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CNN Live At Daybreak
Two Explosions in Iraq This Morning; White House Expectations for G-8 Summit
Aired June 08, 2004 - 05:00 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: You're looking at a live picture from Simi Valley, California, as mourners walk past the casket of Ronald Reagan.
It is Tuesday, June 8.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Thank you for joining us this morning.
Let me bring you up to date right now.
Two suicide car bombs in Iraq today. At least one U.S. soldier and 11 Iraqis are killed. More than 100 people are injured, including 10 Americans. The blasts were about an hour apart in Mosul and Ba'qubah. We're going to take you there live to Iraq in two minutes.
Going on right now at the Reagan Presidential Library, the rich, the poor, the young, the old, a cross-section of Americans wait hours in line for a brief glimpse at the casket holding Ronald Reagan, America's 40th president.
In money news, there is relief at the pumps. The government says gas prices declined $0.017 over the last week, to an average of $2.03 per gallon. It is the second straight week prices have dropped.
In sports, lightning strikes in Tampa. The Tampa Bay hockey team wins the Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.
In culture, the Supreme Court has made it possible for people to try to get back property stolen by the Nazis in World War 2. The ruling allows a California woman to sue the nation of Austria to retrieve $150 million worth of family paintings -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Firefighters now fighting a blaze outside of Denver, Colorado and another one outside of Colorado Springs. This one here from our affiliate KUSA. They are out of Denver. It has been very dry and very hot; yesterday, in fact, 98.
Something else that's going on today, Carol, what do you think of this fashion?
COSTELLO: Oh, that is excellent.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: What are those?
MYERS: You know, though, these are not Shrek 3D glasses. This is the only thing you should be looking at the sun with today, or possibly some type of -- some welding glass but...
COSTELLO: I was going to say, who has those in their bedroom drawer?
MYERS: Well, exactly; although they are available at some of the local stores if you've been driving around the past couple of days and going into your local -- your convenience stores. Otherwise, Carol, kind of a little partial eclipse of the sun. See that dot there? It's not a sunspot. In fact, that's Venus.
COSTELLO: Is that Venus, really?
MYERS: That is Venus going across and...
COSTELLO: Where is this shot taken?
MYERS: Our Miles O'Brien is going to have an exclusive look at this, because we're the only one that can look at this.
COSTELLO: Well, where is this shot taken?
MYERS: Oh, this is actually a NASA camera, Carol.
COSTELLO: Oh, OK.
MYERS: Yes, we can't see it yet, obviously, because it's too early here in the U.S. But actually all the troops over in Iraq are having a perfect view of this. So hopefully they're taking their eye precaution like they should be.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Just about five hours ago, a suicide car bomb goes off in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, killing 10 Iraqis and wounding as many as 100. An hour before that, another car bomber at Ba'qubah kills an American soldier and wounds 10 others.
For details on both bombings, we take you live to Baghdad and Harris Whitbeck.
Tell us more -- Harris.
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.
Some of those numbers have been revised downward after initial assessments made by emergency response officials, particularly in Mosul. But we're going to start with Ba'qubah, where a car bomb exploded outside the entrance to an American military facility there, right at the time when a lot of Iraqi civilian workers were lined up about the entrance to be searched as they went in to report for work.
One Iraqi civilian and one U.S. soldier died in that attack. Sixteen other Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers were wounded. An Iraqi police spokesman said it is believed the attack was carried out by one person who was driving a red Mitsubishi sedan near the area.
Now, in the northern city of Mosul, another vehicle explosion very close to the city hall there killed -- and these are the latest figures -- killed at least nine Iraqi civilians and wounded 25. Witnesses there reported seeing three men in an orange and white taxi right before that taxi blew up. There's no -- there are no U.S. military facilities near the site of the explosion, but U.S. military officials on the ground say that they believe that members of the local, the provincial Iraqi Council, Governing Council, had been targeted as they had driven by the site of the attack shortly before that suicide bomb or that car exploded.
Meanwhile, there are confirmed reports today that a U.S. Marine was killed yesterday in the al-Anbar Province. The military communique issued said that he was involved in security and stability operations and gave no more details -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Harris Whitbeck live in Baghdad this morning.
The U.S.-British draft resolution restoring Iraq's sovereignty is expected to come up for a vote today at the United Nations. The most recent draft makes it clear that the interim Iraqi government can order coalition forces to leave at any time. This seems to satisfy French and German demands. The measure is now expected to win U.N. approval.
President Bush opens the G8 summit of the globe's wealthiest nations on Sea Island, Georgia today. Security is extremely tight. There are about 20,000 law enforcement officers and National Guard troops on duty -- concrete barriers, metal fencing, checkpoints everywhere you look.
President Bush is already there this morning. Other world leaders begin arriving at 10:00 Eastern time. And while the summit is supposed to be about the global economy, certainly the future of Iraq is a central focus of the gathering.
Our White House correspondent Dana Bash tells us about White House expectations.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president returned from a three-day European trip prepared to pick up where he left off in his campaign to renew unity with estranged allies.
Mr. Bush is hosting more than 20 world leaders around the G8 Summit at this seaside Georgia resort and officials are working feverishly to finalize agreements on a U.N. resolution on Iraq and use it to symbolize disagreement over the war is evolving into agreement about Iraq's future.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Everybody now understands the key is an Iraq that is prosperous and moving forward. It really closes a page, closes the book on the past.
BASH: The French have wanted more clarity on Iraq's veto power of U.S. military operations but the White House was buoyed by positive words from Jacques Chirac during Mr. Bush's weekend visit.
For all the talk of the future at Sea Island, a key figure from the past, Ronald Reagan, looms over this summit as he does everywhere this week. Reagan, Bush aides note, was instrumental in giving then G7 meetings a high profile and are drawing parallels between Mr. Bush's diplomatic style and what they call Reagan's clear spoken rhetoric against communism that inspired change but also ruffled European leaders.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: People over at Gallup have taken another look at President Bush's approval rating. Here's the latest from a June 3 through June 6 poll. Respondents split down the middle when asked if the president is doing a good job; 49 percent saying he's doing a good job; 49 percent say he's not so hot.
The presidential race appears tied. Of likely voters, 50 percent favor John Kerry; 44 percent favor the president. While Kerry gained slightly since May, Bush had a slight drop.
And right now mourners are still filing past Ronald Reagan's casket as he lies in repose at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. You're looking at a live picture now.
The former president's son Michael, who is a radio talk show host, discussed his father's passing on his radio program.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MICHAEL REAGAN, RONALD REAGAN'S SON: My father stated when his mother died he knew it was going to happen, but yet when it happened, it was the hardest thing in the world. I knew my father was going to pass away. I knew every day he was slipping more and more away. But when it happened, it hits you like a truck. I miss him already.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Tomorrow the former president's body will be flown from Simi Valley to Washington, to lie in state in the Rotunda of the Capitol.
More from CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tight security just got tighter around Washington.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Due to the lying in state ceremony for President Ronald Reagan, the Capitol will close for tours at 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 7.
JOHNS: More security is coming, as local and federal law enforcement prepare for the first full blown series of events here honoring the passing of a president since Lyndon Johnson died 30 years ago.
CHIEF TERRANCE GAINER, U.S. CAPITOL POLICE: We're ready for this. We've practiced this. We've rehearsed it and it goes on the precision timetable.
JOHNS: The week will feature a horse drawn caisson and a rival ceremony at the Capitol, a 24 hour vigil and a funeral at the National Cathedral. Expected to attend, government leaders who would show up at a State of the Union address, plus former presidents, heads of state, the family of the late president and up to 100,000 people filing past the Reagan casket, perched on this 140-year-old catwalk in the Capitol Rotunda.
No cameras, no backpacks. Post-9/11, law enforcement sees the whole setting as a potential target.
GAINER: That's a pretty powerful group of people. And you couple that with just the very image that this dome signifies across this land and across this world, it can be attractive. We are concerned about that, but not panicky.
JOHNS: Besides bomb sniffing dogs and extra police patrols, it means canceled leave for large numbers of officers.
CHIEF CHARLES RAMSEY, D.C. POLICE: We have, as a top priority, maintaining coverage out in our streets. So that's one reason why I have to cancel days off, to make sure we have adequate personnel.
JOHNS (on camera): Law enforcement personnel as far away as New York could be called in to help, if necessary. All this security comes with a price tag that is still being calculated.
Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: I want you to take a look at this $10 bill. Here it is right here. It's Alexander Hamilton on this $10 bill, the country's first secretary of the treasury. Of course, he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr almost exactly 200 years ago. That's what he's best known for, unfortunately.
Well, now there is an effort to bump him off the $10 bill. The Reagan Legacy Project wants to replace Hamilton's likeness on the $10 bill with Ronald Reagan's. So, our DAYBREAK Question of the Day: should former President Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill?
E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com. We want to know what you think.
Coming up later on "American Morning," by the way, a young man's chance encounter with Ronald Reagan seven years ago. Rostik Denenburg was just 12 at the time. He'll join Bill and Soledad in the 7:00 Eastern hour. It's quite a story from, well, from that young man now.
Time to check some stories making news across America this Tuesday.
In California, two more islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River were evacuated as a result of last week's levy break. Seventy- five residents moved out of the area, but may be able to return to their homes today. About 250 people were left homeless by the initial flooding. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared the Reagan a disaster area.
Old Navy is recalling hundreds of thousands of children's coats. The company says zipper pulls on the coats and fleece pullovers can detach, presenting a choking hazard for children. The items were sold at Old Navy stores nationwide and on the company's Web site between last November and this May.
Crews hope to have the main rail line between Portland and Seattle reopened today. The tracks were closed after four tank cars from a freight train tipped over. Two of the cars leaked a small amount of flammable liquid, but officials say there is no danger to residents in the area.
Next on DAYBREAK, honoring Ronald Reagan -- what to do, how to do it. We'll tell you some of the ideas being tossed around in addition to him replacing Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.
If you miss it, you're going to have to wait eight years before there's another one, and then at least 100 years after that. We've got the goods on a light show that's out of this world.
And doctors prescribe them right now to fight cholesterol. But a new study suggests these drugs could fight something else. Some promising medical news that could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Stay with us.
This is DAYBREAK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARION ASNES, "MONEY" MAGAZINE: "Money" magazine chose Atlanta as one of its best places to retire because it's been and continues to be a boomer magnet. We looked for places where people were moving in their 40s and 50s, in their pre-retirement years, knowing that in all likelihood, the majority of them would remain there, because most baby boomers do plan to work at least part-time in their retirement years.
Metro Atlanta is huge, more than four million people spread out over 28 counties. You've got sports teams, ballet, opera, a symphony. This is an area that's diverse, that has affordable housing and that has outdoor recreation galore. You've got golf everywhere you look, swimming pools, hiking trails, all the things that make an active retirement.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:17 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
A U.S. soldier one of 11 people dead in Iraq this morning after suicide car bombs explode in two cities. The first happened about 30 miles north of Baghdad in Ba'qubah. The other exploded outside city hall in Mosul.
President Bush opens the G8 summit of the world's wealthiest nations on Sea Island, Georgia this morning. Two items top President Bush's agenda -- Iraq and gaining support for his Middle East peace plan.
In money news, Vice President Dick Cheney says he wants recent tax breaks to be made permanent. The vice president says tax relief over the past three years is responsible for the creation of nearly one million jobs.
In sports, Greg Biffle ran away with the Bush Series MBNA 200 at Dover International Speedway. The race had been rescheduled from Saturday because of rain.
In culture, a host of musical heavyweights gathered in New York for the Lincoln Center's annual spring gala. Wynton Marsalis, James Taylor and Bob Dylan among the performers -- Chad.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Oh, I'm just reading some of the e-mails coming in about putting Reagan on the $10 bill.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: They're coming in fast and furious.
MYERS: Yes, they are. They're quite humorous.
COSTELLO: We have the greatest viewers, don't we?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Keep 'em coming, daybreak@cnn.com. We're going to read some of your e-mails in just a little bit.
Also coming up on DAYBREAK, don't mess with Texas, literally. We'll tell you why use of a popular catchphrase could cost you.
And memorable moments from the Gipper. We'll hitch up with the humor wagon ahead.
And, of course, we are taking your e-mail questions on the possible money memorial. Should former President Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill? Keep those e-mails coming, daybreak@cnn.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Are you reading some of those?
MYERS: I am.
COSTELLO: Yes, we're still reading your e-mail.
MYERS: They're pretty funny.
COSTELLO: Let's keep 'em coming, daybreak@cnn.com.
Time now for our DAYBREAK Eye-Openers.
Somebody's been messing with Texas. The state is considering lawsuits over the unauthorized use of the slogan "don't mess with Texas." The slogan, which has appeared on everything from T-shirts to breath mints, is a federally registered trademark which belongs to the state's department of transportation, so don't mess with it.
The chicken ranch is for sale, can you believe it?
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: Oh. The owner of one of Nevada's most famous legal brothels says it's time for someone younger to carry on the tradition. Ken Green bought the business more than two decades ago. The asking price? Just a shade under $7 million.
It wasn't exactly Baby Jessica, but a group gathered at the Missouri strip mall to watch the rescue of a little kitten that had fallen down a storm drain. Humane Society workers used cans of cat food to coax the kittens closer to the entrance of the drain so they could be pulled out. It seems to happen every day or two, doesn't it? The kitten is safe and sound this morning.
MYERS: Good.
COSTELLO: Those who knew him say you couldn't be around Ronald Reagan for very long before the former president would have you laughing. And during tough times, that's quite a gift. CNN's Jeanne Moos takes a look at the light-hearted side of the Reagan legacy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNIE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His death is no laughing matter but laughing mattered a lot to Ronald Reagan.
REAGAN: You know that might be more fun pulling rabbits out of a hat than jackasses out of the way in Washington.
MOOS: Even when interrupted by a glass smashing protester, President Reagan came back with a quip, "was he a Democrat by chance?" When his doctor once asked if he needed something for his cold...
DR. JOHN HUTTON, PRES. REAGAN'S PHYSICIAN: He says, you know, I don't get colds and two days later he came by. "Well, sir" he said "I just thought I'd let you know that I caught your allergy."
MOOS: His laughter was contagious even if you'd heard the same joke 50 times, as Nancy Reagan's press secretary had.
SHEILA TATE, FMR. NANCY REAGAN PRESS SECRETARY: As Henry VIII said to Ann Boleyn, I won't keep you long. I realized after hearing it 50 times I was still laughing.
MOOS: Or how about the time he described a testy meeting with South Africa's Bishop Tutu this way.
JAMES BAKER, REAGAN CHIEF OF STAFF: Tutu, so-so.
MOOS: President Reagan liked jokes so much he kept them on hand.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He even kept them in his drawer. I remember he used to pull them out.
MOOS: Remember when the president was doing a mike check and joked about bombing the Soviet Union?
REAGAN: We begin bombing in five minutes.
MOOS: After that White House technicians canned the mike checks.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And then he launched into this perfect Donald Duck impression.
MOOS: Comedians preferred Reagan imitations.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, hello little girl.
MOOS (on camera): Even another former president didn't mind when I accidentally referred to him as President Reagan.
RICHARD NIXON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I've been called worse than that.
MOOS: I understand. And when critics called President Reagan lazy he joked back.
REAGAN: I've really been burning the midday oil.
MOOS: Maybe those who are lobbying to add President Reagan to Mount Rushmore should suggest his smile be carved in stone.
Jeannie Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Ah, but it's not Mount Rushmore. It is the $10 bill we're talking about this morning.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: There is a move to replace Alexander Hamilton with Ronald Reagan on the $10 bill. We've been asking you the question -- should it happen? And we've been getting your responses and we have some to read to you right now.
MYERS: Very few positive ones. Very few people say yes, yes, yes, do it. A couple -- one said maybe Kennedy, but not Reagan. That was the only one other than a yes/no answer that I really got,.
COSTELLO: Gee, I wonder if that person was a Democrat?
MYERS: Could be. Could be. Somebody says let's put him on a dime instead, because that's all I have left. I don't have any $10 bills.
COSTELLO: This is from Norm from Auburn, Washington. He says: "I think we need to wait the obligatory 50 years or so before the hysteria of the moment overcomes any reasonable reading of history." And then he talks about Hamilton's contributions. And Alexander -- I'm reading his biography now, Alexander Hamilton.
MYERS: Really?
COSTELLO: He created our economy, in essence.
MYERS: Yes, the banking system.
COSTELLO: And he also wrote "The Federalist Papers," which presented a fabulous argument for creating a strong central government and, in essence, created the government we have now. So he did a lot of stuff, except, you know, he was in that duel with Aaron Burr.
MYERS: The duel thing.
COSTELLO: Over a woman.
MYERS: 1803.
COSTELLO: And Aaron Burr was a weenie, by the way. But let's read more e-mail, shall we?
MYERS: I'm sorry, what dollar bill is he on?
COSTELLO: I have to read one more.
MYERS: Go ahead.
COSTELLO: Daryl (ph) from New York. He says: "I say no to the idea of Reagan replacing Hamilton. We need more history in this country. We can't just change our buildings and monuments. We should always concentrate on generating new ones."
That's a compromise. This man should be in power.
MYERS: We'll, let's put him up there.
COSTELLO: Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
They are like two ships passing in the night. For the first time in over 100 years, Venus and the sun have a close encounter. More Venus envy ahead.
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: Could your cholesterol drugs have a bonus benefit -- you liked that one. This is a report you won't want to miss.
Plus, suicide bombers have been busy overnight in Iraq. We'll have that latest on that.
This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired June 8, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: You're looking at a live picture from Simi Valley, California, as mourners walk past the casket of Ronald Reagan.
It is Tuesday, June 8.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Thank you for joining us this morning.
Let me bring you up to date right now.
Two suicide car bombs in Iraq today. At least one U.S. soldier and 11 Iraqis are killed. More than 100 people are injured, including 10 Americans. The blasts were about an hour apart in Mosul and Ba'qubah. We're going to take you there live to Iraq in two minutes.
Going on right now at the Reagan Presidential Library, the rich, the poor, the young, the old, a cross-section of Americans wait hours in line for a brief glimpse at the casket holding Ronald Reagan, America's 40th president.
In money news, there is relief at the pumps. The government says gas prices declined $0.017 over the last week, to an average of $2.03 per gallon. It is the second straight week prices have dropped.
In sports, lightning strikes in Tampa. The Tampa Bay hockey team wins the Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.
In culture, the Supreme Court has made it possible for people to try to get back property stolen by the Nazis in World War 2. The ruling allows a California woman to sue the nation of Austria to retrieve $150 million worth of family paintings -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Firefighters now fighting a blaze outside of Denver, Colorado and another one outside of Colorado Springs. This one here from our affiliate KUSA. They are out of Denver. It has been very dry and very hot; yesterday, in fact, 98.
Something else that's going on today, Carol, what do you think of this fashion?
COSTELLO: Oh, that is excellent.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: What are those?
MYERS: You know, though, these are not Shrek 3D glasses. This is the only thing you should be looking at the sun with today, or possibly some type of -- some welding glass but...
COSTELLO: I was going to say, who has those in their bedroom drawer?
MYERS: Well, exactly; although they are available at some of the local stores if you've been driving around the past couple of days and going into your local -- your convenience stores. Otherwise, Carol, kind of a little partial eclipse of the sun. See that dot there? It's not a sunspot. In fact, that's Venus.
COSTELLO: Is that Venus, really?
MYERS: That is Venus going across and...
COSTELLO: Where is this shot taken?
MYERS: Our Miles O'Brien is going to have an exclusive look at this, because we're the only one that can look at this.
COSTELLO: Well, where is this shot taken?
MYERS: Oh, this is actually a NASA camera, Carol.
COSTELLO: Oh, OK.
MYERS: Yes, we can't see it yet, obviously, because it's too early here in the U.S. But actually all the troops over in Iraq are having a perfect view of this. So hopefully they're taking their eye precaution like they should be.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Just about five hours ago, a suicide car bomb goes off in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, killing 10 Iraqis and wounding as many as 100. An hour before that, another car bomber at Ba'qubah kills an American soldier and wounds 10 others.
For details on both bombings, we take you live to Baghdad and Harris Whitbeck.
Tell us more -- Harris.
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.
Some of those numbers have been revised downward after initial assessments made by emergency response officials, particularly in Mosul. But we're going to start with Ba'qubah, where a car bomb exploded outside the entrance to an American military facility there, right at the time when a lot of Iraqi civilian workers were lined up about the entrance to be searched as they went in to report for work.
One Iraqi civilian and one U.S. soldier died in that attack. Sixteen other Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers were wounded. An Iraqi police spokesman said it is believed the attack was carried out by one person who was driving a red Mitsubishi sedan near the area.
Now, in the northern city of Mosul, another vehicle explosion very close to the city hall there killed -- and these are the latest figures -- killed at least nine Iraqi civilians and wounded 25. Witnesses there reported seeing three men in an orange and white taxi right before that taxi blew up. There's no -- there are no U.S. military facilities near the site of the explosion, but U.S. military officials on the ground say that they believe that members of the local, the provincial Iraqi Council, Governing Council, had been targeted as they had driven by the site of the attack shortly before that suicide bomb or that car exploded.
Meanwhile, there are confirmed reports today that a U.S. Marine was killed yesterday in the al-Anbar Province. The military communique issued said that he was involved in security and stability operations and gave no more details -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Harris Whitbeck live in Baghdad this morning.
The U.S.-British draft resolution restoring Iraq's sovereignty is expected to come up for a vote today at the United Nations. The most recent draft makes it clear that the interim Iraqi government can order coalition forces to leave at any time. This seems to satisfy French and German demands. The measure is now expected to win U.N. approval.
President Bush opens the G8 summit of the globe's wealthiest nations on Sea Island, Georgia today. Security is extremely tight. There are about 20,000 law enforcement officers and National Guard troops on duty -- concrete barriers, metal fencing, checkpoints everywhere you look.
President Bush is already there this morning. Other world leaders begin arriving at 10:00 Eastern time. And while the summit is supposed to be about the global economy, certainly the future of Iraq is a central focus of the gathering.
Our White House correspondent Dana Bash tells us about White House expectations.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president returned from a three-day European trip prepared to pick up where he left off in his campaign to renew unity with estranged allies.
Mr. Bush is hosting more than 20 world leaders around the G8 Summit at this seaside Georgia resort and officials are working feverishly to finalize agreements on a U.N. resolution on Iraq and use it to symbolize disagreement over the war is evolving into agreement about Iraq's future.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Everybody now understands the key is an Iraq that is prosperous and moving forward. It really closes a page, closes the book on the past.
BASH: The French have wanted more clarity on Iraq's veto power of U.S. military operations but the White House was buoyed by positive words from Jacques Chirac during Mr. Bush's weekend visit.
For all the talk of the future at Sea Island, a key figure from the past, Ronald Reagan, looms over this summit as he does everywhere this week. Reagan, Bush aides note, was instrumental in giving then G7 meetings a high profile and are drawing parallels between Mr. Bush's diplomatic style and what they call Reagan's clear spoken rhetoric against communism that inspired change but also ruffled European leaders.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: People over at Gallup have taken another look at President Bush's approval rating. Here's the latest from a June 3 through June 6 poll. Respondents split down the middle when asked if the president is doing a good job; 49 percent saying he's doing a good job; 49 percent say he's not so hot.
The presidential race appears tied. Of likely voters, 50 percent favor John Kerry; 44 percent favor the president. While Kerry gained slightly since May, Bush had a slight drop.
And right now mourners are still filing past Ronald Reagan's casket as he lies in repose at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. You're looking at a live picture now.
The former president's son Michael, who is a radio talk show host, discussed his father's passing on his radio program.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MICHAEL REAGAN, RONALD REAGAN'S SON: My father stated when his mother died he knew it was going to happen, but yet when it happened, it was the hardest thing in the world. I knew my father was going to pass away. I knew every day he was slipping more and more away. But when it happened, it hits you like a truck. I miss him already.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Tomorrow the former president's body will be flown from Simi Valley to Washington, to lie in state in the Rotunda of the Capitol.
More from CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tight security just got tighter around Washington.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Due to the lying in state ceremony for President Ronald Reagan, the Capitol will close for tours at 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 7.
JOHNS: More security is coming, as local and federal law enforcement prepare for the first full blown series of events here honoring the passing of a president since Lyndon Johnson died 30 years ago.
CHIEF TERRANCE GAINER, U.S. CAPITOL POLICE: We're ready for this. We've practiced this. We've rehearsed it and it goes on the precision timetable.
JOHNS: The week will feature a horse drawn caisson and a rival ceremony at the Capitol, a 24 hour vigil and a funeral at the National Cathedral. Expected to attend, government leaders who would show up at a State of the Union address, plus former presidents, heads of state, the family of the late president and up to 100,000 people filing past the Reagan casket, perched on this 140-year-old catwalk in the Capitol Rotunda.
No cameras, no backpacks. Post-9/11, law enforcement sees the whole setting as a potential target.
GAINER: That's a pretty powerful group of people. And you couple that with just the very image that this dome signifies across this land and across this world, it can be attractive. We are concerned about that, but not panicky.
JOHNS: Besides bomb sniffing dogs and extra police patrols, it means canceled leave for large numbers of officers.
CHIEF CHARLES RAMSEY, D.C. POLICE: We have, as a top priority, maintaining coverage out in our streets. So that's one reason why I have to cancel days off, to make sure we have adequate personnel.
JOHNS (on camera): Law enforcement personnel as far away as New York could be called in to help, if necessary. All this security comes with a price tag that is still being calculated.
Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: I want you to take a look at this $10 bill. Here it is right here. It's Alexander Hamilton on this $10 bill, the country's first secretary of the treasury. Of course, he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr almost exactly 200 years ago. That's what he's best known for, unfortunately.
Well, now there is an effort to bump him off the $10 bill. The Reagan Legacy Project wants to replace Hamilton's likeness on the $10 bill with Ronald Reagan's. So, our DAYBREAK Question of the Day: should former President Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill?
E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com. We want to know what you think.
Coming up later on "American Morning," by the way, a young man's chance encounter with Ronald Reagan seven years ago. Rostik Denenburg was just 12 at the time. He'll join Bill and Soledad in the 7:00 Eastern hour. It's quite a story from, well, from that young man now.
Time to check some stories making news across America this Tuesday.
In California, two more islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River were evacuated as a result of last week's levy break. Seventy- five residents moved out of the area, but may be able to return to their homes today. About 250 people were left homeless by the initial flooding. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared the Reagan a disaster area.
Old Navy is recalling hundreds of thousands of children's coats. The company says zipper pulls on the coats and fleece pullovers can detach, presenting a choking hazard for children. The items were sold at Old Navy stores nationwide and on the company's Web site between last November and this May.
Crews hope to have the main rail line between Portland and Seattle reopened today. The tracks were closed after four tank cars from a freight train tipped over. Two of the cars leaked a small amount of flammable liquid, but officials say there is no danger to residents in the area.
Next on DAYBREAK, honoring Ronald Reagan -- what to do, how to do it. We'll tell you some of the ideas being tossed around in addition to him replacing Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.
If you miss it, you're going to have to wait eight years before there's another one, and then at least 100 years after that. We've got the goods on a light show that's out of this world.
And doctors prescribe them right now to fight cholesterol. But a new study suggests these drugs could fight something else. Some promising medical news that could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Stay with us.
This is DAYBREAK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARION ASNES, "MONEY" MAGAZINE: "Money" magazine chose Atlanta as one of its best places to retire because it's been and continues to be a boomer magnet. We looked for places where people were moving in their 40s and 50s, in their pre-retirement years, knowing that in all likelihood, the majority of them would remain there, because most baby boomers do plan to work at least part-time in their retirement years.
Metro Atlanta is huge, more than four million people spread out over 28 counties. You've got sports teams, ballet, opera, a symphony. This is an area that's diverse, that has affordable housing and that has outdoor recreation galore. You've got golf everywhere you look, swimming pools, hiking trails, all the things that make an active retirement.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:17 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
A U.S. soldier one of 11 people dead in Iraq this morning after suicide car bombs explode in two cities. The first happened about 30 miles north of Baghdad in Ba'qubah. The other exploded outside city hall in Mosul.
President Bush opens the G8 summit of the world's wealthiest nations on Sea Island, Georgia this morning. Two items top President Bush's agenda -- Iraq and gaining support for his Middle East peace plan.
In money news, Vice President Dick Cheney says he wants recent tax breaks to be made permanent. The vice president says tax relief over the past three years is responsible for the creation of nearly one million jobs.
In sports, Greg Biffle ran away with the Bush Series MBNA 200 at Dover International Speedway. The race had been rescheduled from Saturday because of rain.
In culture, a host of musical heavyweights gathered in New York for the Lincoln Center's annual spring gala. Wynton Marsalis, James Taylor and Bob Dylan among the performers -- Chad.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Oh, I'm just reading some of the e-mails coming in about putting Reagan on the $10 bill.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: They're coming in fast and furious.
MYERS: Yes, they are. They're quite humorous.
COSTELLO: We have the greatest viewers, don't we?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Keep 'em coming, daybreak@cnn.com. We're going to read some of your e-mails in just a little bit.
Also coming up on DAYBREAK, don't mess with Texas, literally. We'll tell you why use of a popular catchphrase could cost you.
And memorable moments from the Gipper. We'll hitch up with the humor wagon ahead.
And, of course, we are taking your e-mail questions on the possible money memorial. Should former President Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill? Keep those e-mails coming, daybreak@cnn.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Are you reading some of those?
MYERS: I am.
COSTELLO: Yes, we're still reading your e-mail.
MYERS: They're pretty funny.
COSTELLO: Let's keep 'em coming, daybreak@cnn.com.
Time now for our DAYBREAK Eye-Openers.
Somebody's been messing with Texas. The state is considering lawsuits over the unauthorized use of the slogan "don't mess with Texas." The slogan, which has appeared on everything from T-shirts to breath mints, is a federally registered trademark which belongs to the state's department of transportation, so don't mess with it.
The chicken ranch is for sale, can you believe it?
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: Oh. The owner of one of Nevada's most famous legal brothels says it's time for someone younger to carry on the tradition. Ken Green bought the business more than two decades ago. The asking price? Just a shade under $7 million.
It wasn't exactly Baby Jessica, but a group gathered at the Missouri strip mall to watch the rescue of a little kitten that had fallen down a storm drain. Humane Society workers used cans of cat food to coax the kittens closer to the entrance of the drain so they could be pulled out. It seems to happen every day or two, doesn't it? The kitten is safe and sound this morning.
MYERS: Good.
COSTELLO: Those who knew him say you couldn't be around Ronald Reagan for very long before the former president would have you laughing. And during tough times, that's quite a gift. CNN's Jeanne Moos takes a look at the light-hearted side of the Reagan legacy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNIE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His death is no laughing matter but laughing mattered a lot to Ronald Reagan.
REAGAN: You know that might be more fun pulling rabbits out of a hat than jackasses out of the way in Washington.
MOOS: Even when interrupted by a glass smashing protester, President Reagan came back with a quip, "was he a Democrat by chance?" When his doctor once asked if he needed something for his cold...
DR. JOHN HUTTON, PRES. REAGAN'S PHYSICIAN: He says, you know, I don't get colds and two days later he came by. "Well, sir" he said "I just thought I'd let you know that I caught your allergy."
MOOS: His laughter was contagious even if you'd heard the same joke 50 times, as Nancy Reagan's press secretary had.
SHEILA TATE, FMR. NANCY REAGAN PRESS SECRETARY: As Henry VIII said to Ann Boleyn, I won't keep you long. I realized after hearing it 50 times I was still laughing.
MOOS: Or how about the time he described a testy meeting with South Africa's Bishop Tutu this way.
JAMES BAKER, REAGAN CHIEF OF STAFF: Tutu, so-so.
MOOS: President Reagan liked jokes so much he kept them on hand.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He even kept them in his drawer. I remember he used to pull them out.
MOOS: Remember when the president was doing a mike check and joked about bombing the Soviet Union?
REAGAN: We begin bombing in five minutes.
MOOS: After that White House technicians canned the mike checks.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And then he launched into this perfect Donald Duck impression.
MOOS: Comedians preferred Reagan imitations.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, hello little girl.
MOOS (on camera): Even another former president didn't mind when I accidentally referred to him as President Reagan.
RICHARD NIXON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I've been called worse than that.
MOOS: I understand. And when critics called President Reagan lazy he joked back.
REAGAN: I've really been burning the midday oil.
MOOS: Maybe those who are lobbying to add President Reagan to Mount Rushmore should suggest his smile be carved in stone.
Jeannie Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Ah, but it's not Mount Rushmore. It is the $10 bill we're talking about this morning.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: There is a move to replace Alexander Hamilton with Ronald Reagan on the $10 bill. We've been asking you the question -- should it happen? And we've been getting your responses and we have some to read to you right now.
MYERS: Very few positive ones. Very few people say yes, yes, yes, do it. A couple -- one said maybe Kennedy, but not Reagan. That was the only one other than a yes/no answer that I really got,.
COSTELLO: Gee, I wonder if that person was a Democrat?
MYERS: Could be. Could be. Somebody says let's put him on a dime instead, because that's all I have left. I don't have any $10 bills.
COSTELLO: This is from Norm from Auburn, Washington. He says: "I think we need to wait the obligatory 50 years or so before the hysteria of the moment overcomes any reasonable reading of history." And then he talks about Hamilton's contributions. And Alexander -- I'm reading his biography now, Alexander Hamilton.
MYERS: Really?
COSTELLO: He created our economy, in essence.
MYERS: Yes, the banking system.
COSTELLO: And he also wrote "The Federalist Papers," which presented a fabulous argument for creating a strong central government and, in essence, created the government we have now. So he did a lot of stuff, except, you know, he was in that duel with Aaron Burr.
MYERS: The duel thing.
COSTELLO: Over a woman.
MYERS: 1803.
COSTELLO: And Aaron Burr was a weenie, by the way. But let's read more e-mail, shall we?
MYERS: I'm sorry, what dollar bill is he on?
COSTELLO: I have to read one more.
MYERS: Go ahead.
COSTELLO: Daryl (ph) from New York. He says: "I say no to the idea of Reagan replacing Hamilton. We need more history in this country. We can't just change our buildings and monuments. We should always concentrate on generating new ones."
That's a compromise. This man should be in power.
MYERS: We'll, let's put him up there.
COSTELLO: Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
They are like two ships passing in the night. For the first time in over 100 years, Venus and the sun have a close encounter. More Venus envy ahead.
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: Could your cholesterol drugs have a bonus benefit -- you liked that one. This is a report you won't want to miss.
Plus, suicide bombers have been busy overnight in Iraq. We'll have that latest on that.
This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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