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American Morning

Saddam in Iraqi Legal Custody; Gephardt, Edwards Possible VP Picks for Kerry; Virginia Launches Campaign Against Statutory Rape; Scott Peterson Detective Redeems Self on Stand; Saturn Spacecraft Due to Arrive Today

Aired June 30, 2004 - 09:00   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, CO-HOST: Good morning. Saddam Hussein, a prisoner of the Iraqi people and about to face a staggering list of war crimes charges.
Police tracking a violent group of bank robbers. Their best new clue could be the videotape caught by surprise.

Are we there yet? The $3 billion dollar ride to Saturn.

We'll get to all that this hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN broadcast center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: Good morning. Welcome, everybody.

Some of the stories that are making headlines this morning, the director of Iraq's special tribunal says that Saddam Hussein looked visibly shaken today after being told that he was now in Iraqi custody.

We're going to get a full report on today's transfer of Saddam and look at what happens next. Anderson Cooper is going to join us live in just a few moments.

HEMMER: Also getting close and closer to decision time for John Kerry. Talking about his running mate. A new poll was out showing who Americans think he should pick. We'll look at whether the people's choice figures into this in a moment with Kelly Wallace.

O'BRIEN: See if he picks -- if the people's choice makes a difference to him.

HEMMER: Seldom do predictions go that way, though.

O'BRIEN: We'll see.

HEMMER: So we'll see.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, testimony in the Scott Peterson trial could give a boost to the prosecution. It's about Scott Peterson and a hypothetical way to dispose of a body. Of course, there are some people who say that actually it was a bombshell that fizzled. Chris Flippi's going to join us. He's been following this case, of course, from the very beginning. He'll weigh in on what he thinks about that.

HEMMER: Stay tuned for all that.

Jack Cafferty, to you.

JACK CAFFERTY, CO-HOST: Good morning.

The "Question of the Day," actually is rooted in these terrorist kidnappings and beheadings, and it's a question that has to do about how much the media should show or not show.

And that thing about Joel Steinberg getting out of prison that we had on just a couple of minutes ago. How come we get a shot from 150 yards away when you can't see the guy. He's a public figure getting out of a public institution that's owned and funded by the taxpayers. They should let the cameras go right up his nose. Sound, reporters, let them talk to him a little bit, because the public wants to know what this guy is all about 16 years after he murdered a 6-year-old girl in his apartment. Nice job of the press up there wherever that prison is.

Anyway, that's our "Question of the Day." We'll tell you more about that in a minute. I just needed to get that off my chest, because it -- because it chapped my rear-end.

O'BRIEN: My prediction is they'll be following him around with cameras.

CAFFERTY: I hope so.

O'BRIEN: If they figure out where he is.

CAFFERTY: I hope they make his life absolutely miserable is what I hope.

O'BRIEN: I think there's actually a good chance of that, Jack.

HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.

Let's get right away to Iraq right now. Deposed dictator Saddam Hussein now in legal custody of the Iraqis. No longer a prisoner of war.

A handover for him and 11 other former Iraqi leaders made a few hours ago, official anyway a few hours ago. We get to Anderson Cooper live in Baghdad yet again.

Anderson, good afternoon there.

ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "ANDERSON COOPER 360": Hey, Bill, good morning. Let's hope they don't let Jack Cafferty anywhere near Saddam Hussein. Early this morning, Salem Chalabi, the executive director of the Iraq special tribunal, met with Saddam Hussein, informing him what is going to take place here over the next 24 hours.

Legal custody officially handed over today. Tomorrow, we are going to get a look at Saddam Hussein for the first time since those images that we have all grown so familiar with, those images of Saddam Hussein being checked out medically after being apprehended by U.S. authorities.

This will be the first time the world has gotten a look at Saddam Hussein as he is taken to an Iraqi court tomorrow to hear charges against him, to hear what the proceedings will be like, to hear his rights: the right to legal counsel, the right to have legal counsel appointed if he can't afford it. Perhaps even the right to represent himself. There is some differing of opinion on that.

That will happen tomorrow. It will be televised. Not necessarily the court proceedings, but there will be a camera as you see Hussein transferred from U.S. hands to Iraqi hands and then transferred back.

The legal custody is now in Iraqi hands. Physical custody will remain with United States for as long as it is determined that it is necessary to provide security. Iraqi security services simply not up to the job at this point of protecting Saddam Hussein and ensuring that he is able to show up and face justice several months from now.

It is anticipated it will be several months from now before an actual court proceeding takes place. Prime Minister Allawi yesterday saying the Iraqi people have to be patient but justice will be done -- Bill.

HEMMER: And you have to imagine, too, those images will be extremely powerful for the 25 million in that country.

Thanks, Anderson. Anderson Cooper in Baghdad -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Mum continues to be the word from presumptive Democrat nominee John Kerry when it comes to who his running mate is going to be. The clock is running down with the Democratic convention opening in Boston on July 26.

Kelly Wallace is here with a look at the senator's short list. How short is the short list?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's the big question. We don't know, but we know he's taking two days off from the campaign trail today and tomorrow. So we think possibly he could be thinking about his decision.

Two of the names that have been on this short list, according to sources, still appear to be two of the top contenders.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE (voice-over): Everyone seems to have something to say about John Kerry's search for a running mate.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The most important thing is that he picks somebody that he believes with all his heart would be a great president if he dropped dead or got shot.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jon, would you consider joining John Kerry on the ticket to run as vice president?

JON STEWART, HOST, COMEDY CENTRAL'S "THE DAILY SHOW": That is an excellent question.

WALLACE: Comedian Jon Stewart on the short list? Only John Kerry knows, and he's not talking. So we can only read the tealeaves...

REP. DICK GEPHARDT (D-MO), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: John Kerry!

WALLACE: ... how Kerry seemed to spend more time meeting with Dick Gephardt recently than with any other contender, and how John Edwards seems to be leading the pack in public auditioning.

SUSAN MILLIGAN, "THE BOSTON GLOBE": It's like campaigning to be somebody's prom date. I mean, it doesn't really matter. You can get the whole senior class on your side, but you really just have to convince one person that you're the person that -- that they should choose.

WALLACE: If Kerry is looking at the polls, give Edwards the nod, with 72 percent of Americans saying they would be enthusiastic or satisfied with an Edwards pick. Almost two-thirds feel that way about Gephardt.

Gephardt would help Kerry in the battleground state of Missouri, but brings no razzle-dazzle to the ticket, whereas Edwards has rock star appeal but could outshine the nominee.

But does the choice even matter? Only once in recent history, presidential historians say did it make a major difference.

STEPHEN PRESS, PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: When John Kennedy picked Lyndon Johnson, he actually carried Texas because of it.

But that's the exception. Usually, it's not for winning a state as much as it is showing what sort of a person you are.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And take a look at some of these other names that are being mentioned. You have governors like Vilsack and Bill Richardson and senators Evan Bayh, Graham and Joe Biden.

And Soledad, it's interesting, Senator Biden's name has been mentioned a lot lately because he, of all the names we've mentioned, is the one that John Kerry seems to talk to more than any of the others.

O'BRIEN: Give me a sense of -- and I know you hate to be put on the spot. But I'm going to do it anyway.

WALLACE: OK.

O'BRIEN: If you had to guess, who do you think is really leading? Not what the American people are polling, but who do you think is leading in the senator's mind?

WALLACE: I would guess -- Total guess, everyone, here is Dick Gephardt. I think he has the biggest rapport with Dick Gephardt. He really respects him. In an age of national security, he wants somebody who has strong foreign policy credentials, someone who's not necessarily going to be sort of tapping him on his shoulder, wanting his job. He's sort of ruling out public office, but you've a lot of Edwards fans out there.

O'BRIEN: But Gephardt was running for president.

WALLACE: He was, but he sort of said that that's it.

But then there is Governor Vilsack of Iowa is a sort of strong contender. The sense is that John Kerry likes his story.

But it's such a funny guessing game. We have no clue.

O'BRIEN: I asked you to pick one.

WALLACE: Dodged the question, didn't I?

O'BRIEN: No, that's all right. That's all right. I put you on the spot. Thanks.

WALLACE: Sure.

O'BRIEN: Appreciate it, Kelly.

HEMMER: From the state of Virginia now. A campaign to prevent statutory rape and teen pregnancy is taking an eye-catching strategy. The message from state health officials delivered on billboards: "Isn't she a little young? Sex with a minor, don't go there."

The same message will appear on post cards and napkins and coasters in hundreds of bars and restaurants and retail stores, as well.

Robert Franklin from the Virginia Department of Health is live in Richmond this morning.

Good morning to you, sir, and thank you for your time.

ROBERT FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Good morning. Thank you.

HEMMER: Why do you believe this campaign is necessary? FRANKLIN: I think it's an issue that's going on, particularly once I've put it out, I've been hearing so many people call me, wanting information, wanting resources.

There's figures showing that there are youth who are having children. Youth who are minors who are becoming impregnated by adult men. And I think it's something we need to talk about more and start challenging men to become a part of the solution for this issue.

HEMMER: Is it more of an issue, though, in the state of Virginia than elsewhere in this country?

FRANKLIN: I don't think it's more of an issue in Virginia. I think we might have taken a different approach to handling this.

States that receive temporary assistance to needy families need to do some kind of program or something that addresses statutory rape under this. It's under teen pregnancy prevention.

And this is just the way I think we decided to address that, targeting men, looking at men as part of the solution in terms of challenging their peers and changing the social norm that kind of says it's OK, I think, in some communities.

HEMMER: I mentioned the billboards being eye catching, and certainly they are.

FRANKLIN: Right.

HEMMER: What kind of reaction have you gotten?

FRANKLIN: I've gotten a lot. You know, if awareness is my issue, one of the goals, and clearly that's worked. But some of the press has been, you know, this is great. People like it. And they think it's about time.

Some people think it's not a harsh enough message and talk about we need to say, you know, I've heard people say 15 will get you 20.

Some people think that it's inappropriate for their children to see. Just a full range. But I think a lot of people have -- I've gotten some comments about they appreciate the campaign and think it's necessary.

HEMMER: Mr. Franklin, you mentioned in your first answer your target is men. Are you also targeting women? Are you targeting teenagers? Are you trying to paint with a broad stroke here, too, and also get to parents as well and, if so, does this work?

FRANKLIN: Part of this is the awareness, so it gets people to talk about this. Now the specific of this campaign is actually targeting men 18 to 29. So this aspect of the program that I do does focus solely on men.

Now, I do other programs and trainings and have resources and curriculums available that do target those different populations, from working with law enforcement to working with those who work with youth. Resources that parents can order. They can -- I have a web page that people can look at and find out more about this and order resources.

HEMMER: Thanks for sharing.

FRANKLIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: It got our attention. Good luck to you.

FRANKLIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: Robert Franklin, Department of Health in the state of Virginia, live in Richmond -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Turning now to the Scott Peterson trial and a bombshell that may have gone bust.

A police detective testified yesterday that Scott Peterson described to a friend years ago the perfect way to dispose of a human body. But on cross-examination, the detective admitted the source of the story was not credible.

KFCK Radio reporter Chris Flippi is covering the double murder trial. He joins us this morning from Redwood City.

Nice to see you, as always, Chris. Let's get right to it.

CHRIS FLIPPI, REPORTER, KFCK RADIO: Hi.

O'BRIEN: Did it end up being a bombshell for the prosecution which some were calling it, or in the end, did it end up being a boom for the defense?

FLIPPI: I don't think either. I mean, it certainly was the bombshell that wasn't, but it was a bombshell with a point.

The prosecution's trying to demonstrate that thousands of leads came into Modesto police through the months of their investigation. They had tips placing Laci Peterson everywhere from Australia to New York.

What they're trying to demonstrate is that Modesto police were fair and even-handed as they processed all of these various leads. And when they decided that something didn't measure up, they decided that that was something they were not going to follow up, whether it helped Scott Peterson or whether it helped the prosecution.

So that's really what they're going at, is trying to project this image that they were fair in their investigation.

O'BRIEN: Later, they said it did not, in fact, measure up, but what was the reaction among jurors? I mean, that's a pretty shocking thing to hear even if just moments later, the detective says, "Well, we dismissed it. The information didn't seem credible." FLIPPI: You know what's interesting there it's information the jury, under normal circumstances may not have even heard of, but because Mark Geragos went through this broad-reaching cross- examination of detective Al Brocchini, it gave the prosecution more latitude to throw this in.

So even though it doesn't stick in terms of being a credible lead, it still is something that has an impact with the jury and it's certainly something that they'll remember.

I was in court during that testimony. I can tell you that it definitely caught the ear of those jurors. They were taking notes at a very rapid rate, paying very close attention. It definitely was a wake-up call to them that the prosecution still has a lot of evidence to present in this case.

O'BRIEN: Modesto Police Detective Al Brocchini, who we've been talking about, really, for several days, on the stand for five days. Overall assess for me how you think he did. He had some ups and some downs.

FLIPPI: Yes. He really did. He had a tough time under cross- examination. Mark Geragos was able to score a lot of points off of him, painting him as an investigator that was out to get Scott Peterson from the very beginning.

The prosecution, to their credit, was able to resuscitate him a little bit. They have to look at it in terms of the broader investigation. There are still more cops that are going to take the stand.

Remember, we still haven't heard from Detective Grogan, who's the lead investigator in this case.

So the prosecution really had to play a lot of damage control, maintaining the credibility of their case so that the folks they call down the road still will be believed by this jury.

O'BRIEN: What happens now? I mean, when do we get to see Amber Frey on the stand and things like that?

FLIPPI: I think we're getting really close. Today we should hear from Shawn Sibley. She's the woman that actually brought Amber Frey and Scott Peterson together.

There was testimony about a dinner that she was at with Scott Peterson and some other folks in the agriculture business at the Disneyland Hotel in October of 2002.

One of the guys who was there had very salacious testimony, talking about how Scott was flirting with Sibley, who was engaged at the time, and basically begging her to introduce him to some of her single friends.

So we expect to hear more about that today. All of this lays the groundwork for Amber Frey to be called to the stand. When will it be? At a point very near in our future.

O'BRIEN: Well, let's take a moment to talk about some of the photographs. We talked about some already this morning, but one that we haven't seen before is a photo of a baby's room that was painted blue. It's got little sailboats and things on it. This was going to be Conner's room, of course, before this, you know, horrible murder.

What was the reaction among the jurors when they saw some of these photographs?

FLIPPI: Yes, the jury, of course, has seen that photograph, and what's interesting is it's not the only one that features the nursery for Conner Peterson. And there are two different takes on that.

Now, the picture that you're talking about shows this nautical theme. The defense is arguing that Scott Peterson played a big role in deciding that. It shows that he really loved fishing. And, in fact, you can see little sailboats there above the crib. You know, very cute and very involved in terms of Peterson's involvement in this pregnancy.

However, the prosecution is going to show a picture that shows that Scott Peterson just a few weeks after his wife was reported missing, in fact turned that nursery into a storage room. They've shown a picture that shows all sorts of cardboard boxes stocked up inside that nursery.

So there are two very different points of view on the significance of the nursery in this case.

O'BRIEN: Once again, lots of conflicting information. Chris Flippi joining us this morning from KFCK Radio. Nice to see you as always, Chris. Thanks.

FLIPPI: Thanks.

O'BRIEN: Of course, we'll continue to check in with you throughout this trial as it continues to move along. Appreciate it -- Bill.

HEMMER: Got a look at this earlier today. Again, unbelievable video. A daring bank robbery, broad daylight yesterday in Washington, D.C.

Local news photographer hears of a bank robbery in progress. This is what he finds. Shows up at the bank, turns on his camera, catches a hooded gunmen outside and two hooded gunmen coming outside of that bank on Connecticut Avenue. And here goes the van.

We are told that van has been stolen and that repeats the pattern. And about a mile and a half down the road, this is what police found. They found the van literally on fire. And some folks around the area talked about that yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw two men, one with a black bandana, another one with some type of a hood device, running with rifles in -- across the front of the bank and as that happened, I called 911.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They were going fast! I mean, real fast! We slid over about three more feet; he'd a ran right into us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: As we mentioned, minutes later when the police showed up only a few short blocks away, here is the get-away car burning. Police believe the bank robbers have struck six times since January and about $350,000 plus in stolen loot. They've torched the get-away car three times to destroy the evidence. That out of D.C., northwest Washington.

O'BRIEN: It's amazing, isn't it?

It is 16 minutes past the hour. Time to take a look at some of the other stories that are making news today with Drew Griffin at the CNN Center.

Hey, Drew. Good morning again.

DREW GRIFFIN, ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.

The Army may soon be putting thousands of former soldiers back in uniform. Hasn't happened since 1991, but the Army officials saying about 5,600 reservists could be assigned to duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the troops part of the individual ready reserve, made up of people who left the military but still owe some time to the Army. The official announcement expected today.

The U.S. military has changed the status of Marine Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun from deserter to captured. He was initially listed as missing when he failed to report for duty in Iraq June 20.

The Arab language network Al Jazeera aired this video of a man identified as Hassoun, who was surrounded by armed captors. The military is still investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

In Israel, a controversial West Banks security barrier will be moved. Israeli's highest court ruling that a 19-mile section of fence must be rerouted, because it could hurt the local Palestinians there. Israel says the barrier is a necessary defense against suicide bombers, but in a statement the Ministry of Defense says it will honor the verdict.

And here in the United States, the Justice Department criticizing the Supreme Court ruling in an Internet decency case. The court finding that a law meant to protect children from so-called adult material interferes with the First Amendment.

In the ruling, the justices saying there may be better ways to shield children from sexually explicit material, such as with online filters. The main plaintiffs in this case included artists, health providers and sex educators.

And there's an amazing winning streak to tell you about. Ken Jennings, 29 years old from Salt Lake City, Utah, has now appeared on "Jeopardy" winning his 20th straight game. His winnings total more than $660,000. Not too bad for a game show.

O'BRIEN: Not too bad at all. But he looks like he's on track to win a lot more, actually.

All right, Drew, thanks.

Let's turn towards Jack, who's got the "Question of the Day."

Hello.

CAFFERTY: How are you doing?

When Nicholas Berg was beheaded last month, the "Los Angeles Times" reports that his name was the second most popular search request on Google after "American Idol."

And according to CBSNews.com, any stories causing graphic violence cause an astronomical spike in viewing online, all of this putting traditional news media, like us folks here, in a kind of a difficult spot.

With an obvious appetite for the violence as displayed by all those hits on the Internet, the question we're asking this morning is "How much coverage should traditional media give to terrorist kidnappings and beheadings?"

Good stuff today.

Patricia in Montreal writes this: "I viewed what was allegedly the video of the beheading of Daniel Pearl. I never imagined how disturbing it could be. I lost sleep for days. I couldn't get the images out of my mind. I don't think these images should be shown on TV, on the Internet or anywhere. People think they want to see it, but when they do, I think they'll wish they never had."

Dan writes this: "You should show the pictures of Nick Berg, Paul Johnson and Kim Sun-Il with the terrorists prancing around with the heads just as often as you show the pictures of abuse at Abu Ghraib. Your failure to do so has made it clear that, in your mind, a naked but living Iraqi standing on a box is far more important image than people beheaded by terrorists."

Linda in Ashland, Virginia: "While I have no desire to actually see beheadings, it's frightening to think that our news is being censored in any way. It's not the media's responsibility to control terrorism. Your job is to report the news, keep the public informed. If the news is bad, then the news is bad. How can we fight terrorism if we don't know about it?"

And Hugh, a man after my own heart, from Eden, Manitoba writes this: "When guys like Jack Cafferty start casually throwing terms like 'Googling' around, it makes me want to get my will in order. I bought a computer to send e-mails to my grandkids, and as far as I know I've never Googled anyone in my entire life. What am I missing, Jack?"

Actually, Hugh, I learned about Googling from my friend on the right side of the desk here, to your left, Mr. Hemmer.

HEMMER: That is true.

CAFFERTY: I'd never done it either. Actually, it's kind of fun.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: Check it out.

HEMMER: You never know what you're going to find out there, that's right.

CAFFERTY: Get some kicks.

HEMMER: That's right.

CAFFERTY: It's more fun than writing to your grandkids; you know what I'm saying?

HEMMER: Thank you, Jack. Do you think that guy on "Jeopardy" is cheating, by the way?

O'BRIEN: No.

HEMMER: Twenty times? Come on!

O'BRIEN: Why are you saying that?

HEMMER: I'm kidding.

CAFFERTY: How are they going to get him off the show? You know, there's a point at which people are going to get sick of this. They're going to get tired of how much he knows. They're going to get tired of it being the same. They're going to have to do something.

O'BRIEN: People love it, and he's not cheating.

CAFFERTY: I don't think everybody loves it.

O'BRIEN: I think they do.

CAFFERTY: I mean, everybody -- Remember when you were at school, we all hated the class smartass! Well, that's what this guy is on a national level.

HEMMER: Google guy.

CAFFERTY: "I know everything. I know the answer, teacher." The one who always had his hand up.

Did you raise your hand a lot when you were in school? O'BRIEN: Well, you know what? Yes, I did, Mr. Cafferty.

CAFFERTY: I bet you'd do good on Jeopardy.

O'BRIEN: Thank you very much. And I won teacher's pet, too. That's another story for another day.

CAFFERTY: See, I knew what! I knew that!

HEMMER: Here's Chad, watching the weather.

Hey, Chad. Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill. You had to come to me to get some-- get some organization here. We'll try.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Back to you, Bill.

O'BRIEN: Chad, thanks a lot.

HEMMER: Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Still to come -- That's all right. I answer to both, actually. He answers to Soledad, too.

HEMMER: Yes, she does!

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, unlocking the secrets of Saturn. It turns out the more we find out about it, the more we might find out about ourselves.

HEMMER: Also ahead, the handover in Iraq circa 1920, a look at whether or not the U.S. and the coalition is now learning from mistakes of the past. We'll have that for you.

O'BRIEN: And most parents remember their baby's first steps, but they probably never saw anything like this. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has a look at that just ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Time to go to Saturn.

The Cassini space craft on course to reach that planet and start orbiting it a bit later today, involving a crucial maneuver through many rings on Saturn.

Here is our space correspondence, Miles O'Brien, with a look at that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a ringer of a planet, and it may soon give up some humdingers about our origins, or so astronomers hope as the Cassini spacecraft hones in on Saturn.

The $3 billion craft is making a 49,000 mile an hour beeline for a gap in those rocky rings and must thread the needle twice, hopefully avoiding a mission ending collision, to enter Saturn's orbit.

ROBERT MITCHELL, CASSINI PROJECT MANAGER: We have considerable evidence to tell us that this gap is clean, clear of any particles, any debris of any size. There are probably be some very fine dust grains that the spacecraft is well equipped to handle.

O'BRIEN: Candice Hansen started working on Cassini 14 years ago. It's perilous arrival in Saturn's orbit will make for some tense moments for her.

CANDICE HANSEN, CASSINI SCIENTIST: I have spent 14 years sort of waiting for this night to occur, and until it's passed, there will always be this "Oh, my God, things could go terribly wrong." Not that any of us expect that, but, still, it is a very critical event.

O'BRIEN: So long as Cassini doesn't get dinged by the rings, it will embark on a four-year tour of Saturn and some of its 31 known moons.

It's already whizzed by Phoebe. Only 130 miles across, the tiny moon is pocked with craters and laced with ice. It caught a glimpse of Iapetus, 890 miles in diameter, with its light and dark hemispheres; and Titan, a moon that is more like a planet.

HANSEN: It's bigger than Pluto. It's even a little bigger than Mercury, and it's got this thick atmosphere, exotic surface geology. It's got a lot of things that intrigue us.

O'BRIEN: Come January, Cassini will send a wok-shaped probe called Huygens toward a landing on Titan. Perpetually enshrouded by clouds, this moon is an intriguing mystery for astronomers. They believe Earth might have looked like Titan long ago.

MITCHELL: So Titan today, the scientists believe, may very well be a body in a frozen vault just like what Earth was three or four billion years ago. So the chance to study it and to see what Earth may have looked like then, to get some close as to how Earth may have evolved to be what we know it today, is quite an exciting prospect.

O'BRIEN: It will be the most remote landing ever attempted, but there are other hoops Cassini must jump through first.

Miles O'Brien, CNN, Pasadena, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: As far as our continuing coverage of Cassini and that mission there with Saturn, Neil de Grasse Tyson back with us tomorrow, rather, on AMERICAN MORNING. He's the director of the Hayden Planetarium here in New York City. And he loves this story, and that's an understatement -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, your morning dose of "90- Second Pop."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JANET JACKSON, SINGER (singing): What have you done for me lately?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Janet Jackson has done something she hasn't done since her infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl. (NO AUDIO) TiVo worthy?

And Marlon Brando, is he living in poverty?

That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired June 30, 2004 - 09:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CO-HOST: Good morning. Saddam Hussein, a prisoner of the Iraqi people and about to face a staggering list of war crimes charges.
Police tracking a violent group of bank robbers. Their best new clue could be the videotape caught by surprise.

Are we there yet? The $3 billion dollar ride to Saturn.

We'll get to all that this hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN broadcast center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: Good morning. Welcome, everybody.

Some of the stories that are making headlines this morning, the director of Iraq's special tribunal says that Saddam Hussein looked visibly shaken today after being told that he was now in Iraqi custody.

We're going to get a full report on today's transfer of Saddam and look at what happens next. Anderson Cooper is going to join us live in just a few moments.

HEMMER: Also getting close and closer to decision time for John Kerry. Talking about his running mate. A new poll was out showing who Americans think he should pick. We'll look at whether the people's choice figures into this in a moment with Kelly Wallace.

O'BRIEN: See if he picks -- if the people's choice makes a difference to him.

HEMMER: Seldom do predictions go that way, though.

O'BRIEN: We'll see.

HEMMER: So we'll see.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, testimony in the Scott Peterson trial could give a boost to the prosecution. It's about Scott Peterson and a hypothetical way to dispose of a body. Of course, there are some people who say that actually it was a bombshell that fizzled. Chris Flippi's going to join us. He's been following this case, of course, from the very beginning. He'll weigh in on what he thinks about that.

HEMMER: Stay tuned for all that.

Jack Cafferty, to you.

JACK CAFFERTY, CO-HOST: Good morning.

The "Question of the Day," actually is rooted in these terrorist kidnappings and beheadings, and it's a question that has to do about how much the media should show or not show.

And that thing about Joel Steinberg getting out of prison that we had on just a couple of minutes ago. How come we get a shot from 150 yards away when you can't see the guy. He's a public figure getting out of a public institution that's owned and funded by the taxpayers. They should let the cameras go right up his nose. Sound, reporters, let them talk to him a little bit, because the public wants to know what this guy is all about 16 years after he murdered a 6-year-old girl in his apartment. Nice job of the press up there wherever that prison is.

Anyway, that's our "Question of the Day." We'll tell you more about that in a minute. I just needed to get that off my chest, because it -- because it chapped my rear-end.

O'BRIEN: My prediction is they'll be following him around with cameras.

CAFFERTY: I hope so.

O'BRIEN: If they figure out where he is.

CAFFERTY: I hope they make his life absolutely miserable is what I hope.

O'BRIEN: I think there's actually a good chance of that, Jack.

HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.

Let's get right away to Iraq right now. Deposed dictator Saddam Hussein now in legal custody of the Iraqis. No longer a prisoner of war.

A handover for him and 11 other former Iraqi leaders made a few hours ago, official anyway a few hours ago. We get to Anderson Cooper live in Baghdad yet again.

Anderson, good afternoon there.

ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "ANDERSON COOPER 360": Hey, Bill, good morning. Let's hope they don't let Jack Cafferty anywhere near Saddam Hussein. Early this morning, Salem Chalabi, the executive director of the Iraq special tribunal, met with Saddam Hussein, informing him what is going to take place here over the next 24 hours.

Legal custody officially handed over today. Tomorrow, we are going to get a look at Saddam Hussein for the first time since those images that we have all grown so familiar with, those images of Saddam Hussein being checked out medically after being apprehended by U.S. authorities.

This will be the first time the world has gotten a look at Saddam Hussein as he is taken to an Iraqi court tomorrow to hear charges against him, to hear what the proceedings will be like, to hear his rights: the right to legal counsel, the right to have legal counsel appointed if he can't afford it. Perhaps even the right to represent himself. There is some differing of opinion on that.

That will happen tomorrow. It will be televised. Not necessarily the court proceedings, but there will be a camera as you see Hussein transferred from U.S. hands to Iraqi hands and then transferred back.

The legal custody is now in Iraqi hands. Physical custody will remain with United States for as long as it is determined that it is necessary to provide security. Iraqi security services simply not up to the job at this point of protecting Saddam Hussein and ensuring that he is able to show up and face justice several months from now.

It is anticipated it will be several months from now before an actual court proceeding takes place. Prime Minister Allawi yesterday saying the Iraqi people have to be patient but justice will be done -- Bill.

HEMMER: And you have to imagine, too, those images will be extremely powerful for the 25 million in that country.

Thanks, Anderson. Anderson Cooper in Baghdad -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Mum continues to be the word from presumptive Democrat nominee John Kerry when it comes to who his running mate is going to be. The clock is running down with the Democratic convention opening in Boston on July 26.

Kelly Wallace is here with a look at the senator's short list. How short is the short list?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's the big question. We don't know, but we know he's taking two days off from the campaign trail today and tomorrow. So we think possibly he could be thinking about his decision.

Two of the names that have been on this short list, according to sources, still appear to be two of the top contenders.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE (voice-over): Everyone seems to have something to say about John Kerry's search for a running mate.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The most important thing is that he picks somebody that he believes with all his heart would be a great president if he dropped dead or got shot.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jon, would you consider joining John Kerry on the ticket to run as vice president?

JON STEWART, HOST, COMEDY CENTRAL'S "THE DAILY SHOW": That is an excellent question.

WALLACE: Comedian Jon Stewart on the short list? Only John Kerry knows, and he's not talking. So we can only read the tealeaves...

REP. DICK GEPHARDT (D-MO), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: John Kerry!

WALLACE: ... how Kerry seemed to spend more time meeting with Dick Gephardt recently than with any other contender, and how John Edwards seems to be leading the pack in public auditioning.

SUSAN MILLIGAN, "THE BOSTON GLOBE": It's like campaigning to be somebody's prom date. I mean, it doesn't really matter. You can get the whole senior class on your side, but you really just have to convince one person that you're the person that -- that they should choose.

WALLACE: If Kerry is looking at the polls, give Edwards the nod, with 72 percent of Americans saying they would be enthusiastic or satisfied with an Edwards pick. Almost two-thirds feel that way about Gephardt.

Gephardt would help Kerry in the battleground state of Missouri, but brings no razzle-dazzle to the ticket, whereas Edwards has rock star appeal but could outshine the nominee.

But does the choice even matter? Only once in recent history, presidential historians say did it make a major difference.

STEPHEN PRESS, PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: When John Kennedy picked Lyndon Johnson, he actually carried Texas because of it.

But that's the exception. Usually, it's not for winning a state as much as it is showing what sort of a person you are.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And take a look at some of these other names that are being mentioned. You have governors like Vilsack and Bill Richardson and senators Evan Bayh, Graham and Joe Biden.

And Soledad, it's interesting, Senator Biden's name has been mentioned a lot lately because he, of all the names we've mentioned, is the one that John Kerry seems to talk to more than any of the others.

O'BRIEN: Give me a sense of -- and I know you hate to be put on the spot. But I'm going to do it anyway.

WALLACE: OK.

O'BRIEN: If you had to guess, who do you think is really leading? Not what the American people are polling, but who do you think is leading in the senator's mind?

WALLACE: I would guess -- Total guess, everyone, here is Dick Gephardt. I think he has the biggest rapport with Dick Gephardt. He really respects him. In an age of national security, he wants somebody who has strong foreign policy credentials, someone who's not necessarily going to be sort of tapping him on his shoulder, wanting his job. He's sort of ruling out public office, but you've a lot of Edwards fans out there.

O'BRIEN: But Gephardt was running for president.

WALLACE: He was, but he sort of said that that's it.

But then there is Governor Vilsack of Iowa is a sort of strong contender. The sense is that John Kerry likes his story.

But it's such a funny guessing game. We have no clue.

O'BRIEN: I asked you to pick one.

WALLACE: Dodged the question, didn't I?

O'BRIEN: No, that's all right. That's all right. I put you on the spot. Thanks.

WALLACE: Sure.

O'BRIEN: Appreciate it, Kelly.

HEMMER: From the state of Virginia now. A campaign to prevent statutory rape and teen pregnancy is taking an eye-catching strategy. The message from state health officials delivered on billboards: "Isn't she a little young? Sex with a minor, don't go there."

The same message will appear on post cards and napkins and coasters in hundreds of bars and restaurants and retail stores, as well.

Robert Franklin from the Virginia Department of Health is live in Richmond this morning.

Good morning to you, sir, and thank you for your time.

ROBERT FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Good morning. Thank you.

HEMMER: Why do you believe this campaign is necessary? FRANKLIN: I think it's an issue that's going on, particularly once I've put it out, I've been hearing so many people call me, wanting information, wanting resources.

There's figures showing that there are youth who are having children. Youth who are minors who are becoming impregnated by adult men. And I think it's something we need to talk about more and start challenging men to become a part of the solution for this issue.

HEMMER: Is it more of an issue, though, in the state of Virginia than elsewhere in this country?

FRANKLIN: I don't think it's more of an issue in Virginia. I think we might have taken a different approach to handling this.

States that receive temporary assistance to needy families need to do some kind of program or something that addresses statutory rape under this. It's under teen pregnancy prevention.

And this is just the way I think we decided to address that, targeting men, looking at men as part of the solution in terms of challenging their peers and changing the social norm that kind of says it's OK, I think, in some communities.

HEMMER: I mentioned the billboards being eye catching, and certainly they are.

FRANKLIN: Right.

HEMMER: What kind of reaction have you gotten?

FRANKLIN: I've gotten a lot. You know, if awareness is my issue, one of the goals, and clearly that's worked. But some of the press has been, you know, this is great. People like it. And they think it's about time.

Some people think it's not a harsh enough message and talk about we need to say, you know, I've heard people say 15 will get you 20.

Some people think that it's inappropriate for their children to see. Just a full range. But I think a lot of people have -- I've gotten some comments about they appreciate the campaign and think it's necessary.

HEMMER: Mr. Franklin, you mentioned in your first answer your target is men. Are you also targeting women? Are you targeting teenagers? Are you trying to paint with a broad stroke here, too, and also get to parents as well and, if so, does this work?

FRANKLIN: Part of this is the awareness, so it gets people to talk about this. Now the specific of this campaign is actually targeting men 18 to 29. So this aspect of the program that I do does focus solely on men.

Now, I do other programs and trainings and have resources and curriculums available that do target those different populations, from working with law enforcement to working with those who work with youth. Resources that parents can order. They can -- I have a web page that people can look at and find out more about this and order resources.

HEMMER: Thanks for sharing.

FRANKLIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: It got our attention. Good luck to you.

FRANKLIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: Robert Franklin, Department of Health in the state of Virginia, live in Richmond -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Turning now to the Scott Peterson trial and a bombshell that may have gone bust.

A police detective testified yesterday that Scott Peterson described to a friend years ago the perfect way to dispose of a human body. But on cross-examination, the detective admitted the source of the story was not credible.

KFCK Radio reporter Chris Flippi is covering the double murder trial. He joins us this morning from Redwood City.

Nice to see you, as always, Chris. Let's get right to it.

CHRIS FLIPPI, REPORTER, KFCK RADIO: Hi.

O'BRIEN: Did it end up being a bombshell for the prosecution which some were calling it, or in the end, did it end up being a boom for the defense?

FLIPPI: I don't think either. I mean, it certainly was the bombshell that wasn't, but it was a bombshell with a point.

The prosecution's trying to demonstrate that thousands of leads came into Modesto police through the months of their investigation. They had tips placing Laci Peterson everywhere from Australia to New York.

What they're trying to demonstrate is that Modesto police were fair and even-handed as they processed all of these various leads. And when they decided that something didn't measure up, they decided that that was something they were not going to follow up, whether it helped Scott Peterson or whether it helped the prosecution.

So that's really what they're going at, is trying to project this image that they were fair in their investigation.

O'BRIEN: Later, they said it did not, in fact, measure up, but what was the reaction among jurors? I mean, that's a pretty shocking thing to hear even if just moments later, the detective says, "Well, we dismissed it. The information didn't seem credible." FLIPPI: You know what's interesting there it's information the jury, under normal circumstances may not have even heard of, but because Mark Geragos went through this broad-reaching cross- examination of detective Al Brocchini, it gave the prosecution more latitude to throw this in.

So even though it doesn't stick in terms of being a credible lead, it still is something that has an impact with the jury and it's certainly something that they'll remember.

I was in court during that testimony. I can tell you that it definitely caught the ear of those jurors. They were taking notes at a very rapid rate, paying very close attention. It definitely was a wake-up call to them that the prosecution still has a lot of evidence to present in this case.

O'BRIEN: Modesto Police Detective Al Brocchini, who we've been talking about, really, for several days, on the stand for five days. Overall assess for me how you think he did. He had some ups and some downs.

FLIPPI: Yes. He really did. He had a tough time under cross- examination. Mark Geragos was able to score a lot of points off of him, painting him as an investigator that was out to get Scott Peterson from the very beginning.

The prosecution, to their credit, was able to resuscitate him a little bit. They have to look at it in terms of the broader investigation. There are still more cops that are going to take the stand.

Remember, we still haven't heard from Detective Grogan, who's the lead investigator in this case.

So the prosecution really had to play a lot of damage control, maintaining the credibility of their case so that the folks they call down the road still will be believed by this jury.

O'BRIEN: What happens now? I mean, when do we get to see Amber Frey on the stand and things like that?

FLIPPI: I think we're getting really close. Today we should hear from Shawn Sibley. She's the woman that actually brought Amber Frey and Scott Peterson together.

There was testimony about a dinner that she was at with Scott Peterson and some other folks in the agriculture business at the Disneyland Hotel in October of 2002.

One of the guys who was there had very salacious testimony, talking about how Scott was flirting with Sibley, who was engaged at the time, and basically begging her to introduce him to some of her single friends.

So we expect to hear more about that today. All of this lays the groundwork for Amber Frey to be called to the stand. When will it be? At a point very near in our future.

O'BRIEN: Well, let's take a moment to talk about some of the photographs. We talked about some already this morning, but one that we haven't seen before is a photo of a baby's room that was painted blue. It's got little sailboats and things on it. This was going to be Conner's room, of course, before this, you know, horrible murder.

What was the reaction among the jurors when they saw some of these photographs?

FLIPPI: Yes, the jury, of course, has seen that photograph, and what's interesting is it's not the only one that features the nursery for Conner Peterson. And there are two different takes on that.

Now, the picture that you're talking about shows this nautical theme. The defense is arguing that Scott Peterson played a big role in deciding that. It shows that he really loved fishing. And, in fact, you can see little sailboats there above the crib. You know, very cute and very involved in terms of Peterson's involvement in this pregnancy.

However, the prosecution is going to show a picture that shows that Scott Peterson just a few weeks after his wife was reported missing, in fact turned that nursery into a storage room. They've shown a picture that shows all sorts of cardboard boxes stocked up inside that nursery.

So there are two very different points of view on the significance of the nursery in this case.

O'BRIEN: Once again, lots of conflicting information. Chris Flippi joining us this morning from KFCK Radio. Nice to see you as always, Chris. Thanks.

FLIPPI: Thanks.

O'BRIEN: Of course, we'll continue to check in with you throughout this trial as it continues to move along. Appreciate it -- Bill.

HEMMER: Got a look at this earlier today. Again, unbelievable video. A daring bank robbery, broad daylight yesterday in Washington, D.C.

Local news photographer hears of a bank robbery in progress. This is what he finds. Shows up at the bank, turns on his camera, catches a hooded gunmen outside and two hooded gunmen coming outside of that bank on Connecticut Avenue. And here goes the van.

We are told that van has been stolen and that repeats the pattern. And about a mile and a half down the road, this is what police found. They found the van literally on fire. And some folks around the area talked about that yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw two men, one with a black bandana, another one with some type of a hood device, running with rifles in -- across the front of the bank and as that happened, I called 911.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They were going fast! I mean, real fast! We slid over about three more feet; he'd a ran right into us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: As we mentioned, minutes later when the police showed up only a few short blocks away, here is the get-away car burning. Police believe the bank robbers have struck six times since January and about $350,000 plus in stolen loot. They've torched the get-away car three times to destroy the evidence. That out of D.C., northwest Washington.

O'BRIEN: It's amazing, isn't it?

It is 16 minutes past the hour. Time to take a look at some of the other stories that are making news today with Drew Griffin at the CNN Center.

Hey, Drew. Good morning again.

DREW GRIFFIN, ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.

The Army may soon be putting thousands of former soldiers back in uniform. Hasn't happened since 1991, but the Army officials saying about 5,600 reservists could be assigned to duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the troops part of the individual ready reserve, made up of people who left the military but still owe some time to the Army. The official announcement expected today.

The U.S. military has changed the status of Marine Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun from deserter to captured. He was initially listed as missing when he failed to report for duty in Iraq June 20.

The Arab language network Al Jazeera aired this video of a man identified as Hassoun, who was surrounded by armed captors. The military is still investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

In Israel, a controversial West Banks security barrier will be moved. Israeli's highest court ruling that a 19-mile section of fence must be rerouted, because it could hurt the local Palestinians there. Israel says the barrier is a necessary defense against suicide bombers, but in a statement the Ministry of Defense says it will honor the verdict.

And here in the United States, the Justice Department criticizing the Supreme Court ruling in an Internet decency case. The court finding that a law meant to protect children from so-called adult material interferes with the First Amendment.

In the ruling, the justices saying there may be better ways to shield children from sexually explicit material, such as with online filters. The main plaintiffs in this case included artists, health providers and sex educators.

And there's an amazing winning streak to tell you about. Ken Jennings, 29 years old from Salt Lake City, Utah, has now appeared on "Jeopardy" winning his 20th straight game. His winnings total more than $660,000. Not too bad for a game show.

O'BRIEN: Not too bad at all. But he looks like he's on track to win a lot more, actually.

All right, Drew, thanks.

Let's turn towards Jack, who's got the "Question of the Day."

Hello.

CAFFERTY: How are you doing?

When Nicholas Berg was beheaded last month, the "Los Angeles Times" reports that his name was the second most popular search request on Google after "American Idol."

And according to CBSNews.com, any stories causing graphic violence cause an astronomical spike in viewing online, all of this putting traditional news media, like us folks here, in a kind of a difficult spot.

With an obvious appetite for the violence as displayed by all those hits on the Internet, the question we're asking this morning is "How much coverage should traditional media give to terrorist kidnappings and beheadings?"

Good stuff today.

Patricia in Montreal writes this: "I viewed what was allegedly the video of the beheading of Daniel Pearl. I never imagined how disturbing it could be. I lost sleep for days. I couldn't get the images out of my mind. I don't think these images should be shown on TV, on the Internet or anywhere. People think they want to see it, but when they do, I think they'll wish they never had."

Dan writes this: "You should show the pictures of Nick Berg, Paul Johnson and Kim Sun-Il with the terrorists prancing around with the heads just as often as you show the pictures of abuse at Abu Ghraib. Your failure to do so has made it clear that, in your mind, a naked but living Iraqi standing on a box is far more important image than people beheaded by terrorists."

Linda in Ashland, Virginia: "While I have no desire to actually see beheadings, it's frightening to think that our news is being censored in any way. It's not the media's responsibility to control terrorism. Your job is to report the news, keep the public informed. If the news is bad, then the news is bad. How can we fight terrorism if we don't know about it?"

And Hugh, a man after my own heart, from Eden, Manitoba writes this: "When guys like Jack Cafferty start casually throwing terms like 'Googling' around, it makes me want to get my will in order. I bought a computer to send e-mails to my grandkids, and as far as I know I've never Googled anyone in my entire life. What am I missing, Jack?"

Actually, Hugh, I learned about Googling from my friend on the right side of the desk here, to your left, Mr. Hemmer.

HEMMER: That is true.

CAFFERTY: I'd never done it either. Actually, it's kind of fun.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: Check it out.

HEMMER: You never know what you're going to find out there, that's right.

CAFFERTY: Get some kicks.

HEMMER: That's right.

CAFFERTY: It's more fun than writing to your grandkids; you know what I'm saying?

HEMMER: Thank you, Jack. Do you think that guy on "Jeopardy" is cheating, by the way?

O'BRIEN: No.

HEMMER: Twenty times? Come on!

O'BRIEN: Why are you saying that?

HEMMER: I'm kidding.

CAFFERTY: How are they going to get him off the show? You know, there's a point at which people are going to get sick of this. They're going to get tired of how much he knows. They're going to get tired of it being the same. They're going to have to do something.

O'BRIEN: People love it, and he's not cheating.

CAFFERTY: I don't think everybody loves it.

O'BRIEN: I think they do.

CAFFERTY: I mean, everybody -- Remember when you were at school, we all hated the class smartass! Well, that's what this guy is on a national level.

HEMMER: Google guy.

CAFFERTY: "I know everything. I know the answer, teacher." The one who always had his hand up.

Did you raise your hand a lot when you were in school? O'BRIEN: Well, you know what? Yes, I did, Mr. Cafferty.

CAFFERTY: I bet you'd do good on Jeopardy.

O'BRIEN: Thank you very much. And I won teacher's pet, too. That's another story for another day.

CAFFERTY: See, I knew what! I knew that!

HEMMER: Here's Chad, watching the weather.

Hey, Chad. Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill. You had to come to me to get some-- get some organization here. We'll try.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Back to you, Bill.

O'BRIEN: Chad, thanks a lot.

HEMMER: Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Still to come -- That's all right. I answer to both, actually. He answers to Soledad, too.

HEMMER: Yes, she does!

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, unlocking the secrets of Saturn. It turns out the more we find out about it, the more we might find out about ourselves.

HEMMER: Also ahead, the handover in Iraq circa 1920, a look at whether or not the U.S. and the coalition is now learning from mistakes of the past. We'll have that for you.

O'BRIEN: And most parents remember their baby's first steps, but they probably never saw anything like this. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has a look at that just ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Time to go to Saturn.

The Cassini space craft on course to reach that planet and start orbiting it a bit later today, involving a crucial maneuver through many rings on Saturn.

Here is our space correspondence, Miles O'Brien, with a look at that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a ringer of a planet, and it may soon give up some humdingers about our origins, or so astronomers hope as the Cassini spacecraft hones in on Saturn.

The $3 billion craft is making a 49,000 mile an hour beeline for a gap in those rocky rings and must thread the needle twice, hopefully avoiding a mission ending collision, to enter Saturn's orbit.

ROBERT MITCHELL, CASSINI PROJECT MANAGER: We have considerable evidence to tell us that this gap is clean, clear of any particles, any debris of any size. There are probably be some very fine dust grains that the spacecraft is well equipped to handle.

O'BRIEN: Candice Hansen started working on Cassini 14 years ago. It's perilous arrival in Saturn's orbit will make for some tense moments for her.

CANDICE HANSEN, CASSINI SCIENTIST: I have spent 14 years sort of waiting for this night to occur, and until it's passed, there will always be this "Oh, my God, things could go terribly wrong." Not that any of us expect that, but, still, it is a very critical event.

O'BRIEN: So long as Cassini doesn't get dinged by the rings, it will embark on a four-year tour of Saturn and some of its 31 known moons.

It's already whizzed by Phoebe. Only 130 miles across, the tiny moon is pocked with craters and laced with ice. It caught a glimpse of Iapetus, 890 miles in diameter, with its light and dark hemispheres; and Titan, a moon that is more like a planet.

HANSEN: It's bigger than Pluto. It's even a little bigger than Mercury, and it's got this thick atmosphere, exotic surface geology. It's got a lot of things that intrigue us.

O'BRIEN: Come January, Cassini will send a wok-shaped probe called Huygens toward a landing on Titan. Perpetually enshrouded by clouds, this moon is an intriguing mystery for astronomers. They believe Earth might have looked like Titan long ago.

MITCHELL: So Titan today, the scientists believe, may very well be a body in a frozen vault just like what Earth was three or four billion years ago. So the chance to study it and to see what Earth may have looked like then, to get some close as to how Earth may have evolved to be what we know it today, is quite an exciting prospect.

O'BRIEN: It will be the most remote landing ever attempted, but there are other hoops Cassini must jump through first.

Miles O'Brien, CNN, Pasadena, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: As far as our continuing coverage of Cassini and that mission there with Saturn, Neil de Grasse Tyson back with us tomorrow, rather, on AMERICAN MORNING. He's the director of the Hayden Planetarium here in New York City. And he loves this story, and that's an understatement -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, your morning dose of "90- Second Pop."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JANET JACKSON, SINGER (singing): What have you done for me lately?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Janet Jackson has done something she hasn't done since her infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl. (NO AUDIO) TiVo worthy?

And Marlon Brando, is he living in poverty?

That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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