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American Morning
A Final Farewell to Ronald Reagan; Interview With Colin Powell
Aired June 11, 2004 - 9:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. A procession that has brought together presidents and world dignitaries and ordinary citizens by the tens of thousands coming to an end at this hour, as the nation gets ready for Ronald Reagan's funeral.
In other news this morning, a judge in Colorado deals what could be a major setback to Kobe Bryant in that sexual assault trial.
And he was a pioneer of soul who had a style like no other. And today, America misses the voice of Ray Charles on this AMERICAN MORNING.
Good morning. And welcome back to Washington, D.C. I'm Bill Hemmer. Thanks for being a part of our special coverage today of AMERICAN MORNING.
We're just outside the National Cathedral. In about two and a half hours from now, the funeral services will begin for President Ronald Reagan. The public viewing is now over officially at the Rotunda on Capitol Hill. Officials say about 90,000 people have paid their respects to the former president since the viewing began late on Wednesday evening.
As for the rest of the historic day today, here is how things are expected to play out in the schedule. President Bush, who, along with the first lady, visited Mr. Reagan's casket last evening, they'll be among those offering eulogies at this morning's funeral services at the cathedral. The first President Bush, number 41, also a eulogist, first asked, actually, back in 1981, when he was the vice president for Ronald Reagan. The service, again, scheduled 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 8:30 back in California.
Dignitaries starting to arrive at Blair House near the White House, the presidential guest House across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nancy Reagan stayed there last night, receiving visitors throughout the day yesterday. And some visitors, in fact, have already arrived today.
After the service today, Mr. Reagan's body flown back to California for one final trip. A private sunset service will be held there at the library in Simi Valley as President Reagan is laid to rest.
This cathedral behind me has held so many significant events for this country, it will hold one more again today. It stands extremely tall in the world. The sixth largest church on the planet, the second largest, second only to St. John's back in New York City here in this country. Much more in a moment.
Soledad, good morning to you, back in New York.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Bill. Good morning to you.
Looking ahead on this historic morning, in just a few minutes, our conversation with Secretary of State Colin Powell. He worked for Ronald Reagan as his national security adviser. We have his memories of the president and the close bond that he's formed with Nancy Reagan over the years.
Also, a little bit later this morning, an incredible journey from Iraq to Philadelphia for a 14-year-old boy who was wounded in the war. We're going to take a look at his story, and the woman who made his trip possible by single handedly erasing the wounds of war.
Jack Cafferty with us as well this morning -- hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
I think the last batch of e-mails we're going to read today got to be about Ray Charles. If you have that old album, "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music," play the cut called, "You don't know me." It's a cover of an old Eddie Arnold tune, and it's chilling. It is so good.
We've done a lot about Ronald Reagan all week long. The very last batch of e-mails, you've got memories, thoughts about one of the great musical geniuses -- and he was that -- of all time, drop a note. We'll read a few of those -- AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Excellent. All right, Jack, thanks.
Let's go back out to Bill in Washington, D.C. now -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Soledad. Thanks, Soledad.
As we wait, another reminder to our viewers. Our special coverage will begin here in Washington about an hour from now, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, as the procession will begin at the Capitol building, going about five miles here to the National Cathedral in northwest Washington.
I'm going to bring in my colleague right now, Wolf Blitzer, starting to head up our coverage in about an hour's time.
And Wolf, I know you've been in the city for 30 long years. The Post -- The Washington Post wrote this yesterday. It said, "Washington doesn't just host events by this magnitude, it lives them." In your 30 years, have you seen an even like this one, that we have witnessed over the past few days?
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: The last time there was an event like this, Bill, as you remember, not necessarily having personally covered it, but you certainly read about the state funeral of LBJ, President Johnson, in 1973. It's been more than 30 years since the nation's capital has conducted this kind of state funeral. So certainly something new to all of us as a first-time coverage kind of situation.
It's not only a tribute to Ronald Reagan, but it's certainly attribute to America. Because take a look at the world leaders who are coming to pay their respects personally to this American president. I was especially moved, for example, that President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa is coming, the leader of South Africa.
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan was not necessarily seen as someone in the forefront in the fight against apartheid, the racist policies of the former White regime in South Africa. Certainly, some could argue that his policies in terms of the Cold War and setting back the old Soviet Union may have contributed to the collapse of that apartheid regime. But Thabo Mbeki is making a statement, not only to honor Ronald Reagan, but I think much more important, he wants to honor the United States. And that's why he's made this journey from Cape Town to Washington.
HEMMER: Yes, a few others in their presence today indicating the changing face of the world since 9/11. The Afghan president will be here. The new Iraqi president will be here as well.
I found it quite interesting, Wolf, how back in 1981, at that point, Ronald Reagan was asking people, like his then vice president, George Bush, number 41, to read today, or to take part in a speaking role at his funeral. He asked Sandra Day O'Connor back in 1981 to do a similar thing. What does this suggest to you about how Ronald Reagan was viewing his legacy after he left this world?
BLITZER: You know, the fact that Sandra Day O'Connor is going to be speaking, reading at this National Cathedral state funeral today, the first woman to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, I think he was very sensitive, very proud of that fact. And he certainly wanted it to be underscored as part of the so-called Reagan legacy.
It also shows how much detail the Reagan family, including, of course, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, have gone to make sure that every step of this process, which began last Saturday afternoon, when he passed away, every step of the process has the dignity, the honor that the president of the United States deserves, any president of the United States. And they wanted that respect, that tradition to come across, as it certainly is. I think all our viewers fully appreciate that this week.
HEMMER: Yes. Thank you, Wolf. Wolf Blitzer heading up our coverage in about an hour's time. Again, we'll bring you that special coverage at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Wolf, we'll talk to you then. And many thanks for being with us today.
BLITZER: Thank you.
HEMMER: As we continue to watch the events unfold, the former senator, John Danforth out of Missouri, officially the -- will be officiating the ceremonies today. Also deliver the homily today here at the National Cathedral.
More coverage in a moment from D.C. Back to Soledad again in New York -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill. Thanks very much.
Secretary of State Colin Powell will pay his final respects today to a president he served. He was Ronald Reagan's national security adviser. He's also a dear friend of Nancy Reagan.
A little bit earlier this morning, I asked Secretary Powell just how Mrs. Reagan is doing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: She's doing very well. I saw her the other evening up at the Capitol as President Reagan's body was being brought in, and she's holding up very, very well. But, clearly, this is a great loss to her, no matter how many years as she's been preparing for it. As she said to me on Sunday night, when I reached her, it's still a shock when it actually happened. But she's holding up very well.
O'BRIEN: Yes. You've been with him 10 years, and a long illness. No question, still a shock when I think death finally comes. Had you and President Reagan kept in close touch in the years since he left the White House?
POWELL: Yes, we did. I kept in close touch both with President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan. And as President Reagan's health failed, and it wasn't possible to stay in touch with him, I did stay in touch with Mrs. Reagan. We became very, very close.
O'BRIEN: What was it like to work with President Reagan? I mean, many people have talked about his sense of humor and his wit and his charm, things like that. But what to you stuck out the most?
POWELL: It was a wonderful experience. I saw him every morning for two years, and whenever you walked into the Oval Office, no matter what else might be going on in the world, there was the leader of the free world sitting in his chair in the Oval Office with that smile on his face, that brim of confidence and optimism of whatever problem you have, we can solve it. Because he had such firm beliefs, a belief in his country, a belief in our system, and a belief that our system was something that could be transferred to the rest of the world.
He was such a believer in democracy and freedom and the dignity of men and women, and human rights. And he was so anxious to show off what we have been able to accomplish in our country with those values, that he wanted to share it with the world.
Every time he could get with President Gorbachev to talk about things, he was always inviting him, come to the ranch, come to see one of our auto plants, come to visit one of our communities. He never wanted to show President Gorbachev our missile fields or our military equipment. He wanted to show President Gorbachev the goodness of America, and that we were a peaceful people.
And I think he penetrated with this message. And President Gorbachev realized that he had to change the Soviet Union. He did not know he was presiding at the end of the Soviet Union. He just thought he'd be able to reform it. But it couldn't reformed, it had to collapse. President Reagan knew that.
O'BRIEN: Secretary Powell, we only have a few seconds left, but how best to pay tribute, do you think, to Ronald Reagan? Put him on the dime, put him on the $10 Bill? What would you say?
POWELL: I think this will work itself out. I don't know the right answer to that. I just know that the greatest tribute we pay to him is to remember him fondly, remember what he has accomplished for the world, and let his spirit live in our hearts.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: That was Secretary of State Colin Powell a little bit earlier on AMERICAN MORNING. CNN's going to have complete coverage of the state funeral for Ronald Reagan, and that begins just about a half an hour from now.
In other news now, the judge in the Kobe Bryant case has thrown a roadblock in front of the defense. Kobe Bryant has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. His lawyers argue that Colorado's rape shield law is unconstitutional. The law prevents the accuser's sexual history from being brought up at trial.
State law does allow Bryant's sexual history to be introduced at trial. And at a hearing last month, a Bryant attorney claimed, "These standards are blatantly inconsistent and unfair." But the judge says that argument is irrelevant because the prosecution doesn't intend evidence about the defendant's sexual past.
Judge Terry Ruckriegle yesterday upheld the law, saying this case presents a factual situation wherein the rape shield statute can be applied to the defendant in a constitutionally permissible manner. And he points out that the defense will be able to introduce evidence from witnesses who have testified in closed-door sessions about the accuser's sexual activity.
Weather now, and Chad Myers at the CNN Center for us.
(WEATHER REPORT)
O'BRIEN: All right, Chad. Thanks.
Jack now and the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: Thank you, Soledad.
Suggestions, many of them, how to memorialize Ronald Reagan, they include renaming the Pentagon, adding his name to Mount Rushmore -- or his image, rather -- putting his name or face on currency. So we asked what's the best lasting tribute for President Reagan. The last batch of e-mails about Ray Charles. That's coming up in a few minutes. But here's some of what you've gotten to us so far.
You like these glasses? Nineteen dollars, Wayne Reed (ph).
O'BRIEN: I like them.
CAFFERTY: I think I got ripped off.
O'BRIEN: They're handsome.
CAFFERTY: Dean at Marlton, New Jersey: "The best lasting tribute for President Reagan" -- this is a great idea, I think -- "it might be a memorial edifice made out of the rubble of the Berlin Wall." There you go.
Doug in Bloomfield, New Jersey: "A fitting, lasting tribute to the Great Communicator, establish a scholarship fund to reward high school students that demonstrate excellence in public speaking and meet certain criteria of public service."
Paul, on the death of Ray Charles, Fair Oaks, California, "Regarding Ray Charles, while I was in basic training in the Air Force in 1969, I used to sing songs from "Modern Sounds of Country and Western Music" at the top of my lungs while doing KP duty. The noise of the pots and pans being cleaned completely drowned out my voice, but Ray Charles got me through basic training."
And Christopher in Santa Fe, New Mexico, "Many years ago, in Chicago, I had the honor of shaking Ray Charles' hand. While I might honor the loss of Ronald Reagan, it's the loss of Ray Charles I mourn."
AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Nice e-mail. All right, Jack, thanks.
CAFFERTY: Yes.
O'BRIEN: It is just about 14 minutes past the hour. And that means it's time to take a look at some of the other stories making headlines today.
Hi, Heidi. Good morning again.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Soledad. And good morning, once again, everyone.
The California trial of Scott Peterson in recess today. Yesterday, a sergeant testified he considered the Peterson home a crime scene shortly after Laci Peterson was reported missing. Meanwhile, the defense claimed someone else abducted Laci, pointing out the robberies and homelessness in the Modesto neighborhood. Peterson is charged with killing his wife and their unborn son.
A wounded American soldier is now dead in Iraq. Military forces say the soldier was one of five people injured Wednesday in a coordinated attack in eastern Baghdad. The identity of the soldier is, of course, being withheld until family members are notified.
A federal investigation is under way in Oakland, California, where a group of scientists may have been exposed to anthrax. The researchers were working on an after -- anthrax vaccine, that is. It's believed a shipping error accidentally sent the lab live strains of the bacteria. None of the researchers have shown signs of infection, but they are being treated with antibiotics as a precaution.
In New Mexico, crews are battling a fire that's raging on both sides of the Rio Grande now. Smoke pours into the air as firefighters try to protect homes in the Albuquerque area. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated. No reports of injuries, but two buildings were destroyed.
And in basketball, the Detroit Pistons pummel the visiting L.A. Lakers in game three of the NBA finals. A new adjective for you.
A strong showing by the Pistons, that's for sure. Richard Hamilton passes to Ben Wallace, who sinks the shot. And the Lakers hopes (ph) for a victory as well. Final score there, 88-68. The team's back in Michigan on Sunday for game four.
You know, some of the papers are saying this morning, Lakers are down 0-7 when they are in the finals. And they're already -- I'm sorry, they're losing 0-7. Their record is 0-7 when they're down two to one in these finals.
O'BRIEN: In other words, it doesn't look good.
COLLINS: Well, you know, there are seven games. But, yes, not looking so good.
O'BRIEN: Does it concern you at all that your cameraman is a big Lakers fan and you said "pummeled?"
COLLINS: It was pummeled -- it was annihilate the first time and pummeled the second time.
O'BRIEN: All right. All right. Thanks, Heidi. Appreciate it.
Well, the nation and the world have lost a legendary vocalist and musician. Singer Ray Charles died yesterday, and the world, as one record industry official observed, is a quieter place today. Here's Anderson Cooper.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "360" (voice-over): If a great song has ups and down, tragedy and triumph, heart and soul, Ray Charles' life was one wonderful song indeed. Born in 1930 in a dusty Georgia town, Ray Charles Robinson came into the world poor and his luck just seemed to get worse: by the age of 7, he'd lost a brother, and his sight to glaucoma.
He learned Braille at Florida's State School for the Blind, learned piano there as well. Though his ability to compose and arrange melodies in his head, well, who knows where he got that gift.
Fame and fortune rarely come easy. For Charles, the road was rockier than most. Years of drug abuse, years of struggle in dingy bars and no-name towns.
It wasn't until 1955, with the release of "I've Got a Woman," that Charles' luck began to change. Five years later came a Grammy, his first for "Georgia On My Mind." His rendition later became that state's song.
Whether it was soul, jazz, R&B or country, nobody played it, sang it, or felt it like Ray Charles.
(MUSIC)
RAY CHARLES, SINGER: For me, my music is my existence. It's just like your breathing. Without your breathing, you are no longer here. Without my music, I feel I'm no longer here.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: Ray Charles recently finished recording an album of duets with such stars as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and Gladys Knight. It's expected to be released in August.
And let's go back out to Bill Hemmer in Washington, D.C. -- Bill.
HEMMER: Soledad, here's what we understand. Sometime in the next 30 minutes or so, Nancy Reagan will be emerging from Blair House. That's the presidential residence right across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. She'll be making the short journey then up to Capitol Hill to be reunited with her late husband, and his body lying in state there in the casket in the Capitol Rotunda building. A short time ago, the first President Bush and the former first lady, Barbara Bush, were seen coming out of Blair House after paying yet again their respects to Nancy Reagan.
We're going to watch this picture. And the coverage of our events will continue in a moment. Let's get a short break here. More from Washington after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: A few moments ago, outside Blair House, Prince Charles paying his respects to Nancy Reagan as well. The videotape to us a short time ago, as we watched the prince work his way in to say hello to Nancy Reagan.
Countless images from the past week here. You think about Nancy Reagan putting her left cheek on the casket back in Simi Valley. You think about Nancy Reagan getting out on Constitution Avenue the other day and having one of the people along that procession route say, "God bless you, Nancy."
Those images are something that we will certainly hold with us for an awful long time. But the sounds, too, are something that we will pick on throughout the day today.
Ronan Tynan has a special place with the Reagan family. You will hear his sound loud and clear in about two hours inside the National Cathedral. I sat down with him yesterday here in Washington at the Kennedy Center.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(MUSIC)
HEMMER (voice-over): Wednesday night was just a warm-up for Ronan Tynan. His main event is today.
RONAN TYNAN, SINGER: You just pray to god that you do it right, because it's probably the greatest honor I have been given this far.
HEMMER: Ronan is a giant of an opera singer. At 6'4", every inch of his Irish frame feels a connection to the Reagan family.
TYNAN: I think this one is very important to me, because my own mother has Alzheimer's.
HEMMER: And three years ago, at Nancy Reagan's 79th birthday party, they shared stories. Their bond was immediate.
TYNAN: We started talking, and she said to me, "You understand my pain." "I certainly do," I said. And I said, "If you ever need me for anything, you just pick up the phone."
HEMMER: Tynan had his first singing lesson at the age of 33. His father talked him into it. Eleven years later, Tynan's rendition of "Ave Maria" and "Amazing Grace" will fill the National Cathedral.
(MUSIC)
HEMMER: While the entire country will hear him, Tynan will have two people (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TYNAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) he had great joy, great triumph, great glory. And sadly, you know, in the end, pain, great pain. But I think all we have are memories of great things. And I know Nancy has great memories of a great man.
HEMMER: Perhaps Ronan, through his own persons with his mother, understands the Reagan relationship more than most, which makes this performance even more special.
TYNAN: And I want to sing to the best -- the best way I can.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEOTAPE) HEMMER: Ronan Tynan, a special guy in his own right. A double amputee, trained as a doctor, now an opera singer, a world renowned opera singer.
Has a busy weekend, too, Soledad. Over the weekend, he'll be in Texas, singing at the birthday party, the 80th birthday party for the first President George Bush, number 41. A remarkable guy, and we're going to hear from him in about two hours again inside the cathedral.
Back to you now in New York.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill. Thanks.
Well, Wall Street is honoring Ronald Reagan today, and so are many others with some pretty interesting tributes. With that, Andy Serwer, who is "Minding Your Business" this morning.
Good morning again.
ANDY SERWER, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, FORTUNE MAGAZINE: Good morning to you again.
O'BRIEN: Honoring him, really, Wall Street, by not going in to work.
SERWER: That's right. It's closed down. The street is closed. So are all other exchanges, so are federal buildings, like post offices. Just to remind you, if you're headed that way, not to bother, because it's not open.
Let's quickly recap what happened this week on Wall Street. It was a good week.
Stocks are up 1 to 2 percent across the board. And that's a nice way to end things up. We won't be doing any today. We'll go back next week.
Let's talk about honoring Ronald Reagan. Interestingly, Game Show Network is going to be airing some old vintage game shows that Ronald Reagan appeared on. This is really cool stuff.
"What's My Line," Soledad, from July 19, 1953. He appeared. "I've Got a Secret," another show from back in 1955.
Also, I want to show you Sports Illustrated here. It's the edition with Ken Griffey, Jr., on the cover. If you can see that. And it's got kind of a little photo essay here of Ronald Reagan as a sportsman...
O'BRIEN: Beautiful picture.
SERWER: ... which, of course, he was very interested. There he is on a horse. And, of course, he started out as a sports caster in the 1930s for WHO in Des Moines. And, of course, the Gipper. There's a picture of him with Patrick Ewing in Georgetown.
O'BRIEN: Who powers over him...
SERWER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: ... considering that the president was a tall man, a big guy.
SERWER: Well, he was six foot something. But Patrick Ewing is a seven-footer. Just all kinds of sports pictures from his career. So very interesting stuff there as well.
O'BRIEN: That's nice. That's really nice. All right, Andy. Thanks very much.
SERWER: You're welcome.
O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, Ronald Reagan's long journey coming to an end now. And while he made the greatest impact in Washington, D.C., tonight he returns to the state where he first made a name for himself. We've got a live report coming up as AMERICAN MORNING continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Good morning. Welcome back, everybody.
It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. It's a special edition, because we've got a split show today. I'm here in New York City, but Bill Hemmer is in Washington, D.C. And, in fact, has been out of the studio all week long, as the long good-bye is being said to the nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan.
Bill, good morning.
HEMMER: Soledad, good morning again here in Washington.
The official number just a short time ago, the number of people who paid tribute in the Capitol Rotunda to Ronald Reagan, 104,684. And of course, the number was just about that size, too, in California that we saw earlier in the week.
Aired June 11, 2004 - 9:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. A procession that has brought together presidents and world dignitaries and ordinary citizens by the tens of thousands coming to an end at this hour, as the nation gets ready for Ronald Reagan's funeral.
In other news this morning, a judge in Colorado deals what could be a major setback to Kobe Bryant in that sexual assault trial.
And he was a pioneer of soul who had a style like no other. And today, America misses the voice of Ray Charles on this AMERICAN MORNING.
Good morning. And welcome back to Washington, D.C. I'm Bill Hemmer. Thanks for being a part of our special coverage today of AMERICAN MORNING.
We're just outside the National Cathedral. In about two and a half hours from now, the funeral services will begin for President Ronald Reagan. The public viewing is now over officially at the Rotunda on Capitol Hill. Officials say about 90,000 people have paid their respects to the former president since the viewing began late on Wednesday evening.
As for the rest of the historic day today, here is how things are expected to play out in the schedule. President Bush, who, along with the first lady, visited Mr. Reagan's casket last evening, they'll be among those offering eulogies at this morning's funeral services at the cathedral. The first President Bush, number 41, also a eulogist, first asked, actually, back in 1981, when he was the vice president for Ronald Reagan. The service, again, scheduled 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 8:30 back in California.
Dignitaries starting to arrive at Blair House near the White House, the presidential guest House across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nancy Reagan stayed there last night, receiving visitors throughout the day yesterday. And some visitors, in fact, have already arrived today.
After the service today, Mr. Reagan's body flown back to California for one final trip. A private sunset service will be held there at the library in Simi Valley as President Reagan is laid to rest.
This cathedral behind me has held so many significant events for this country, it will hold one more again today. It stands extremely tall in the world. The sixth largest church on the planet, the second largest, second only to St. John's back in New York City here in this country. Much more in a moment.
Soledad, good morning to you, back in New York.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Bill. Good morning to you.
Looking ahead on this historic morning, in just a few minutes, our conversation with Secretary of State Colin Powell. He worked for Ronald Reagan as his national security adviser. We have his memories of the president and the close bond that he's formed with Nancy Reagan over the years.
Also, a little bit later this morning, an incredible journey from Iraq to Philadelphia for a 14-year-old boy who was wounded in the war. We're going to take a look at his story, and the woman who made his trip possible by single handedly erasing the wounds of war.
Jack Cafferty with us as well this morning -- hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
I think the last batch of e-mails we're going to read today got to be about Ray Charles. If you have that old album, "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music," play the cut called, "You don't know me." It's a cover of an old Eddie Arnold tune, and it's chilling. It is so good.
We've done a lot about Ronald Reagan all week long. The very last batch of e-mails, you've got memories, thoughts about one of the great musical geniuses -- and he was that -- of all time, drop a note. We'll read a few of those -- AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Excellent. All right, Jack, thanks.
Let's go back out to Bill in Washington, D.C. now -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Soledad. Thanks, Soledad.
As we wait, another reminder to our viewers. Our special coverage will begin here in Washington about an hour from now, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, as the procession will begin at the Capitol building, going about five miles here to the National Cathedral in northwest Washington.
I'm going to bring in my colleague right now, Wolf Blitzer, starting to head up our coverage in about an hour's time.
And Wolf, I know you've been in the city for 30 long years. The Post -- The Washington Post wrote this yesterday. It said, "Washington doesn't just host events by this magnitude, it lives them." In your 30 years, have you seen an even like this one, that we have witnessed over the past few days?
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: The last time there was an event like this, Bill, as you remember, not necessarily having personally covered it, but you certainly read about the state funeral of LBJ, President Johnson, in 1973. It's been more than 30 years since the nation's capital has conducted this kind of state funeral. So certainly something new to all of us as a first-time coverage kind of situation.
It's not only a tribute to Ronald Reagan, but it's certainly attribute to America. Because take a look at the world leaders who are coming to pay their respects personally to this American president. I was especially moved, for example, that President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa is coming, the leader of South Africa.
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan was not necessarily seen as someone in the forefront in the fight against apartheid, the racist policies of the former White regime in South Africa. Certainly, some could argue that his policies in terms of the Cold War and setting back the old Soviet Union may have contributed to the collapse of that apartheid regime. But Thabo Mbeki is making a statement, not only to honor Ronald Reagan, but I think much more important, he wants to honor the United States. And that's why he's made this journey from Cape Town to Washington.
HEMMER: Yes, a few others in their presence today indicating the changing face of the world since 9/11. The Afghan president will be here. The new Iraqi president will be here as well.
I found it quite interesting, Wolf, how back in 1981, at that point, Ronald Reagan was asking people, like his then vice president, George Bush, number 41, to read today, or to take part in a speaking role at his funeral. He asked Sandra Day O'Connor back in 1981 to do a similar thing. What does this suggest to you about how Ronald Reagan was viewing his legacy after he left this world?
BLITZER: You know, the fact that Sandra Day O'Connor is going to be speaking, reading at this National Cathedral state funeral today, the first woman to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, I think he was very sensitive, very proud of that fact. And he certainly wanted it to be underscored as part of the so-called Reagan legacy.
It also shows how much detail the Reagan family, including, of course, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, have gone to make sure that every step of this process, which began last Saturday afternoon, when he passed away, every step of the process has the dignity, the honor that the president of the United States deserves, any president of the United States. And they wanted that respect, that tradition to come across, as it certainly is. I think all our viewers fully appreciate that this week.
HEMMER: Yes. Thank you, Wolf. Wolf Blitzer heading up our coverage in about an hour's time. Again, we'll bring you that special coverage at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Wolf, we'll talk to you then. And many thanks for being with us today.
BLITZER: Thank you.
HEMMER: As we continue to watch the events unfold, the former senator, John Danforth out of Missouri, officially the -- will be officiating the ceremonies today. Also deliver the homily today here at the National Cathedral.
More coverage in a moment from D.C. Back to Soledad again in New York -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill. Thanks very much.
Secretary of State Colin Powell will pay his final respects today to a president he served. He was Ronald Reagan's national security adviser. He's also a dear friend of Nancy Reagan.
A little bit earlier this morning, I asked Secretary Powell just how Mrs. Reagan is doing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: She's doing very well. I saw her the other evening up at the Capitol as President Reagan's body was being brought in, and she's holding up very, very well. But, clearly, this is a great loss to her, no matter how many years as she's been preparing for it. As she said to me on Sunday night, when I reached her, it's still a shock when it actually happened. But she's holding up very well.
O'BRIEN: Yes. You've been with him 10 years, and a long illness. No question, still a shock when I think death finally comes. Had you and President Reagan kept in close touch in the years since he left the White House?
POWELL: Yes, we did. I kept in close touch both with President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan. And as President Reagan's health failed, and it wasn't possible to stay in touch with him, I did stay in touch with Mrs. Reagan. We became very, very close.
O'BRIEN: What was it like to work with President Reagan? I mean, many people have talked about his sense of humor and his wit and his charm, things like that. But what to you stuck out the most?
POWELL: It was a wonderful experience. I saw him every morning for two years, and whenever you walked into the Oval Office, no matter what else might be going on in the world, there was the leader of the free world sitting in his chair in the Oval Office with that smile on his face, that brim of confidence and optimism of whatever problem you have, we can solve it. Because he had such firm beliefs, a belief in his country, a belief in our system, and a belief that our system was something that could be transferred to the rest of the world.
He was such a believer in democracy and freedom and the dignity of men and women, and human rights. And he was so anxious to show off what we have been able to accomplish in our country with those values, that he wanted to share it with the world.
Every time he could get with President Gorbachev to talk about things, he was always inviting him, come to the ranch, come to see one of our auto plants, come to visit one of our communities. He never wanted to show President Gorbachev our missile fields or our military equipment. He wanted to show President Gorbachev the goodness of America, and that we were a peaceful people.
And I think he penetrated with this message. And President Gorbachev realized that he had to change the Soviet Union. He did not know he was presiding at the end of the Soviet Union. He just thought he'd be able to reform it. But it couldn't reformed, it had to collapse. President Reagan knew that.
O'BRIEN: Secretary Powell, we only have a few seconds left, but how best to pay tribute, do you think, to Ronald Reagan? Put him on the dime, put him on the $10 Bill? What would you say?
POWELL: I think this will work itself out. I don't know the right answer to that. I just know that the greatest tribute we pay to him is to remember him fondly, remember what he has accomplished for the world, and let his spirit live in our hearts.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: That was Secretary of State Colin Powell a little bit earlier on AMERICAN MORNING. CNN's going to have complete coverage of the state funeral for Ronald Reagan, and that begins just about a half an hour from now.
In other news now, the judge in the Kobe Bryant case has thrown a roadblock in front of the defense. Kobe Bryant has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. His lawyers argue that Colorado's rape shield law is unconstitutional. The law prevents the accuser's sexual history from being brought up at trial.
State law does allow Bryant's sexual history to be introduced at trial. And at a hearing last month, a Bryant attorney claimed, "These standards are blatantly inconsistent and unfair." But the judge says that argument is irrelevant because the prosecution doesn't intend evidence about the defendant's sexual past.
Judge Terry Ruckriegle yesterday upheld the law, saying this case presents a factual situation wherein the rape shield statute can be applied to the defendant in a constitutionally permissible manner. And he points out that the defense will be able to introduce evidence from witnesses who have testified in closed-door sessions about the accuser's sexual activity.
Weather now, and Chad Myers at the CNN Center for us.
(WEATHER REPORT)
O'BRIEN: All right, Chad. Thanks.
Jack now and the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: Thank you, Soledad.
Suggestions, many of them, how to memorialize Ronald Reagan, they include renaming the Pentagon, adding his name to Mount Rushmore -- or his image, rather -- putting his name or face on currency. So we asked what's the best lasting tribute for President Reagan. The last batch of e-mails about Ray Charles. That's coming up in a few minutes. But here's some of what you've gotten to us so far.
You like these glasses? Nineteen dollars, Wayne Reed (ph).
O'BRIEN: I like them.
CAFFERTY: I think I got ripped off.
O'BRIEN: They're handsome.
CAFFERTY: Dean at Marlton, New Jersey: "The best lasting tribute for President Reagan" -- this is a great idea, I think -- "it might be a memorial edifice made out of the rubble of the Berlin Wall." There you go.
Doug in Bloomfield, New Jersey: "A fitting, lasting tribute to the Great Communicator, establish a scholarship fund to reward high school students that demonstrate excellence in public speaking and meet certain criteria of public service."
Paul, on the death of Ray Charles, Fair Oaks, California, "Regarding Ray Charles, while I was in basic training in the Air Force in 1969, I used to sing songs from "Modern Sounds of Country and Western Music" at the top of my lungs while doing KP duty. The noise of the pots and pans being cleaned completely drowned out my voice, but Ray Charles got me through basic training."
And Christopher in Santa Fe, New Mexico, "Many years ago, in Chicago, I had the honor of shaking Ray Charles' hand. While I might honor the loss of Ronald Reagan, it's the loss of Ray Charles I mourn."
AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Nice e-mail. All right, Jack, thanks.
CAFFERTY: Yes.
O'BRIEN: It is just about 14 minutes past the hour. And that means it's time to take a look at some of the other stories making headlines today.
Hi, Heidi. Good morning again.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Soledad. And good morning, once again, everyone.
The California trial of Scott Peterson in recess today. Yesterday, a sergeant testified he considered the Peterson home a crime scene shortly after Laci Peterson was reported missing. Meanwhile, the defense claimed someone else abducted Laci, pointing out the robberies and homelessness in the Modesto neighborhood. Peterson is charged with killing his wife and their unborn son.
A wounded American soldier is now dead in Iraq. Military forces say the soldier was one of five people injured Wednesday in a coordinated attack in eastern Baghdad. The identity of the soldier is, of course, being withheld until family members are notified.
A federal investigation is under way in Oakland, California, where a group of scientists may have been exposed to anthrax. The researchers were working on an after -- anthrax vaccine, that is. It's believed a shipping error accidentally sent the lab live strains of the bacteria. None of the researchers have shown signs of infection, but they are being treated with antibiotics as a precaution.
In New Mexico, crews are battling a fire that's raging on both sides of the Rio Grande now. Smoke pours into the air as firefighters try to protect homes in the Albuquerque area. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated. No reports of injuries, but two buildings were destroyed.
And in basketball, the Detroit Pistons pummel the visiting L.A. Lakers in game three of the NBA finals. A new adjective for you.
A strong showing by the Pistons, that's for sure. Richard Hamilton passes to Ben Wallace, who sinks the shot. And the Lakers hopes (ph) for a victory as well. Final score there, 88-68. The team's back in Michigan on Sunday for game four.
You know, some of the papers are saying this morning, Lakers are down 0-7 when they are in the finals. And they're already -- I'm sorry, they're losing 0-7. Their record is 0-7 when they're down two to one in these finals.
O'BRIEN: In other words, it doesn't look good.
COLLINS: Well, you know, there are seven games. But, yes, not looking so good.
O'BRIEN: Does it concern you at all that your cameraman is a big Lakers fan and you said "pummeled?"
COLLINS: It was pummeled -- it was annihilate the first time and pummeled the second time.
O'BRIEN: All right. All right. Thanks, Heidi. Appreciate it.
Well, the nation and the world have lost a legendary vocalist and musician. Singer Ray Charles died yesterday, and the world, as one record industry official observed, is a quieter place today. Here's Anderson Cooper.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "360" (voice-over): If a great song has ups and down, tragedy and triumph, heart and soul, Ray Charles' life was one wonderful song indeed. Born in 1930 in a dusty Georgia town, Ray Charles Robinson came into the world poor and his luck just seemed to get worse: by the age of 7, he'd lost a brother, and his sight to glaucoma.
He learned Braille at Florida's State School for the Blind, learned piano there as well. Though his ability to compose and arrange melodies in his head, well, who knows where he got that gift.
Fame and fortune rarely come easy. For Charles, the road was rockier than most. Years of drug abuse, years of struggle in dingy bars and no-name towns.
It wasn't until 1955, with the release of "I've Got a Woman," that Charles' luck began to change. Five years later came a Grammy, his first for "Georgia On My Mind." His rendition later became that state's song.
Whether it was soul, jazz, R&B or country, nobody played it, sang it, or felt it like Ray Charles.
(MUSIC)
RAY CHARLES, SINGER: For me, my music is my existence. It's just like your breathing. Without your breathing, you are no longer here. Without my music, I feel I'm no longer here.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: Ray Charles recently finished recording an album of duets with such stars as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and Gladys Knight. It's expected to be released in August.
And let's go back out to Bill Hemmer in Washington, D.C. -- Bill.
HEMMER: Soledad, here's what we understand. Sometime in the next 30 minutes or so, Nancy Reagan will be emerging from Blair House. That's the presidential residence right across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. She'll be making the short journey then up to Capitol Hill to be reunited with her late husband, and his body lying in state there in the casket in the Capitol Rotunda building. A short time ago, the first President Bush and the former first lady, Barbara Bush, were seen coming out of Blair House after paying yet again their respects to Nancy Reagan.
We're going to watch this picture. And the coverage of our events will continue in a moment. Let's get a short break here. More from Washington after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: A few moments ago, outside Blair House, Prince Charles paying his respects to Nancy Reagan as well. The videotape to us a short time ago, as we watched the prince work his way in to say hello to Nancy Reagan.
Countless images from the past week here. You think about Nancy Reagan putting her left cheek on the casket back in Simi Valley. You think about Nancy Reagan getting out on Constitution Avenue the other day and having one of the people along that procession route say, "God bless you, Nancy."
Those images are something that we will certainly hold with us for an awful long time. But the sounds, too, are something that we will pick on throughout the day today.
Ronan Tynan has a special place with the Reagan family. You will hear his sound loud and clear in about two hours inside the National Cathedral. I sat down with him yesterday here in Washington at the Kennedy Center.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(MUSIC)
HEMMER (voice-over): Wednesday night was just a warm-up for Ronan Tynan. His main event is today.
RONAN TYNAN, SINGER: You just pray to god that you do it right, because it's probably the greatest honor I have been given this far.
HEMMER: Ronan is a giant of an opera singer. At 6'4", every inch of his Irish frame feels a connection to the Reagan family.
TYNAN: I think this one is very important to me, because my own mother has Alzheimer's.
HEMMER: And three years ago, at Nancy Reagan's 79th birthday party, they shared stories. Their bond was immediate.
TYNAN: We started talking, and she said to me, "You understand my pain." "I certainly do," I said. And I said, "If you ever need me for anything, you just pick up the phone."
HEMMER: Tynan had his first singing lesson at the age of 33. His father talked him into it. Eleven years later, Tynan's rendition of "Ave Maria" and "Amazing Grace" will fill the National Cathedral.
(MUSIC)
HEMMER: While the entire country will hear him, Tynan will have two people (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TYNAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) he had great joy, great triumph, great glory. And sadly, you know, in the end, pain, great pain. But I think all we have are memories of great things. And I know Nancy has great memories of a great man.
HEMMER: Perhaps Ronan, through his own persons with his mother, understands the Reagan relationship more than most, which makes this performance even more special.
TYNAN: And I want to sing to the best -- the best way I can.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEOTAPE) HEMMER: Ronan Tynan, a special guy in his own right. A double amputee, trained as a doctor, now an opera singer, a world renowned opera singer.
Has a busy weekend, too, Soledad. Over the weekend, he'll be in Texas, singing at the birthday party, the 80th birthday party for the first President George Bush, number 41. A remarkable guy, and we're going to hear from him in about two hours again inside the cathedral.
Back to you now in New York.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill. Thanks.
Well, Wall Street is honoring Ronald Reagan today, and so are many others with some pretty interesting tributes. With that, Andy Serwer, who is "Minding Your Business" this morning.
Good morning again.
ANDY SERWER, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, FORTUNE MAGAZINE: Good morning to you again.
O'BRIEN: Honoring him, really, Wall Street, by not going in to work.
SERWER: That's right. It's closed down. The street is closed. So are all other exchanges, so are federal buildings, like post offices. Just to remind you, if you're headed that way, not to bother, because it's not open.
Let's quickly recap what happened this week on Wall Street. It was a good week.
Stocks are up 1 to 2 percent across the board. And that's a nice way to end things up. We won't be doing any today. We'll go back next week.
Let's talk about honoring Ronald Reagan. Interestingly, Game Show Network is going to be airing some old vintage game shows that Ronald Reagan appeared on. This is really cool stuff.
"What's My Line," Soledad, from July 19, 1953. He appeared. "I've Got a Secret," another show from back in 1955.
Also, I want to show you Sports Illustrated here. It's the edition with Ken Griffey, Jr., on the cover. If you can see that. And it's got kind of a little photo essay here of Ronald Reagan as a sportsman...
O'BRIEN: Beautiful picture.
SERWER: ... which, of course, he was very interested. There he is on a horse. And, of course, he started out as a sports caster in the 1930s for WHO in Des Moines. And, of course, the Gipper. There's a picture of him with Patrick Ewing in Georgetown.
O'BRIEN: Who powers over him...
SERWER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: ... considering that the president was a tall man, a big guy.
SERWER: Well, he was six foot something. But Patrick Ewing is a seven-footer. Just all kinds of sports pictures from his career. So very interesting stuff there as well.
O'BRIEN: That's nice. That's really nice. All right, Andy. Thanks very much.
SERWER: You're welcome.
O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, Ronald Reagan's long journey coming to an end now. And while he made the greatest impact in Washington, D.C., tonight he returns to the state where he first made a name for himself. We've got a live report coming up as AMERICAN MORNING continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Good morning. Welcome back, everybody.
It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. It's a special edition, because we've got a split show today. I'm here in New York City, but Bill Hemmer is in Washington, D.C. And, in fact, has been out of the studio all week long, as the long good-bye is being said to the nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan.
Bill, good morning.
HEMMER: Soledad, good morning again here in Washington.
The official number just a short time ago, the number of people who paid tribute in the Capitol Rotunda to Ronald Reagan, 104,684. And of course, the number was just about that size, too, in California that we saw earlier in the week.
