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CNN Live At Daybreak
What's Next for Saddam Hussein?
Aired July 02, 2004 - 06:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you from the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Carol Costello. Here are the latest headlines for you right now.
Rocket attacks in central Baghdad score a direct hit on the Sheraton Hotel, where many Western journalists and contractors are staying. Two Iraqis were wounded, but there is only minor damage to the hotel.
The Coast Guard orders four ships from other countries out of the Port of Miami and expels another. The ships failed inspection under new worldwide security regulations that have just gone into effect.
In money news, the recording industry is singing one happy tune. Album sales in the United States are running 7 percent ahead of this time last year. Analysts say the music biz is on track for its best numbers in three years.
In culture, "Spider-Man 2" snags a box office record. The superhero sequel took in more than $40 million on its first day in theaters, and that was on a Wednesday, a typically slow day for the movies.
In sports, she's from Siberia, but she is hot in more ways than one. Seventeen-year-old Maria Sharapova has knocked Lindsay Davenport out of Wimbledon. Sharapova will face Serena Williams in the women's finals.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COSTELLO: Rocket attacks in central Baghdad this morning. Here's our situation report.
Insurgents fired several rockets today, one of them hitting the Sheraton Hotel, where many journalists and civilian contractors are staying. Two people are wounded. Damage is minor. We'll have a live report for you later.
Two Turkish hostages have been freed after promising to stop working for U.S. forces in Iraq. On Tuesday, insurgents freed three other Turkish hostages.
And Jordan's King Abdullah says he would be willing to send troops to Iraq if asked by the country's new interim government. If the king does send troops, Jordan would become the first Arab country to take such a step. Well, the world was riveted by Saddam Hussein's first court date. His appearance, his defiance, his insistence that he is still Iraq's president kept many glued to their TV sets. But it was just the first step in a long legal battle.
So, what is next for the former Iraqi dictator? Joining me live from London to talk about it is Abdel Darwish, the author of "Unholy Babylon: The Secret History of Saddam's War."
Welcome.
ABDEL DARWISH, AUTHOR, "UNHOLY BABYLON": Hello.
COSTELLO: In hindsight, was it a good thing or a bad thing to televise Saddam's court appearance?
DARWISH: Well, I think it's important to show that Saddam is still alive, to show that Saddam is going to face a normal legal procedure. That's on the one hand. I think that was wise. What was unwise was actually to let it become some kind of a game of political tennis rather than reading him the charges, reading him his rights and then saying good-bye.
Also, it was unwise to ban British and European reporters from the court, only allow one Iraqi journalist there, and the rest were all American correspondents. I don't think that went down well in Europe, in Britain and elsewhere in the world.
COSTELLO: Well, and more importantly, did it go down OK in Iraq? Because that's the most important thing, isn't it?
DARWISH: No, I think that's because I'm saying there was only one Iraqi reporter was allowed to the court. It would be very interesting to see how Iraqi reporters themselves would report the events after being 35 years with no freedom of expression, of censorship, and then now they have this freedom. They have about 200 newspapers sprung in Iraq, so that would have been interesting to see how the Iraqis themselves would report it.
COSTELLO: Gotcha. One of the attorneys for Saddam Hussein says the whole thing yesterday was a sham. I want you to listen to Tim Hughes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIM HUGHES, SADDAM HUSSEIN'S ATTORNEY: I think that a fundamental mistake was made in parading him in front of the cameras in a set of proceedings in which he was unrepresented. That sent the wrong message from the very first hearing. That sent the message that the Iraqi government is more interested in trying to prove its legitimacy to the Iraqi people rather than to achieve justice in the case of Saddam Hussein.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: You talked a little bit about that already, but your reaction to that comment.
DARWISH: Well, it's a very interesting point of view, actually. Tim was actually talking. He's an English lawyer from Devon. And this is actually under English law, you should always have representation with the defendant in court. And usually in English courts, cameras and televisions cameras are not allowed. You always have some kind of an artist impartation there. So, he's actually talking from his experience as an English lawyer.
COSTELLO: Understand. You know, "The New York Times" has an interesting article of what U.S. interrogators have managed to get out of Saddam, you know, before this court appearance, of course. They say a lot of interesting -- he says a lot of interesting things about Kuwait, like he did in his court appearance, that they were dogs, and that's why, you know, he invaded the country. But otherwise, they're really not getting much useful information out of him. Is that any surprise to you?
DARWISH: No, I don't think it's any surprise. I think Saddam is a very, very tough cookie, really, to crack. This is a man who was a street fighter. He actually led gangs of thugs in the 1960s in and out of jail, even before getting into power. He was extremely, extremely tough. So, I think he can really withhold information.
Also, he probably in the latter years of his life he did not know much details of what was going on. He probably would actually have old plans about chemical weapons, about weapons of mass destruction, but he did not know the ins and outs of it. I'm not surprised, really, that they are not getting much out of him.
COSTELLO: Abdel Darwish joining us live from London. Thank you very much.
Here are some stories making news "Across America" this Friday.
Business across Virginia -- businesses across Virginia are hoping to get an injunction today to stop the state's new day of rest law. Lawmakers inadvertently repealed some of the exemptions to a colonial- era law against working the Sabbath. If the loophole can't be closed in time, employers will have to scramble to keep their businesses open this weekend.
A California teenager suffered small second-degree burns after her cell phone exploded in her pocket. At first, witnesses thought fireworks were going off until they saw smoke rising from the girl's pants. The fire was quickly doused, and the girl was taken to the hospital. No word on what caused her cell phone to explode.
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera reopens today. That's no big deal, unless you remember that that's the resort where Kobe Bryant allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman. The spa has been closed for renovations since March. Among the changes, there is no Room 35. Room 35 was Bryant's room during his stay at the spa.
Comedian Bill Cosby is serious about the future of African- Americans. At a Chicago conference, Cosby used blunt language in his call for change in the black community.
Byron Harlan with CNN affiliate WFLD in Chicago has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BILL COSBY, ENTERTAINER: We cannot protect ourselves if the picture of ourselves is in a trough.
BYRON HARLAN, CNN AFFILIATE WFLD REPORTER (voice-over): It was Bill Cosby, the educator, who spoke with force and conviction to a crowd of mostly black people who wanted to hear more about his views on race. The message was electric, direct and clear: Stop blaming others for the problems with black America.
COSBY: It is almost analgesic to talk about what the white man is doing against us. And it keeps a person frozen in their seat.
HARLAN: Bill Cosby has been in the hot seat for his remarks at Howard University last May. That event marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to desegregate American public schools. He said, too many low-income African-Americans are not doing their part to improve their situation. He also says parents are failing children.
COSBY: Please, stop it. Stop your cursing. We want to ask the parent, stop yanking that child.
HARLAN: He also criticized entertainers, producers and black comedians for reinforcing stereotypes.
COSBY: We're going to call each other names of ugliness. Comedians coming on TV, my man is so ugly, you're ugly, yuck, yuck. That's all menstrual show stuff. I'm tired of this.
HARLAN: Bill Cosby says he's especially tired of music that glorifies bad behavior. Young people hear it, they emulate it, and he says it's up to parents to take control and stop it.
Byron Harlan, Chicago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And still to come on DAYBREAK, security first on the 4th. A reminder so your holiday does not include injuries.
And the life of a famous composer on the silver screen. So which will be better? The movie or the sound track?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The skies will light up this weekend with the glare of 4th of July fireworks, but for many the sound on the ground is much more fun. Back yard firecrackers, bottle rockets, even sparklers are dangerous if you don't pay attention.
So, how can you avoid the emergency room? For advice from an expert, I turn to Eric Criss from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ERIC CRISS, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: There are some things that people don't realize about fireworks, and I'll give you one example. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so parents should not give them to kids under 5 years old. They can turn a cotton dress in the summertime into a ball of flame, and many of the injuries we see are from children under 5 with sparklers.
COSTELLO: Yes, but it's so fun for them, running around with -- I can remember doing that as a kid.
CRISS: Right. It is fun, and we just suggest for children under 5, though, that you not give them sparklers. And if they're over 5 and you give them sparklers or other kinds of fireworks that adults closely supervise that.
COSTELLO: What other injuries are common this time of year from fireworks?
CRISS: Well, burns are the most common, and then we see a lot of eye injuries, too, especially from bottle rockets. Bottle rockets for ages about 15 to 22 account for about half of the injuries. And, unfortunately, a lot of that is sort of horse play and people shooting bottle rockets at each other. About two-thirds of those -- excuse me. About three times as many are male as female. And the age range, 15 to 22, tells us pretty much what's going on there.
COSTELLO: Yes, no surprise there.
CRISS: Yes.
COSTELLO: So, in a nutshell, what would you like to impart to people this 4th of July?
CRISS: Well, we would ask them, first and foremost, to know what's legal in their community and to stay away from illegal or homemade fireworks. We see a lot of injuries and deaths from illegal fireworks. No. 2, just make sure that you've got adult supervision of all firework activities. And No. 3, don't try to relight a firework that you think is a dud. It could go off in your hand.
COSTELLO: Good advice. Eric Criss of the Consumer Product Safety Commission joining DAYBREAK. Thank you.
CRISS: Thank you very much.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
A round of explosions rocked central Baghdad this morning. The Sheraton Hotel was one target. That's where a number of international journalists and civilian contractors are staying. Two Iraqis were injured in the blast.
In eastern Turkey, an earthquake leaves at least 18 people dead and some 50 more injured. A number of stone and mud homes are leveled by the quake. Heavy damage is reported in a small village near the Iranian border.
In money news, who is going to be a millionaire? The multistate Mega Millions jackpot is now a whopping 290 million big bucks. And lots of people are buying tickets for tonight's 11:00 drawing.
In culture, Johns Hopkins Hospital has done it again. It tops the list of America's best hospitals for the 14th year in a row. That's according to a survey in "U.S. News & World Report." The rankings are based on a survey of doctors nationwide.
In sports, did you see this game? The Yankees used some late- inning heroics to beat the Red Sox again. The 5-4 win completes a three-game sweep, and gives the Yankees an eight and a half game lead over the Sox in their division. This is Derek Jeter, and he's hurt because of this. He's got bruises and cuts and had to leave the game. Hopefully, he'll be back soon, though, Chad, for the Yankees' sake.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, no kidding.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you now.
Let's head live to New York and check in with Soledad for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
And you're going to have one of Saddam Hussein's many attorneys on.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. Apparently, it's a group of about 20 attorneys -- excuse me, Carol -- who expressed some disgust at not being part of this hearing and proceeding yesterday. He was in court, as you well know, but lots unclear, including who exactly is running things inside that courtroom. We'll talk to that attorney this morning.
Also this morning we're talking about Saturn, those pictures, brand new pictures of the ringed planet, and they are so amazing. We'll talk about what they're hoping to discover on Saturn. We'll talk to a leading expert.
Then, a profile on Teresa Heinz Kerry, obviously a billionaire, a former Republican, and also pretty outspoken. The big question, of course: Will she help or hurt her husband's campaign? And to people actually ever vote for a first lady? We've got presidential historian Douglas Brinkley joining us this morning on that.
And there's that and much, much more all ahead -- Carol.
COSTELLO: You know, I saw you on the cover of a magazine, and you were not pregnant, Soledad. O'BRIEN: Really?
COSTELLO: It's a new issue.
O'BRIEN: I don't even remember those days, because I am so big now.
COSTELLO: I know. I looked at it, and I said, "Oh, Soledad!"
O'BRIEN: Did I look cute?
COSTELLO: You did. You looked fabulous, and you look fabulous now, so don't even worry about it.
O'BRIEN: Oh, you're so sweet. I feel like a big old, big old. But, you know, only eight more weeks, Carol.
COSTELLO: Eight more weeks. And you're feeling good and not nervous or anything?
O'BRIEN: Oh, please. I want it over with.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Soledad.
O'BRIEN: See you later.
COSTELLO: The newest blockbuster of the summer could have its competitors climbing the walls. "Spider-Man" leaps into theaters this weekend, but will it be hotter than "Fahrenheit 9/11?" We'll be back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
The return of the sticky-fingered guy in the funny looking tights probably tops the theater marquee in your neighborhood. No, it's not Chad Myers.
Oh, let's go to the movie with Tom O'Neil, senior editor of "In Touch Weekly."
Good morning.
TOM O'NEIL, "IN TOUCH" MAGAZINE: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: So, shall we start with "Spider-Man 2?" Because that's going to be a big one.
O'NEIL: It's not just going to be a big one. It already is. Did you see those box office numbers yesterday?
COSTELLO: Incredible.
O'NEIL: Forty million dollars in one day, a new record, which tops the old record, which was held by guess what movie?
COSTELLO: "Spider-Man."
O'NEIL: "Spider-Man" at $39 million.
COSTELLO: So tell us. Is it a good movie?
O'NEIL: It's even better than the original, Carol. Isn't that great news?
COSTELLO: Yes. I can't believe you actually like a movie.
O'NEIL: Well, we had that dry spell there of May, where Hollywood, you know, dropped its stinker bombs. But now we're into the great July 4th weekend, where all of the movies are great. And this is even better than the original because it knows what the formula of a good superhero movie is, and that is there should be as much conflict internally as externally. And here, we see young Peter Parker struggle with being a secret superhero, while having this secret love for Kirsten Dunst.
COSTELLO: Oh. Oh, that just gives me goosebumps.
O'NEIL: And there is great humor. My favorite line in this movie, by the way, is, of course, his Aunt May who raises him doesn't know he's Spider-Man, and at one point she says, oh, Peter, by the way, since you've grown up now, I've thrown away your comic book collection.
COSTELLO: Oh! Is there any freaky kiss in this movie?
O'NEIL: I don't want to reveal that. At one point, she confronts him, because this is what the core story is here, of course, this almost love between the two of them. And at one point she says to him, and it's one of the great tender scenes of the movie, do you love me? And he says, no.
COSTELLO: Oh!
O'NEIL: Because he does love her, of course.
COSTELLO: Of course! That really gave me goosebumps.
Let's talk about another love story. This one, "Before Sunset" with Ethan Hawke.
O'NEIL: This is really a good movie. Some critics are saying it's a masterpiece. It's possibly the best-reviewed movie of the year so far. And this is a sequel, like "Spider-Man," without flash, dash or spandex. It's just all words and all heart. Ethan Hawke and this gal portray lovers in the original movie, "Before Sunrise," in which they were tourists in Vienna. Now, they're meeting up a decade later in Paris. He's married. He's got to get on a plane and get back to his wife in America before sunset; therefore, the title.
So, they spend a day walking around Paris thinking about what might have been. I think that's something that haunts us all. And it's so well-made. It's so well-written. And it's from the writer- director of "School of Rock," of all things.
COSTELLO: Oh, you're kidding? But I look at Chad's face, and he's really excited to see that movie.
O'NEIL: It's not a Chad movie.
COSTELLO: No, I don't think so.
MYERS: I'm afraid I haven't seen "Before Sunrise," so I have to see that first or else...
COSTELLO: True. Very true. "De-Lovely," I really want to like this movie, because I love Kevin Kline.
O'NEIL: He's so good in this movie. This could be Oscar bait for him. Of course, he won for "A Fish Called Wanda" in the supporting category. But, boy, wouldn't it be nice to see Kevin win in the lead category.
This is the story of our greatest stage composer, Cole Porter, and it's told as a stage musical. It's the first big Hollywood movie musical since "Chicago" and "Moulin Rouge."
And what's so great about this movie is they decide to make his music hits today by having the likes of Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello sing it, and it tells the story of his love affair with his wife, who was not his lover.
COSTELLO: But I thought he was gay.
O'NEIL: Cole Parker was secretly gay. Yes, he was secretly gay, but he really did love his wife, and she him. And it's the genius of this movie that they explore those emotional depths.
COSTELLO: Interesting. Well, thank you so much, Tom O'Neil, from "In Touch" magazine. As usual, you've given us much food for thought as we go to the movies this weekend.
MYERS: Pretty good movies this weekend, Carol. Go see them all.
COSTELLO: I will, actually, at least two of them.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Tom.
O'NEIL: Thanks.
MYERS: Yes, I figured out why "Spider-Man" made more money, though, this time.
COSTELLO: Why?
MYERS: Because movies are more expensive. You know, you raise the price, you're going to make more money. Doesn't that kind of go with it? Hey, I've got a picture for you. Actually, it's an image.
COSTELLO: Yes, it was our DAYBREAK photo of the day. We wanted you to guess what it was.
MYERS: But it's not really a photo.
COSTELLO: What it is.
MYERS: Because it's an image, because it comes from outer space.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MYERS: What is it? What is it? It's the density wave around Saturn's rings from Cassini spacecraft. Go on, do a Google search, do Cassini and photos, and you'll get all kinds photos. You'll get to that site, just great stuff. Great, great pictures out there.
COSTELLO: That's amazing.
MYERS: Yes, good fun.
COSTELLO: Are we going to a break now?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Yes, we're going to a break. When we come back, of course, we'll have the mug winner and your new questions. That's coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MYERS: Tom Cruise is older than me. I've got something to look forward to.
COSTELLO: Every time someone appears that's older than Chad, he says, he's older than me.
MYERS: You know, because there aren't very many on there that are older than me nowadays. They're all these young whipper snappers coming on here.
COSTELLO: Oh, come on!
MYERS: OK, time to give away the mug from Wednesday. And let me tell you, we had 580 correct answers.
COSTELLO: You're kidding?
MYERS: I am not. You guys were really on the ball. The two questions were: Who has challenged Bill Clinton to a public debate? And that was Paula Jones. I did get Gennifer Flowers on a couple of those. But, not, that was Paula Jones. And, what temperature is hamburger safe to eat? You've got to cook it on the grill to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The winner from Nanuet, New York, Sam Gross. Sam.
COSTELLO: Oh, congratulations, Sam.
MYERS: There you go, your coffee mug, it looks just like that. We don't have one to show you, because they're locked up.
And now, here are your question for -- we have to lock them up, because they just...
COSTELLO: They disappear.
MYERS: They go off the shelves like you can't believe.
Now, at what temperature do sparklers burn? Remember, I listened to your little comment about that, how fun they are. But, obviously, children under 5 should be very, very cautious with that.
And Holly Firfer shared nutritional information about three holiday deserts. Which one has the most carbs? Which one has the highest number of carbs?
COSTELLO: Ooh, that's a tough one.
MYERS: Remember the three of them? There was one, two and then three.
COSTELLO: Oh, should I name them? That would be cheating, though, wouldn't it?
MYERS: That would be -- well, then they'd have a one in three chance.
COSTELLO: So, we'll leave it right there.
MYERS: Have a safe holiday weekend, guys.
COSTELLO: Yes, a happy Fourth.
MYERS: Get out there and be good.
COSTELLO: Happy 4th of July. I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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Aired July 2, 2004 - 06:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you from the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Carol Costello. Here are the latest headlines for you right now.
Rocket attacks in central Baghdad score a direct hit on the Sheraton Hotel, where many Western journalists and contractors are staying. Two Iraqis were wounded, but there is only minor damage to the hotel.
The Coast Guard orders four ships from other countries out of the Port of Miami and expels another. The ships failed inspection under new worldwide security regulations that have just gone into effect.
In money news, the recording industry is singing one happy tune. Album sales in the United States are running 7 percent ahead of this time last year. Analysts say the music biz is on track for its best numbers in three years.
In culture, "Spider-Man 2" snags a box office record. The superhero sequel took in more than $40 million on its first day in theaters, and that was on a Wednesday, a typically slow day for the movies.
In sports, she's from Siberia, but she is hot in more ways than one. Seventeen-year-old Maria Sharapova has knocked Lindsay Davenport out of Wimbledon. Sharapova will face Serena Williams in the women's finals.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COSTELLO: Rocket attacks in central Baghdad this morning. Here's our situation report.
Insurgents fired several rockets today, one of them hitting the Sheraton Hotel, where many journalists and civilian contractors are staying. Two people are wounded. Damage is minor. We'll have a live report for you later.
Two Turkish hostages have been freed after promising to stop working for U.S. forces in Iraq. On Tuesday, insurgents freed three other Turkish hostages.
And Jordan's King Abdullah says he would be willing to send troops to Iraq if asked by the country's new interim government. If the king does send troops, Jordan would become the first Arab country to take such a step. Well, the world was riveted by Saddam Hussein's first court date. His appearance, his defiance, his insistence that he is still Iraq's president kept many glued to their TV sets. But it was just the first step in a long legal battle.
So, what is next for the former Iraqi dictator? Joining me live from London to talk about it is Abdel Darwish, the author of "Unholy Babylon: The Secret History of Saddam's War."
Welcome.
ABDEL DARWISH, AUTHOR, "UNHOLY BABYLON": Hello.
COSTELLO: In hindsight, was it a good thing or a bad thing to televise Saddam's court appearance?
DARWISH: Well, I think it's important to show that Saddam is still alive, to show that Saddam is going to face a normal legal procedure. That's on the one hand. I think that was wise. What was unwise was actually to let it become some kind of a game of political tennis rather than reading him the charges, reading him his rights and then saying good-bye.
Also, it was unwise to ban British and European reporters from the court, only allow one Iraqi journalist there, and the rest were all American correspondents. I don't think that went down well in Europe, in Britain and elsewhere in the world.
COSTELLO: Well, and more importantly, did it go down OK in Iraq? Because that's the most important thing, isn't it?
DARWISH: No, I think that's because I'm saying there was only one Iraqi reporter was allowed to the court. It would be very interesting to see how Iraqi reporters themselves would report the events after being 35 years with no freedom of expression, of censorship, and then now they have this freedom. They have about 200 newspapers sprung in Iraq, so that would have been interesting to see how the Iraqis themselves would report it.
COSTELLO: Gotcha. One of the attorneys for Saddam Hussein says the whole thing yesterday was a sham. I want you to listen to Tim Hughes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIM HUGHES, SADDAM HUSSEIN'S ATTORNEY: I think that a fundamental mistake was made in parading him in front of the cameras in a set of proceedings in which he was unrepresented. That sent the wrong message from the very first hearing. That sent the message that the Iraqi government is more interested in trying to prove its legitimacy to the Iraqi people rather than to achieve justice in the case of Saddam Hussein.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: You talked a little bit about that already, but your reaction to that comment.
DARWISH: Well, it's a very interesting point of view, actually. Tim was actually talking. He's an English lawyer from Devon. And this is actually under English law, you should always have representation with the defendant in court. And usually in English courts, cameras and televisions cameras are not allowed. You always have some kind of an artist impartation there. So, he's actually talking from his experience as an English lawyer.
COSTELLO: Understand. You know, "The New York Times" has an interesting article of what U.S. interrogators have managed to get out of Saddam, you know, before this court appearance, of course. They say a lot of interesting -- he says a lot of interesting things about Kuwait, like he did in his court appearance, that they were dogs, and that's why, you know, he invaded the country. But otherwise, they're really not getting much useful information out of him. Is that any surprise to you?
DARWISH: No, I don't think it's any surprise. I think Saddam is a very, very tough cookie, really, to crack. This is a man who was a street fighter. He actually led gangs of thugs in the 1960s in and out of jail, even before getting into power. He was extremely, extremely tough. So, I think he can really withhold information.
Also, he probably in the latter years of his life he did not know much details of what was going on. He probably would actually have old plans about chemical weapons, about weapons of mass destruction, but he did not know the ins and outs of it. I'm not surprised, really, that they are not getting much out of him.
COSTELLO: Abdel Darwish joining us live from London. Thank you very much.
Here are some stories making news "Across America" this Friday.
Business across Virginia -- businesses across Virginia are hoping to get an injunction today to stop the state's new day of rest law. Lawmakers inadvertently repealed some of the exemptions to a colonial- era law against working the Sabbath. If the loophole can't be closed in time, employers will have to scramble to keep their businesses open this weekend.
A California teenager suffered small second-degree burns after her cell phone exploded in her pocket. At first, witnesses thought fireworks were going off until they saw smoke rising from the girl's pants. The fire was quickly doused, and the girl was taken to the hospital. No word on what caused her cell phone to explode.
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera reopens today. That's no big deal, unless you remember that that's the resort where Kobe Bryant allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman. The spa has been closed for renovations since March. Among the changes, there is no Room 35. Room 35 was Bryant's room during his stay at the spa.
Comedian Bill Cosby is serious about the future of African- Americans. At a Chicago conference, Cosby used blunt language in his call for change in the black community.
Byron Harlan with CNN affiliate WFLD in Chicago has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BILL COSBY, ENTERTAINER: We cannot protect ourselves if the picture of ourselves is in a trough.
BYRON HARLAN, CNN AFFILIATE WFLD REPORTER (voice-over): It was Bill Cosby, the educator, who spoke with force and conviction to a crowd of mostly black people who wanted to hear more about his views on race. The message was electric, direct and clear: Stop blaming others for the problems with black America.
COSBY: It is almost analgesic to talk about what the white man is doing against us. And it keeps a person frozen in their seat.
HARLAN: Bill Cosby has been in the hot seat for his remarks at Howard University last May. That event marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to desegregate American public schools. He said, too many low-income African-Americans are not doing their part to improve their situation. He also says parents are failing children.
COSBY: Please, stop it. Stop your cursing. We want to ask the parent, stop yanking that child.
HARLAN: He also criticized entertainers, producers and black comedians for reinforcing stereotypes.
COSBY: We're going to call each other names of ugliness. Comedians coming on TV, my man is so ugly, you're ugly, yuck, yuck. That's all menstrual show stuff. I'm tired of this.
HARLAN: Bill Cosby says he's especially tired of music that glorifies bad behavior. Young people hear it, they emulate it, and he says it's up to parents to take control and stop it.
Byron Harlan, Chicago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And still to come on DAYBREAK, security first on the 4th. A reminder so your holiday does not include injuries.
And the life of a famous composer on the silver screen. So which will be better? The movie or the sound track?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The skies will light up this weekend with the glare of 4th of July fireworks, but for many the sound on the ground is much more fun. Back yard firecrackers, bottle rockets, even sparklers are dangerous if you don't pay attention.
So, how can you avoid the emergency room? For advice from an expert, I turn to Eric Criss from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ERIC CRISS, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: There are some things that people don't realize about fireworks, and I'll give you one example. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so parents should not give them to kids under 5 years old. They can turn a cotton dress in the summertime into a ball of flame, and many of the injuries we see are from children under 5 with sparklers.
COSTELLO: Yes, but it's so fun for them, running around with -- I can remember doing that as a kid.
CRISS: Right. It is fun, and we just suggest for children under 5, though, that you not give them sparklers. And if they're over 5 and you give them sparklers or other kinds of fireworks that adults closely supervise that.
COSTELLO: What other injuries are common this time of year from fireworks?
CRISS: Well, burns are the most common, and then we see a lot of eye injuries, too, especially from bottle rockets. Bottle rockets for ages about 15 to 22 account for about half of the injuries. And, unfortunately, a lot of that is sort of horse play and people shooting bottle rockets at each other. About two-thirds of those -- excuse me. About three times as many are male as female. And the age range, 15 to 22, tells us pretty much what's going on there.
COSTELLO: Yes, no surprise there.
CRISS: Yes.
COSTELLO: So, in a nutshell, what would you like to impart to people this 4th of July?
CRISS: Well, we would ask them, first and foremost, to know what's legal in their community and to stay away from illegal or homemade fireworks. We see a lot of injuries and deaths from illegal fireworks. No. 2, just make sure that you've got adult supervision of all firework activities. And No. 3, don't try to relight a firework that you think is a dud. It could go off in your hand.
COSTELLO: Good advice. Eric Criss of the Consumer Product Safety Commission joining DAYBREAK. Thank you.
CRISS: Thank you very much.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
A round of explosions rocked central Baghdad this morning. The Sheraton Hotel was one target. That's where a number of international journalists and civilian contractors are staying. Two Iraqis were injured in the blast.
In eastern Turkey, an earthquake leaves at least 18 people dead and some 50 more injured. A number of stone and mud homes are leveled by the quake. Heavy damage is reported in a small village near the Iranian border.
In money news, who is going to be a millionaire? The multistate Mega Millions jackpot is now a whopping 290 million big bucks. And lots of people are buying tickets for tonight's 11:00 drawing.
In culture, Johns Hopkins Hospital has done it again. It tops the list of America's best hospitals for the 14th year in a row. That's according to a survey in "U.S. News & World Report." The rankings are based on a survey of doctors nationwide.
In sports, did you see this game? The Yankees used some late- inning heroics to beat the Red Sox again. The 5-4 win completes a three-game sweep, and gives the Yankees an eight and a half game lead over the Sox in their division. This is Derek Jeter, and he's hurt because of this. He's got bruises and cuts and had to leave the game. Hopefully, he'll be back soon, though, Chad, for the Yankees' sake.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, no kidding.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you now.
Let's head live to New York and check in with Soledad for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
And you're going to have one of Saddam Hussein's many attorneys on.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. Apparently, it's a group of about 20 attorneys -- excuse me, Carol -- who expressed some disgust at not being part of this hearing and proceeding yesterday. He was in court, as you well know, but lots unclear, including who exactly is running things inside that courtroom. We'll talk to that attorney this morning.
Also this morning we're talking about Saturn, those pictures, brand new pictures of the ringed planet, and they are so amazing. We'll talk about what they're hoping to discover on Saturn. We'll talk to a leading expert.
Then, a profile on Teresa Heinz Kerry, obviously a billionaire, a former Republican, and also pretty outspoken. The big question, of course: Will she help or hurt her husband's campaign? And to people actually ever vote for a first lady? We've got presidential historian Douglas Brinkley joining us this morning on that.
And there's that and much, much more all ahead -- Carol.
COSTELLO: You know, I saw you on the cover of a magazine, and you were not pregnant, Soledad. O'BRIEN: Really?
COSTELLO: It's a new issue.
O'BRIEN: I don't even remember those days, because I am so big now.
COSTELLO: I know. I looked at it, and I said, "Oh, Soledad!"
O'BRIEN: Did I look cute?
COSTELLO: You did. You looked fabulous, and you look fabulous now, so don't even worry about it.
O'BRIEN: Oh, you're so sweet. I feel like a big old, big old. But, you know, only eight more weeks, Carol.
COSTELLO: Eight more weeks. And you're feeling good and not nervous or anything?
O'BRIEN: Oh, please. I want it over with.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Soledad.
O'BRIEN: See you later.
COSTELLO: The newest blockbuster of the summer could have its competitors climbing the walls. "Spider-Man" leaps into theaters this weekend, but will it be hotter than "Fahrenheit 9/11?" We'll be back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
The return of the sticky-fingered guy in the funny looking tights probably tops the theater marquee in your neighborhood. No, it's not Chad Myers.
Oh, let's go to the movie with Tom O'Neil, senior editor of "In Touch Weekly."
Good morning.
TOM O'NEIL, "IN TOUCH" MAGAZINE: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: So, shall we start with "Spider-Man 2?" Because that's going to be a big one.
O'NEIL: It's not just going to be a big one. It already is. Did you see those box office numbers yesterday?
COSTELLO: Incredible.
O'NEIL: Forty million dollars in one day, a new record, which tops the old record, which was held by guess what movie?
COSTELLO: "Spider-Man."
O'NEIL: "Spider-Man" at $39 million.
COSTELLO: So tell us. Is it a good movie?
O'NEIL: It's even better than the original, Carol. Isn't that great news?
COSTELLO: Yes. I can't believe you actually like a movie.
O'NEIL: Well, we had that dry spell there of May, where Hollywood, you know, dropped its stinker bombs. But now we're into the great July 4th weekend, where all of the movies are great. And this is even better than the original because it knows what the formula of a good superhero movie is, and that is there should be as much conflict internally as externally. And here, we see young Peter Parker struggle with being a secret superhero, while having this secret love for Kirsten Dunst.
COSTELLO: Oh. Oh, that just gives me goosebumps.
O'NEIL: And there is great humor. My favorite line in this movie, by the way, is, of course, his Aunt May who raises him doesn't know he's Spider-Man, and at one point she says, oh, Peter, by the way, since you've grown up now, I've thrown away your comic book collection.
COSTELLO: Oh! Is there any freaky kiss in this movie?
O'NEIL: I don't want to reveal that. At one point, she confronts him, because this is what the core story is here, of course, this almost love between the two of them. And at one point she says to him, and it's one of the great tender scenes of the movie, do you love me? And he says, no.
COSTELLO: Oh!
O'NEIL: Because he does love her, of course.
COSTELLO: Of course! That really gave me goosebumps.
Let's talk about another love story. This one, "Before Sunset" with Ethan Hawke.
O'NEIL: This is really a good movie. Some critics are saying it's a masterpiece. It's possibly the best-reviewed movie of the year so far. And this is a sequel, like "Spider-Man," without flash, dash or spandex. It's just all words and all heart. Ethan Hawke and this gal portray lovers in the original movie, "Before Sunrise," in which they were tourists in Vienna. Now, they're meeting up a decade later in Paris. He's married. He's got to get on a plane and get back to his wife in America before sunset; therefore, the title.
So, they spend a day walking around Paris thinking about what might have been. I think that's something that haunts us all. And it's so well-made. It's so well-written. And it's from the writer- director of "School of Rock," of all things.
COSTELLO: Oh, you're kidding? But I look at Chad's face, and he's really excited to see that movie.
O'NEIL: It's not a Chad movie.
COSTELLO: No, I don't think so.
MYERS: I'm afraid I haven't seen "Before Sunrise," so I have to see that first or else...
COSTELLO: True. Very true. "De-Lovely," I really want to like this movie, because I love Kevin Kline.
O'NEIL: He's so good in this movie. This could be Oscar bait for him. Of course, he won for "A Fish Called Wanda" in the supporting category. But, boy, wouldn't it be nice to see Kevin win in the lead category.
This is the story of our greatest stage composer, Cole Porter, and it's told as a stage musical. It's the first big Hollywood movie musical since "Chicago" and "Moulin Rouge."
And what's so great about this movie is they decide to make his music hits today by having the likes of Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello sing it, and it tells the story of his love affair with his wife, who was not his lover.
COSTELLO: But I thought he was gay.
O'NEIL: Cole Parker was secretly gay. Yes, he was secretly gay, but he really did love his wife, and she him. And it's the genius of this movie that they explore those emotional depths.
COSTELLO: Interesting. Well, thank you so much, Tom O'Neil, from "In Touch" magazine. As usual, you've given us much food for thought as we go to the movies this weekend.
MYERS: Pretty good movies this weekend, Carol. Go see them all.
COSTELLO: I will, actually, at least two of them.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Tom.
O'NEIL: Thanks.
MYERS: Yes, I figured out why "Spider-Man" made more money, though, this time.
COSTELLO: Why?
MYERS: Because movies are more expensive. You know, you raise the price, you're going to make more money. Doesn't that kind of go with it? Hey, I've got a picture for you. Actually, it's an image.
COSTELLO: Yes, it was our DAYBREAK photo of the day. We wanted you to guess what it was.
MYERS: But it's not really a photo.
COSTELLO: What it is.
MYERS: Because it's an image, because it comes from outer space.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MYERS: What is it? What is it? It's the density wave around Saturn's rings from Cassini spacecraft. Go on, do a Google search, do Cassini and photos, and you'll get all kinds photos. You'll get to that site, just great stuff. Great, great pictures out there.
COSTELLO: That's amazing.
MYERS: Yes, good fun.
COSTELLO: Are we going to a break now?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Yes, we're going to a break. When we come back, of course, we'll have the mug winner and your new questions. That's coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MYERS: Tom Cruise is older than me. I've got something to look forward to.
COSTELLO: Every time someone appears that's older than Chad, he says, he's older than me.
MYERS: You know, because there aren't very many on there that are older than me nowadays. They're all these young whipper snappers coming on here.
COSTELLO: Oh, come on!
MYERS: OK, time to give away the mug from Wednesday. And let me tell you, we had 580 correct answers.
COSTELLO: You're kidding?
MYERS: I am not. You guys were really on the ball. The two questions were: Who has challenged Bill Clinton to a public debate? And that was Paula Jones. I did get Gennifer Flowers on a couple of those. But, not, that was Paula Jones. And, what temperature is hamburger safe to eat? You've got to cook it on the grill to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The winner from Nanuet, New York, Sam Gross. Sam.
COSTELLO: Oh, congratulations, Sam.
MYERS: There you go, your coffee mug, it looks just like that. We don't have one to show you, because they're locked up.
And now, here are your question for -- we have to lock them up, because they just...
COSTELLO: They disappear.
MYERS: They go off the shelves like you can't believe.
Now, at what temperature do sparklers burn? Remember, I listened to your little comment about that, how fun they are. But, obviously, children under 5 should be very, very cautious with that.
And Holly Firfer shared nutritional information about three holiday deserts. Which one has the most carbs? Which one has the highest number of carbs?
COSTELLO: Ooh, that's a tough one.
MYERS: Remember the three of them? There was one, two and then three.
COSTELLO: Oh, should I name them? That would be cheating, though, wouldn't it?
MYERS: That would be -- well, then they'd have a one in three chance.
COSTELLO: So, we'll leave it right there.
MYERS: Have a safe holiday weekend, guys.
COSTELLO: Yes, a happy Fourth.
MYERS: Get out there and be good.
COSTELLO: Happy 4th of July. I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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