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American Morning

Trial Set for Kobe Bryant Case at End of August; 'Political Pop'

Aired June 22, 2004 - 07:30   ET

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

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


BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The author of "The Step Diet" is with us today. His advice in a moment, 2000 extra steps a day. He says that does...
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: It has nothing to do with the food? You can eat anything you want?

HEMMER: He recommends that a little bit, too. We'll get into it and let you know.

O'BRIEN: Milk shakes? Ice cream sundaes?

HEMMER: I think you portion it.

O'BRIEN: That's the diet I'm waiting for.

HEMMER: Me, too.

O'BRIEN: This morning, we're talking about defense attorneys and prosecutors in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. They have agreed that the trial should now start at the end of the August. This morning, a pretrial hearing continues in Eagle, Colorado.

Adrian Baschuk has got more for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Next week will mark one year since Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault. The big question on everyone's mind now is: When will his case go to trial?

The judge asked both sides Monday when they will be ready. Their answer: late August. The judge's reply through a spokeswoman:

KAREN SALAZ, EAGLE COUNTY SPOKESWOMAN: He will make his best attempt to do that, but that's not a guarantee.

BASCHUK: One thing we are guaranteed of is that the potential Eagle County jury pool will get a detailed questionnaire in the mail before coming to court. Both sides are battling over what questions will be asked. The defense wants to include questions about potential jurors' views on interracial relationships and dating, a move prosecutors oppose.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: There is no doubt that race is a factor in this case. You have a black man accused of raping a white woman. That's an issue anywhere in the United States.

BASCHUK: While most of Monday's hearing was open to the public, today's hearing is closed, as both sides wrap up arguments about the alleged victim's sexual past, and whether that could be entered into trial evidence.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

To give you an idea of the scope of this case and the amount of legal maneuvering going on here, there have been 87 motions, briefs and responses filed with the court, and that's just since May 11. There is an end in sight, though. The judge may, in fact, announce a court date in today's proceedings -- Bill, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Adrian, thanks a lot.

Now let's go to Bill.

HEMMER: All right, Soledad, about 28 minutes now before the hour.

To "Political Pop" today, and playing the field with us today in left, political strategist Serena Torrey, in center, Mark Healy of "GQ" magazine, and in right, syndicated radio talk show host Ben Ferguson.

Good morning to all three of you.

MARK HEALY, "GQ" MAGAZINE: Good morning.

SERENA TORREY, POLITICAL STRATEGIST: Good morning.

BEN FERGUSON, SYNDICATED RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Good morning.

HEMMER: Ready to go?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

TORREY: Absolutely.

HEMMER: Ben, you start us. You're the oldest on this panel, by the way.

FERGUSON: That's right, yes.

HEMMER: How old are you, by the way?

FERGUSON: Twenty-two. I'm a young one. What can I say?

HEMMER: Happy birthday.

FERGUSON: Thank you.

HEMMER: The editor of the "Des Moines Register," a longtime supporter of Dick Cheney, says he now thinks the vice president should resign. What do you make of this letter?

FERGUSON: I mean, he can't be a supporter, first of all. He talks about the letter his health being a possibility of something that may hurt him down the road. I mean, the man, if you put him through a physical, the war in Iraq and being there for everything else that's gone on, I think he's passed with flying colors. But even worse that that, in the letter he says that a McCain ticket would be good. And if you have someone like John McCain who said, I would even run with John Kerry, how can you say you're a supporter of the Republican Party when he's putting a man out there that wants to be a Democrat?

HEMMER: What do you think, Serena?

TORREY: I agree with Ben. I think this is a crazy idea. One of the reasons he gives for why we need a new vice president is that the Bush administration needs a president-in-training. Now, most people think that's what we got and that's why we need Dick Cheney.

HEMMER: I'm wondering...

FERGUSON: Does (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ring a bell with anybody?

HEMMER: Does it sound like a 30-year supporter to you? (UNINTELLIGIBLE) has got to step aside?

FERGUSON: No, I mean, he's apologetic to his best. I mean, they (UNINTELLIGIBLE) junior high practically, and he thinks it's going to fly. Plus, if you're a friend with somebody, are you really going to make a letter and publish it?

HEMMER: Yes.

FERGUSON: No.

HEMMER: Hey, Serena, the problem I have, it's not so much a novel idea, right? He argues for a Bush-McCain ticket.

FERGUSON: That's not new.

TORREY: People have been talking about the possibility of Cheney resigning for years and Giuliani jumping in. Any time there's a rising star in the Republican Party, they say, hey, kick Dick Cheney out, let's throw the new guy in. It doesn't look like it's going to happen.

HEMMER: Let's go to our second topic, Mark, and bring you in on this one. John Kerry is vacationing with his wife, Teresa, at their home in Nantucket. To the tune of $9 million that home is. Is this going to be a problem for him in middle America come the election?

HEALY: I don't think so, because the election is a long way off, and this is the kind of thing that political strategists like to micro-manage. But the fact is, either of these men who are running for president, where do we expect them to be? At Great Adventure riding roller coasters at the Mall of America? I mean... HEMMER: That might work.

HEALY: There is nothing common about the way they live their lives.

HEMMER: He went sailing on his $150,000 yacht. I want to be this guy's friend.

HEALY: And Bush was on his 1,600 acre compound in Texas, which shows a little bit about how...

TORREY: Or in Kennebunkport. I mean...

FERGUSON: Yes, I mean, the thing is news has changed now, and the way people perceive politicians is changed. If he went someplace that was uncommon, then we'd all be talking about how he's trying to be more of an American.

HEALY: Exactly.

FERGUSON: You know, 20 years ago, when it wasn't...

HEMMER: Is that common, though, Ben?

FERGUSON: Well, no, but, I mean, if he changes who he is as a person, it's going to bite him in the rear end.

TORREY: I agree. I agree...

FERGUSON: Because we're all going to say he's faking it and he's not who he really is.

HEMMER: Wasn't it back in 1996 when Dick Morris went out and surveyed a bunch of people and found out where Bill Clinton should vacation, and they sent him off to the Tetons in Wyoming?

TORREY: I'd much rather we have...

FERGUSON: Yes, but it bit him in the rear end, though, because everybody talked about it. Everybody knew that's not what he normally does.

TORREY: Exactly. This is who Kerry is. He's not apologetic for it. And remember, President Bush in his -- in the first year he was in office was on vacation 42 percent of the time. I'm much more concerned with how often the president is on vacation.

(CROSSTALK)

FERGUSON: Is the president was -- I've got to ask this question. Is the president really ever on vacation? No, he is not.

HEALY: Well, apparently, he has been, yes.

FERGUSON: Wherever you go, I mean, you're flying. We get to take naps. The man doesn't even get to take a nap because the phone is ringing and people are advising him.

(CROSSTALK)

HEALY: He took a month in August of 2001, if you remember.

FERGUSON: Yes, but it's not enough.

HEALY: And it's interesting to see Bush now...

HEMMER: Hang on. Mark, finish your point.

HEALY: It's interesting to see Bush now, because he makes a big show of clearing brush and doing all this work on the weekends, and we kind of wish he were doing more work Monday through Friday.

HEMMER: The third topic here, Governor Rowland in Connecticut resigns. A front-page picture and a story in "The New York Times" today. What does this say to you?

TORREY: Well, he's been facing this impeachment inquiry for six months, and now he's facing these federal corruption charges. He's been a rising star in the Republican Party for years. But he was taking money and favors from folks who were doing business with the state.

HEMMER: Well, he admits to having state workers, what, install a hot tub and a heating system in his home?

HEALY: Yes.

TORREY: And he (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Mustang from these guys.

HEALY: Yes. A Mustang -- I mean, there are some other things.

TORREY: Completely illegal and completely corrupt. And, you know, it's funny. People are comparing this impeachment situation now with Bill Clinton's. Apples and oranges. We have the impeachment process in place for really egregious abuses of power, not for lying about sex. It's completely different.

HEMMER: One has to wonder, though, how hot the heat was going to get in the Connecticut kitchen. I mean, this investigation started, what, just a couple of weeks ago, right?

TORREY: But it's been -- we know it's been going on for six months. Governor Rowland found out yesterday that he would to testify. His lawyers had argued that he shouldn't have to come forward and really explain what he had done. Once he knew he had to go before the impeachment board, it was all over.

FERGUSON: He's going to back down, but the point is, is I don't care what party you're from. If you have to go before people, even if it's lying about having sex and you're going to testify, you've got to choke and tell the truth. I don't care what the lie is. At that point if you perjury yourself, you should get impeached.

HEMMER: You know, I think you and Serena are agreeing entirely too much today.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: It's just different things.

FERGUSON: There's too much harmony at this point.

HEMMER: Thanks for all three of you. Good to see you.

TORREY: Thanks.

HEMMER: Back over to Soledad now.

O'BRIEN: Still to come on AMERICAN MORNING, looking to lose weight but hate counting calories? We might just have the plan for you.

Also, we're going to head to the bookstore this morning. Look at these lines. They're usually reserved for a new Harry Potter book, but not this time, though. We'll explain just ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: It's 68 degrees here in Manhattan. It should be another great day. It was nice yesterday. We're going to bottle this stuff as soon as Chad gives us permission.

(WEATHER BREAK)

O'BRIEN: We're laughing because Jack is cracking jokes here on the set...

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: One of the funniest things I've heard Bill Hemmer say in the three years I've known you.

O'BRIEN: ... while I'm kind of listening...

CAFFERTY: And unfortunately, we can't repeat it.

HEMMER: No.

O'BRIEN: I guess not.

CAFFERTY: No. Sorry about that.

HEMMER: It was clean.

CAFFERTY: Well, it was clean, yes. We just can't repeat it, that's all.

The question today is about Saudi Arabia. Nothing funny about this. The United States has a very tricky relationship with that country. Islamic militants, who beheaded the American Paul Johnson, said members of the Saudi security forces provided them with police uniforms and vehicles. Saudi government officials say not true. The Bush family's long rumored financial ties with the Saudi royal family, radical Islamic schools throughout Saudi Arabia that openly teach children hatred of the West, and then, of course, there's September 11, where 15 of the 19 hijackers who murdered almost 3,000 innocent people were from Saudi Arabia.

The question is: What's the truth about Saudi Arabia? And we can handle the truth here on AMERICAN MORNING.

So C. writes this. I love this: "If the press continues to bash Saudi Arabia, they may say kiss off. They are fighting terrorists now. So what's your problem? They have finally changed their ways in many areas. The press will screw this up as you do every other good thing."

O'BRIEN: Ouch!

CAFFERTY: OK.

Sheila in Northport, Alabama: "We will never know the answer to your question as long as there is a Bush in the White House."

Patrick in Waitsfield, Vermont: "It is a kingdom ruled by a royal family, not a democracy ruled by the people. In order to stay in power they must keep not only their own increasingly angry public happy, but the rich American masters, the oil companies. They are between a rock and a hard place and their day is coming."

And Paul in Pennsylvania checks in: "With friends like Saudi Arabia, who needs enemies?"

AM@CNN.com if you have a thought on that. I was think about what he said.

O'BRIEN: We got it.

CAFFERTY: I'm going to go on vacation. You know what? I'm tired. And after today I'm gone on vacation.

HEMMER: Yes, you are.

O'BRIEN: You've got 2 hours and 15 minutes yet to go.

CAFFERTY: I hope I make it.

HEMMER: Yes, we're going to put you through the paces. Thank you, Jack.

CAFFERTY: See you later.

HEMMER: In a moment here, the search is on, a violent uprising overseas. Back in a moment with details on that when we continue in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Right about 45 minutes past the hour. Back to Daryn Kagan with other news this morning. A busy day there.

Daryn -- good morning.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is, Bill.

Let's start with a report on terrorism. The State Department is issuing a revised report on terrorism. According to reports, a senior official says the State Department will announce a sharp increase in the number of terror victims worldwide last year. The report was issued last April. In that the department said that terrorism across the globe was on the decline, but officials soon acknowledged that that data was wrong.

A Russian official says that its military is on a massive search operation for rebels in the region bordering Chechnya. Militants tried to seize government buildings in at last three towns there. At least 46 people are believed to have been killed in that fighting.

Back here in the U.S., police in Wisconsin investigating the death of a Chicago family say it is looking more like a murder suicide. The bodies of a father and his two young sons washed up on the shore of Lake Michigan over the weekend. Police say that preliminary autopsy results show that the boys drowned. Police also say that the father had been depressed in the days leading up to their disappearance. An investigation is ongoing.

To campaign 2004, Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has picked a running mate. Nader tapped Peter Camejo for the vice presidential slot, himself a former presidential candidate. The announcement comes amid plans from the Congressional Black Caucus to ask Nader to get out of the presidential race. Nader says he is not aware of the agenda for today's meeting.

And how about New York City? Bill Clinton's fans lining up, a live picture there for you. They are lining up and they've been in line for hours. They want to buy "My Life." That is the former president's tell-all. Copies of the book went on sale at midnight. The Clinton family kicked off the launch with a book party last night. There are not the greatest reviews out there, but still advanced copy orders are already topping $2 million. One book seller compared the rush to adult Harry Potter mania.

Soledad, that pretty much sets the bar for book sales.

O'BRIEN: I guess, right. You know, what could be better than that, right, Daryn?

KAGAN: Yes.

O'BRIEN: All right, Daryn, thanks.

Still to come this morning, forget the carbs, forget the calories. A new diet says you only have to count steps to lose weight. We'll show you straight ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) O'BRIEN: Is it low-carb or low-fat? What exactly is your plan for losing weight? Well, one diet expert believes the key is not counting carbs or counting calories, but just walking it off.

Recently, Bill took a stroll outside to explore this step-by-step guide to weight loss.

HEMMER: This next topic, we simply cannot talk about it indoors. Say hello to the author, James Hill. He who wrote the book on the step diet, "The Step Diet Book." Nice to see you.

JAMES HILL, AUTHOR, "THE STEP DIET BOOK": Good morning.

HEMMER: And good morning to you as well.

You say the key to stopping weight gain is to add an additional 2,000 steps every day. How did you arrive at that number?

HILL: Only 2,000 steps. It takes about 15 minutes. It burns 100 calories. And that extra 100 calories is what's causing us to gain one to two pounds a year.

HEMMER: You did a study about five years, right? About 4,000 different people? And you wanted to find out how people would not regain the weight. What did you conclude?

HILL: Well, we wanted to study the people that were successful, not those people who lost weight and failed. So, we found about 4,000 people that lost an average 70 pounds, kept it off an average of 6 years, successful people.

HEMMER: It sounds to me like the key in this is exercise.

HILL: What we found is it's not losing weight that's the problem. It's keeping it off. Lots of people can lose weight. Very few keep it off. What we learned from these people is the reason they keep it off is they increase their physical activity to match the drop in their metabolism that occurs with weight loss. They're not maintaining their weight by food restriction. They're maintaining their weight by increased physical activity.

HEMMER: A couple of things you want to share with us today. Eat 25 percent, a quarter less at every meal. Why is that number important? And how did you arrive at that?

HILL: You know, we're eating the wrong kinds of food. We're eating too much of everything. Our portion sizes are of out of control. So, if you simply cut back, eat 25 percent less of whatever you're eating now, eat 25 percent less, you won't feel deprived, you'll lose a pound or two a week, which is exactly the right way to weight loss.

HEMMER: The other thing you say, go out and buy a pedometer and use it.

HILL: Well, actually a pedometer comes with our book. You can get started, but you need to buy one for your whole family. Everybody in America should have a pedometer because you get credit for your steps. It's a way to measure how much you walk.

HEMMER: And you have a tiny one on your belt here.

HILL: It's tiny. It doesn't get in the way. It gives you immediate feedback. There is no reason not to have one for everyone.

HEMMER: And, again, back to the original point, start with 2,000 steps a day.

HILL: Two thousands steps per day. It takes about 15 minutes. You can do three five-minute walks. Take a walk after dinner, do a walking meeting, park your car further away.

HEMMER: But your step is different from my step, and my step is probably different from everybody else out here. Does that matter?

HILL: There are a few differences in steps, but the major thing is you get moving. And a step is a pretty good and simple way to measure it.

HEMMER: Which comes back to whole key about exercise. You are one of the founders of a program called America on the Move. How did that contribute to what you're putting in this book?

HILL: America on the Move is a national program to prevent weight gain, to stop this one to two pounds of weight gain a year. The step diet starts where America on the Move ends, and now it teaches people who need to lose weight how to lose it, but not just lose it, lose it and keep it off.

HEMMER: Good to see you. James Hill, thanks for sharing with us today.

HILL: Thank you.

HEMMER: A great day to be outside, huh?

HILL: It sure is.

HEMMER: Not bad. We'll talk to you again soon. Thanks.

HEMMER: Back inside now.

O'BRIEN: For more on James Hill's weight loss plan, you can go to StepDietBook.com, and he'll walk you through it. Pun intended -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, thanks. Next hour here, the issue of race comes up in the Kobe Bryant matter. What the defense wants to ask prospective jurors ahead in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: In our next hour, a police squad gets a ticket to speed. We'll explain ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

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


Aired June 22, 2004 - 07:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The author of "The Step Diet" is with us today. His advice in a moment, 2000 extra steps a day. He says that does...
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: It has nothing to do with the food? You can eat anything you want?

HEMMER: He recommends that a little bit, too. We'll get into it and let you know.

O'BRIEN: Milk shakes? Ice cream sundaes?

HEMMER: I think you portion it.

O'BRIEN: That's the diet I'm waiting for.

HEMMER: Me, too.

O'BRIEN: This morning, we're talking about defense attorneys and prosecutors in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. They have agreed that the trial should now start at the end of the August. This morning, a pretrial hearing continues in Eagle, Colorado.

Adrian Baschuk has got more for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Next week will mark one year since Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault. The big question on everyone's mind now is: When will his case go to trial?

The judge asked both sides Monday when they will be ready. Their answer: late August. The judge's reply through a spokeswoman:

KAREN SALAZ, EAGLE COUNTY SPOKESWOMAN: He will make his best attempt to do that, but that's not a guarantee.

BASCHUK: One thing we are guaranteed of is that the potential Eagle County jury pool will get a detailed questionnaire in the mail before coming to court. Both sides are battling over what questions will be asked. The defense wants to include questions about potential jurors' views on interracial relationships and dating, a move prosecutors oppose.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: There is no doubt that race is a factor in this case. You have a black man accused of raping a white woman. That's an issue anywhere in the United States.

BASCHUK: While most of Monday's hearing was open to the public, today's hearing is closed, as both sides wrap up arguments about the alleged victim's sexual past, and whether that could be entered into trial evidence.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

To give you an idea of the scope of this case and the amount of legal maneuvering going on here, there have been 87 motions, briefs and responses filed with the court, and that's just since May 11. There is an end in sight, though. The judge may, in fact, announce a court date in today's proceedings -- Bill, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Adrian, thanks a lot.

Now let's go to Bill.

HEMMER: All right, Soledad, about 28 minutes now before the hour.

To "Political Pop" today, and playing the field with us today in left, political strategist Serena Torrey, in center, Mark Healy of "GQ" magazine, and in right, syndicated radio talk show host Ben Ferguson.

Good morning to all three of you.

MARK HEALY, "GQ" MAGAZINE: Good morning.

SERENA TORREY, POLITICAL STRATEGIST: Good morning.

BEN FERGUSON, SYNDICATED RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Good morning.

HEMMER: Ready to go?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

TORREY: Absolutely.

HEMMER: Ben, you start us. You're the oldest on this panel, by the way.

FERGUSON: That's right, yes.

HEMMER: How old are you, by the way?

FERGUSON: Twenty-two. I'm a young one. What can I say?

HEMMER: Happy birthday.

FERGUSON: Thank you.

HEMMER: The editor of the "Des Moines Register," a longtime supporter of Dick Cheney, says he now thinks the vice president should resign. What do you make of this letter?

FERGUSON: I mean, he can't be a supporter, first of all. He talks about the letter his health being a possibility of something that may hurt him down the road. I mean, the man, if you put him through a physical, the war in Iraq and being there for everything else that's gone on, I think he's passed with flying colors. But even worse that that, in the letter he says that a McCain ticket would be good. And if you have someone like John McCain who said, I would even run with John Kerry, how can you say you're a supporter of the Republican Party when he's putting a man out there that wants to be a Democrat?

HEMMER: What do you think, Serena?

TORREY: I agree with Ben. I think this is a crazy idea. One of the reasons he gives for why we need a new vice president is that the Bush administration needs a president-in-training. Now, most people think that's what we got and that's why we need Dick Cheney.

HEMMER: I'm wondering...

FERGUSON: Does (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ring a bell with anybody?

HEMMER: Does it sound like a 30-year supporter to you? (UNINTELLIGIBLE) has got to step aside?

FERGUSON: No, I mean, he's apologetic to his best. I mean, they (UNINTELLIGIBLE) junior high practically, and he thinks it's going to fly. Plus, if you're a friend with somebody, are you really going to make a letter and publish it?

HEMMER: Yes.

FERGUSON: No.

HEMMER: Hey, Serena, the problem I have, it's not so much a novel idea, right? He argues for a Bush-McCain ticket.

FERGUSON: That's not new.

TORREY: People have been talking about the possibility of Cheney resigning for years and Giuliani jumping in. Any time there's a rising star in the Republican Party, they say, hey, kick Dick Cheney out, let's throw the new guy in. It doesn't look like it's going to happen.

HEMMER: Let's go to our second topic, Mark, and bring you in on this one. John Kerry is vacationing with his wife, Teresa, at their home in Nantucket. To the tune of $9 million that home is. Is this going to be a problem for him in middle America come the election?

HEALY: I don't think so, because the election is a long way off, and this is the kind of thing that political strategists like to micro-manage. But the fact is, either of these men who are running for president, where do we expect them to be? At Great Adventure riding roller coasters at the Mall of America? I mean... HEMMER: That might work.

HEALY: There is nothing common about the way they live their lives.

HEMMER: He went sailing on his $150,000 yacht. I want to be this guy's friend.

HEALY: And Bush was on his 1,600 acre compound in Texas, which shows a little bit about how...

TORREY: Or in Kennebunkport. I mean...

FERGUSON: Yes, I mean, the thing is news has changed now, and the way people perceive politicians is changed. If he went someplace that was uncommon, then we'd all be talking about how he's trying to be more of an American.

HEALY: Exactly.

FERGUSON: You know, 20 years ago, when it wasn't...

HEMMER: Is that common, though, Ben?

FERGUSON: Well, no, but, I mean, if he changes who he is as a person, it's going to bite him in the rear end.

TORREY: I agree. I agree...

FERGUSON: Because we're all going to say he's faking it and he's not who he really is.

HEMMER: Wasn't it back in 1996 when Dick Morris went out and surveyed a bunch of people and found out where Bill Clinton should vacation, and they sent him off to the Tetons in Wyoming?

TORREY: I'd much rather we have...

FERGUSON: Yes, but it bit him in the rear end, though, because everybody talked about it. Everybody knew that's not what he normally does.

TORREY: Exactly. This is who Kerry is. He's not apologetic for it. And remember, President Bush in his -- in the first year he was in office was on vacation 42 percent of the time. I'm much more concerned with how often the president is on vacation.

(CROSSTALK)

FERGUSON: Is the president was -- I've got to ask this question. Is the president really ever on vacation? No, he is not.

HEALY: Well, apparently, he has been, yes.

FERGUSON: Wherever you go, I mean, you're flying. We get to take naps. The man doesn't even get to take a nap because the phone is ringing and people are advising him.

(CROSSTALK)

HEALY: He took a month in August of 2001, if you remember.

FERGUSON: Yes, but it's not enough.

HEALY: And it's interesting to see Bush now...

HEMMER: Hang on. Mark, finish your point.

HEALY: It's interesting to see Bush now, because he makes a big show of clearing brush and doing all this work on the weekends, and we kind of wish he were doing more work Monday through Friday.

HEMMER: The third topic here, Governor Rowland in Connecticut resigns. A front-page picture and a story in "The New York Times" today. What does this say to you?

TORREY: Well, he's been facing this impeachment inquiry for six months, and now he's facing these federal corruption charges. He's been a rising star in the Republican Party for years. But he was taking money and favors from folks who were doing business with the state.

HEMMER: Well, he admits to having state workers, what, install a hot tub and a heating system in his home?

HEALY: Yes.

TORREY: And he (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Mustang from these guys.

HEALY: Yes. A Mustang -- I mean, there are some other things.

TORREY: Completely illegal and completely corrupt. And, you know, it's funny. People are comparing this impeachment situation now with Bill Clinton's. Apples and oranges. We have the impeachment process in place for really egregious abuses of power, not for lying about sex. It's completely different.

HEMMER: One has to wonder, though, how hot the heat was going to get in the Connecticut kitchen. I mean, this investigation started, what, just a couple of weeks ago, right?

TORREY: But it's been -- we know it's been going on for six months. Governor Rowland found out yesterday that he would to testify. His lawyers had argued that he shouldn't have to come forward and really explain what he had done. Once he knew he had to go before the impeachment board, it was all over.

FERGUSON: He's going to back down, but the point is, is I don't care what party you're from. If you have to go before people, even if it's lying about having sex and you're going to testify, you've got to choke and tell the truth. I don't care what the lie is. At that point if you perjury yourself, you should get impeached.

HEMMER: You know, I think you and Serena are agreeing entirely too much today.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: It's just different things.

FERGUSON: There's too much harmony at this point.

HEMMER: Thanks for all three of you. Good to see you.

TORREY: Thanks.

HEMMER: Back over to Soledad now.

O'BRIEN: Still to come on AMERICAN MORNING, looking to lose weight but hate counting calories? We might just have the plan for you.

Also, we're going to head to the bookstore this morning. Look at these lines. They're usually reserved for a new Harry Potter book, but not this time, though. We'll explain just ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: It's 68 degrees here in Manhattan. It should be another great day. It was nice yesterday. We're going to bottle this stuff as soon as Chad gives us permission.

(WEATHER BREAK)

O'BRIEN: We're laughing because Jack is cracking jokes here on the set...

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: One of the funniest things I've heard Bill Hemmer say in the three years I've known you.

O'BRIEN: ... while I'm kind of listening...

CAFFERTY: And unfortunately, we can't repeat it.

HEMMER: No.

O'BRIEN: I guess not.

CAFFERTY: No. Sorry about that.

HEMMER: It was clean.

CAFFERTY: Well, it was clean, yes. We just can't repeat it, that's all.

The question today is about Saudi Arabia. Nothing funny about this. The United States has a very tricky relationship with that country. Islamic militants, who beheaded the American Paul Johnson, said members of the Saudi security forces provided them with police uniforms and vehicles. Saudi government officials say not true. The Bush family's long rumored financial ties with the Saudi royal family, radical Islamic schools throughout Saudi Arabia that openly teach children hatred of the West, and then, of course, there's September 11, where 15 of the 19 hijackers who murdered almost 3,000 innocent people were from Saudi Arabia.

The question is: What's the truth about Saudi Arabia? And we can handle the truth here on AMERICAN MORNING.

So C. writes this. I love this: "If the press continues to bash Saudi Arabia, they may say kiss off. They are fighting terrorists now. So what's your problem? They have finally changed their ways in many areas. The press will screw this up as you do every other good thing."

O'BRIEN: Ouch!

CAFFERTY: OK.

Sheila in Northport, Alabama: "We will never know the answer to your question as long as there is a Bush in the White House."

Patrick in Waitsfield, Vermont: "It is a kingdom ruled by a royal family, not a democracy ruled by the people. In order to stay in power they must keep not only their own increasingly angry public happy, but the rich American masters, the oil companies. They are between a rock and a hard place and their day is coming."

And Paul in Pennsylvania checks in: "With friends like Saudi Arabia, who needs enemies?"

AM@CNN.com if you have a thought on that. I was think about what he said.

O'BRIEN: We got it.

CAFFERTY: I'm going to go on vacation. You know what? I'm tired. And after today I'm gone on vacation.

HEMMER: Yes, you are.

O'BRIEN: You've got 2 hours and 15 minutes yet to go.

CAFFERTY: I hope I make it.

HEMMER: Yes, we're going to put you through the paces. Thank you, Jack.

CAFFERTY: See you later.

HEMMER: In a moment here, the search is on, a violent uprising overseas. Back in a moment with details on that when we continue in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Right about 45 minutes past the hour. Back to Daryn Kagan with other news this morning. A busy day there.

Daryn -- good morning.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is, Bill.

Let's start with a report on terrorism. The State Department is issuing a revised report on terrorism. According to reports, a senior official says the State Department will announce a sharp increase in the number of terror victims worldwide last year. The report was issued last April. In that the department said that terrorism across the globe was on the decline, but officials soon acknowledged that that data was wrong.

A Russian official says that its military is on a massive search operation for rebels in the region bordering Chechnya. Militants tried to seize government buildings in at last three towns there. At least 46 people are believed to have been killed in that fighting.

Back here in the U.S., police in Wisconsin investigating the death of a Chicago family say it is looking more like a murder suicide. The bodies of a father and his two young sons washed up on the shore of Lake Michigan over the weekend. Police say that preliminary autopsy results show that the boys drowned. Police also say that the father had been depressed in the days leading up to their disappearance. An investigation is ongoing.

To campaign 2004, Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has picked a running mate. Nader tapped Peter Camejo for the vice presidential slot, himself a former presidential candidate. The announcement comes amid plans from the Congressional Black Caucus to ask Nader to get out of the presidential race. Nader says he is not aware of the agenda for today's meeting.

And how about New York City? Bill Clinton's fans lining up, a live picture there for you. They are lining up and they've been in line for hours. They want to buy "My Life." That is the former president's tell-all. Copies of the book went on sale at midnight. The Clinton family kicked off the launch with a book party last night. There are not the greatest reviews out there, but still advanced copy orders are already topping $2 million. One book seller compared the rush to adult Harry Potter mania.

Soledad, that pretty much sets the bar for book sales.

O'BRIEN: I guess, right. You know, what could be better than that, right, Daryn?

KAGAN: Yes.

O'BRIEN: All right, Daryn, thanks.

Still to come this morning, forget the carbs, forget the calories. A new diet says you only have to count steps to lose weight. We'll show you straight ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) O'BRIEN: Is it low-carb or low-fat? What exactly is your plan for losing weight? Well, one diet expert believes the key is not counting carbs or counting calories, but just walking it off.

Recently, Bill took a stroll outside to explore this step-by-step guide to weight loss.

HEMMER: This next topic, we simply cannot talk about it indoors. Say hello to the author, James Hill. He who wrote the book on the step diet, "The Step Diet Book." Nice to see you.

JAMES HILL, AUTHOR, "THE STEP DIET BOOK": Good morning.

HEMMER: And good morning to you as well.

You say the key to stopping weight gain is to add an additional 2,000 steps every day. How did you arrive at that number?

HILL: Only 2,000 steps. It takes about 15 minutes. It burns 100 calories. And that extra 100 calories is what's causing us to gain one to two pounds a year.

HEMMER: You did a study about five years, right? About 4,000 different people? And you wanted to find out how people would not regain the weight. What did you conclude?

HILL: Well, we wanted to study the people that were successful, not those people who lost weight and failed. So, we found about 4,000 people that lost an average 70 pounds, kept it off an average of 6 years, successful people.

HEMMER: It sounds to me like the key in this is exercise.

HILL: What we found is it's not losing weight that's the problem. It's keeping it off. Lots of people can lose weight. Very few keep it off. What we learned from these people is the reason they keep it off is they increase their physical activity to match the drop in their metabolism that occurs with weight loss. They're not maintaining their weight by food restriction. They're maintaining their weight by increased physical activity.

HEMMER: A couple of things you want to share with us today. Eat 25 percent, a quarter less at every meal. Why is that number important? And how did you arrive at that?

HILL: You know, we're eating the wrong kinds of food. We're eating too much of everything. Our portion sizes are of out of control. So, if you simply cut back, eat 25 percent less of whatever you're eating now, eat 25 percent less, you won't feel deprived, you'll lose a pound or two a week, which is exactly the right way to weight loss.

HEMMER: The other thing you say, go out and buy a pedometer and use it.

HILL: Well, actually a pedometer comes with our book. You can get started, but you need to buy one for your whole family. Everybody in America should have a pedometer because you get credit for your steps. It's a way to measure how much you walk.

HEMMER: And you have a tiny one on your belt here.

HILL: It's tiny. It doesn't get in the way. It gives you immediate feedback. There is no reason not to have one for everyone.

HEMMER: And, again, back to the original point, start with 2,000 steps a day.

HILL: Two thousands steps per day. It takes about 15 minutes. You can do three five-minute walks. Take a walk after dinner, do a walking meeting, park your car further away.

HEMMER: But your step is different from my step, and my step is probably different from everybody else out here. Does that matter?

HILL: There are a few differences in steps, but the major thing is you get moving. And a step is a pretty good and simple way to measure it.

HEMMER: Which comes back to whole key about exercise. You are one of the founders of a program called America on the Move. How did that contribute to what you're putting in this book?

HILL: America on the Move is a national program to prevent weight gain, to stop this one to two pounds of weight gain a year. The step diet starts where America on the Move ends, and now it teaches people who need to lose weight how to lose it, but not just lose it, lose it and keep it off.

HEMMER: Good to see you. James Hill, thanks for sharing with us today.

HILL: Thank you.

HEMMER: A great day to be outside, huh?

HILL: It sure is.

HEMMER: Not bad. We'll talk to you again soon. Thanks.

HEMMER: Back inside now.

O'BRIEN: For more on James Hill's weight loss plan, you can go to StepDietBook.com, and he'll walk you through it. Pun intended -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, thanks. Next hour here, the issue of race comes up in the Kobe Bryant matter. What the defense wants to ask prospective jurors ahead in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: In our next hour, a police squad gets a ticket to speed. We'll explain ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

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