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CNN Live At Daybreak

Remembering Reagan: Former President Reagan to Lie in Repose at Library Today; G-8 Summit, Economic Issues and More

Aired June 07, 2004 - 06:30   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.


(WEATHER BREAK)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thousands will say their final farewell to former President Ronald Reagan this week. The public will be able to walk past the coffin in California today before the president's body heads to Washington midweek for a state funeral.

For more on the final preparations, we're joined by CNN's Chris Lawrence. He's at the Reagan Library in the Simi Valley.

How will this procedure work?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, actually these are probably the last few quiet hours that we'll see here at the library for quite some time. About an hour south of us, last-minute preparations are being made to move Mr. Reagan's body from the funeral home.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE (voice over): For the people who didn't know Ronald Reagan, these flags and flowers are a way to say goodbye.

GENE ROSS, PAYING RESPECTS: Ronald Reagan was more than a president. Ronald Reagan was America.

LAWRENCE: And for Reagan's family, this marks the beginning of their final journey with the former president. At 10:00 Monday morning, Mrs. Reagan and the family will leave this funeral home in Santa Monica, California, and about an hour later they'll arrive at the Reagan Library for a private ceremony.

JOANNE DRAKE, REAGAN FAMILY SPOKESWOMAN: At 12:00 noon, the official lying in repose begins in the main lobby of the library.

LAWRENCE: The public can pay their respects through Tuesday night, and then Wednesday morning the Reagan's fly to Washington, D.C. for a state funeral in the Capitol Rotunda.

Mr. Reagan's body will lie in state until Friday, when the family attends a national funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. World leaders will be there to pay their respects, but it may be hardest for those who knew him best, like spokeswoman Joanne Drake, who described what it was like to serve 20 years with Ronald Reagan.

DRAKE: It was an honor, one that I wish every American could experience.

LAWRENCE: On Friday, the Reagans return to California for a final sunset internment overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE: Ronald Reagan made his name here in California, but he left his mark in Washington. Organizers say it's only appropriate to have two ceremonies on two coasts, the only real appropriate way to say goodbye -- Carol.

COSTELLO: How difficult for the Reagan family, though, to drag it out this long. But, of course, America appreciates it.

Tell me how the public will be able to go through the library to view the president's casket. How does that work?

LAWRENCE: It will be very tightly controlled. The public will not be able to drive anywhere near the library. They will park at a college several miles away. And after clearing security, they'll be bussed in here in groups to pay their respects. They will not be able to bring any bags or big items. And actually, if they have flowers or things that they want to leave, they're being asked to leave those at the college, not to bring anything here for security purposes.

COSTELLO: Chris Lawrence reporting live from Simi Valley, California.

And as you heard Chris say, the body of the former president lies in a Santa Monica funeral home right now, so let's head live there now. Ted Rowlands is right outside of the funeral home.

Good morning.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

And outside this funeral home, a memorial continues to grow and has throughout the night here -- a lot of cards and flags and flowers, well wishes to the Reagan family. People are expected to gather here as well as at 10:00 this morning as President Reagan's remains are taken by motorcade from here to Simi Valley and the presidential library. At noon Pacific Time, the president will be laying in repose at the library. His flag-draped coffin will be there for the public to come and pay their respects.

And as Chris mentioned, there is expected to be many people going out to Simi Valley. They will be shuttled in via a bus.

Here at Santa Monica when word spread that the president was being brought to this funeral home, people, first in this area and then in the entire southern region, started to flock here to pay their respects to President Reagan. Many of those same people are expected today to follow him, if you will, up to Simi Valley and go pay their respects as he lays in repose for not only the rest of the day today, but all day on Tuesday before they take Mr. Reagan's remains to Washington -- Carol. COSTELLO: And, Ted, I see behind you and I see from the pictures flags, flowers, messages being left. Can you describe some of that for us?

ROWLANDS: Well, it's really amazing how this memorial has grown over the day and a half that the president has been here, as word spread that he was here. There are many messages here saying, "Well done," "Thanks, Dutch," and "God bless the Gipper," among others. Flowers, just single flowers and then other hugs bouquets of flowers have been brought here as well.

It's amazing to watch people come here. Some are literally brought to tears as they think about President Reagan and the effect that he had on their lives. I think all of us have some sort of relationship with our presidents. It's one way, of course. But people are moved, and they thought of Reagan in their own personal terms, and we have seen many people actually crying as they drop off these mementos. And a lot of those folks are expected to the library today.

COSTELLO: I would assume so. Thanks so much. Ted Rowlands, reporting live from Santa Monica, California, this morning.

Be sure to tune in later this afternoon for a CNN special report, "Remembering Ronald Reagan." Judy Woodruff and Anderson Cooper look back at the president and his legacy. That comes your way today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

President Bush is in Georgia today, getting a little R&R ahead of tomorrow's G-8 Summit. World leaders will talk about the economy, the handover of power in Iraq, and other hot topics.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more of the story for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Bush will host a three-day summit in the remote location of Sea Island, Georgia, under unprecedented security. The summit will start on Tuesday. The president is to meet with individual leader of the G-8 from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.

His immediate goal is to secure a U.N. Security Council resolution to endorse Iraqi sovereignty. There are statements now from Germany's Gerhard Schroeder, as well as National Security Condoleezza Rice, that they are very close to a deal. There are letters that have been exchanged between the Iraqi government as well as Security Powell that indicate that the differences over security now are very small.

Now, the second priority on Wednesday is for the U.S. to draft a declaration for Middle East democratic reform. Mr. Bush is going to be meeting with Arab leaders from Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey and Yemen. There is still intense debate now over how this can be achieved without the U.S. seemingly imposing its own brand of democracy on the Middle East.

And finally on Thursday, Mr. Bush is going to be hosting leaders from African nations of Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda -- all of that to promote economic development as well as combating AIDS.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Savannah, Georgia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Coming up on DAYBREAK, the 31 words that rev up debate whenever they're discussed. Today could be the day the highest court in the land rules on the Pledge of Allegiance. Will the words, "under God," survive? We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: "One nation under God." The Supreme Court is expected to rule as early as today on if those words will remain part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Michael Newdow, do you remember him? He's the non-practicing attorney who is fighting to have those words and the Pledge banned from public schools. He argues it violates the separation of church and state and believes it's wrong to force his daughter to listen to those words in the classroom.

So, it's time for some "Coffey Talk" right now. Live to Miami and our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey.

Good morning -- Kendall.

KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: So, what will happen in the U.S. Supreme Court today?

COFFEY: Well, I think the Supreme Court is going to validate the Pledge of Allegiance and reject the prior decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal for several reasons, not the least of which is the Pledge of Allegiance simply isn't prayer. And beyond that, they're going to see the words, "under God," as something that invokes the solemnity and the dignity of the occasion and is not a form of religious indoctrination.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Even though Justice Antonin Scalia recused himself from hearing the case, and, of course, that might make the decision 4-4, is that still possible?

COFFEY: Well, I think there's a clear majority to reject the challenge to the Pledge of Allegiance. But Scalia's absence is not going to be insignificant. He is a very forceful voice on this issue, and certainly would have had a role in shaping the opinion. In fact, when the prayer in school issue came before the court in 1992, he wrote a four-justice dissent.

So, while I don't think it's going to affect the ultimate outcome, I think the decision that's reached is going to be a little different because of Scalia's absence. COSTELLO: Interesting. Because this Newdow -- Mr. Newdow is going to act as the attorney, because, of course, he is an attorney, but he doesn't practice as an attorney, usually. But he's been giving some compelling arguments, hasn't he?

COFFEY: Well, he's argued, in effect, based on some of the Supreme Court's precedent. But when I reviewed the transcript of the oral argument before the Supreme Court, it was very clear of a couple of things. First of all, this is the Pledge of Allegiance. It's not prayer. Secondly, it's been with us for 50 years, and it's never been seen as something that was calling or trying to impose religion upon the unwilling.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Kendall Coffey giving us some insight this morning, thank you, live from Miami.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush is at an island resort off the Georgia coast this morning. He'll meet with world leaders there tomorrow as the G-8 Summit gets under way.

In Iraq, one U.S. soldier was killed and another injured in a mortar attack at an Army base north of Baghdad over the weekend. The soldiers were assigned to the Army's 13th Corps Support Command.

In money news, the New York Stock Exchange will shorten its trading session by two minutes as a tribute to former President Ronald Reagan. Traditionally, the exchange observes two minutes of silence in trading when former presidents die.

In sports, the Lightning and Flames face off tonight in Game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. It's the third time in the last four years the finals have gone to a game seven.

In culture, the pope's latest book is coming to the United States this fall. "Rise, Let us be on Our Way" recounts John Paul II's early days before he became pope. The book is already available throughout Europe.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

Let's check in with Bill and Soledad to see what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING." Bill is in Simi Valley, California; Soledad, of course, in New York.

What's happening?

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. Good morning.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Carol, good morning to you. We are live at the Presidential Library here in Simi Valley, and what a day this will be; so many stories to recall and recollect regarding the former president. Later today, his body will be brought by procession. His casket will be lying here in repose for public viewing later today, and then for a period of about 24 hours before the trip heads back to Washington, D.C.

A great show today. Edwin Meese is here, former attorney general, Sheila Tate, former press secretary for Nancy Reagan, David Gergen stops by, Richard Thornburgh, also an attorney general late in the second term of President Ronald Reagan, Duke Blackwood (ph) runs the library here. We have a lot of people to talk to today, and we will over the next three hours on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Also to my colleague, Soledad O'Brien.

O'BRIEN: That's right.

HEMMER: Back in New York. Good morning -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And good morning to you, Carol. Good morning to you, Bill, as well. We miss you here.

This morning, we're also talking about the G-8 Summit. Of course, it's about to get under way in Sea Island, Georgia. We've got a live report for you from Savannah this morning.

Also, we're going to take you back to the Titanic, and we'll talk to the man who first discovered the shipwreck. But now he says 20 years later he has very mixed feelings about returning.

That and much, much more all ahead on this edition of "AMERICAN MORNING."

Carol -- we'll see you in just a few moments.

COSTELLO: All right, thanks, Bill and Soledad.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, a dash to the finish and then hope dashed. Oh, there was so much riding on one horse this weekend. Chris Cotter will be along to talk about that and about the Lakers' loss. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Before we get into sports with Chris Cotter, he has the most recent statistics on Jennifer Lopez's marriages and her engagements.

CHRIS COTTER, 790 THE ZONE: I've crunched the numbers.

COSTELLO: I can't believe you know this, because you know Jennifer Lopez got married over the weekend to Marc Anthony five months after she broke up with Ben Affleck.

That's three marriages and five total engagements over the seven years, right? Because she wasn't married to P. Diddy.

COSTELLO: No. COTTER: And she wasn't married to Ben Affleck.

COSTELLO: No!

COTTER: Those were just the engagements.

COSTELLO: No, but she was married to a waiter...

COTTER: That's right.

COSTELLO: ... a dancer...

COTTER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: ... and now a singer.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It's kind of like a trifecta.

COTTER: Speaking of horse racing, you're right. Now, how long will this last, though? How long will this last?

COSTELLO: I don't know.

COTTER: The Belmont may have lasted longer than this marriage is going to last.

COSTELLO: I don't know. More power to her, though. I hope it works out. But it's just kind of sad. She just keeps getting married or engaged. Can't she just chill for a while?

MYERS: Or meet the guy for six months, you know?

(CROSSTALK)

COSTELLO: She knew him from before. They dated from before.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: And they must have met and the sparks flew once again.

COTTER: Well, as much money as all of her fiances or husbands have, they don't have as much as she does. So, you can't say she's marrying for the money.

COSTELLO: No.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: No, she's only marrying for...

COTTER: Love.

MYERS: Because some of them bet on the horse to win.

COSTELLO: Speaking of horses to win, we all thought Smarty Jones was going to win. MYERS: Smarty?

COSTELLO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) segue?

COTTER: It was an unbelievable segue.

MYERS: I tried.

COSTELLO: Thank you.

COTTER: That's what we do here.

Smarty Jones was such a dominant horse in the first two legs that everybody said this is a (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's just a matter of how the horse is going to win, and Smarty Jones here did, you know, what happens to so many other horses in the Belmont, it's too long. That's the thing. It's so much longer than the Preakness. Smarty Jones dominated in the Preakness. But here, you can see Birdstone just catching him at the end.

We were all on the edge of our seats.

COSTELLO: Oh, I know. Oh, yes.

COTTER: Because it was an exciting race the whole way.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes.

COTTER: And it was so long compared to other horse races, you thought it's going to happen, it's going to happen. And then at the end, you know, for the first time in over a quarter of a century and -- never mind.

COSTELLO: Yes, a lot of people didn't make any money at all, unless they had bet on that horse that came in second.

COTTER: Yes, Birdstone.

MYERS: Thirty-six to what?

COSTELLO: Thirty-six to one.

COTTER: That's a nice payday right there.

COSTELLO: But Smarty Jones isn't going to be put out pasture - as in a stud farm.

COTTER: Right.

COSTELLO: He's still going to be racing.

COTTER: Yes, but the big days are over. I mean, once you're a 3-year-old once and you have that year and this is the year, and then after that, yes, you'll race and you'll race in exhibitions and whatnot and some other races. But for the big races of the Triple Crown, this is it. So, Smarty Jones goes to stud for all intents and purposes.

COSTELLO: For a happy life.

COTTER: Right.

COSTELLO: Kind of like Jennifer Lopez.

COTTER: Right. And Smarty Jones will always be remembered as a great horse. So, it will command a lot of money in stud, not nearly as much as if it were to have won the Triple Crown.

MYERS: But I don't think Smarty will run much, because if he gets hurt, then that reduces his stud fee.

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: Because you don't want a horse with a bad knee or something like that.

COTTER: Exactly.

MYERS: Don't show any imperfections. This horse is nine races, eight wins, one place, I mean, you can't really beat that.

COSTELLO: Gotcha.

COTTER: Make the $30 million putting him out to stud.

COSTELLO: Yes. Do we have time to talk about a little basketball? OK, we have time to talk about a little basketball.

COTTER: We've got basketball, we've got hockey, we've got all kinds of stuff to talk about.

COSTELLO: We've got basketball. Oh, hockey, schmocky (ph). Let's talk about basketball.

MYERS: Oh, come on, the Flames tonight.

COTTER: Right. We've got game seven tonight. You had game one of the NBA finals last night. The Lakers -- you know, everyone thought about, you know, Smarty Jones, how that's a (UNINTELLIGIBLE). How about the Lakers in a sweep? Not so fast, because last night the Pistons go into L.A. on the road and get the win in game one.

And L.A., two things about them: All playoffs long they've shown complacency and they showed it again last night. And also for the first time last night, really, they showed their age, I think. The Pistons were a lot quicker, and they got the big win. And the Lakers really need to turn things up. Now, they can't afford to go down 0-2 at home. The pressure is on their shoulders.

MYERS: Well, so many people were saying game five, if necessary. This is a sweep. This is a sweep. L.A. is going to take it.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes. MYERS: All of a sudden...

COSTELLO: I'm loving that. You know, even the coach said Shaq looked a little tired. Shaq said he looked a little tired because no one was giving him the ball, and (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COTTER: Right. I mean, when he was getting the ball he was dominating. He just didn't get it in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant, too, missed a couple of three-pointers. Shaq was saying, hey, what about me? Why are you taking those three- pointers? I'm dominating in here. The Pistons defense, though, showed all playoffs long and it showed last night and it really surprised the Lakers, I think.

COSTELLO: Oh, go Pistons!

COTTER: I'm rooting for them.

COSTELLO: Oh, me too. I like the underdog.

We'll have the latest headlines for you. We'll be right back with more. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's time to award our mug this morning, because we ran out of time on Friday to do it, because of the pope and the president.

MYERS: Right, the president, sure, right.

COSTELLO: So now it's time.

MYERS: All right, now we -- if you answered those questions right on Thursday and have been patiently waiting, here's your time.

Name two leaders with whom President Bush is going to meet in Italy? Obviously one was the pope, and the other one was Berlusconi. And now the estate of what actress will be exhibited and auctioned by Sotheby's? And that is Katharine Hepburn.

And the winner: Paul Mitchell.

COSTELLO: The shampoo guy?

MYERS: Gosh, I used your hairspray this morning, Paul. Cave Creek, Arizona, our first cup to Arizona on DAYBREAK.

COSTELLO: Congrats.

MYERS: Now your chance to win one today.

How many member nations will participate in the G-8 Summit?

COSTELLO: It's a trick question. We swear.

MYERS: It's not eight. What actress became the first African- American woman to win a Tony for a leading role in a play?

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: And she was also excited yesterday at the Tony Awards there. There you go. Daybreak@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: Oh, you got it right.

MYERS: Don't look for it on the Web site. Just type in Daybreak@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: Daybreak@CNN.com. You want to talk about Jennifer Lopez some more?

MYERS: No!

COSTELLO: All right. Do you want to talk about NASCAR?

MYERS: Sure.

COSTELLO: We have some time to kill. Talk away.

MYERS: Actually, we haven't really given a whole lot of thought to hockey today. We haven't talked about that. But Flames and Lightning, game seven, somebody takes home Lord Stanley's cup tonight. What an amazing game Saturday night. I watched it double overtime. And Tampa Bay finally won it in double overtime, about 30 seconds into double overtime, an amazing game. And it should be an amazing game tonight as well.

COSTELLO: All right, game seven tonight.

MYERS: They played such a clean series.

COSTELLO: I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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Aired June 7, 2004 - 06:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(WEATHER BREAK)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thousands will say their final farewell to former President Ronald Reagan this week. The public will be able to walk past the coffin in California today before the president's body heads to Washington midweek for a state funeral.

For more on the final preparations, we're joined by CNN's Chris Lawrence. He's at the Reagan Library in the Simi Valley.

How will this procedure work?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, actually these are probably the last few quiet hours that we'll see here at the library for quite some time. About an hour south of us, last-minute preparations are being made to move Mr. Reagan's body from the funeral home.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE (voice over): For the people who didn't know Ronald Reagan, these flags and flowers are a way to say goodbye.

GENE ROSS, PAYING RESPECTS: Ronald Reagan was more than a president. Ronald Reagan was America.

LAWRENCE: And for Reagan's family, this marks the beginning of their final journey with the former president. At 10:00 Monday morning, Mrs. Reagan and the family will leave this funeral home in Santa Monica, California, and about an hour later they'll arrive at the Reagan Library for a private ceremony.

JOANNE DRAKE, REAGAN FAMILY SPOKESWOMAN: At 12:00 noon, the official lying in repose begins in the main lobby of the library.

LAWRENCE: The public can pay their respects through Tuesday night, and then Wednesday morning the Reagan's fly to Washington, D.C. for a state funeral in the Capitol Rotunda.

Mr. Reagan's body will lie in state until Friday, when the family attends a national funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. World leaders will be there to pay their respects, but it may be hardest for those who knew him best, like spokeswoman Joanne Drake, who described what it was like to serve 20 years with Ronald Reagan.

DRAKE: It was an honor, one that I wish every American could experience.

LAWRENCE: On Friday, the Reagans return to California for a final sunset internment overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE: Ronald Reagan made his name here in California, but he left his mark in Washington. Organizers say it's only appropriate to have two ceremonies on two coasts, the only real appropriate way to say goodbye -- Carol.

COSTELLO: How difficult for the Reagan family, though, to drag it out this long. But, of course, America appreciates it.

Tell me how the public will be able to go through the library to view the president's casket. How does that work?

LAWRENCE: It will be very tightly controlled. The public will not be able to drive anywhere near the library. They will park at a college several miles away. And after clearing security, they'll be bussed in here in groups to pay their respects. They will not be able to bring any bags or big items. And actually, if they have flowers or things that they want to leave, they're being asked to leave those at the college, not to bring anything here for security purposes.

COSTELLO: Chris Lawrence reporting live from Simi Valley, California.

And as you heard Chris say, the body of the former president lies in a Santa Monica funeral home right now, so let's head live there now. Ted Rowlands is right outside of the funeral home.

Good morning.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

And outside this funeral home, a memorial continues to grow and has throughout the night here -- a lot of cards and flags and flowers, well wishes to the Reagan family. People are expected to gather here as well as at 10:00 this morning as President Reagan's remains are taken by motorcade from here to Simi Valley and the presidential library. At noon Pacific Time, the president will be laying in repose at the library. His flag-draped coffin will be there for the public to come and pay their respects.

And as Chris mentioned, there is expected to be many people going out to Simi Valley. They will be shuttled in via a bus.

Here at Santa Monica when word spread that the president was being brought to this funeral home, people, first in this area and then in the entire southern region, started to flock here to pay their respects to President Reagan. Many of those same people are expected today to follow him, if you will, up to Simi Valley and go pay their respects as he lays in repose for not only the rest of the day today, but all day on Tuesday before they take Mr. Reagan's remains to Washington -- Carol. COSTELLO: And, Ted, I see behind you and I see from the pictures flags, flowers, messages being left. Can you describe some of that for us?

ROWLANDS: Well, it's really amazing how this memorial has grown over the day and a half that the president has been here, as word spread that he was here. There are many messages here saying, "Well done," "Thanks, Dutch," and "God bless the Gipper," among others. Flowers, just single flowers and then other hugs bouquets of flowers have been brought here as well.

It's amazing to watch people come here. Some are literally brought to tears as they think about President Reagan and the effect that he had on their lives. I think all of us have some sort of relationship with our presidents. It's one way, of course. But people are moved, and they thought of Reagan in their own personal terms, and we have seen many people actually crying as they drop off these mementos. And a lot of those folks are expected to the library today.

COSTELLO: I would assume so. Thanks so much. Ted Rowlands, reporting live from Santa Monica, California, this morning.

Be sure to tune in later this afternoon for a CNN special report, "Remembering Ronald Reagan." Judy Woodruff and Anderson Cooper look back at the president and his legacy. That comes your way today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

President Bush is in Georgia today, getting a little R&R ahead of tomorrow's G-8 Summit. World leaders will talk about the economy, the handover of power in Iraq, and other hot topics.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more of the story for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Bush will host a three-day summit in the remote location of Sea Island, Georgia, under unprecedented security. The summit will start on Tuesday. The president is to meet with individual leader of the G-8 from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.

His immediate goal is to secure a U.N. Security Council resolution to endorse Iraqi sovereignty. There are statements now from Germany's Gerhard Schroeder, as well as National Security Condoleezza Rice, that they are very close to a deal. There are letters that have been exchanged between the Iraqi government as well as Security Powell that indicate that the differences over security now are very small.

Now, the second priority on Wednesday is for the U.S. to draft a declaration for Middle East democratic reform. Mr. Bush is going to be meeting with Arab leaders from Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey and Yemen. There is still intense debate now over how this can be achieved without the U.S. seemingly imposing its own brand of democracy on the Middle East.

And finally on Thursday, Mr. Bush is going to be hosting leaders from African nations of Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda -- all of that to promote economic development as well as combating AIDS.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Savannah, Georgia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Coming up on DAYBREAK, the 31 words that rev up debate whenever they're discussed. Today could be the day the highest court in the land rules on the Pledge of Allegiance. Will the words, "under God," survive? We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: "One nation under God." The Supreme Court is expected to rule as early as today on if those words will remain part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Michael Newdow, do you remember him? He's the non-practicing attorney who is fighting to have those words and the Pledge banned from public schools. He argues it violates the separation of church and state and believes it's wrong to force his daughter to listen to those words in the classroom.

So, it's time for some "Coffey Talk" right now. Live to Miami and our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey.

Good morning -- Kendall.

KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: So, what will happen in the U.S. Supreme Court today?

COFFEY: Well, I think the Supreme Court is going to validate the Pledge of Allegiance and reject the prior decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal for several reasons, not the least of which is the Pledge of Allegiance simply isn't prayer. And beyond that, they're going to see the words, "under God," as something that invokes the solemnity and the dignity of the occasion and is not a form of religious indoctrination.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Even though Justice Antonin Scalia recused himself from hearing the case, and, of course, that might make the decision 4-4, is that still possible?

COFFEY: Well, I think there's a clear majority to reject the challenge to the Pledge of Allegiance. But Scalia's absence is not going to be insignificant. He is a very forceful voice on this issue, and certainly would have had a role in shaping the opinion. In fact, when the prayer in school issue came before the court in 1992, he wrote a four-justice dissent.

So, while I don't think it's going to affect the ultimate outcome, I think the decision that's reached is going to be a little different because of Scalia's absence. COSTELLO: Interesting. Because this Newdow -- Mr. Newdow is going to act as the attorney, because, of course, he is an attorney, but he doesn't practice as an attorney, usually. But he's been giving some compelling arguments, hasn't he?

COFFEY: Well, he's argued, in effect, based on some of the Supreme Court's precedent. But when I reviewed the transcript of the oral argument before the Supreme Court, it was very clear of a couple of things. First of all, this is the Pledge of Allegiance. It's not prayer. Secondly, it's been with us for 50 years, and it's never been seen as something that was calling or trying to impose religion upon the unwilling.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Kendall Coffey giving us some insight this morning, thank you, live from Miami.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush is at an island resort off the Georgia coast this morning. He'll meet with world leaders there tomorrow as the G-8 Summit gets under way.

In Iraq, one U.S. soldier was killed and another injured in a mortar attack at an Army base north of Baghdad over the weekend. The soldiers were assigned to the Army's 13th Corps Support Command.

In money news, the New York Stock Exchange will shorten its trading session by two minutes as a tribute to former President Ronald Reagan. Traditionally, the exchange observes two minutes of silence in trading when former presidents die.

In sports, the Lightning and Flames face off tonight in Game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. It's the third time in the last four years the finals have gone to a game seven.

In culture, the pope's latest book is coming to the United States this fall. "Rise, Let us be on Our Way" recounts John Paul II's early days before he became pope. The book is already available throughout Europe.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

Let's check in with Bill and Soledad to see what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING." Bill is in Simi Valley, California; Soledad, of course, in New York.

What's happening?

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. Good morning.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Carol, good morning to you. We are live at the Presidential Library here in Simi Valley, and what a day this will be; so many stories to recall and recollect regarding the former president. Later today, his body will be brought by procession. His casket will be lying here in repose for public viewing later today, and then for a period of about 24 hours before the trip heads back to Washington, D.C.

A great show today. Edwin Meese is here, former attorney general, Sheila Tate, former press secretary for Nancy Reagan, David Gergen stops by, Richard Thornburgh, also an attorney general late in the second term of President Ronald Reagan, Duke Blackwood (ph) runs the library here. We have a lot of people to talk to today, and we will over the next three hours on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Also to my colleague, Soledad O'Brien.

O'BRIEN: That's right.

HEMMER: Back in New York. Good morning -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And good morning to you, Carol. Good morning to you, Bill, as well. We miss you here.

This morning, we're also talking about the G-8 Summit. Of course, it's about to get under way in Sea Island, Georgia. We've got a live report for you from Savannah this morning.

Also, we're going to take you back to the Titanic, and we'll talk to the man who first discovered the shipwreck. But now he says 20 years later he has very mixed feelings about returning.

That and much, much more all ahead on this edition of "AMERICAN MORNING."

Carol -- we'll see you in just a few moments.

COSTELLO: All right, thanks, Bill and Soledad.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, a dash to the finish and then hope dashed. Oh, there was so much riding on one horse this weekend. Chris Cotter will be along to talk about that and about the Lakers' loss. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Before we get into sports with Chris Cotter, he has the most recent statistics on Jennifer Lopez's marriages and her engagements.

CHRIS COTTER, 790 THE ZONE: I've crunched the numbers.

COSTELLO: I can't believe you know this, because you know Jennifer Lopez got married over the weekend to Marc Anthony five months after she broke up with Ben Affleck.

That's three marriages and five total engagements over the seven years, right? Because she wasn't married to P. Diddy.

COSTELLO: No. COTTER: And she wasn't married to Ben Affleck.

COSTELLO: No!

COTTER: Those were just the engagements.

COSTELLO: No, but she was married to a waiter...

COTTER: That's right.

COSTELLO: ... a dancer...

COTTER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: ... and now a singer.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It's kind of like a trifecta.

COTTER: Speaking of horse racing, you're right. Now, how long will this last, though? How long will this last?

COSTELLO: I don't know.

COTTER: The Belmont may have lasted longer than this marriage is going to last.

COSTELLO: I don't know. More power to her, though. I hope it works out. But it's just kind of sad. She just keeps getting married or engaged. Can't she just chill for a while?

MYERS: Or meet the guy for six months, you know?

(CROSSTALK)

COSTELLO: She knew him from before. They dated from before.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: And they must have met and the sparks flew once again.

COTTER: Well, as much money as all of her fiances or husbands have, they don't have as much as she does. So, you can't say she's marrying for the money.

COSTELLO: No.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: No, she's only marrying for...

COTTER: Love.

MYERS: Because some of them bet on the horse to win.

COSTELLO: Speaking of horses to win, we all thought Smarty Jones was going to win. MYERS: Smarty?

COSTELLO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) segue?

COTTER: It was an unbelievable segue.

MYERS: I tried.

COSTELLO: Thank you.

COTTER: That's what we do here.

Smarty Jones was such a dominant horse in the first two legs that everybody said this is a (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's just a matter of how the horse is going to win, and Smarty Jones here did, you know, what happens to so many other horses in the Belmont, it's too long. That's the thing. It's so much longer than the Preakness. Smarty Jones dominated in the Preakness. But here, you can see Birdstone just catching him at the end.

We were all on the edge of our seats.

COSTELLO: Oh, I know. Oh, yes.

COTTER: Because it was an exciting race the whole way.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes.

COTTER: And it was so long compared to other horse races, you thought it's going to happen, it's going to happen. And then at the end, you know, for the first time in over a quarter of a century and -- never mind.

COSTELLO: Yes, a lot of people didn't make any money at all, unless they had bet on that horse that came in second.

COTTER: Yes, Birdstone.

MYERS: Thirty-six to what?

COSTELLO: Thirty-six to one.

COTTER: That's a nice payday right there.

COSTELLO: But Smarty Jones isn't going to be put out pasture - as in a stud farm.

COTTER: Right.

COSTELLO: He's still going to be racing.

COTTER: Yes, but the big days are over. I mean, once you're a 3-year-old once and you have that year and this is the year, and then after that, yes, you'll race and you'll race in exhibitions and whatnot and some other races. But for the big races of the Triple Crown, this is it. So, Smarty Jones goes to stud for all intents and purposes.

COSTELLO: For a happy life.

COTTER: Right.

COSTELLO: Kind of like Jennifer Lopez.

COTTER: Right. And Smarty Jones will always be remembered as a great horse. So, it will command a lot of money in stud, not nearly as much as if it were to have won the Triple Crown.

MYERS: But I don't think Smarty will run much, because if he gets hurt, then that reduces his stud fee.

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: Because you don't want a horse with a bad knee or something like that.

COTTER: Exactly.

MYERS: Don't show any imperfections. This horse is nine races, eight wins, one place, I mean, you can't really beat that.

COSTELLO: Gotcha.

COTTER: Make the $30 million putting him out to stud.

COSTELLO: Yes. Do we have time to talk about a little basketball? OK, we have time to talk about a little basketball.

COTTER: We've got basketball, we've got hockey, we've got all kinds of stuff to talk about.

COSTELLO: We've got basketball. Oh, hockey, schmocky (ph). Let's talk about basketball.

MYERS: Oh, come on, the Flames tonight.

COTTER: Right. We've got game seven tonight. You had game one of the NBA finals last night. The Lakers -- you know, everyone thought about, you know, Smarty Jones, how that's a (UNINTELLIGIBLE). How about the Lakers in a sweep? Not so fast, because last night the Pistons go into L.A. on the road and get the win in game one.

And L.A., two things about them: All playoffs long they've shown complacency and they showed it again last night. And also for the first time last night, really, they showed their age, I think. The Pistons were a lot quicker, and they got the big win. And the Lakers really need to turn things up. Now, they can't afford to go down 0-2 at home. The pressure is on their shoulders.

MYERS: Well, so many people were saying game five, if necessary. This is a sweep. This is a sweep. L.A. is going to take it.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes. MYERS: All of a sudden...

COSTELLO: I'm loving that. You know, even the coach said Shaq looked a little tired. Shaq said he looked a little tired because no one was giving him the ball, and (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COTTER: Right. I mean, when he was getting the ball he was dominating. He just didn't get it in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant, too, missed a couple of three-pointers. Shaq was saying, hey, what about me? Why are you taking those three- pointers? I'm dominating in here. The Pistons defense, though, showed all playoffs long and it showed last night and it really surprised the Lakers, I think.

COSTELLO: Oh, go Pistons!

COTTER: I'm rooting for them.

COSTELLO: Oh, me too. I like the underdog.

We'll have the latest headlines for you. We'll be right back with more. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's time to award our mug this morning, because we ran out of time on Friday to do it, because of the pope and the president.

MYERS: Right, the president, sure, right.

COSTELLO: So now it's time.

MYERS: All right, now we -- if you answered those questions right on Thursday and have been patiently waiting, here's your time.

Name two leaders with whom President Bush is going to meet in Italy? Obviously one was the pope, and the other one was Berlusconi. And now the estate of what actress will be exhibited and auctioned by Sotheby's? And that is Katharine Hepburn.

And the winner: Paul Mitchell.

COSTELLO: The shampoo guy?

MYERS: Gosh, I used your hairspray this morning, Paul. Cave Creek, Arizona, our first cup to Arizona on DAYBREAK.

COSTELLO: Congrats.

MYERS: Now your chance to win one today.

How many member nations will participate in the G-8 Summit?

COSTELLO: It's a trick question. We swear.

MYERS: It's not eight. What actress became the first African- American woman to win a Tony for a leading role in a play?

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: And she was also excited yesterday at the Tony Awards there. There you go. Daybreak@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: Oh, you got it right.

MYERS: Don't look for it on the Web site. Just type in Daybreak@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: Daybreak@CNN.com. You want to talk about Jennifer Lopez some more?

MYERS: No!

COSTELLO: All right. Do you want to talk about NASCAR?

MYERS: Sure.

COSTELLO: We have some time to kill. Talk away.

MYERS: Actually, we haven't really given a whole lot of thought to hockey today. We haven't talked about that. But Flames and Lightning, game seven, somebody takes home Lord Stanley's cup tonight. What an amazing game Saturday night. I watched it double overtime. And Tampa Bay finally won it in double overtime, about 30 seconds into double overtime, an amazing game. And it should be an amazing game tonight as well.

COSTELLO: All right, game seven tonight.

MYERS: They played such a clean series.

COSTELLO: I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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