretary of defense have granted them all the privileges. In fact, I want to point out, Wolf, that I was there 14 months ago, long before there was any suggestion of a prisoner abuse scandal. So they weren't on their guard protecting anything, hiding anything from us.

And, at that time, of course, General Miller was in charge. And we saw the International Committee of the Red Cross 14 months ago interviewing in a very private manner each and every one of these detainees. So, you know, they had an opportunity to complain. And those complaints were vetted. And General Miller I think has set the standards in Afghanistan -- I mean in regard to these Afghanistan detainees in Guantanamo.

Obviously, the situation in Iraq is a little bit different in those prisons where they are dodging mortar shells and improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades while they are trying to detain some of these bad guys. They are not the people, in that prison, for spitting on the sidewalk or jaywalking. After all, many of them are very, very dangerous, as Congressman Meek has pointed out.

BLITZER: Congressman Gingrey, Congressman Meek, we have to leave it right there. Thanks to both of you for joining us. Good to get your account of what happened there.

(CROSSTALK)

GINGREY: Thank you.

MEEK: Thank you.

BLITZER: Comedy and controversy, sometimes, the two go hand in hand. Now it's Bill Cosby who finds many in the hot seat.

Plus, fighting a war far from home, a look back at life on the battlefield from a place few people know.

And later, celebrating the nation's maritime might. We'll get to that, all of that.

First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Two explosions rocked the city of Karachi, Pakistan, today, both thought to be caused by car bombs. A police officer was killed and more than 20 people were injured. The first bomb went off near the residence of the American consul-general. The second took place nearby about 25 minutes later.

The death toll is expected to keep climbing after devastating floods on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. More than 500 people are reported dead. Hundreds more are missing. Officials are burying the dead as they are being discovered. Heavy rains sent a wall of mud through the area Sunday while residents slept.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his state of the nation address today in Moscow, promising more income and a better life for millions of Russians. Mr. Putin says economic growth would find its way to the public and he would build on the political stability he established since taking over from Boris Yeltsin four years ago.

And people in the Israeli port city of Haifa got to share a very rich dessert, a 660-pound cheesecake claimed by its baker as the world's largest, 250 eggs, more than 150 pounds of flour. The cake was made in honor of a holy feast on the Jewish calender.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In a speech last week marking the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education, Bill Cosby stepped away from his image as a funny TV dad and into a controversy.

Tom Foreman joining us now with a look at reaction to Cosby's remarks on the educational choices made by some African-American families -- Tom.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, right now, Bill Cosby is on the set of "The Tavis Smiley Show" on PBS taping a show for tonight in which he's defending himself against a lot of accusations.

The newspapers here have been all abuzz about the controversy swirling around Bill Cosby. And they have been quoting the speech he made here in Washington in which he criticized poor black families. Now we have the tape of Cosby's own words.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FOREMAN (voice-over): On the outskirts of Washington, D.C., the switchboards are lighting up at WOL Radio every time the predominantly African-American talk station airs Bill Cosby's assessment of the black country.

BILL COSBY, COMEDIAN: The lower economic and lower middle economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

FOREMAN: The comedian said those words during a fund-raiser for Howard University and he went on to attack African-Americans who use improper English, who waste money, who are single parents.

COSBY: No longer is a person embarrassed because they are pregnant without a husband. No longer is a boy considered an embarrassment if he tries to run away from being a father. In all of this work, we cannot blame white people.

FOREMAN: Cosby's comments were spurred by the shooting of a 12- year-old Washington girl who was injured by a stray bullet from a gunfight. The police chief criticized the culture of violence. Cosby took up the cause, putting a fine point on it when he went after families of young men who wind up arrested.

COSBY: Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? And how come you don't know he had a pistol?

FOREMAN: Talk show host George Wilson says many of his listeners are angry. They say bigger social issues, poverty, poor education, must be considered, and they recent being lectured by a multimillionaire.

GEORGE WILSON, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Well, he is perceived to be an outsider of sort. He certainly can relate to being black. He is obviously black. But he really, so to speak, has lost the common touch.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOREMAN: Cosby is not backing off from this controversy. As I said, he is taping a show right now for PBS in which he said a moment ago about black-on-black crime: "I'm really in pain. I want it stopped. Where are we? Who are we?" That will be on "The Tavis Smiley Show" on public television tonight. I'll also have a further update on what he had to say on "ANDERSON COOPER 360" later this evening here -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, that's at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Thanks very much for that, Tom Foreman.

Let's bring back Congressman Kendrick Meek, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

What is your take, Congressman, on this uproar over Bill Cosby's words?

MEEK: Well, it's unfortunate on both ends of the ball. I believe that Bill Cosby is stating what he believes. And in America one can say what he wants to say. He's not an elected official. He's a private citizen.

Some of the comments I don't necessarily subscribe to. But he is in his right of standing on his position. I think that as he speaks more on this, hopefully we'll get more clarification on what he meant. It is very disturbing to many people of color and other folks that are sensitive towards the issues. But when folks say maybe Bill Cosby is skating along the lines of making racist comments, usually a racist never supports black college scholarships, educational programs, or even have a thought about assisting a child that may be living with a single parent.

He has always been on the scene, not only with his wallet, but with his sweat. And another thing about Bill Cosby is the fact that he wasn't born rich. He came up the rough side of the mountain. So this is going to be a very interesting dialogue that's going to take place. And I think that in the end, hopefully, that we'll all get an understanding where Bill Cosby is coming from.

BLITZER: He certainly does have the credentials.

MEEK: Yes.

BLITZER: Kendrick Meek, thanks very much.

MEEK: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: A different time, a different place, but the images of life during battle still remain vivid.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMIL BYKE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: You're together. You are friends. You are buddy-buddy. You got to be buddy-buddy. And you rely on him and he relies on you for protection, you know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Memories both good and bad. One World War II veteran shares his story with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: American forces fighting a difficult war far from home. Today, it's Iraq, but 60 years ago, it was World War II. Memories of that conflict live on in its veterans whose numbers are unfortunately dwindling but whose recollections remain very strong.

Here's CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At the center of America's most famous concourse, a long awaited unveiling. These archways, columns and fountains seem a natural fit to the landscape, a serene, dignified tribute to the conflict that disrupted, then defined a century.

(on camera): Just a couple of miles away, there's another kind of World War II memorial, one that few people know about. Here, in a forgotten corner of Washington, on the grounds where Abraham Lincoln spent his summers, it's now called the Armed Forces Retirement Home. And it's a living, breathing testament to sacrifice.

(voice-over): Take a walk with Emil Byke on these grounds and it hits you. This is a rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account of the war from one of its remaining survivors. Walk with him at Anzio Beach in Italy 60 years ago, you find yourself with a young soldier who will charge through anything, through withering fire to set up an observation post for his 3rd Infantry Division. He take as chestful of mortar shrapnel for that, gets a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, oh, and rejoins his unit the same day.

EMIL BYKE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN: Never had a break.

TODD: More than a year later, the Nazis still can't stop him, not with anti-tank mines, small-arms fire and the bomb they placed on the bridge that Emil Byke needs to capture.

BYKE: I saved the bridge and got the corps -- the corps moved over the bridge.

TODD: And those men go on to capture two crucial German towns. Through it all, Emil Byke fights his way through North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, wins two Bronze Stars, three Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and some perspective.

BYKE: You're together. You are friends. You are buddy-buddy. You got to be buddy-buddy. And you rely on him and he relies on you for protection, you know.

TODD: Perspective that so many 20-year-olds are learning again firsthand all these years later.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And the results of our "Web Question of the Day," that's coming up next.

Plus, a parade of ships sailing into New York harbor as Fleet Week begins.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Take a look at this; 8 percent of you say, yes, you will change your summer plans based on new terror threats; 92 percent say you won't. This is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail.

Bill writes this: "I'm sick of all these stupid terrorist warnings that the Bush administration seems to put out the minute things are not going their way in Iraq or on the domestic front and Bush's approval ratings go down. Nobody pays any attention to these vague terrorist warnings. What are we supposed to do, hide in the basement?"

But D.A. writes this: "It's obvious Bush can't win. If he gives terror warnings, they say he is trying to scare people. If he didn't give one and something happened, they would blame him for not warning them. Stop tying the administration's hand and let it fight the war on terror."

A massive liberty call in the nation's biggest city is our picture of the day. It's the start of Fleet Week in New York and that means a parade of Naval and Coast Guard vessels arriving at the port. It also means 4,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guards men and women taking liberty in New York City. Get ready for that.

That's all the time we have.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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