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American Morning
Kerry Set to Announce V.P. Choice in Pittsburgh
Aired July 06, 2004 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. A major development in the presidential campaign. John Kerry expected to name his running mate just hours from now.
The man that wants to fight for America on the front lines of Iraq but cannot because of his tattoos.
And a homeowner who has big problems after someone dropped in unexpectedly. All ahead this morning on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
HEMMER: Good morning everyone. Soledad has the week off for vacation -- well-deserved -- we might add. Heidi Collins with us again today. Good morning.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
HEMMER: Should be a rather interesting news day, don't you think?
COLLINS: Should be.
HEMMER: A little something maybe going on later today. John Kerry the center of attention again today.
We expect to find out later this morning whom he has selected to be his running mate. Democratic officials say he will call finalists this morning telling them of his decision, a fact that may be happening at this hour.
Publicly revealing the announcement a few hours from now, 9 a.m. Eastern time. Also having a look at some new polling numbers, as well, regarding that race.
COLLINS: Also, we're going to be talking about the other running mate, the one who already has the V.P. job, Dick Cheney. He's turned into something of a political lightning rod, yet still highly visible on the campaign trial.
We'll look at what he brings to the president's re-election effort and his potential liabilities.
HEMMER: Also on a much different story, a little later this morning the man who founded something called the Workplace and Bullying Institute. We're talking about really mean bosses here. Bosses like "The Snake" and "The Screamer."
COLLINS: The snake and the screamer. Sounds really bad, doesn't it?
HEMMER: We're going to have that for you later this hour here.
COLLINS: And Jack Cafferty joins us now.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Really mean bosses. Had a few of those.
We're going to take a look at this vice-presidential situation that John Kerry is expected to clear up for us at 9:00 this morning. We have a few thoughts; some of them are pithy, and some of them aren't.
We have a little question for you to address. We'll play around with it some.
HEMMER: That we will. Thank you, Jack.
All indications at this hour -- in about two hours from now, we'll know who Democrat John Kerry's running mate will be -- and Senator Kerry holding a rally in Pittsburgh this morning.
Joe Johns is there this morning for us. Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
Barring a last minute hitch, Kerry was expected to name his running mate here in Market Square in Pittsburgh sometime after 9:00 Eastern time. That running mate is not expected to show up here.
Democratic sources have said Kerry, of course, could still delay that announcement. However, if he goes through with it, it would put an end to a long drawn out vetting process.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS (voice-over): One of the key things Kerry is looking for in a running mate is compatibility says a campaign source. Someone who relates to Kerry on a personal level, the politician has mentioned publicly, as finalists have upsides and downsides.
Senator John Edwards of North Carolina attended two Kerry fund raisers in Boston on Monday, but clashed with him in the primaries.
Edwards is a centrist crowd pleaser, but relatively inexperienced as a leader. Here's why Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell says Edwards lost in the primaries.
GOV. EDWARD RENDELL (D), PENNSYLVANIA: I think when people look at John Edwards; they say "boy."
He's a terrific, bright, young senator. He's going to be something someday. But I don't think they consider the day being now. JOHNS: Congressman Richard Gephardt of Missouri is a legislative veteran who has a lot in common with Kerry, but has lost two bids for the White House.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Has Senator Kerry talked to you at all and told you who he has chosen?
REP. DICK GEPHARDT (D), MISSOURI: No. No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he tell you when he was going to make his announcement?
GEPHARDT: I don't know anything. I'm just glad to be here.
JOHNS: And Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa, head of a battleground state with a touching personal story -- but he lacks national political experience. He has compared choosing a running mate to choosing a spouse.
Vilsack has sidestepped repeated questions about being a finalists for number two on the Democratic ticket.
GOV. TOM VILSACK (D), IOWA: When I did it, I looked for somebody that would complement my strengths; that would sort of fit in to, maybe, areas that I wasn't as strong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS: Now the plan was for Kerry to call his choice some time before the rally here in Pittsburgh and the two men would meet up somewhere later in the day. Kerry is expected to go out to Indianapolis to address that church convention and then go back to Washington, D.C. to address the National Education Association later in the day.
So far, though, a very well kept secret. Back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: Joe, thanks. Joe Johns in Pittsburgh.
Who is the likely candidate for the number two slot?
CNN political analyst Ron Brownstein, also a writer for the "L.A. Times," with us from D.C.
Ron, good morning to you.
RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: John Edwards. What does he give John Kerry on the national stage?
BROWNSTEIN: John Edwards, I think like Dick Gephardt, his strengths are his weaknesses.
The strengths of John Edwards are that he's young; he is a very effective campaigner. He synthesized, I thought, the most compelling Democratic message during the primaries, the idea of the two Americas that President Bush honors -- wealth over work in his economic policy -- that argument.
But Edwards is a first-term senator who had never before held public office, who would be one heartbeat away from the presidency at a time when we are focusing on national security and the capacity of these candidates to be commander-in-chief more than at any time since at least 1980 and maybe 1960.
So, you know, what he brings is freshness and to some extent that's a liability, his freshness.
HEMMER: So then Dick Gephardt, the pros and cons for the Missouri congressman are?
BROWNSTEIN: Gephardt is the inverse. He's been in Washington since 1976 when John Edwards was 23. He has a lot of experience. I think he would strike voters as someone who could step in as president on a moment's notice.
On the other hand, he has been around long enough and had two failed runs for the presidency that some Democrats consider him a bit shopworn. Someone who is not going to light up the Party.
One of his advocates said to me the other day they worry that there might be sort of a drone, a negative reaction, from any party activists if he was picked. He is popular with industrial unions. There's an important constituency for Democrats.
But twice running for president he didn't really bring out the vote that he expected and that has to, you know, be a consideration.
HEMMER: Well, the third...
BROWNSTEIN: Plus, Missouri is hard to win even with him on the ticket.
HEMMER: And, true -- and if you had Iowa and the neighboring state to the north, too, perhaps that does it for you, as well.
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is next. An outsider, clearly.
BROWNSTEIN: Yes, well, first of all -- if you can't win Iowa by yourself as a Democrat -- they've won it now since 1988, you're in a little bit of trouble.
Secondly the biggest, I think, liability for Tom Vilsack is this is a race that right now is much more about Iraq and national security than it is about the economy and health care when all of these men, Edwards, Gephardt and Vilsack -- as those rose to the list -- I think its tough to pick an Iowa governor without any experience in international affairs in a race like this, sending him up against Dick Cheney in a debate about Iraq or terrorism or al Qaeda.
That's -- you know -- that's a little bit of a daunting prospect. Doesn't mean that Kerry wouldn't do it, but it's a bigger consideration than it would have been in years past.
HEMMER: Look at some history, Ron. I find this fascinating. The earliest vice-presidential announcements. Just the announcement now. Going back, John Kerry now -- if it happens today -- that's 20 days before the national convention in Boston.
But Al Gore did it only seven days; Michael Dukakis only six days; Bill Clinton only four days. What does this tell you?
BROWNSTEIN: Well, a couple of things. First of all, Kerry has some logistical complications. You have the gay marriage amendment debate next week in the Senate. You have the 9/11 Commission possibly coming out the week after that, both of which are going to be big stories. I think he wanted to get out of the way of those.
But it tells you, I think, above all that John Kerry understands this is a critical period for him. We talked about this yesterday.
The period leading into the convention is the best opportunity he's going to have to define himself and tell his story to the American people who don't know that much about him yet.
By and large he's been on the periphery of the debates for the last several months. Really it's been about President Bush and his chorus overwhelmingly focused on Iraq.
The vice-presidency, the vice-presidential pick, is the beginning of the opportunity for Kerry to define himself. He wants to make the most of it and give himself a little time to have this ripple out through the electorate before the convention begins.
HEMMER: Well, there is plenty of speculation. We'll know for certain in about two hours. Ron, thanks.
BROWNSTEIN: Often a surprise, Bill. Keep that in mind.
HEMMER: So true on that -- we'll underline that. Thank you, Ron. Heidi.
COLLINS: With his expected choice of a running mate today, Senator John Kerry should get a bounce in the polls, but how will the White House counter that?
Suzanne Malveaux live at the White House now for more on that.
Hi, Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
Whatever the choice is, it's going to be one heck of a president's birthday present for President Bush today, who turns 58.
But the Bush camp, of course, has been preparing for this moment, this announcement, for some time. Really launching a pre-emptive strike. All you have to do is think of Republican Senator John McCain. He is Kerry's -- or was Kerry's -- first pick, rather.
Courted to become part of a bipartisan ticket. He rejected that invitation and shortly afterwards appeared with President Bush campaigning with him just a couple of weeks ago.
Now the Bush campaign is using that footage in a latest campaign ad that is set to launch as soon as this vice-presidential announcement is made, or at least shortly afterwards.
The point of that ad, of course, is simply a reminder to voters that McCain is a moderate, he's a maverick, he appeals to swing voters and he's with our guy.
The second thing that they have done, Heidi, is that they've also fired off an e-mail, the chief strategist mapped this out yesterday sending that memo to folks predicting saying that yes, Kerry is going to get this 15-point bounce because of this announcement, because of the Democratic National Convention coming up, that it's expected. But also they believe it's going to be short lived.
So, trying to lower the expectations today, playing down the news -- also going to play up that McCain ad.
COLLINS: All right, Suzanne Malveaux at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne thanks.
HEMMER: Want to bring in Jack yet again. Talk more about this. Good morning.
CAFFERTY: Good morning. Kind of a non-event, don't you think? I mean, if the war in Iraq is an issue then Vilsack is not going to be on the ticket.
I think the war in Iraq is an issue and the governor in Iowa is just not somebody you think of when it comes to foreign policy in the Middle East.
Gephardt has been trying to be president since 1988. He lost to Michael Dukakis in 1988. I mean, how many people can you name who have lost to Michael Dukakis?
He lost the Iowa caucuses and dropped out of the race and he's the next-door neighbor. He finished fourth behind the screaming Dean machine and some other guys out there.
If Edwards is the choice, that would bring some charisma and personality to the ticket and the ticket would be half full of that quality then as opposed to the other side, but that might be a reason not to pick Edward because I'm not sure Kerry is the kind of guy who wants to have somebody on the ticket who is younger, handsomer, more charismatic and has more personality than he does.
So, you know -- anyway -- the question we'll play with this morning is how much does it matter? The answer is not a lot but we've got a full three hours so get out your pencil and paper and give me something.
HEMMER: It may not matter much, but it matters today, and as we build up toward this expected announcement.
John King reporting some interesting stuff. About a year ago John Kerry went out and said I need five things to meet the V.P. that I choose, the man or woman. And the first thing on his list, the candidate had to have a distinguished record of leadership and service to America, so let's read between the lines throughout the morning here consider that first item.
CAFFERTY: But they might have changed, because, you know, he changes his mind quite a bit. Maybe it's a different five things now.
HEMMER: am@cnn.com we'll have fun today. Thanks, Jack.
COLLINS: And we will of course have live coverage of Senator John Kerry's rally in Pittsburgh at 9 a.m. Eastern time where he is expected to announce his choice for his running mate.
HEMMER: At 11 minutes now past the hour, Heidi want to go to other news and important news, too.
Revelations in "The New York Times" today about the CIA and its handling of Iraq's prewar intelligence. The "Times" reports the CIA was told by relatives of Iraqi scientists before the war that Baghdad had abandoned all of its programs to develop unconventional weapons.
The "Times" says the CIA did not give that information to the White House and the president. The information was reportedly uncovered by the Senate panel looking into allegations of flawed prewar intelligence. That report is due out this week.
COLLINS: The family of kidnapped Marine Wassef Ali Hassoun is holding fast to the hope the corporal is still alive after an unconfirmed report that he may be safe somewhere in Iraq.
Rusty Dornin has the story now from Hassoun's hometown in Utah.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For the family of Corporal Wassef Hassoun, it's been a roller coaster ride to hell and back.
First the haunting images: Hassoun blindfolded and the threat of his beheading. Then, an unconfirmed report by a militant group claiming to have killed Hassoun.
The next day, that same group denied it. Then the group that claims to have kidnapped Hassoun -- Islamic Response -- faxed a message to the Arab network Al-Jazeera. It claimed the Lebanese born translator had been sent to a safe place after he announced his forgiveness and determination not to return to U.S. armed forces. The family here in Utah has stayed in seclusion throughout its ordeal, shutting the door to the news media. But the latest twist brought a spokesman down the front steps to tell reporters the family doesn't know what to believe.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We pray that the news of his safe release is true. If he is still in captivity, we remind the captors of the saying of our beloved prophet, be merciful to those on earth and mercy will descend upon you from heaven.
DORNIN: The family asked that people continue to pray for Hassoun. Meantime, neighbors, friends and supporters came by the house to drop notes and flowers. Army Private David Monson doesn't know Hassoun, but that didn't matter.
PVT. DAVID MONSON, U.S. ARMY RESERVIST: Having, you know, a brother in arms get captured -- so we just hope and pray that there will be a resolution to it and he'll come home.
DORNIN: Still no word from the Pentagon and even with the latest unconfirmed reports, the fate of Corporal Wassef Hassoun remains a mystery.
Rusty Dornin, CNN, West Jordan, Utah.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: Just about 15 minutes past the hour now. Time for a look at some of today's other news with Betty Nguyen.
Good morning to you, Betty.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Well good morning to you, Heidi.
We begin in the Middle East where heavy fighting is being reported in the West Bank.
Sources say at least one Israeli soldier and four Palestinians have been killed. One of the Palestinian victims is believed to be a militant military leader.
Staggering findings on the rate of HIV infections. A new U.N. report revealing that almost five million people became infected with the virus last year. That's the greatest number in any one year since the beginning of the epidemic.
The annual AIDS report is being released today ahead of next week's international AIDS conference in Bangkok.
In London the official opening of the memorial to the late Princess Diana. Queen Elizabeth dedicated the fountain in Diana's honor today.
The $6.5 million memorial being unveiled in Hyde Park. It was the first public appearance for Diana's family with the royal family since her death nearly seven years ago. And turning now to sports, it's over at 84 for pitcher Eric Gagne. The L.A. Dodgers incredible save streak came to a screeching halt last night when the Arizona Diamondbacks scored two runs off him in the ninth inning. His last blown save was also against the Diamondbacks, all the way back on August 26, 2002.
Despite this hiccup, the Dodgers won the game in extra innings.
And at the movies, the web snaring superhero breaking yet another record. "Spiderman II" taking in $180 million in the first six days since its release. The sequel is outpacing the original Spidey, which snagged more than $144 million in the same period, but did not have the advantage of opening on a holiday weekend.
Bill, did you get a chance to check it out? It's a pretty good one?
HEMMER: I -- have you seen it?
NGUYEN: I did. I saw it over the holiday weekend.
HEMMER: And you like?
NGUYEN: Better than the original, I must say.
HEMMER: We'll consider that. Haven't seen it yet but it's on my list for certain.
NGUYEN: You'll like it.
HEMMER: Thanks, nice to see you again this morning.
NGUYEN: Nice to see you, too.
HEMMER: About 16 minutes past the hour now. Back to the issue of Iraq and the Pentagon today starts calling up some reserve troops to meet the military's needs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But despite the shortage, one aspiring soldier may never get the chance to serve because of too much in the way of decorations.
Here's Jason Carroll in New York.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Felix Gruman is a Russian immigrant ready to fight for his new country. He proudly wears an Army T-shirt when out. At home, there is an Army sticker on the front door.
But this may be the closest Gruman ever comes to combat because of these.
FELIX GRUMAN, DISQUALIFIED BY ARMY BECAUSE OF TATTOOS: This one is the gates of the Earth when on fire.
CARROLL: A tattoo on each arm.
GRUMAN: The tattoo on my left arm was inspired by a Spiderman's arm.
CARROLL: After losing 30 pounds to meet physical requirements, after taking college credits, after assurances from recruiters his tattoos were OK, the Army disqualified him the day he was supposed to leave because of his tattoos.
GRUMAN: They told me the bad news that you have been denied.
CARROLL: Recruiters told Gruman he needed a tattoo waiver and a general's OK because his tattoos covered more than 75 percent of a limb. Army regulations don't reference percentages. They do prohibit racist, indecent, or extremist tattoos.
But the Army did not cite Gruman's tattoos on those grounds.
Gruman says his tattoos are not offensive and would be covered by the Army uniform.
GRUMAN: I am not going to give up this battle.
CARROLL: One military analyst says during the time when Reservists are being called back and soldiers are being asked to serve longer, turning away people like Gruman doesn't make sense.
LT. COL. ROBERT MAGUIRE, U.S. ARMY (RET.): Why this particular commander didn't waiver this young man who is clearly highly motivated, I just don't understand.
CARROLL: The lieutenant colonel who could have provided a waiver released a statement saying that he regrets Gruman was not able to meet Army standards. He did say he would help Gruman try to get into the National Guard.
Gruman says he'll keep fighting to serve his country on the frontlines and in the Army.
Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: New York Congressmen reportedly launching an investigation into the matter on behalf of Gruman -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Intense winds and torrential downpours tore through parts of southern Kentucky yesterday. Straight-line winds toppled trees blocking roads there. Several homes were damaged when huge trees fell on them.
Thousands of people lost electricity around Louisville. Luckily, though, no reports of serious injuries.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Human error is being blamed for this. The videotape of a beige Ford Taurus winding up through the roof of a house yesterday.
The car's driver hit the gas instead of the brake from a nearby parking lot as she began to move that car off the street that runs above the house.
Shocking? No doubt.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All of a sudden, she -- I was coming up -- the thing came across the roof. Actually flew.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: There it is again. The driver shaken up a bit. Not injured, though. She will not face any criminal charges. What a sight that is.
You wonder how that thing got there among all the trees around the area.
COLLINS: Well at least they got it out. Saw the tow truck there. All right.
Still to come this morning, the Fed might be closing in on the man at the center of one of the biggest corporate scandals in U.S. history.
Andy Serwer is going to be "Minding Your Business" about that.
HEMMER: Also decision time for Coach K, and what a big one it is. The Duke basketball coach says whether or not he is off to L.A. and the Lakers.
COLLINS: Also, Vice President Cheney busy rallying the GOP base this campaign season but some say he might be a liability for President Bush. We'll look at that.
HEMMER: Plus, don't forget we're expecting Senator Kerry to announce later this morning who his running mate will be. We'll have that live for you as AMERICAN MORNING continues on a busy Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Former Enron chief Ken Lay may soon be indicted. Andy Serwer is "Minding Your Business" with more on that. Wow. It's been a long time.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: It has. I've been watching this like a hawk, Heidi.
Week after week after month after year. We reported a couple of weeks ago that Ken Lay was likely to be indicted. Now sources tell CNN that the former CEO of Enron will likely be indicted this week, sometime over the next couple of days. Our affiliate KHOU down in Houston caught up with Mr. Lay leaving church on Sunday -- here's what he had to say then.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEN LAY, FMR. CEO ENRON: Obviously, I wish what happened hadn't happened, but we can't re-do history now, and the main thing that I've always prayed for from day one is that all the truth come out and then let's get on with the future.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERWER: I guess that was a church in downtown Houston. I hope he makes a little bit more sense in court than he did there.
But, anyway, he was kind of ambushed there a little bit perhaps.
"The Houston Chronicle" in an excellent piece this morning sort of laying out a prosecution's scoreboard, if you will, in terms of the Enron situation.
It's very impressive, actually. People think that nothing's really happened in this case -- but listen to this.
Thirty people facing criminal charges. Ten guilty pleas, 19 others facing civil charges so you have got -- you know -- 40, 50 people here facing charges in this story.
COLLINS: It's unbelievable.
SERWER: It really is. Let's turn to the markets quickly. Want to do that a little bit. Last week a bad one for the markets. Stocks falling due to oil prices, due to situations overseas, obviously.
And futures, unfortunately, are lower this morning. That has to do with oil and the situation there and we'll talk about that a little bit more later.
COLLINS: Still expensive.
SERWER: Yes.
COLLINS: All right, Andy Serwer, thanks so much.
HEMMER: From world of sports -- you see this, Andy? You're a college basketball fan.
SERWER: Coach K?
HEMMER: Duke Blue Devils Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be back at Duke for his 25th season this year, ending talks to take the top job at the L.A. Lakers.
Coach K says though flattered by the interest in Los Angeles, he will remain in North Carolina where he's won three national titles at Duke in his 24 years as head coach at that university. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, DUKE BASKETBALL COACH: Duke has always taken up my whole heart, and no matter how good some other option was, to leave my Duke team with all my heart could only happen at this place.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: The Lakers offer to Coach K rumored to be worth $40 million over a five-year period and the Sarratt (ph) family in North Carolina is very fired up today.
SERWER: A lot of Tar Heel fans not so fired up, though.
HEMMER: Very true, yes.
SERWER: Disappointed he didn't leave.
HEMMER: Coach K staying.
COLLINS: Try to make 25, right?
HEMMER: Yes.
COLLINS: Extra special bonus. Like the military. I don't know.
All right, still to come this morning, we are expecting Senator Kerry to announce his running mate later this morning. We're going to have a live update on that, of course.
Also ahead a look at the V.P. running mate. Vice President Dick Cheney and why the Democrats don't want President Bush to get rid of him any time soon.
It's all ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired July 6, 2004 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. A major development in the presidential campaign. John Kerry expected to name his running mate just hours from now.
The man that wants to fight for America on the front lines of Iraq but cannot because of his tattoos.
And a homeowner who has big problems after someone dropped in unexpectedly. All ahead this morning on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
HEMMER: Good morning everyone. Soledad has the week off for vacation -- well-deserved -- we might add. Heidi Collins with us again today. Good morning.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
HEMMER: Should be a rather interesting news day, don't you think?
COLLINS: Should be.
HEMMER: A little something maybe going on later today. John Kerry the center of attention again today.
We expect to find out later this morning whom he has selected to be his running mate. Democratic officials say he will call finalists this morning telling them of his decision, a fact that may be happening at this hour.
Publicly revealing the announcement a few hours from now, 9 a.m. Eastern time. Also having a look at some new polling numbers, as well, regarding that race.
COLLINS: Also, we're going to be talking about the other running mate, the one who already has the V.P. job, Dick Cheney. He's turned into something of a political lightning rod, yet still highly visible on the campaign trial.
We'll look at what he brings to the president's re-election effort and his potential liabilities.
HEMMER: Also on a much different story, a little later this morning the man who founded something called the Workplace and Bullying Institute. We're talking about really mean bosses here. Bosses like "The Snake" and "The Screamer."
COLLINS: The snake and the screamer. Sounds really bad, doesn't it?
HEMMER: We're going to have that for you later this hour here.
COLLINS: And Jack Cafferty joins us now.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Really mean bosses. Had a few of those.
We're going to take a look at this vice-presidential situation that John Kerry is expected to clear up for us at 9:00 this morning. We have a few thoughts; some of them are pithy, and some of them aren't.
We have a little question for you to address. We'll play around with it some.
HEMMER: That we will. Thank you, Jack.
All indications at this hour -- in about two hours from now, we'll know who Democrat John Kerry's running mate will be -- and Senator Kerry holding a rally in Pittsburgh this morning.
Joe Johns is there this morning for us. Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
Barring a last minute hitch, Kerry was expected to name his running mate here in Market Square in Pittsburgh sometime after 9:00 Eastern time. That running mate is not expected to show up here.
Democratic sources have said Kerry, of course, could still delay that announcement. However, if he goes through with it, it would put an end to a long drawn out vetting process.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS (voice-over): One of the key things Kerry is looking for in a running mate is compatibility says a campaign source. Someone who relates to Kerry on a personal level, the politician has mentioned publicly, as finalists have upsides and downsides.
Senator John Edwards of North Carolina attended two Kerry fund raisers in Boston on Monday, but clashed with him in the primaries.
Edwards is a centrist crowd pleaser, but relatively inexperienced as a leader. Here's why Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell says Edwards lost in the primaries.
GOV. EDWARD RENDELL (D), PENNSYLVANIA: I think when people look at John Edwards; they say "boy."
He's a terrific, bright, young senator. He's going to be something someday. But I don't think they consider the day being now. JOHNS: Congressman Richard Gephardt of Missouri is a legislative veteran who has a lot in common with Kerry, but has lost two bids for the White House.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Has Senator Kerry talked to you at all and told you who he has chosen?
REP. DICK GEPHARDT (D), MISSOURI: No. No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he tell you when he was going to make his announcement?
GEPHARDT: I don't know anything. I'm just glad to be here.
JOHNS: And Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa, head of a battleground state with a touching personal story -- but he lacks national political experience. He has compared choosing a running mate to choosing a spouse.
Vilsack has sidestepped repeated questions about being a finalists for number two on the Democratic ticket.
GOV. TOM VILSACK (D), IOWA: When I did it, I looked for somebody that would complement my strengths; that would sort of fit in to, maybe, areas that I wasn't as strong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS: Now the plan was for Kerry to call his choice some time before the rally here in Pittsburgh and the two men would meet up somewhere later in the day. Kerry is expected to go out to Indianapolis to address that church convention and then go back to Washington, D.C. to address the National Education Association later in the day.
So far, though, a very well kept secret. Back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: Joe, thanks. Joe Johns in Pittsburgh.
Who is the likely candidate for the number two slot?
CNN political analyst Ron Brownstein, also a writer for the "L.A. Times," with us from D.C.
Ron, good morning to you.
RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: John Edwards. What does he give John Kerry on the national stage?
BROWNSTEIN: John Edwards, I think like Dick Gephardt, his strengths are his weaknesses.
The strengths of John Edwards are that he's young; he is a very effective campaigner. He synthesized, I thought, the most compelling Democratic message during the primaries, the idea of the two Americas that President Bush honors -- wealth over work in his economic policy -- that argument.
But Edwards is a first-term senator who had never before held public office, who would be one heartbeat away from the presidency at a time when we are focusing on national security and the capacity of these candidates to be commander-in-chief more than at any time since at least 1980 and maybe 1960.
So, you know, what he brings is freshness and to some extent that's a liability, his freshness.
HEMMER: So then Dick Gephardt, the pros and cons for the Missouri congressman are?
BROWNSTEIN: Gephardt is the inverse. He's been in Washington since 1976 when John Edwards was 23. He has a lot of experience. I think he would strike voters as someone who could step in as president on a moment's notice.
On the other hand, he has been around long enough and had two failed runs for the presidency that some Democrats consider him a bit shopworn. Someone who is not going to light up the Party.
One of his advocates said to me the other day they worry that there might be sort of a drone, a negative reaction, from any party activists if he was picked. He is popular with industrial unions. There's an important constituency for Democrats.
But twice running for president he didn't really bring out the vote that he expected and that has to, you know, be a consideration.
HEMMER: Well, the third...
BROWNSTEIN: Plus, Missouri is hard to win even with him on the ticket.
HEMMER: And, true -- and if you had Iowa and the neighboring state to the north, too, perhaps that does it for you, as well.
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is next. An outsider, clearly.
BROWNSTEIN: Yes, well, first of all -- if you can't win Iowa by yourself as a Democrat -- they've won it now since 1988, you're in a little bit of trouble.
Secondly the biggest, I think, liability for Tom Vilsack is this is a race that right now is much more about Iraq and national security than it is about the economy and health care when all of these men, Edwards, Gephardt and Vilsack -- as those rose to the list -- I think its tough to pick an Iowa governor without any experience in international affairs in a race like this, sending him up against Dick Cheney in a debate about Iraq or terrorism or al Qaeda.
That's -- you know -- that's a little bit of a daunting prospect. Doesn't mean that Kerry wouldn't do it, but it's a bigger consideration than it would have been in years past.
HEMMER: Look at some history, Ron. I find this fascinating. The earliest vice-presidential announcements. Just the announcement now. Going back, John Kerry now -- if it happens today -- that's 20 days before the national convention in Boston.
But Al Gore did it only seven days; Michael Dukakis only six days; Bill Clinton only four days. What does this tell you?
BROWNSTEIN: Well, a couple of things. First of all, Kerry has some logistical complications. You have the gay marriage amendment debate next week in the Senate. You have the 9/11 Commission possibly coming out the week after that, both of which are going to be big stories. I think he wanted to get out of the way of those.
But it tells you, I think, above all that John Kerry understands this is a critical period for him. We talked about this yesterday.
The period leading into the convention is the best opportunity he's going to have to define himself and tell his story to the American people who don't know that much about him yet.
By and large he's been on the periphery of the debates for the last several months. Really it's been about President Bush and his chorus overwhelmingly focused on Iraq.
The vice-presidency, the vice-presidential pick, is the beginning of the opportunity for Kerry to define himself. He wants to make the most of it and give himself a little time to have this ripple out through the electorate before the convention begins.
HEMMER: Well, there is plenty of speculation. We'll know for certain in about two hours. Ron, thanks.
BROWNSTEIN: Often a surprise, Bill. Keep that in mind.
HEMMER: So true on that -- we'll underline that. Thank you, Ron. Heidi.
COLLINS: With his expected choice of a running mate today, Senator John Kerry should get a bounce in the polls, but how will the White House counter that?
Suzanne Malveaux live at the White House now for more on that.
Hi, Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
Whatever the choice is, it's going to be one heck of a president's birthday present for President Bush today, who turns 58.
But the Bush camp, of course, has been preparing for this moment, this announcement, for some time. Really launching a pre-emptive strike. All you have to do is think of Republican Senator John McCain. He is Kerry's -- or was Kerry's -- first pick, rather.
Courted to become part of a bipartisan ticket. He rejected that invitation and shortly afterwards appeared with President Bush campaigning with him just a couple of weeks ago.
Now the Bush campaign is using that footage in a latest campaign ad that is set to launch as soon as this vice-presidential announcement is made, or at least shortly afterwards.
The point of that ad, of course, is simply a reminder to voters that McCain is a moderate, he's a maverick, he appeals to swing voters and he's with our guy.
The second thing that they have done, Heidi, is that they've also fired off an e-mail, the chief strategist mapped this out yesterday sending that memo to folks predicting saying that yes, Kerry is going to get this 15-point bounce because of this announcement, because of the Democratic National Convention coming up, that it's expected. But also they believe it's going to be short lived.
So, trying to lower the expectations today, playing down the news -- also going to play up that McCain ad.
COLLINS: All right, Suzanne Malveaux at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne thanks.
HEMMER: Want to bring in Jack yet again. Talk more about this. Good morning.
CAFFERTY: Good morning. Kind of a non-event, don't you think? I mean, if the war in Iraq is an issue then Vilsack is not going to be on the ticket.
I think the war in Iraq is an issue and the governor in Iowa is just not somebody you think of when it comes to foreign policy in the Middle East.
Gephardt has been trying to be president since 1988. He lost to Michael Dukakis in 1988. I mean, how many people can you name who have lost to Michael Dukakis?
He lost the Iowa caucuses and dropped out of the race and he's the next-door neighbor. He finished fourth behind the screaming Dean machine and some other guys out there.
If Edwards is the choice, that would bring some charisma and personality to the ticket and the ticket would be half full of that quality then as opposed to the other side, but that might be a reason not to pick Edward because I'm not sure Kerry is the kind of guy who wants to have somebody on the ticket who is younger, handsomer, more charismatic and has more personality than he does.
So, you know -- anyway -- the question we'll play with this morning is how much does it matter? The answer is not a lot but we've got a full three hours so get out your pencil and paper and give me something.
HEMMER: It may not matter much, but it matters today, and as we build up toward this expected announcement.
John King reporting some interesting stuff. About a year ago John Kerry went out and said I need five things to meet the V.P. that I choose, the man or woman. And the first thing on his list, the candidate had to have a distinguished record of leadership and service to America, so let's read between the lines throughout the morning here consider that first item.
CAFFERTY: But they might have changed, because, you know, he changes his mind quite a bit. Maybe it's a different five things now.
HEMMER: am@cnn.com we'll have fun today. Thanks, Jack.
COLLINS: And we will of course have live coverage of Senator John Kerry's rally in Pittsburgh at 9 a.m. Eastern time where he is expected to announce his choice for his running mate.
HEMMER: At 11 minutes now past the hour, Heidi want to go to other news and important news, too.
Revelations in "The New York Times" today about the CIA and its handling of Iraq's prewar intelligence. The "Times" reports the CIA was told by relatives of Iraqi scientists before the war that Baghdad had abandoned all of its programs to develop unconventional weapons.
The "Times" says the CIA did not give that information to the White House and the president. The information was reportedly uncovered by the Senate panel looking into allegations of flawed prewar intelligence. That report is due out this week.
COLLINS: The family of kidnapped Marine Wassef Ali Hassoun is holding fast to the hope the corporal is still alive after an unconfirmed report that he may be safe somewhere in Iraq.
Rusty Dornin has the story now from Hassoun's hometown in Utah.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For the family of Corporal Wassef Hassoun, it's been a roller coaster ride to hell and back.
First the haunting images: Hassoun blindfolded and the threat of his beheading. Then, an unconfirmed report by a militant group claiming to have killed Hassoun.
The next day, that same group denied it. Then the group that claims to have kidnapped Hassoun -- Islamic Response -- faxed a message to the Arab network Al-Jazeera. It claimed the Lebanese born translator had been sent to a safe place after he announced his forgiveness and determination not to return to U.S. armed forces. The family here in Utah has stayed in seclusion throughout its ordeal, shutting the door to the news media. But the latest twist brought a spokesman down the front steps to tell reporters the family doesn't know what to believe.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We pray that the news of his safe release is true. If he is still in captivity, we remind the captors of the saying of our beloved prophet, be merciful to those on earth and mercy will descend upon you from heaven.
DORNIN: The family asked that people continue to pray for Hassoun. Meantime, neighbors, friends and supporters came by the house to drop notes and flowers. Army Private David Monson doesn't know Hassoun, but that didn't matter.
PVT. DAVID MONSON, U.S. ARMY RESERVIST: Having, you know, a brother in arms get captured -- so we just hope and pray that there will be a resolution to it and he'll come home.
DORNIN: Still no word from the Pentagon and even with the latest unconfirmed reports, the fate of Corporal Wassef Hassoun remains a mystery.
Rusty Dornin, CNN, West Jordan, Utah.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: Just about 15 minutes past the hour now. Time for a look at some of today's other news with Betty Nguyen.
Good morning to you, Betty.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Well good morning to you, Heidi.
We begin in the Middle East where heavy fighting is being reported in the West Bank.
Sources say at least one Israeli soldier and four Palestinians have been killed. One of the Palestinian victims is believed to be a militant military leader.
Staggering findings on the rate of HIV infections. A new U.N. report revealing that almost five million people became infected with the virus last year. That's the greatest number in any one year since the beginning of the epidemic.
The annual AIDS report is being released today ahead of next week's international AIDS conference in Bangkok.
In London the official opening of the memorial to the late Princess Diana. Queen Elizabeth dedicated the fountain in Diana's honor today.
The $6.5 million memorial being unveiled in Hyde Park. It was the first public appearance for Diana's family with the royal family since her death nearly seven years ago. And turning now to sports, it's over at 84 for pitcher Eric Gagne. The L.A. Dodgers incredible save streak came to a screeching halt last night when the Arizona Diamondbacks scored two runs off him in the ninth inning. His last blown save was also against the Diamondbacks, all the way back on August 26, 2002.
Despite this hiccup, the Dodgers won the game in extra innings.
And at the movies, the web snaring superhero breaking yet another record. "Spiderman II" taking in $180 million in the first six days since its release. The sequel is outpacing the original Spidey, which snagged more than $144 million in the same period, but did not have the advantage of opening on a holiday weekend.
Bill, did you get a chance to check it out? It's a pretty good one?
HEMMER: I -- have you seen it?
NGUYEN: I did. I saw it over the holiday weekend.
HEMMER: And you like?
NGUYEN: Better than the original, I must say.
HEMMER: We'll consider that. Haven't seen it yet but it's on my list for certain.
NGUYEN: You'll like it.
HEMMER: Thanks, nice to see you again this morning.
NGUYEN: Nice to see you, too.
HEMMER: About 16 minutes past the hour now. Back to the issue of Iraq and the Pentagon today starts calling up some reserve troops to meet the military's needs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But despite the shortage, one aspiring soldier may never get the chance to serve because of too much in the way of decorations.
Here's Jason Carroll in New York.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Felix Gruman is a Russian immigrant ready to fight for his new country. He proudly wears an Army T-shirt when out. At home, there is an Army sticker on the front door.
But this may be the closest Gruman ever comes to combat because of these.
FELIX GRUMAN, DISQUALIFIED BY ARMY BECAUSE OF TATTOOS: This one is the gates of the Earth when on fire.
CARROLL: A tattoo on each arm.
GRUMAN: The tattoo on my left arm was inspired by a Spiderman's arm.
CARROLL: After losing 30 pounds to meet physical requirements, after taking college credits, after assurances from recruiters his tattoos were OK, the Army disqualified him the day he was supposed to leave because of his tattoos.
GRUMAN: They told me the bad news that you have been denied.
CARROLL: Recruiters told Gruman he needed a tattoo waiver and a general's OK because his tattoos covered more than 75 percent of a limb. Army regulations don't reference percentages. They do prohibit racist, indecent, or extremist tattoos.
But the Army did not cite Gruman's tattoos on those grounds.
Gruman says his tattoos are not offensive and would be covered by the Army uniform.
GRUMAN: I am not going to give up this battle.
CARROLL: One military analyst says during the time when Reservists are being called back and soldiers are being asked to serve longer, turning away people like Gruman doesn't make sense.
LT. COL. ROBERT MAGUIRE, U.S. ARMY (RET.): Why this particular commander didn't waiver this young man who is clearly highly motivated, I just don't understand.
CARROLL: The lieutenant colonel who could have provided a waiver released a statement saying that he regrets Gruman was not able to meet Army standards. He did say he would help Gruman try to get into the National Guard.
Gruman says he'll keep fighting to serve his country on the frontlines and in the Army.
Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: New York Congressmen reportedly launching an investigation into the matter on behalf of Gruman -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Intense winds and torrential downpours tore through parts of southern Kentucky yesterday. Straight-line winds toppled trees blocking roads there. Several homes were damaged when huge trees fell on them.
Thousands of people lost electricity around Louisville. Luckily, though, no reports of serious injuries.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Human error is being blamed for this. The videotape of a beige Ford Taurus winding up through the roof of a house yesterday.
The car's driver hit the gas instead of the brake from a nearby parking lot as she began to move that car off the street that runs above the house.
Shocking? No doubt.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All of a sudden, she -- I was coming up -- the thing came across the roof. Actually flew.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: There it is again. The driver shaken up a bit. Not injured, though. She will not face any criminal charges. What a sight that is.
You wonder how that thing got there among all the trees around the area.
COLLINS: Well at least they got it out. Saw the tow truck there. All right.
Still to come this morning, the Fed might be closing in on the man at the center of one of the biggest corporate scandals in U.S. history.
Andy Serwer is going to be "Minding Your Business" about that.
HEMMER: Also decision time for Coach K, and what a big one it is. The Duke basketball coach says whether or not he is off to L.A. and the Lakers.
COLLINS: Also, Vice President Cheney busy rallying the GOP base this campaign season but some say he might be a liability for President Bush. We'll look at that.
HEMMER: Plus, don't forget we're expecting Senator Kerry to announce later this morning who his running mate will be. We'll have that live for you as AMERICAN MORNING continues on a busy Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Former Enron chief Ken Lay may soon be indicted. Andy Serwer is "Minding Your Business" with more on that. Wow. It's been a long time.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: It has. I've been watching this like a hawk, Heidi.
Week after week after month after year. We reported a couple of weeks ago that Ken Lay was likely to be indicted. Now sources tell CNN that the former CEO of Enron will likely be indicted this week, sometime over the next couple of days. Our affiliate KHOU down in Houston caught up with Mr. Lay leaving church on Sunday -- here's what he had to say then.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEN LAY, FMR. CEO ENRON: Obviously, I wish what happened hadn't happened, but we can't re-do history now, and the main thing that I've always prayed for from day one is that all the truth come out and then let's get on with the future.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERWER: I guess that was a church in downtown Houston. I hope he makes a little bit more sense in court than he did there.
But, anyway, he was kind of ambushed there a little bit perhaps.
"The Houston Chronicle" in an excellent piece this morning sort of laying out a prosecution's scoreboard, if you will, in terms of the Enron situation.
It's very impressive, actually. People think that nothing's really happened in this case -- but listen to this.
Thirty people facing criminal charges. Ten guilty pleas, 19 others facing civil charges so you have got -- you know -- 40, 50 people here facing charges in this story.
COLLINS: It's unbelievable.
SERWER: It really is. Let's turn to the markets quickly. Want to do that a little bit. Last week a bad one for the markets. Stocks falling due to oil prices, due to situations overseas, obviously.
And futures, unfortunately, are lower this morning. That has to do with oil and the situation there and we'll talk about that a little bit more later.
COLLINS: Still expensive.
SERWER: Yes.
COLLINS: All right, Andy Serwer, thanks so much.
HEMMER: From world of sports -- you see this, Andy? You're a college basketball fan.
SERWER: Coach K?
HEMMER: Duke Blue Devils Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be back at Duke for his 25th season this year, ending talks to take the top job at the L.A. Lakers.
Coach K says though flattered by the interest in Los Angeles, he will remain in North Carolina where he's won three national titles at Duke in his 24 years as head coach at that university. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, DUKE BASKETBALL COACH: Duke has always taken up my whole heart, and no matter how good some other option was, to leave my Duke team with all my heart could only happen at this place.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: The Lakers offer to Coach K rumored to be worth $40 million over a five-year period and the Sarratt (ph) family in North Carolina is very fired up today.
SERWER: A lot of Tar Heel fans not so fired up, though.
HEMMER: Very true, yes.
SERWER: Disappointed he didn't leave.
HEMMER: Coach K staying.
COLLINS: Try to make 25, right?
HEMMER: Yes.
COLLINS: Extra special bonus. Like the military. I don't know.
All right, still to come this morning, we are expecting Senator Kerry to announce his running mate later this morning. We're going to have a live update on that, of course.
Also ahead a look at the V.P. running mate. Vice President Dick Cheney and why the Democrats don't want President Bush to get rid of him any time soon.
It's all ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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