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CNN Live Sunday

WBGO Jazz Radio Celebrates 25 Years On Air; Phillipine Government Will Not Bow To Terrorist Demands; President Bush Turns Down NAACP Offer To Speak

Aired July 11, 2004 - 16:00   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.


FREDERICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: The presidential campaign season is in full swing. But what if the election had to be postponed? And there's talk today about that scenario, and we'll have a live report.
What makes people bond? This prairie vole may hold the key.

And the Barney the Dinosaur group may be the answer to jazz radio's problems.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SUNDAY. I'm a Fredricka Whitfield. Those story, coming up in our show. But first, now in the news.

He isn't giving into hostage-takers' demands to pull its troops out of Iraq in nine days. A militant group has threatened to kill a kidnapped Filipino truck driver. But the government is sticking to scheduled troop pullout date of August 20.

Israeli Prime Minister, Sharon, is ordering construction of his country's West Bank barrier to continue in defiance of a nonbonding world court opinion. The International Court of Justice has called the barrier "illegal." Palestinians say it's taking their land. Israel says it keeps out terrorists.

Today is embattled CIA Director George Tenet's last chance to clean out his desk on his final workday. Senate Intelligence Committee Leaders are urging President Bush to name his replacement quickly. They're concerned over terror warnings and intelligence failures that led to Tenet's resignation.

The spokesman for the 9/11 Commission tells CNN, the panel could finish its final report by the weekend -- by the end of this week, rather. The bipartisan commission has been working under a congressional mandate to investigate the September 2001 strikes, and recommend safeguards against future attacks.

Keeping you informed. CNN, the most trusted name in news. We begin with the questions and answers in the wake of a blistering report about pre-war intelligence. Would Congress have authorized the invasion of Iraq knowing what we know now? A leading Republican now says probably not.

CNN White House correspondent Dana Bash joins us now -- Dana.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredericka, as you know, weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the threat that they could pose in a post 9/11 world was central to the president's case on war. Especially, as he and White House officials were trying to convince Congress to pass a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

And as you mentioned earlier, some Republicans in Congress, senior Republicans, say giving what they know now, it would be very unlikely for Congress to give the president the green light for war.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. PAT ROBERT, (R) INTELLIGENCE CHAIRMAN: The weapons of mass destruction in posing an imminent threat to our national security, that would not been part of the debate. And I'm not sure the votes would have been there to take that kind of military action.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, the 511-page report did conclude, of course, that the pre-war intelligence was devastatingly faulty. That part of the report was unanimous. Other things that are very much up for debate. Whether, for example, the president and his top aides perhaps pressured analysts to cook intelligence. Other things that are at odds within the committee is whether or not the White House misused information that it did have. Democrats say they did.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JAY ROCKERFELLER (D-WV) INTELLIGENCE VICE CHAIRMAN: They were exaggerating intelligence. They were ahead of the intelligence they were getting or they weren't paying attention to the intelligence they were getting. And going beyond it to try to convince the American people that war was the way to go.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, the White House flatly denies that anyone here exaggerated any intelligence. They say that they were simply using the information that Congress had, that the UN had, and that there was a global problem.

It's clear now with the intelligence on Iraq. White House political aides also point out that Senators Kerry and Edwards also made some statements about the threat that Saddam Hussein posed. And of course, they also voted to authorize war.

Now, lawmakers also today, Frederick, on both sides of the aisle said it was very important to use this information to reform, restructure the intelligence community. And called on the White House, and anyone else who would resist that, not to do so. Because they said it was absolutely essential, particularly given the terror threats that we are seeing right now. And given the fact that we are also going to get another report, as you mentioned, as early as this week, from the September 11 Commission. Talking about some intelligence failures there. They also say that they really want the White House to send up a nominee to replace George Tenet, as CIA Director. White House aids that that very well could happen as soon as this week -- Fredericka.

WHITFIELD: Dana Bash at the White House. Thanks very much.

Invitation declined. President Bush says thanks but no thanks to the NAACP's offer to speak at its annual convention. That's prompting some strong reaction from the organization's members.

Allison Harmalin, from CNN's affiliate WPHL, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALLISON HARMALIN, WPHL-TV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amidst the photo-ops, applause, networking and entertainment, there's an undercurrent of controversy at 95-annual convention of the NAACP.

JOHN STREET, PHILIDELPHIA PENSYVANNIA MAYOR: I think it's very unfortunate that President Bush chose to ignore this convention.

QUISY MFUME, NAACP PRESIDENT: I've written and written and written, requesting a meeting or an opportunity to talk about pertinent issues. We've written, inviting him to come and address us and we've gotten no response. It's been absolute silence.

HARMALIN: For the fourth year in a row, President Bush has declined the NAACP's invitation to address the group. In spite of 30 visits to battleground state of Pennsylvania, the president turned down this visit, citing scheduling problems.

MFUME: I think the larger picture is in an election that's going to be as close as this one, no party can afford slippage or to write off an entire group of voters, because you may not agree with them on one issue or another.

HARMALIN: But the president has said his issues are with the NAACP's leadership.

Quote, "I will describe my relationship with the current leadership as basically nonexistent. You've heard the rhetoric and the names they've called me."

But at years-largest gathering of African-American community leaders, Philadelphia's mayor believes the president's absence sends a message that will be heard around the country.

STREET: People here will go back to their respective cities. And the president will have to answer for -- answer the question, why didn't you come to the NAACP convention?

HARMALIN: And while George Bush got just 9 percent of the black vote back in November 2000, many here feel this is a slight that will further reduce those numbers.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are a lot of the things I don't agree with what he's doing. So. And this is something he should be a part of.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For him not to take time out of his schedule. That to me, that shows me what kind of president he is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The one vote that he may have gotten black -- from the black community, he's not going to get now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we'll have much more on this subject later on in the show. Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, will join us, live, to talk about how saying no to the invite is playing out politically.

The presidential candidates and voters have November 2 circled on the calendar as Election Day. But what if there's a terror strike designed to disrupt the democratic process? Newsweek reports officials are exploring the possibility of postponing the election in such a scenario.

CNN's Tom Foreman joins us now, from Washington with details on that -- Tom.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is a very touchy subject, no question about it. What they're considering here is if you had a terrorist strike on or about Election Day. Could it so disrupt the way that America works that we really couldn't hold the elections?

Now, some people here say we need to develop a plan. Homeland Security is looking at this. They've asked the Justice Department lawyers to look at this for holding election later if need be. Other people suggest we shouldn't even be considering it.

The genesis of this, besides the general problem of terrorism is what happened in Spain. You remember the train crash -- the train explosion over there, killed nearly 200 people. And three days later, the prime minister of Spain was voted out of office. And there's been a lot of connection drawn between this and that, because he supported the war in Iraq. The sense being, that the terrorists made the Spanish people vote him out of office. That's what people don't want to have happen here.

Now, that said, some lawmakers today were saying we shouldn't even be having this conversation in many ways. Because it suggest to terrorists that they can affect the election, and the election needs to go on no matter. Just take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D) CALIFORNIA: But I think we ought to have the election. I don't think there's an argument that can be made for the first time in our history to delay an election. We hold elections in the middle of war; in the middle of earthquake; in the middle of whatever it takes. The election is a statutory election. It should go ahead on schedule. And we should not change it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOREMAN: There is a big question here as to whether or not we even could change it in this country if people wanted to. When I talked to somebody from Homeland Security earlier today, he said they believe that it would take an act of Congress to do this, maybe acts by all 50 legislatures. And maybe beyond that, acts by many thousands of counties and towns just to delay the presidential election it.

So, it may be that it really is almost impossible to delay it. And developing a plan may prove impossible somewhere along the line here. But right now, they're certainly looking at it here in Washington and saying maybe it's the only course of being ready, in case something as terrible as what happened in Spain were to happen here.

WHITFIELD: Tom Foreman, in Washington. Thanks very much.

Iraq's interim government has been in power two weeks, but security and stability are still major concerns. Two U.S. soldiers were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb near the city of Samarra today. Three others were wounded. A U.S. soldier and an Iraqi citizen were killed today in another roadside bomb attack, this one near Mosul. One U.S. soldier was injured in that explosion. These latest fatalities bring the multinational death toll to 1,009.

Demonstrators hit the streets of Baquba today, calling for Saddam Hussein's return. Nearly 150 Iraqis, some carries pictures of Hussein, condemned the new interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. In Baghdad, the scene was completely different. Protesters hanged and set fire to an effigy of Saddam Hussein. Iraqis there demanded Hussein be tried, quote, "Without any foreign interference." Hussein is facing war crimes charges before a special Iraqi tribunal.

And new concerns about weapons of mass destruction. Iraq's new national security adviser says if there were any there, they've probably been smuggled out of country. He warns that radical militant Abu Musab al Zarqawi may be trying to get his hands on them.

The fate of several foreign hostages in Iraq remains uncertain today. Bulgaria's foreign minister says two Bulgarian truck drivers are alive, even though a deadline set by the militants holding them has expired. Video of the two men was broadcast on al Jazeera TV on Thursday. The militants threatened to behead the Bulgarians within 24 hours, if the U.S. did not release all of its prisoners. Bulgarian diplomats are working to get the hostages freed.

The Philippine government says it will not bow to the demands of the militants holding a Philippino hostage.

Our Maria Ressa has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Forty-six-year old Angelo De La Cruz took a job as a driver in Iraq, so he could send money home to his wife and eight children. Contract workers like him are the Philippine's top dollar earner. Nearly one in 10 of the country's 80 million people work overseas; at least 4,000 of them in Iraq.

On Thursday, De La Cruz was kidnapped by Islamic militants, who threatened to behead him if the Philippines did not pull its 50 soldiers and police out of Iraq. His wife's appeal for his life strikes a deep cord in the Philippines, where Catholics and Muslims united in calling for his release.

ARCENIA DE LA CRUZ, HOSTAGE WIFE (through translator): I appeal to our Muslim brothers around the world. Please help us, don't hurt my husband. Have pity on our children.

(CHEERING)

RESSA: On Saturday, it seems her prayers were answered. The family celebrated, after his wife said President Gloria Arroyo had assured her that De La Cruz was safe. But it soon became clear he had not been freed. A fax, allegedly written by the kidnappers, was sent to al Jazeera. It set a new demand that the Philippines pull out troops within 10 days, and demanded a response by Sunday. The Philippine cabinet met for more than five hours before it rejected the demand.

DELIA ALBERT, FORIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY: We reiterate our plan to return our humanitarian contingent, as scheduled on 20, August 2004.

RESSA (on camera): The government says it will fly De La Cruz's wife and brother to Iraq, at the family's request. Cabinet members say they decided not to speak to the press to minimize any further confusion. Meantime, the Philippino team in Iraq says it's doing all it can to work for De La Cruz' safe release.

Maria Ressa, CNN, Manila.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Next, Mr. Condom is what people call him.

This Thai politician and businessman has worked to rid his country of AIDS. Is it working? And Australians look for a shark that killed a surfer.

And we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's been a passionate first day at this year's International AIDS Conference in Bangkok. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is challenging world leaders to do more to fight the raging global epidemic. He told them to get their heads out of the sand, and educate women. Warning that more and more of the women are getting diseases from their husbands.

While conference members try to help the 38 million people infected with HIV worldwide, they're also looking for ways to improve prevention efforts.

CNN's Aneesh Raman looks at a country with a rare success story.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MACHI VIRAVAIDY, THAILAND: Help save lives!

ANESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: He's called Mr. Condom.

VIRAVAIDY: This is international size.

(LAUGHTER)

RAMAN: And for Thai Senator Machi Viravaidy, the country's leading advocate for AIDS prevention, the title is welcome.

VIRAVAIDY: The condoms are lifesavers. We want to make people less shy. We want them to feel that the condom and a tennis ball are no different, because they both come from the rubber tree.

RAMAN: As the world gathers in Bangkok this week for the 15- International AIDS Conference, the location is no coincidence. In a region where AIDS infections are rising at alarming rates, Thailand is a rare success story.

The disease first surfaced here 20 years ago. After initial inaction by the government, Viravaidy led an intense effort in the 1990s with education that emphasized prevention, passing out condoms in the red light district, small villages and in his own restaurant, a chain called "Cabbages and Condoms." The overall result: in the past 12 years, Thailand has scene a 90 percent decline in new cases.

VIRAVAIDY: You have to regard, as war on your land, and leaders have to be active. You have to have financial commitment as well. Use whatever money you have to start the program.

RAMAN: But today, there is fear that Thailand's early success has given way to complacency. This week, experts including Viravaidy, will warn that Thailand stands at a crossroads with a very real possibility of a massive resurgence in AIDS cases. In the past few years, the demographic of new infections has started to shift away from the country's sex workers, drug users, and homosexual men, towards a general heterosexual community.

(on camera): There will be much talk this week of what Thailand did right; lessons learned. But because of that success, the world's eye will be on how Thailand prepares for what could be its next great battle in the war on AIDS.

Aneesh Raman, CNN, Bangkok.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: An emotional commemoration in Srebrenica tops our news from around the world. Thousands of relatives of the victims mark the 9-anniversary of the massacres by holding funerals for 338 recently identified victims. Up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed in Srebrenica, making it the worst massacre in Europe, since World War II. Funeral in Moscow for Paul Klebnikov, editor of the Russian edition of "Forbes" magazine. He was shot and killed outside the magazine's offices yesterday. Russia's prosecutor general says he's taking personal control of the investigation.

And a deadly shark attack in Australia, a search is underway for two massive sharks that killed a surfer. Brad Smith was knocked off his board, while surfing with friends at a popular beach near Gracetown. Both sharks are believed to be great whites.

Small gerbil-like animals. Find out what they can teach you about being faithful to your spouse.

And you've already heard about Marion Jones' Olympic trial disappointment. We'll show just how close the race was.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Health officials in California now count 17 cases of West Nile virus in that state. The latest victim of the mosquito- borne disease is a 15-year-old boy from San Bernardino County, where 11 other cases turned up. The county health department says the teenager has the worst form of the disease, which invades the nervous system. But his condition is improving.

Scientists in Atlanta believe they found a genetic reason why most animals are promiscuous, while a small number are faithful to their mates. The researchers say their findings may have bearing on human sexual behavior.

CNN's Denise BELGRAVE reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENISE BELGRAVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Love is in the air. Or maybe it's the genes. Doctor Larry Young, a scientist at Yerkes Primate Research Center says it's not only a question of romantic love.

DR. LARRY YOUNG, YERKES PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER: We're very interested in the human social brain. What makes us be able to bond? Have -- form relationships? What makes us want to engage in social activities to begin with?

BELGRAVE: Dr. Young says about 95 percent of species are promiscuous. That means that they mate, but they don't form a bond with their partner. Prairie voles, one of the animals Dr. Young studied, are monogamous. But their cousins, the metavoles, are not. What Dr. Young discovered is that a particular receptor in the reward center of the brain is responsible for the difference in the vole's behavior?

Here's how it works. When the male vole mates, the hormone, dopamine is released to the reward center. The animal feels good. At the same time, the hormone vasopressin is released. And it causes the male to want to bond with the female. In the promiscuous voles, there are no receptors to process the vasopressin; so it has no effect. In the monogamous voles, the receptors are there. So the vasopressin hormone is processed and the male vole bonds with its mate.

Dr. Young says his findings square with prior research on humans.

YOUNG: There have been some brain imaging studies, where people have looked at photographs of someone who they are deeply in love with. And it turns out that similar brain areas are activated in the human, just by looking at photographs of someone they're in love with.

BELGRAVE: More studies are required to relate Dr. Young's findings directly to human behavior.

YOUNG: It's going to be very exciting to compare gene structure within -- across individuals with various aspects of their normal social behavior. Like, how long do they stay in relationships? Are they social? Anti-social?

BELGRAVE (on camera): Dr. Young hopes that someday the studies he's doing here will help people better understand behavioral and social problems, such as autism or schizophrenia.

Denise Belgrave, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Elsewhere across America, a published report accuses some of the nation's railways of hindering investigations into fatal crash with motor vehicles. "The New York Times" SAYS railroads have violated federal regulations by failing to report hundreds of deadly accidents promptly over the past eight years.

Some 2100 gays and lesbians are at sea on a weeklong, family- friendly cruise, organized by media celebrity, Rosie O'Donnell's company. The Norwegian don steamed out of New York a few minutes ago. And Key West, Florida will apparently give O'Donnell the key to the city when the ship docks there.

Marion Jones won't be on the women's 100-meter sprint team in the summer games. For the defending Olympic champion medalist, rather, in the 100 finished fifth in the finals last night at U.S. Olympic trials in Sacramento, California. Jones can still qualify for the team in the long jump and 200 meters, possibly a relay or two.

Well, does a Southerner on the ticket mean an automatic win for the Democrats? Bill Schneider joins us live to talk about it. Plus, more on what lies ahead for the presidential candidates from two political strategists from opposite sides of the aisle.

And later on, a look at the little jazz radio station that could, and its 25 years of rolling the tracks.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Hello, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here's what happening now in the news.

Election day delayed? U.S. officials are discussing ways to postpone elections, should a terrorist attack disrupt the election process. And if you think the hanging chads were a nightmare, a Homeland Security spokesman says delaying elections could require amending all 50 states Constitutions, as well as the U.S. Constitution.

The independent commission investigating the September 11 attacks could finish its final report by the end of the week. The congressionally mandated panel is trying to reach unanimous agreement on the final report. It looks at the circumstances surrounding 9/11, and ways to prevent future terrorist attacks. The deadline is July 26.

Israeli officials say an explosion near a bus stop in Tel Aviv killed one person, and left at least 20 others injured. Police say an 11-pound bomb, placed in bushes, near the bus stop blew up during today's rush hour commute. The al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an offshoot of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, claims responsibility.

In Western Afghanistan, a bomb exploded today on a busy street killing five people, including a 12-year-old boy. Dozen of others were injured in the blast. Afghan leader Hamid Karzai blames attackers opposed to democracy. The blast comes two days after Afghanistan set a new date for elections.

Keeping you informed, the most trusted name in news.

WHITFIELD: Well, as we mentioned earlier in the show, President Bush has declined an invitation to speak at the annual NAACP convention. Some are calling it a snub. But the president says he hasn't been treated with respect. How is that playing out politically?

Let's ask our CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider.

Bill, this is startling, to a lot of folks. And particularly, why?

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Why? Because he's not only declining the invitation, he's dissing the organization, one of the most oldest -- the oldest and most respected civil rights organizations. To essentially insult them and say look, you don't respect me, I don't respect you, to hell with you. This is very startling for a president. It means he's giving up on the African- American constituency.

WHITFIELD: Now, is it on record whether any other presidential candidates have ever done this before? Refused this kind of invitation?

SCHNEIDER: Well, a lot of presidents -- and presidents and presidential candidates failed to show up. But the closest I can remember when it was suggested that Barry Goldwater, way back in 1964, campaigned in minority areas. And he said no, I should go hunting where the ducks are. Meaning that there were no votes there so why should he waste his time? Even that was not quite as much a direct insult as statement this is by President Bush.

WHITFIELD: President Bush has claimed that he really is a unifier. This certainly doesn't seem like an example of unification does, it?

SCHNEIDER: That's right. He ran on a promised in 2000 to unify - to be a unifier not a divider, after Bill Clinton and the country was so divided under him. But I think the country is even more divided now. And that gives John Kerry his opening to run as a unifier. But there's a warning to Kerry. The Democrats did not nominate Howard Dean because he was a divisive candidate from the left. Americans will not trade a president like Bush, who divides the country from the right, for a Democrat who divides the country from the left. Kerry has to be careful to be a unifier.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well, let's talk now about the Kerry- Edwards team. You have got a Yankee and a southerner being teamed up now. How much of a difference does that going to make particularly in the south?

SCHNEIDER: Well, is this a move by John Kerry to reclaim the south for the Democrats? That's Bush's base. I mean you have to ask this question, who's he kidding?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Does John Edwards make the Democrats competitive in the south? He made that argument when he was running for president.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The south is not George Bush's backyard. It is my backyard...

(CHEERING)

EDWARDS: ... and I will beat George Bush in my backyard.

(CHEERING)

SCHNEIDER: Experts on southern politics dispute that claim.

HASTING WYMAN, "SOUTHERN POLITICAL REPORT": Well, I don't see Edwards making an effective argument. But I think most southern voters have an easy time identifying with President Bush.

SCHNEIDER: President Bush's claim on the south. One word.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF HE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: I am going to carry south because the people understand that -- that they share -- we share values.

SCHNEIDER: The Democratic ticket is licensed geographically, but Republicans argue not philosophically. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator Edwards has the right accent, but the wrong voting record.

SCHNEIDER: In the end, people vote more for president than vice president. And Republicans believe they have the means to poison John Kerry in the south.

WYMAN: There are some very strong stuff on Kerry on social. Probably emphasizing a lot of his anti-war activities after Vietnam.

SCHNEIDER: But Democrats don't have to win throughout the south, they just have to break Bush's solid grip on the region. When Bill Clinton won in 1992, he carried only four southern states. And he carried only four when he got re-elected in 1996. With Edwards on the ticket, Democrats may be able to cherry pick some southern states.

MERLE BLACK, PROFESSOR, EMORY UNIVERSITY: And if they can carry one or two of the southern states, a North Carolina or a Florida, then it's virtually impossible to see how President Bush can win re- elections.

SCHNEIDER: Plus the fact that Edwards may help Democrats outside the south.

WYMAN: A lot of middle of the road voters outside the south, like the presence of a southerner on the Democratic ticket. It reassures them that the Democrat will not be too liberal.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SCHNIEDER: So while southern voters maybe driven away by Edwards' liberal voting record, northern voters might be attracted by his accent. How strange is that?

(LAUGHTER)

WHITFIELD: Well, even stranger still, you know, we just heard from Edwards a couple days ago in his home state. You know, introducing that I'm with him as opposed to what they usually say in his parts is, "he's with me." Is this kind of sugary sweet relationship between Kerry and Edwards possibly going to backfire to some voters who say, you know what? I don't know if I really buy that.

SCHNEIDER: Yes. Well, it is a friendly and close relationship. And I think Edwards has given an injection of positive attitude and populism, two qualities that John Kerry lacks. I think he's infused the campaign with a lot of energy. So I think Kerry is taking advantage of that. And he's now becoming something we have never seen him become before, my God, a happy warrior.

WHITFIELD: Well, it's interesting, if so many analysts are saying that it really doesn't matter who the vice presidential pick is, then why is it that some recent polls are already showing that Kerry has gained a few points after Tuesday's announcement? SCHNEIDER: Because every presidential candidate, when he names his running mate, always gets a little bit of a bounce in the polls. And then it lasts for maybe a month through the Democratic convention at end of this month. Then Bush will have his convention and he'll get a little bounce in the polls. And things, you have to imagine, will end up closer when we get into the real campaign in September.

You know, a vice presidential pick rarely makes much of a difference. It's only on the margins. But you know what? In an election that is this close, the margins matter a whole lot.

WHITFIELD: Mm. Four more months of a lot of ebbing and flowing.

SCHNEIDER: That's right.

WHITFIELD: All right. Bill Schneider. Thanks a lot.

SCHNEIDER: Sure, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well, more on President Bush's NAACP decision and the Kerry-Edwards ticket, when we talk to a pair of political strategists coming up next.

Plus, on a dial full of pop music and talk shows. A jazz station struggles to be heard.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mother Nature and Father Time have spent millions of years in southern Utah carving out the natural horseshoe shaped amphitheaters known as Bryce Canyon. The combination of frost wedging and ring water erosion created the unique collection of: limestone, sandstone and mudstone towers called "hoodoos." Ranging in height from five to 150 feet tall, the hoodoos can be seen up close and personal for more than 10 hiking trails within the park.

Visitors may also catch a glimpse of some of the parks many inhabitants. The canyon is home to more than 100 species of birds, dozens of mammals and more than 1,000 varieties of plants.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: From a new Democratic duo to a stunning report about intelligence failures before the war in Iraq, last week was full of news that promises to have a great impact on the race for the White House.

Joining us from New York is Democratic strategist Doug Schoen. He's the author of "On The Campaign Trail." And Republican strategist Frank Donatelli is with us from Washington.

Good to see you, gentlemen.

DOUG SCHOEN, AUTHOR, "ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL": Thank you.

FRANK DONATELLI, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Thank you. WHITFIELD: Well, Doug, let me begin with you. Perhaps you heard some of Bill Schneider's report, a little bit earlier, that perhaps neither of the candidates really needs to win the south. Even though both are trying to make an impressive showing in the south, both teams. Do you agree with that? .

SCHOEN: I think for the Kerry-Edwards ticket, they're running a national campaign. They're trying to run an inclusive campaign, as Bill Schneider suggested. And given the polls in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky and Florida, they have every reason to believe that they can be competitive in the south.

WHITFIELD: Well, if you only need a decent showing and don't necessarily need to win the south, Frank. Then why is it that we saw President Bush so quickly head to North Carolina and to West Virginia this past week?

DONATELLI: Well, Fredericka, Republicans need to win the south. And they need to win most of the states in the south. But I'm very confident. You know, in the year 2000, Al Gore, of course, was a southern candidate. And he didn't win any southern states, including his own state of Tennessee. So I think it's going to be very, very hard fought in the south, as it is in the rest of the country. But I do think right now, the Bush-Cheney ticket has an edge in most of the state.

WHITFIELD: Even though the Kerry-Edwards ticket, to some, has an edge over the southern states, because you have got both a Yankee and a southerner who've coupled up?

SCHOEN: I think...

DONATELLI: Well, you know...

WHITFIELD: Frank.

DONATELLI: Oh, OK. You know -- I -- Senator Kerry only won one primary. He won South Carolina and he won it by a very, very small margin. So I understand what the hoopla is and so forth and so on. But in point of fact, I really believe that probably by the middle of August, it's going to become apparent that Bush-Cheney are ahead in most of the southern states.

WHITFIELD: Doug, you wanted to say something.

SCHOEN: I wanted to make the point, this has been a terrible week for Bush-Cheney, with the intelligence report from the Senate, suggesting we've had terrible intelligence failures, with middle class Americans having a tough time making a go of it economically, and the Democratic unity that is now as good as it's ever been. I think that Frank is frankly overstating the case. And that the Democrats are in as strong a position, as they've been in the long time.

WHITFIELD: Well, let's talk about unity and lack thereof, especially with the NAACP invitation going to the president. Some real conflicting reports, Frank, on what really happened. The White House initially said that the president's schedule was just too busy. He couldn't possibly make it. And then, apparently, you know, the explanation was that he had been snubbed by the NAACP, and they really were not his allies. Either way, this is not at all unifying, is it?

DONATELLI: Well, I only know about the subject what I saw on your reports earlier in the hour. In point of fact, now the president did visit organization in 2000; he was not treated very well. That being said, I'm one that believes that Republicans desperately need to broaden the base among black voters. I do think though that if happens, it probably won't be through that organization.

WHITFIELD: But he was just in Pennsylvania a few days ago, why not go ahead and make the stop and try to work out whatever differences? So if he is trying to court the minority vote, at least he won't be snubbed at polls, as a result of him snubbing the invitation.

DONATELLI: Well, look. Again, I think the White House knows that they need to do more to appeal to minority voters. Obviously, they didn't think this was a particularly good venue to do that.

WHITFIELD: Well, Doug, how do you think this is being interpreted?

SCHOEN: Look, I think that the Bush-Cheney campaign is now emphasizing issues like gay marriage. They're trying to divide America on these narrow social issues, issues like abortion. And it's keeping with that approach that they are basically saying to African- Americans. We're not interested. We're not trying to be inclusive.

And I think it is the Edwards/Kerry ticket that is really demonstrating that they are committed to inclusive politics, to emphasizing core American values of honesty and trust. And I think that really, that is what is going to produce political change in November.

WHITFIELD: And Doug, you brought up...

DONATELLI: Oh, Frederic...

WHITFIELD: ... gay -- go ahead, Frank.

DONATELLI: I was just going to say real quickly, you know it's Cheney -- it's Edwards and Kerry that are talking about class warfare. It's Edwards that has this famous speech that's being praised by all the Democrats of two Americas. I mean if that isn't dividing the country, I don't know what is.

In point of fact, both candidates are trying to appeal to voters that are going to support them in November. There's not one ticket that's dividing and one unifying. Both candidates are trying to put their base together.

WHITFIELD: And speaking...

SCHOEN: Well... WHITFIELD: I'm sorry, go ahead, Doug.

SCHOEN: No. I was going to say really what's involved here is that the Democrats are trying to bring all Americans together. To end tax breaks for the wealthy, to end two Americas so that all can share in the American dream. And it's really because of the divisive policies of President Bush that the Democrats are now emphasizing themes that will bring people together, and give everybody a chance to pay for health care, pay for college education and share in the American dream.

WHITFIELD: And talk about other divisive -- potentially divisive issues. Let's talk about gay marriage. President Bush, once again, bringing it up as now another hot-button issue, in which to attack. None of when the candidates actually wants to endorse gay marriages. But at the same time, neither of the teams really want to alienate themselves from the notion of some sort of equal rights to everyone, to Americans.

So, Frank, how is the Bush administration going to try to tackle this issue without further alienating itself from a segment of the population?

DONATELLI: Fredericka, I've seen surveys that show nearly 60 percent of Americans, and in some cases more than 60 percent of Americans believe that marriage, the institution of marriage should be reserved and be and defined as an institution that unites one man and one woman. And that runs across the spectrum, from Republicans to Democrats, to Independents.

So I don't think the fact we need some action here to uphold the sanctity of marriage because of four unelected judges in Massachusetts is divisive. Indeed, if you have 60 percent of the country or more, in support of any policy or proposal in today's America, that's pretty overwhelming.

WHITFIELD: Doug, do you see the Kerry-Edwards campaign trying to stay out of this latest, freshest argument?

SCHOEN: Well, I -- you know, John Kerry and John Edwards have both said that they believe marriage is an institution that should be reserved for women and men. But I think they've also said that this is a...

WHITFIELD: Well, we haven't heard them comment within the past 24 hours since President Bush made it another issue again.

SCHOEN: Well, I think if you look at "The Washington Post" interview today, you'll see that they have commented. They said that they would go vote against gay marriage, if it comes on the floor of the Senate as the final vote.

But they've also said that it's a political trick being used to really polarize the electorate, when we have much more important issues like the economy, Iraq, terror, that really should get an airing and not be central to the presidential campaign in the way that gay marriage is. It's those other issues that should be front and center in the campaign.

WHITFIELD: All right. Gentlemen, let's talk about the election delay, potentially with "Newsweek" reporting that Tom Ridge's office apparently asked the Justice Department to look into what it would take if, indeed, the Election Day would have to be moved, as a result any of terror threats. What message is this conveying even to investigate the changes that would have to be made -- Frank.

SCHOEN: I think -- I was going to say, I think Frank would have to agree with me that we earnestly hope there is no terror attack. We earnestly hope that this issue isn't even contemplated. And as Americans, I think we all hope and pray that we will have a secure election campaign without any incidents, such as marred the Spanish election. And I think Democrats and can unite around that principle.

WHITFIELD: All right, Doug. But Frank, doesn't the notion of changing the election date suggest in any way to terrorists that perhaps they may have already won that battle, by allowing the administration to even consider moving the day?

DONATELLI: Well, Doug and I are going to agree on this point. I cannot conceive of any circumstances under which the elections would not be held on its proscribed date. Maybe you can make an argument that you have to have information based on a whole string of circumstances, if worse comes to worse. But the terrorists should have no illusions. The elections are going to go forward, and no matter -- on the proscribed date. And no matter what they try, Americans are going to remain united against that threat.

WHITFIELD: Democratic strategist Doug Schone. And Republican strategist Frank Donatelli. Thank very much gentlemen for joining us.

SCHOEN: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Appreciate it.

DONATELLI: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Choosing a running mate is serious stuff, but not on late night television. And Kerry's decision to pick Edwards provided a gold mine of material for the comedians. They had a field day making fun of the new political couple. And here's a sample.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": As I'm sure you know, John Edwards earned a fortune from medical malpractice suits. And he and Dick Cheney have something in common. They both know what it's like to chase down an ambulance.

(LAUGHTER)

LENO: You know what I'm saying? So, apparently...

JON STEWART, HOST "THE DAILY SHOW": Wait, I -- I think I see something. Yes, I -- the hills are alive with the sound of... (LAUGHTER)

LENO: Have you seen their new ads? Have you seen the new campaign ad?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, what's that.

LENO: I don't know. Just. Well, take a look.

LIONEL RICHIE, SINGER: You are so beautiful to me...

(LAUGHTER)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I can't tell you how excited we are to be a team and doing it. And it's a thrill for me...

STEWART: Seriously, I can't tell you how excited I am.

(LAUGHTER)

RICHIE: You are so beautiful to me...

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

WHITFIELD: Tough crowd.

Well, the trials and triumphs of a jazz radio station, as it celebrates 25 years of broadcasting. We'll have that coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, here's a new world record to tell you about. Philip Rabinowitz, from South Africa, has set the record for his age group in competitive or speed walking. He traveled the 100 meters in just over 30 seconds. And about that age group. Well, he's 100 years old. And just because you're getting older doesn't mean you're getting slower.

Norway's Thor Hushovd sprinted to the finish line today, winning the eighth stage of the Tour de France. Overall, American Lance Armstrong remains in sixth place. Tomorrow is a day of rest. Then the cyclists tackled the mountains of southern France, usually Armstrong's specialty.

Public radio station WBGO in Newark, New Jersey is celebrating a major anniversary. For 25 years, the station has been doing its part to keep the beat of jazz going strong.

Photographer Doug Carroll recently stopped by for a visit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) MICHAEL BOURNE, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: There are less than 10 jazz stations, full-time jazz stations in this country.

Support for Jazz 88 comes from the New Jersey Music Society.

We get a lot of listeners who are channel surfing and they get down to the bottom of FM and there's this music. And they stay there.

On Jazz 88.

DORATHAAN KIRK, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: We actually moved into this building here at 54 Park Place in Newark in January 1979.

GARY WALKER, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: WBGO?

The naysayers thought, no news and information, they're not much. You know, the mainstay is not news and information. It's jazz music. You've got to be kidding. And guess what? Twenty-five years later, we aren't kidding.

(LAUGHTER)

KIRK: I think you have to look for jazz more now than you did, say, in my generation. Jazz was all over the place. It was everywhere. It was in the community.

BOURNE: I don't know. They said once upon a time, jazz was the mainstream music. It was the pop music of the time. And it's been a long time since then.

KIRK: The artists of yesteryear came up in a time where they didn't have certain advantages, such as always flying to a gig. And instead, they rode the bus. Those artists had something more to play about than just the music that was on the sheet music. They played about life.

BOURNE: We have plenty of people who have been listening all their lives. But we need to get Younger audiences. We do that. We aim at kids.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up? Jazz is up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jazz is up.

KIRK: I coordinate a series for children, a jazz series for children. And our spring series is in collaboration with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and their teen program. This is for young people learning to play jazz.

BOURNE: You don't really think you have to pay for radio because it's there when you turn it on. The message we have to get across is, yes, you have to pay for it. Otherwise it's not there. We exist because of listener support.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thanks for calling WBGO. BOURNE: It's phenomenal the e-mails from Brazil. Somebody who is listening right now in Brussels. We got a pledge; somebody sent money to keep the music playing in Malaysia.

WALKER: What's at stake if a station like WBGO goes off the air? Will there be a ripple through the economy? No. Will the stock market drop 500 points in one day? No. But I think one of the most important things, that this country has given the world, will end up on the dusty shelf somewhere.

(CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And that's it for us. Coming up a little later, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS." Tonight profile: the Kennedy family.

And at 6:00 Eastern, "Newsweek" editor Michael Isikoff will join Carol Lin live, regarding his latest report that the November elections could be moved in fear of terror attacks.

But first "NEXT@CNN" is coming up and here is Dan Sieberg with a preview.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECH CORRESPONDENT: Ahead on "NEXT@CNN," protecting Iraq's oil. How can oil pay for the country's reconstruction if it's at the mercy of saboteurs?

And video games don't have to turn kids into couch potatoes. Some games are absolutely aerobic.

Those stories and a lot more coming up after a break. Don't go away.

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


Aired July 11, 2004 - 16:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDERICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: The presidential campaign season is in full swing. But what if the election had to be postponed? And there's talk today about that scenario, and we'll have a live report.
What makes people bond? This prairie vole may hold the key.

And the Barney the Dinosaur group may be the answer to jazz radio's problems.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SUNDAY. I'm a Fredricka Whitfield. Those story, coming up in our show. But first, now in the news.

He isn't giving into hostage-takers' demands to pull its troops out of Iraq in nine days. A militant group has threatened to kill a kidnapped Filipino truck driver. But the government is sticking to scheduled troop pullout date of August 20.

Israeli Prime Minister, Sharon, is ordering construction of his country's West Bank barrier to continue in defiance of a nonbonding world court opinion. The International Court of Justice has called the barrier "illegal." Palestinians say it's taking their land. Israel says it keeps out terrorists.

Today is embattled CIA Director George Tenet's last chance to clean out his desk on his final workday. Senate Intelligence Committee Leaders are urging President Bush to name his replacement quickly. They're concerned over terror warnings and intelligence failures that led to Tenet's resignation.

The spokesman for the 9/11 Commission tells CNN, the panel could finish its final report by the weekend -- by the end of this week, rather. The bipartisan commission has been working under a congressional mandate to investigate the September 2001 strikes, and recommend safeguards against future attacks.

Keeping you informed. CNN, the most trusted name in news. We begin with the questions and answers in the wake of a blistering report about pre-war intelligence. Would Congress have authorized the invasion of Iraq knowing what we know now? A leading Republican now says probably not.

CNN White House correspondent Dana Bash joins us now -- Dana.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredericka, as you know, weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the threat that they could pose in a post 9/11 world was central to the president's case on war. Especially, as he and White House officials were trying to convince Congress to pass a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

And as you mentioned earlier, some Republicans in Congress, senior Republicans, say giving what they know now, it would be very unlikely for Congress to give the president the green light for war.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. PAT ROBERT, (R) INTELLIGENCE CHAIRMAN: The weapons of mass destruction in posing an imminent threat to our national security, that would not been part of the debate. And I'm not sure the votes would have been there to take that kind of military action.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, the 511-page report did conclude, of course, that the pre-war intelligence was devastatingly faulty. That part of the report was unanimous. Other things that are very much up for debate. Whether, for example, the president and his top aides perhaps pressured analysts to cook intelligence. Other things that are at odds within the committee is whether or not the White House misused information that it did have. Democrats say they did.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JAY ROCKERFELLER (D-WV) INTELLIGENCE VICE CHAIRMAN: They were exaggerating intelligence. They were ahead of the intelligence they were getting or they weren't paying attention to the intelligence they were getting. And going beyond it to try to convince the American people that war was the way to go.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, the White House flatly denies that anyone here exaggerated any intelligence. They say that they were simply using the information that Congress had, that the UN had, and that there was a global problem.

It's clear now with the intelligence on Iraq. White House political aides also point out that Senators Kerry and Edwards also made some statements about the threat that Saddam Hussein posed. And of course, they also voted to authorize war.

Now, lawmakers also today, Frederick, on both sides of the aisle said it was very important to use this information to reform, restructure the intelligence community. And called on the White House, and anyone else who would resist that, not to do so. Because they said it was absolutely essential, particularly given the terror threats that we are seeing right now. And given the fact that we are also going to get another report, as you mentioned, as early as this week, from the September 11 Commission. Talking about some intelligence failures there. They also say that they really want the White House to send up a nominee to replace George Tenet, as CIA Director. White House aids that that very well could happen as soon as this week -- Fredericka.

WHITFIELD: Dana Bash at the White House. Thanks very much.

Invitation declined. President Bush says thanks but no thanks to the NAACP's offer to speak at its annual convention. That's prompting some strong reaction from the organization's members.

Allison Harmalin, from CNN's affiliate WPHL, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALLISON HARMALIN, WPHL-TV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amidst the photo-ops, applause, networking and entertainment, there's an undercurrent of controversy at 95-annual convention of the NAACP.

JOHN STREET, PHILIDELPHIA PENSYVANNIA MAYOR: I think it's very unfortunate that President Bush chose to ignore this convention.

QUISY MFUME, NAACP PRESIDENT: I've written and written and written, requesting a meeting or an opportunity to talk about pertinent issues. We've written, inviting him to come and address us and we've gotten no response. It's been absolute silence.

HARMALIN: For the fourth year in a row, President Bush has declined the NAACP's invitation to address the group. In spite of 30 visits to battleground state of Pennsylvania, the president turned down this visit, citing scheduling problems.

MFUME: I think the larger picture is in an election that's going to be as close as this one, no party can afford slippage or to write off an entire group of voters, because you may not agree with them on one issue or another.

HARMALIN: But the president has said his issues are with the NAACP's leadership.

Quote, "I will describe my relationship with the current leadership as basically nonexistent. You've heard the rhetoric and the names they've called me."

But at years-largest gathering of African-American community leaders, Philadelphia's mayor believes the president's absence sends a message that will be heard around the country.

STREET: People here will go back to their respective cities. And the president will have to answer for -- answer the question, why didn't you come to the NAACP convention?

HARMALIN: And while George Bush got just 9 percent of the black vote back in November 2000, many here feel this is a slight that will further reduce those numbers.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are a lot of the things I don't agree with what he's doing. So. And this is something he should be a part of.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For him not to take time out of his schedule. That to me, that shows me what kind of president he is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The one vote that he may have gotten black -- from the black community, he's not going to get now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we'll have much more on this subject later on in the show. Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, will join us, live, to talk about how saying no to the invite is playing out politically.

The presidential candidates and voters have November 2 circled on the calendar as Election Day. But what if there's a terror strike designed to disrupt the democratic process? Newsweek reports officials are exploring the possibility of postponing the election in such a scenario.

CNN's Tom Foreman joins us now, from Washington with details on that -- Tom.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is a very touchy subject, no question about it. What they're considering here is if you had a terrorist strike on or about Election Day. Could it so disrupt the way that America works that we really couldn't hold the elections?

Now, some people here say we need to develop a plan. Homeland Security is looking at this. They've asked the Justice Department lawyers to look at this for holding election later if need be. Other people suggest we shouldn't even be considering it.

The genesis of this, besides the general problem of terrorism is what happened in Spain. You remember the train crash -- the train explosion over there, killed nearly 200 people. And three days later, the prime minister of Spain was voted out of office. And there's been a lot of connection drawn between this and that, because he supported the war in Iraq. The sense being, that the terrorists made the Spanish people vote him out of office. That's what people don't want to have happen here.

Now, that said, some lawmakers today were saying we shouldn't even be having this conversation in many ways. Because it suggest to terrorists that they can affect the election, and the election needs to go on no matter. Just take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D) CALIFORNIA: But I think we ought to have the election. I don't think there's an argument that can be made for the first time in our history to delay an election. We hold elections in the middle of war; in the middle of earthquake; in the middle of whatever it takes. The election is a statutory election. It should go ahead on schedule. And we should not change it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOREMAN: There is a big question here as to whether or not we even could change it in this country if people wanted to. When I talked to somebody from Homeland Security earlier today, he said they believe that it would take an act of Congress to do this, maybe acts by all 50 legislatures. And maybe beyond that, acts by many thousands of counties and towns just to delay the presidential election it.

So, it may be that it really is almost impossible to delay it. And developing a plan may prove impossible somewhere along the line here. But right now, they're certainly looking at it here in Washington and saying maybe it's the only course of being ready, in case something as terrible as what happened in Spain were to happen here.

WHITFIELD: Tom Foreman, in Washington. Thanks very much.

Iraq's interim government has been in power two weeks, but security and stability are still major concerns. Two U.S. soldiers were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb near the city of Samarra today. Three others were wounded. A U.S. soldier and an Iraqi citizen were killed today in another roadside bomb attack, this one near Mosul. One U.S. soldier was injured in that explosion. These latest fatalities bring the multinational death toll to 1,009.

Demonstrators hit the streets of Baquba today, calling for Saddam Hussein's return. Nearly 150 Iraqis, some carries pictures of Hussein, condemned the new interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. In Baghdad, the scene was completely different. Protesters hanged and set fire to an effigy of Saddam Hussein. Iraqis there demanded Hussein be tried, quote, "Without any foreign interference." Hussein is facing war crimes charges before a special Iraqi tribunal.

And new concerns about weapons of mass destruction. Iraq's new national security adviser says if there were any there, they've probably been smuggled out of country. He warns that radical militant Abu Musab al Zarqawi may be trying to get his hands on them.

The fate of several foreign hostages in Iraq remains uncertain today. Bulgaria's foreign minister says two Bulgarian truck drivers are alive, even though a deadline set by the militants holding them has expired. Video of the two men was broadcast on al Jazeera TV on Thursday. The militants threatened to behead the Bulgarians within 24 hours, if the U.S. did not release all of its prisoners. Bulgarian diplomats are working to get the hostages freed.

The Philippine government says it will not bow to the demands of the militants holding a Philippino hostage.

Our Maria Ressa has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Forty-six-year old Angelo De La Cruz took a job as a driver in Iraq, so he could send money home to his wife and eight children. Contract workers like him are the Philippine's top dollar earner. Nearly one in 10 of the country's 80 million people work overseas; at least 4,000 of them in Iraq.

On Thursday, De La Cruz was kidnapped by Islamic militants, who threatened to behead him if the Philippines did not pull its 50 soldiers and police out of Iraq. His wife's appeal for his life strikes a deep cord in the Philippines, where Catholics and Muslims united in calling for his release.

ARCENIA DE LA CRUZ, HOSTAGE WIFE (through translator): I appeal to our Muslim brothers around the world. Please help us, don't hurt my husband. Have pity on our children.

(CHEERING)

RESSA: On Saturday, it seems her prayers were answered. The family celebrated, after his wife said President Gloria Arroyo had assured her that De La Cruz was safe. But it soon became clear he had not been freed. A fax, allegedly written by the kidnappers, was sent to al Jazeera. It set a new demand that the Philippines pull out troops within 10 days, and demanded a response by Sunday. The Philippine cabinet met for more than five hours before it rejected the demand.

DELIA ALBERT, FORIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY: We reiterate our plan to return our humanitarian contingent, as scheduled on 20, August 2004.

RESSA (on camera): The government says it will fly De La Cruz's wife and brother to Iraq, at the family's request. Cabinet members say they decided not to speak to the press to minimize any further confusion. Meantime, the Philippino team in Iraq says it's doing all it can to work for De La Cruz' safe release.

Maria Ressa, CNN, Manila.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Next, Mr. Condom is what people call him.

This Thai politician and businessman has worked to rid his country of AIDS. Is it working? And Australians look for a shark that killed a surfer.

And we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's been a passionate first day at this year's International AIDS Conference in Bangkok. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is challenging world leaders to do more to fight the raging global epidemic. He told them to get their heads out of the sand, and educate women. Warning that more and more of the women are getting diseases from their husbands.

While conference members try to help the 38 million people infected with HIV worldwide, they're also looking for ways to improve prevention efforts.

CNN's Aneesh Raman looks at a country with a rare success story.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MACHI VIRAVAIDY, THAILAND: Help save lives!

ANESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: He's called Mr. Condom.

VIRAVAIDY: This is international size.

(LAUGHTER)

RAMAN: And for Thai Senator Machi Viravaidy, the country's leading advocate for AIDS prevention, the title is welcome.

VIRAVAIDY: The condoms are lifesavers. We want to make people less shy. We want them to feel that the condom and a tennis ball are no different, because they both come from the rubber tree.

RAMAN: As the world gathers in Bangkok this week for the 15- International AIDS Conference, the location is no coincidence. In a region where AIDS infections are rising at alarming rates, Thailand is a rare success story.

The disease first surfaced here 20 years ago. After initial inaction by the government, Viravaidy led an intense effort in the 1990s with education that emphasized prevention, passing out condoms in the red light district, small villages and in his own restaurant, a chain called "Cabbages and Condoms." The overall result: in the past 12 years, Thailand has scene a 90 percent decline in new cases.

VIRAVAIDY: You have to regard, as war on your land, and leaders have to be active. You have to have financial commitment as well. Use whatever money you have to start the program.

RAMAN: But today, there is fear that Thailand's early success has given way to complacency. This week, experts including Viravaidy, will warn that Thailand stands at a crossroads with a very real possibility of a massive resurgence in AIDS cases. In the past few years, the demographic of new infections has started to shift away from the country's sex workers, drug users, and homosexual men, towards a general heterosexual community.

(on camera): There will be much talk this week of what Thailand did right; lessons learned. But because of that success, the world's eye will be on how Thailand prepares for what could be its next great battle in the war on AIDS.

Aneesh Raman, CNN, Bangkok.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: An emotional commemoration in Srebrenica tops our news from around the world. Thousands of relatives of the victims mark the 9-anniversary of the massacres by holding funerals for 338 recently identified victims. Up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed in Srebrenica, making it the worst massacre in Europe, since World War II. Funeral in Moscow for Paul Klebnikov, editor of the Russian edition of "Forbes" magazine. He was shot and killed outside the magazine's offices yesterday. Russia's prosecutor general says he's taking personal control of the investigation.

And a deadly shark attack in Australia, a search is underway for two massive sharks that killed a surfer. Brad Smith was knocked off his board, while surfing with friends at a popular beach near Gracetown. Both sharks are believed to be great whites.

Small gerbil-like animals. Find out what they can teach you about being faithful to your spouse.

And you've already heard about Marion Jones' Olympic trial disappointment. We'll show just how close the race was.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Health officials in California now count 17 cases of West Nile virus in that state. The latest victim of the mosquito- borne disease is a 15-year-old boy from San Bernardino County, where 11 other cases turned up. The county health department says the teenager has the worst form of the disease, which invades the nervous system. But his condition is improving.

Scientists in Atlanta believe they found a genetic reason why most animals are promiscuous, while a small number are faithful to their mates. The researchers say their findings may have bearing on human sexual behavior.

CNN's Denise BELGRAVE reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENISE BELGRAVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Love is in the air. Or maybe it's the genes. Doctor Larry Young, a scientist at Yerkes Primate Research Center says it's not only a question of romantic love.

DR. LARRY YOUNG, YERKES PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER: We're very interested in the human social brain. What makes us be able to bond? Have -- form relationships? What makes us want to engage in social activities to begin with?

BELGRAVE: Dr. Young says about 95 percent of species are promiscuous. That means that they mate, but they don't form a bond with their partner. Prairie voles, one of the animals Dr. Young studied, are monogamous. But their cousins, the metavoles, are not. What Dr. Young discovered is that a particular receptor in the reward center of the brain is responsible for the difference in the vole's behavior?

Here's how it works. When the male vole mates, the hormone, dopamine is released to the reward center. The animal feels good. At the same time, the hormone vasopressin is released. And it causes the male to want to bond with the female. In the promiscuous voles, there are no receptors to process the vasopressin; so it has no effect. In the monogamous voles, the receptors are there. So the vasopressin hormone is processed and the male vole bonds with its mate.

Dr. Young says his findings square with prior research on humans.

YOUNG: There have been some brain imaging studies, where people have looked at photographs of someone who they are deeply in love with. And it turns out that similar brain areas are activated in the human, just by looking at photographs of someone they're in love with.

BELGRAVE: More studies are required to relate Dr. Young's findings directly to human behavior.

YOUNG: It's going to be very exciting to compare gene structure within -- across individuals with various aspects of their normal social behavior. Like, how long do they stay in relationships? Are they social? Anti-social?

BELGRAVE (on camera): Dr. Young hopes that someday the studies he's doing here will help people better understand behavioral and social problems, such as autism or schizophrenia.

Denise Belgrave, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Elsewhere across America, a published report accuses some of the nation's railways of hindering investigations into fatal crash with motor vehicles. "The New York Times" SAYS railroads have violated federal regulations by failing to report hundreds of deadly accidents promptly over the past eight years.

Some 2100 gays and lesbians are at sea on a weeklong, family- friendly cruise, organized by media celebrity, Rosie O'Donnell's company. The Norwegian don steamed out of New York a few minutes ago. And Key West, Florida will apparently give O'Donnell the key to the city when the ship docks there.

Marion Jones won't be on the women's 100-meter sprint team in the summer games. For the defending Olympic champion medalist, rather, in the 100 finished fifth in the finals last night at U.S. Olympic trials in Sacramento, California. Jones can still qualify for the team in the long jump and 200 meters, possibly a relay or two.

Well, does a Southerner on the ticket mean an automatic win for the Democrats? Bill Schneider joins us live to talk about it. Plus, more on what lies ahead for the presidential candidates from two political strategists from opposite sides of the aisle.

And later on, a look at the little jazz radio station that could, and its 25 years of rolling the tracks.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Hello, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here's what happening now in the news.

Election day delayed? U.S. officials are discussing ways to postpone elections, should a terrorist attack disrupt the election process. And if you think the hanging chads were a nightmare, a Homeland Security spokesman says delaying elections could require amending all 50 states Constitutions, as well as the U.S. Constitution.

The independent commission investigating the September 11 attacks could finish its final report by the end of the week. The congressionally mandated panel is trying to reach unanimous agreement on the final report. It looks at the circumstances surrounding 9/11, and ways to prevent future terrorist attacks. The deadline is July 26.

Israeli officials say an explosion near a bus stop in Tel Aviv killed one person, and left at least 20 others injured. Police say an 11-pound bomb, placed in bushes, near the bus stop blew up during today's rush hour commute. The al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an offshoot of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, claims responsibility.

In Western Afghanistan, a bomb exploded today on a busy street killing five people, including a 12-year-old boy. Dozen of others were injured in the blast. Afghan leader Hamid Karzai blames attackers opposed to democracy. The blast comes two days after Afghanistan set a new date for elections.

Keeping you informed, the most trusted name in news.

WHITFIELD: Well, as we mentioned earlier in the show, President Bush has declined an invitation to speak at the annual NAACP convention. Some are calling it a snub. But the president says he hasn't been treated with respect. How is that playing out politically?

Let's ask our CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider.

Bill, this is startling, to a lot of folks. And particularly, why?

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Why? Because he's not only declining the invitation, he's dissing the organization, one of the most oldest -- the oldest and most respected civil rights organizations. To essentially insult them and say look, you don't respect me, I don't respect you, to hell with you. This is very startling for a president. It means he's giving up on the African- American constituency.

WHITFIELD: Now, is it on record whether any other presidential candidates have ever done this before? Refused this kind of invitation?

SCHNEIDER: Well, a lot of presidents -- and presidents and presidential candidates failed to show up. But the closest I can remember when it was suggested that Barry Goldwater, way back in 1964, campaigned in minority areas. And he said no, I should go hunting where the ducks are. Meaning that there were no votes there so why should he waste his time? Even that was not quite as much a direct insult as statement this is by President Bush.

WHITFIELD: President Bush has claimed that he really is a unifier. This certainly doesn't seem like an example of unification does, it?

SCHNEIDER: That's right. He ran on a promised in 2000 to unify - to be a unifier not a divider, after Bill Clinton and the country was so divided under him. But I think the country is even more divided now. And that gives John Kerry his opening to run as a unifier. But there's a warning to Kerry. The Democrats did not nominate Howard Dean because he was a divisive candidate from the left. Americans will not trade a president like Bush, who divides the country from the right, for a Democrat who divides the country from the left. Kerry has to be careful to be a unifier.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well, let's talk now about the Kerry- Edwards team. You have got a Yankee and a southerner being teamed up now. How much of a difference does that going to make particularly in the south?

SCHNEIDER: Well, is this a move by John Kerry to reclaim the south for the Democrats? That's Bush's base. I mean you have to ask this question, who's he kidding?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Does John Edwards make the Democrats competitive in the south? He made that argument when he was running for president.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The south is not George Bush's backyard. It is my backyard...

(CHEERING)

EDWARDS: ... and I will beat George Bush in my backyard.

(CHEERING)

SCHNEIDER: Experts on southern politics dispute that claim.

HASTING WYMAN, "SOUTHERN POLITICAL REPORT": Well, I don't see Edwards making an effective argument. But I think most southern voters have an easy time identifying with President Bush.

SCHNEIDER: President Bush's claim on the south. One word.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF HE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: I am going to carry south because the people understand that -- that they share -- we share values.

SCHNEIDER: The Democratic ticket is licensed geographically, but Republicans argue not philosophically. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator Edwards has the right accent, but the wrong voting record.

SCHNEIDER: In the end, people vote more for president than vice president. And Republicans believe they have the means to poison John Kerry in the south.

WYMAN: There are some very strong stuff on Kerry on social. Probably emphasizing a lot of his anti-war activities after Vietnam.

SCHNEIDER: But Democrats don't have to win throughout the south, they just have to break Bush's solid grip on the region. When Bill Clinton won in 1992, he carried only four southern states. And he carried only four when he got re-elected in 1996. With Edwards on the ticket, Democrats may be able to cherry pick some southern states.

MERLE BLACK, PROFESSOR, EMORY UNIVERSITY: And if they can carry one or two of the southern states, a North Carolina or a Florida, then it's virtually impossible to see how President Bush can win re- elections.

SCHNEIDER: Plus the fact that Edwards may help Democrats outside the south.

WYMAN: A lot of middle of the road voters outside the south, like the presence of a southerner on the Democratic ticket. It reassures them that the Democrat will not be too liberal.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SCHNIEDER: So while southern voters maybe driven away by Edwards' liberal voting record, northern voters might be attracted by his accent. How strange is that?

(LAUGHTER)

WHITFIELD: Well, even stranger still, you know, we just heard from Edwards a couple days ago in his home state. You know, introducing that I'm with him as opposed to what they usually say in his parts is, "he's with me." Is this kind of sugary sweet relationship between Kerry and Edwards possibly going to backfire to some voters who say, you know what? I don't know if I really buy that.

SCHNEIDER: Yes. Well, it is a friendly and close relationship. And I think Edwards has given an injection of positive attitude and populism, two qualities that John Kerry lacks. I think he's infused the campaign with a lot of energy. So I think Kerry is taking advantage of that. And he's now becoming something we have never seen him become before, my God, a happy warrior.

WHITFIELD: Well, it's interesting, if so many analysts are saying that it really doesn't matter who the vice presidential pick is, then why is it that some recent polls are already showing that Kerry has gained a few points after Tuesday's announcement? SCHNEIDER: Because every presidential candidate, when he names his running mate, always gets a little bit of a bounce in the polls. And then it lasts for maybe a month through the Democratic convention at end of this month. Then Bush will have his convention and he'll get a little bounce in the polls. And things, you have to imagine, will end up closer when we get into the real campaign in September.

You know, a vice presidential pick rarely makes much of a difference. It's only on the margins. But you know what? In an election that is this close, the margins matter a whole lot.

WHITFIELD: Mm. Four more months of a lot of ebbing and flowing.

SCHNEIDER: That's right.

WHITFIELD: All right. Bill Schneider. Thanks a lot.

SCHNEIDER: Sure, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well, more on President Bush's NAACP decision and the Kerry-Edwards ticket, when we talk to a pair of political strategists coming up next.

Plus, on a dial full of pop music and talk shows. A jazz station struggles to be heard.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mother Nature and Father Time have spent millions of years in southern Utah carving out the natural horseshoe shaped amphitheaters known as Bryce Canyon. The combination of frost wedging and ring water erosion created the unique collection of: limestone, sandstone and mudstone towers called "hoodoos." Ranging in height from five to 150 feet tall, the hoodoos can be seen up close and personal for more than 10 hiking trails within the park.

Visitors may also catch a glimpse of some of the parks many inhabitants. The canyon is home to more than 100 species of birds, dozens of mammals and more than 1,000 varieties of plants.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: From a new Democratic duo to a stunning report about intelligence failures before the war in Iraq, last week was full of news that promises to have a great impact on the race for the White House.

Joining us from New York is Democratic strategist Doug Schoen. He's the author of "On The Campaign Trail." And Republican strategist Frank Donatelli is with us from Washington.

Good to see you, gentlemen.

DOUG SCHOEN, AUTHOR, "ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL": Thank you.

FRANK DONATELLI, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Thank you. WHITFIELD: Well, Doug, let me begin with you. Perhaps you heard some of Bill Schneider's report, a little bit earlier, that perhaps neither of the candidates really needs to win the south. Even though both are trying to make an impressive showing in the south, both teams. Do you agree with that? .

SCHOEN: I think for the Kerry-Edwards ticket, they're running a national campaign. They're trying to run an inclusive campaign, as Bill Schneider suggested. And given the polls in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky and Florida, they have every reason to believe that they can be competitive in the south.

WHITFIELD: Well, if you only need a decent showing and don't necessarily need to win the south, Frank. Then why is it that we saw President Bush so quickly head to North Carolina and to West Virginia this past week?

DONATELLI: Well, Fredericka, Republicans need to win the south. And they need to win most of the states in the south. But I'm very confident. You know, in the year 2000, Al Gore, of course, was a southern candidate. And he didn't win any southern states, including his own state of Tennessee. So I think it's going to be very, very hard fought in the south, as it is in the rest of the country. But I do think right now, the Bush-Cheney ticket has an edge in most of the state.

WHITFIELD: Even though the Kerry-Edwards ticket, to some, has an edge over the southern states, because you have got both a Yankee and a southerner who've coupled up?

SCHOEN: I think...

DONATELLI: Well, you know...

WHITFIELD: Frank.

DONATELLI: Oh, OK. You know -- I -- Senator Kerry only won one primary. He won South Carolina and he won it by a very, very small margin. So I understand what the hoopla is and so forth and so on. But in point of fact, I really believe that probably by the middle of August, it's going to become apparent that Bush-Cheney are ahead in most of the southern states.

WHITFIELD: Doug, you wanted to say something.

SCHOEN: I wanted to make the point, this has been a terrible week for Bush-Cheney, with the intelligence report from the Senate, suggesting we've had terrible intelligence failures, with middle class Americans having a tough time making a go of it economically, and the Democratic unity that is now as good as it's ever been. I think that Frank is frankly overstating the case. And that the Democrats are in as strong a position, as they've been in the long time.

WHITFIELD: Well, let's talk about unity and lack thereof, especially with the NAACP invitation going to the president. Some real conflicting reports, Frank, on what really happened. The White House initially said that the president's schedule was just too busy. He couldn't possibly make it. And then, apparently, you know, the explanation was that he had been snubbed by the NAACP, and they really were not his allies. Either way, this is not at all unifying, is it?

DONATELLI: Well, I only know about the subject what I saw on your reports earlier in the hour. In point of fact, now the president did visit organization in 2000; he was not treated very well. That being said, I'm one that believes that Republicans desperately need to broaden the base among black voters. I do think though that if happens, it probably won't be through that organization.

WHITFIELD: But he was just in Pennsylvania a few days ago, why not go ahead and make the stop and try to work out whatever differences? So if he is trying to court the minority vote, at least he won't be snubbed at polls, as a result of him snubbing the invitation.

DONATELLI: Well, look. Again, I think the White House knows that they need to do more to appeal to minority voters. Obviously, they didn't think this was a particularly good venue to do that.

WHITFIELD: Well, Doug, how do you think this is being interpreted?

SCHOEN: Look, I think that the Bush-Cheney campaign is now emphasizing issues like gay marriage. They're trying to divide America on these narrow social issues, issues like abortion. And it's keeping with that approach that they are basically saying to African- Americans. We're not interested. We're not trying to be inclusive.

And I think it is the Edwards/Kerry ticket that is really demonstrating that they are committed to inclusive politics, to emphasizing core American values of honesty and trust. And I think that really, that is what is going to produce political change in November.

WHITFIELD: And Doug, you brought up...

DONATELLI: Oh, Frederic...

WHITFIELD: ... gay -- go ahead, Frank.

DONATELLI: I was just going to say real quickly, you know it's Cheney -- it's Edwards and Kerry that are talking about class warfare. It's Edwards that has this famous speech that's being praised by all the Democrats of two Americas. I mean if that isn't dividing the country, I don't know what is.

In point of fact, both candidates are trying to appeal to voters that are going to support them in November. There's not one ticket that's dividing and one unifying. Both candidates are trying to put their base together.

WHITFIELD: And speaking...

SCHOEN: Well... WHITFIELD: I'm sorry, go ahead, Doug.

SCHOEN: No. I was going to say really what's involved here is that the Democrats are trying to bring all Americans together. To end tax breaks for the wealthy, to end two Americas so that all can share in the American dream. And it's really because of the divisive policies of President Bush that the Democrats are now emphasizing themes that will bring people together, and give everybody a chance to pay for health care, pay for college education and share in the American dream.

WHITFIELD: And talk about other divisive -- potentially divisive issues. Let's talk about gay marriage. President Bush, once again, bringing it up as now another hot-button issue, in which to attack. None of when the candidates actually wants to endorse gay marriages. But at the same time, neither of the teams really want to alienate themselves from the notion of some sort of equal rights to everyone, to Americans.

So, Frank, how is the Bush administration going to try to tackle this issue without further alienating itself from a segment of the population?

DONATELLI: Fredericka, I've seen surveys that show nearly 60 percent of Americans, and in some cases more than 60 percent of Americans believe that marriage, the institution of marriage should be reserved and be and defined as an institution that unites one man and one woman. And that runs across the spectrum, from Republicans to Democrats, to Independents.

So I don't think the fact we need some action here to uphold the sanctity of marriage because of four unelected judges in Massachusetts is divisive. Indeed, if you have 60 percent of the country or more, in support of any policy or proposal in today's America, that's pretty overwhelming.

WHITFIELD: Doug, do you see the Kerry-Edwards campaign trying to stay out of this latest, freshest argument?

SCHOEN: Well, I -- you know, John Kerry and John Edwards have both said that they believe marriage is an institution that should be reserved for women and men. But I think they've also said that this is a...

WHITFIELD: Well, we haven't heard them comment within the past 24 hours since President Bush made it another issue again.

SCHOEN: Well, I think if you look at "The Washington Post" interview today, you'll see that they have commented. They said that they would go vote against gay marriage, if it comes on the floor of the Senate as the final vote.

But they've also said that it's a political trick being used to really polarize the electorate, when we have much more important issues like the economy, Iraq, terror, that really should get an airing and not be central to the presidential campaign in the way that gay marriage is. It's those other issues that should be front and center in the campaign.

WHITFIELD: All right. Gentlemen, let's talk about the election delay, potentially with "Newsweek" reporting that Tom Ridge's office apparently asked the Justice Department to look into what it would take if, indeed, the Election Day would have to be moved, as a result any of terror threats. What message is this conveying even to investigate the changes that would have to be made -- Frank.

SCHOEN: I think -- I was going to say, I think Frank would have to agree with me that we earnestly hope there is no terror attack. We earnestly hope that this issue isn't even contemplated. And as Americans, I think we all hope and pray that we will have a secure election campaign without any incidents, such as marred the Spanish election. And I think Democrats and can unite around that principle.

WHITFIELD: All right, Doug. But Frank, doesn't the notion of changing the election date suggest in any way to terrorists that perhaps they may have already won that battle, by allowing the administration to even consider moving the day?

DONATELLI: Well, Doug and I are going to agree on this point. I cannot conceive of any circumstances under which the elections would not be held on its proscribed date. Maybe you can make an argument that you have to have information based on a whole string of circumstances, if worse comes to worse. But the terrorists should have no illusions. The elections are going to go forward, and no matter -- on the proscribed date. And no matter what they try, Americans are going to remain united against that threat.

WHITFIELD: Democratic strategist Doug Schone. And Republican strategist Frank Donatelli. Thank very much gentlemen for joining us.

SCHOEN: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Appreciate it.

DONATELLI: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Choosing a running mate is serious stuff, but not on late night television. And Kerry's decision to pick Edwards provided a gold mine of material for the comedians. They had a field day making fun of the new political couple. And here's a sample.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": As I'm sure you know, John Edwards earned a fortune from medical malpractice suits. And he and Dick Cheney have something in common. They both know what it's like to chase down an ambulance.

(LAUGHTER)

LENO: You know what I'm saying? So, apparently...

JON STEWART, HOST "THE DAILY SHOW": Wait, I -- I think I see something. Yes, I -- the hills are alive with the sound of... (LAUGHTER)

LENO: Have you seen their new ads? Have you seen the new campaign ad?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, what's that.

LENO: I don't know. Just. Well, take a look.

LIONEL RICHIE, SINGER: You are so beautiful to me...

(LAUGHTER)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I can't tell you how excited we are to be a team and doing it. And it's a thrill for me...

STEWART: Seriously, I can't tell you how excited I am.

(LAUGHTER)

RICHIE: You are so beautiful to me...

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

WHITFIELD: Tough crowd.

Well, the trials and triumphs of a jazz radio station, as it celebrates 25 years of broadcasting. We'll have that coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, here's a new world record to tell you about. Philip Rabinowitz, from South Africa, has set the record for his age group in competitive or speed walking. He traveled the 100 meters in just over 30 seconds. And about that age group. Well, he's 100 years old. And just because you're getting older doesn't mean you're getting slower.

Norway's Thor Hushovd sprinted to the finish line today, winning the eighth stage of the Tour de France. Overall, American Lance Armstrong remains in sixth place. Tomorrow is a day of rest. Then the cyclists tackled the mountains of southern France, usually Armstrong's specialty.

Public radio station WBGO in Newark, New Jersey is celebrating a major anniversary. For 25 years, the station has been doing its part to keep the beat of jazz going strong.

Photographer Doug Carroll recently stopped by for a visit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) MICHAEL BOURNE, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: There are less than 10 jazz stations, full-time jazz stations in this country.

Support for Jazz 88 comes from the New Jersey Music Society.

We get a lot of listeners who are channel surfing and they get down to the bottom of FM and there's this music. And they stay there.

On Jazz 88.

DORATHAAN KIRK, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: We actually moved into this building here at 54 Park Place in Newark in January 1979.

GARY WALKER, WBGO JAZZ RADIO 88: WBGO?

The naysayers thought, no news and information, they're not much. You know, the mainstay is not news and information. It's jazz music. You've got to be kidding. And guess what? Twenty-five years later, we aren't kidding.

(LAUGHTER)

KIRK: I think you have to look for jazz more now than you did, say, in my generation. Jazz was all over the place. It was everywhere. It was in the community.

BOURNE: I don't know. They said once upon a time, jazz was the mainstream music. It was the pop music of the time. And it's been a long time since then.

KIRK: The artists of yesteryear came up in a time where they didn't have certain advantages, such as always flying to a gig. And instead, they rode the bus. Those artists had something more to play about than just the music that was on the sheet music. They played about life.

BOURNE: We have plenty of people who have been listening all their lives. But we need to get Younger audiences. We do that. We aim at kids.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up? Jazz is up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jazz is up.

KIRK: I coordinate a series for children, a jazz series for children. And our spring series is in collaboration with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and their teen program. This is for young people learning to play jazz.

BOURNE: You don't really think you have to pay for radio because it's there when you turn it on. The message we have to get across is, yes, you have to pay for it. Otherwise it's not there. We exist because of listener support.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thanks for calling WBGO. BOURNE: It's phenomenal the e-mails from Brazil. Somebody who is listening right now in Brussels. We got a pledge; somebody sent money to keep the music playing in Malaysia.

WALKER: What's at stake if a station like WBGO goes off the air? Will there be a ripple through the economy? No. Will the stock market drop 500 points in one day? No. But I think one of the most important things, that this country has given the world, will end up on the dusty shelf somewhere.

(CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And that's it for us. Coming up a little later, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS." Tonight profile: the Kennedy family.

And at 6:00 Eastern, "Newsweek" editor Michael Isikoff will join Carol Lin live, regarding his latest report that the November elections could be moved in fear of terror attacks.

But first "NEXT@CNN" is coming up and here is Dan Sieberg with a preview.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECH CORRESPONDENT: Ahead on "NEXT@CNN," protecting Iraq's oil. How can oil pay for the country's reconstruction if it's at the mercy of saboteurs?

And video games don't have to turn kids into couch potatoes. Some games are absolutely aerobic.

Those stories and a lot more coming up after a break. Don't go away.

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