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President Bush's Signing of the BioShield Bill; Volunteers Fanning Out Across Salt Lake County In Search of Woman

Aired July 21, 2004 - 10:00   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.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield in for Daryn Kagan this morning. Here's what's happening now in the news.
Just minutes ago in Washington, President Bush signed into law a measure to develop and stockpile antidotes to biological and chemical weapons. Officials hope Project BioShield will help speed the creation of drugs fighting anthrax, botulism and small pox. A live report from the White House straight ahead.

In the Middle East, Saudi officials have found the head of a slain American hostage Paul Johnson Jr. The official says the grisly discovery came last night during raids against suspected militants. U.S. officials say the Johnson family is being notified and an investigation is under way. After his abduction in Saudi Arabia, Johnson was beheaded on June 12.

In the United Arab Emirates, a former Philippino hostage is spending time with his family. Angelo de la Cruz reunited with his wife and brother in Abu Dhabi this morning. The reunion comes a day after he was set free, and after the Philippine government withdrew their troops from Iraq earlier than planned. Cruz says his captors treated him well.

And Israel says it will continue building its West Bank barrier, despite a United Nations resolution to tear it down. Now Palestinian is calling for international sanctions until Israel complies. Israel calls it a security fence that helps thwart attacks from suicide bombers. But Palestine has called it an "apartheid wall."

Keeping you informed, this is CNN the most trusted name in news.

Live this hour, President Bush hosts an Oval Office tribute to the crew of Apollo 11 and it's historic landing on the moon. That took place on July 20, 1969, 35 years ago yesterday.

But first, we begin this hour with the president's signing of that BioShield bill and what it means to you.

CNN Kathleen Koch is at the White House with a closer look now.

Kathleen, good morning.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Fredricka. The measure basically boosts U.S. preparedness for biological, chemical or radiological attacks. It's called Project BioShield. And what it does is it authorize the expenditure of some $5.6 billion over the next 10 years, for things like new vaccine, new medicines and diagnostics to better protect the American public.

President Bush signed it just a few moments ago in the Rose Garden. And he said it's part of a broad strategy to defend the nation against determined terrorists.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Even deadlier technology, and if they acquire chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, we have no doubt that we use them to cause even greater harm. The bill I'm about to sign is an important element in our response to that threat. By authorizing unprecedented funding and providing new capabilities, Project BioShield will help America purchase, develop and deploy cutting edge defenses against catastrophic attack.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: The law gives the government authority to, among other things, expedite the most promising treatments for bioterror attacks. Getting the go ahead to develop those new treatments used to take anywhere in the range of 18 to 24 months. Under this new law now, it should take only about six months.

It also gives the Food and Drug Administration the ability, in the case of an extreme emergency, to go ahead and put out their make available to the public for treatment unapproved drugs. Again, if no other approved type of treatment is available. Again, just in case of an emergency, though -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Let's talk about the 9/11 report out tomorrow, but already apparently Condoleezza Rice is getting a briefing today, right?

KOCH: Yes, she will. Both Condoleezza Rice, also White House counsel Alberta Gonzalez, and White House Chief of Staff Andy Card. They will all be present when the chairman and vice-chairman of the 9/11 Commission come here to the White House this afternoon for this briefing.

It should be very interesting what with the word out today that in the report that they will outline some 10 missed opportunities for preventing the attack. Some six of them reportedly occurring during the Bush administration; that reported today in "The Washington Post."

Spokesman Scott McClellan this morning in his gaggle with reporters responded to that saying, "There is nothing that has come to our attention to suggest that we could have prevented that horrible attack from happening." But President Bush himself will likely get a very short briefing from Rice and others about what they hear from the chairman and vice chairman this afternoon. He will get a full copy of the report tomorrow morning.

WHITFIELD: Kathleen Koch at the White House, very noisy White House this morning. Thanks very much.

Well, more on the 9/11 report. Both the Bush and Clinton administrations will be faulted in tomorrow's release of the panel's finding. Today's "Washington Post" says the report details as many as 10 missed opportunities, as you heard Kathleen report, to potentially detect or derail the September 11 hijackings.

However the report does not say the attacks were preventable. The paper cites government sources and those familiar with the report. It attributes six of the missed opportunities to the Bush White House, four to the Clinton presidency.

The 9/11 report is sharing headlines this morning with the criminal investigation of Samuel Berger. The former national security adviser is accused of lifting classified documents related to that panel's investigation. Some Democrats say the competing headlines are more than just coincidence.

CNN national correspondent Bob Franken is with us from Washington with more on that -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Former national security adviser under Clinton, former/informal adviser to the Kerry campaign stepped away from that. Yesterday and currently, somebody who is facing some legal problems still under investigation has been for months by the FBI. He's accused of pulling classified documents from the National Archives, a huge no-no in the world of classifications, studying for the 9/11 Commission.

But now, as the commission gets to put out this report, Sandy Berger assumes the title of "This Week's Distraction."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAMUEL BERGER, FMR. NAT'L SECURITY ADVISER: Everything that I have done, all along in this process, has been for the purpose of aiding and supporting the work of the 9/11 Commission. And any suggestion to the contrary is simply, absolutely wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Well, the Republicans are certainly suggesting to the contrary, suggesting that perhaps there was some sort of, to use one of the words, "sinister effort" to hide information from the 9/11 Commission. The Democrats charging sinister motives of their own. That all of this was a very cleverly timed leak to take some attention away from the 9/11 Commission, which is expected to be critical of, among others, this administration -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And Bob, many of these documents have yet to be returned or even located, correct?

FRANKEN: Well, as a matter of fact, just one of them. But the document is extremely important. It's an After Action report. It was a copy of what had been compiled as recommendations, following efforts to block terrorism centered around the millennium. Highly classified. It's missing. Berger says he discarded it. Others are wondering if that was something that was done, as I said, for the more sinister reason.

WHITFIELD: Bob Franken from Washington. Thanks very much.

Well, Berger's resignation, as an informal adviser to John Kerry presidential campaign, came after some Republicans he may have provided classified information to the presumptive Democratic nominee. Earlier on CNN's American morning, Berger's lawyer emphatically denied that suggestion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LANNY BREUR, SAMUEL BERGER'S ATTY.: John Kerry campaign is absolutely nothing to do with this incident. And it's really sad, in my view, that a man of Sandy Berger's stature, a man who so selflessly devoted his life to the betterment of the United States security and safety, is being accused of such things for purely partisan purposes days before the 9/11 Commission report is coming out.

There's no basis in it. He didn't share it. And the Kerry campaign has absolutely no connection whatsoever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Berger's former boss and close confidant, Bill Clinton has rallied to the defense of his former adviser. The former president commented on investigation at a book signing in Denver.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FRM. UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: I believe his explanation. He did a fabulous job against terror. All those records were documented. And the ones in question involved what we did in the lead-up to the millennium, where we had no terrorist incidents and we prevented a lot of them.

So, I think that, you know, he's just cooperated. He said he's going to do it. But that man worked his heart out for eight years. And he was there for, you know, all day, 10 to 12 hours four days in a row. And he said what happened and I have no reason not to believe him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And Mr. Clinton echoed the suggestion of many Democrats that the disclosure of the months old investigation helps deflect attention away from tomorrow's release of the commission's report. The findings are expected to be critical of the Bush administration.

And this programming note, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has scheduled a news conference for about three hours from now. We'll carry it live from the Pentagon when it gets under way. And that's scheduled for 1:25 Eastern, 10:25 Pacific. Missing without a trace. The latest on the search for Lori Hacking, five weeks pregnant, she disappeared in Salt Lake City while jogging.

And hazards all around; a surprising look at the alarming number of children killed in mishaps involving cars.

And later, the men from the history making Apollo 11 mission are honored by the president of the United States. We'll hear from all of them live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In Utah, volunteers are fanning out across Salt Lake County this morning in search of a woman who disappeared while jogging. Twenty-seven year old Lori Hacking was last seen Monday morning. Yesterday some 1200 volunteers searched for her but turned up no new leads. Earlier today, her family appeared on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THELMA SOARES, LORI HACKING'S MOTHER: She's a wonderful young woman. She's bright. As you can see by the picture, she is beautiful. She was five months -- excuse me, five weeks pregnant. And she had graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business. So happy to be finally moving with Mark, so that he can go to medical school in North Carolina.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Let's get a live update now out of the Salt Lake City area. We go to Max Roth of CNN affiliate KSTU.

And apparently, Max, her husband reported her missing when she didn't show up for work. How are they conducting the search?

MAX ROTH, KSTU CORRESPONDENT: You know, the search has changed dramatically, Fredricka. After yesterday, there were about 1800 volunteers yesterday, who scoured the hills in the area where she normally jogs. The area where they believed she went missing. But they think that they have covered that area completely. They didn't find any sign of her, which is the bad news. The good news they didn't find her either.

So the search changes. It becomes search door-to-door. More really passing out flyers. They are trying to get her face out there. They're trying to get her picture out there, so that people in the Salt Lake City area have her in mind, as they go about her day to day business; looking at her picture and trying to see if they see anything because the police are really desperate for leads at this point. They don't have a good sense of what happened out here. The family is organizing that search.

The police say that their part in that search and rescue effort, or the search organizing is over, as of this morning. The police instead are focusing on investigating this case. And in that switch in focus, the police actually yesterday did look at Mark and Lori's apartment. They went into the apartment. They took some things out of the apartment including box springs from a bed. They actually took Mark's car as well.

We spoke with the police this morning. They say that's just standard operating procedure. They are not specifically zeroing in on Mark, or any other family member or friend. But that they just do that. They look at the family and they look at the victim's home any time that a situation like this occurs. The police are saying that they are hoping to find any evidence that would suggest that there would be any reason for Lori to change the pattern of what she did in the last few days.

You do know that there were extraordinary things happening in her life. Getting ready to move to North Carolina for medical school with her husband, also being five weeks pregnant with their first child. So, they are looking for leads that might be related to something like that.

Fredricka, we'll go back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thank as lot. Max Roth of KTSU.

And apparently that couple had been married for about five years, and no reports of marital problems.

Also out west, firefighters already battling a sea of flames in parts of California. And they are now dealing with a new wave of fires. The Crown Fire joins the list of those burning across the state. This bridge in northern L.A. County is among the casualties. The fire was scorched over 5,000 acres already and forced the evacuation of 175 homes. There are no reported injuries. Meanwhile, in Santa Clarita the 6,000 acre Foothill Fire is over 85 percent contained and could be extinguished this evening.

Well, just about every parent strives to make their child as safe as possible, in or near the family car. But car seats just one answer. Awareness is another. And it's the goal of grieving parents who took their tragic stories to Capitol Hill.

CNN's Julie Vallese explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A nurse, a business owner and a pediatrician, all parents whose children were victims of not crashes, but mishaps involving cars.

BRITT GATES, FOUNDER, ZOE FOUNDATION: Zoe leaned through the opened window and pet a dog. And in doing so, she knelt on the up switch of the power window. It wasn't a fair match, and now Zoe is gone.

VALLESE: Becky Hergot's son survived his encounter with a power window. She credits her training as a nurse for saving his life but none of pediatrician Greg Gulbransen's training could have saved his son Cameron, when the family car accidentally backed over the boy.

DR. GREG GULBRANSEN, PEDIATRICIAN: He was bleeding to death from a massive head injury. And he was holding his blue blanket, looking up in the sky with his little pajamas on.

VALLESE: Seven children have been killed by power windows this year, 91 died in back over accidents last year, according to the non- profit group Kids and Cars. Now it is lobbying Congress to mandate more child safety features on cars.

JANETTE FENNELL, KIDS AND CARS: It's time to prioritize our children as more important than a DVD player, than cup holders, than seat warmers and moon roofs.

VALLESE (on camera): The Senate version of the transportation bill does address safety issues, such as requiring car manufacturers to install auto reverse window, and to study the effectiveness of technology that keep a car from backing into a person. The House version does not.

(voice-over): Lawmakers are hashing out how the final bill will read, but most suspect that won't come until well after the November elections.

Julie Vallese, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: The Democrats are coming soon. But are the security preparations too much? Find out why some Boston residents say yes.

And we can all use a pay raise, right? But do you know how to ask for one? This lady right here does -- Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Fredricka. Good to see you. We'll show you how to get the raise and recognition you deserve, when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, for many in the American workplace, it's not how much you make; it's how much you are worth. So if you think it's time to see the boss about a raise, well, we've got some advice for you.

At least Gerri does. Gerri Willis is joining us now from New York.

And first of all, you say you know what? To help us all get better paychecks, we have to be somewhat realistic and know that timing everything.

WILLIS: You know, that's right, Fredricka. You know, the typical scenario is if somebody goes in and asks for a raise, after they completed a massive project. Maybe there were a lot of deadlines, a lot of frustration. Maybe you feel like, hey, it's time to go tell my boss what I'm really worth. But let me tell you, if you do it when you're frustrated and angry, you're less likely to get the raise. So understand timing is everything.

WHITFIELD: And I guess that applies to what may be going on in your workplace as well? Be cognizant of that.

WILLIS: You are right. You know, if you are thinking about asking for a raise, roll up your shirtsleeves. Do some research and check out how much you're actually worth. There's some great web sites out there, including salary.com, jobstar.org. Even the government web site bls.gov can help you figure out if you're asking for the right amount of money.

WHITFIELD: And there are a few no-nos, too. Right? You want to refrain from saying I need.

WILLIS: Right. You know, four words you don't want to say in this negotiation: I need more money. Don't say that. It's all about proving to your boss how much you are bringing in, how much you are worth. And you need to make up the difference, because you are doing more for the company than you are being paid for. So it's really a negotiation. A conversation you want to get started with.

The language you want to use is also really important, Fredricka. If you want a 5 percent raise and everybody is betting 3 percent. You have to say something like, I think 5 percent works for me. And then have you to be willing to wait for the long pause, while your boss mulls it over. You don't want to let him off the hook too easy.

WHITFIELD: So, in other words, you may want to practice a little bit too? Rehearse some of your lines? What you need to say?

WILLIS: Yes, exactly. Get the spouse, a friend, somebody to go over it with you. And you know, don't be surprised if you get into this conversation and you hear some criticism about your performance. Because your boss isn't going to roll over, they are going to negotiate with you.

WHITFIELD: And of course, you want to go into it positive thinking your boss is going to say yes. But you have got to be realistic and be able to accept a no, don't you?

WILLIS: Well, accept a no, yes. But continue negotiating. What would it take for me to get this raise, if you're not willing to give it to me now? And if you don't want to talk about money, are there other things you could give me that might make me happy, like a company car, or maybe more vacation? There are a lot of things that should be on the table when you're talking about your wages and salary.

WHITFIELD: All right, Gerri Willis. Thanks very much for helping us to figure out a way to make some more money.

WILLIS: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, perhaps here's one way. If you own some Microsoft stock, a big payday is coming. We'll have the details on Microsoft's plan to distribute $75 million to shareholders.

And was that a political statement, that one right there? Stay with us to see what Jenna Bush is doing behind that tinted glass.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Here's a look at stories now in the news.

President Bush has just hosted a gathering of the men who made world history 35 years ago this week. Apollo 11 astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins met with the president earlier this hour in the Oval Office. Tuesday was the anniversary of man's landing on the moon. We'll talk live with the Apollo 11 crew in just about 10 minutes.

Earlier this morning, a U.S. soldier was killed and six others wounded in a roadside bombing near Abduliyah (ph). That's north of Baghdad. This latest American fatality pushes the total to 903 U.S. soldiers who have died in the Iraq war. Six hundred seventy have been killed in combat, 233 in non-hostile incidents.

Power is trickling back on in downtown Hartford, Connecticut this morning. And underground fire and explosion knocked out electricity to about 7,000 homes and businesses. Most have seen it restored, but it could take more than a day to complete all the repairs.

And there's a homecoming celebration expected at Colorado's Fort Carson and just in time. Army officials there are mobilizing for a baby boom from the first wave of soldiers to return from the Iraq War. About 300 babies are due in December and January.

And you can expect us to keep you informed here on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

Generations ago, outraged Bostonians rebelled with a tea party. Today the 't' stands for terrorism and the growing list of precautions that will surround the city's hosting of the Democratic National Convention.

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Aired July 21, 2004 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield in for Daryn Kagan this morning. Here's what's happening now in the news.
Just minutes ago in Washington, President Bush signed into law a measure to develop and stockpile antidotes to biological and chemical weapons. Officials hope Project BioShield will help speed the creation of drugs fighting anthrax, botulism and small pox. A live report from the White House straight ahead.

In the Middle East, Saudi officials have found the head of a slain American hostage Paul Johnson Jr. The official says the grisly discovery came last night during raids against suspected militants. U.S. officials say the Johnson family is being notified and an investigation is under way. After his abduction in Saudi Arabia, Johnson was beheaded on June 12.

In the United Arab Emirates, a former Philippino hostage is spending time with his family. Angelo de la Cruz reunited with his wife and brother in Abu Dhabi this morning. The reunion comes a day after he was set free, and after the Philippine government withdrew their troops from Iraq earlier than planned. Cruz says his captors treated him well.

And Israel says it will continue building its West Bank barrier, despite a United Nations resolution to tear it down. Now Palestinian is calling for international sanctions until Israel complies. Israel calls it a security fence that helps thwart attacks from suicide bombers. But Palestine has called it an "apartheid wall."

Keeping you informed, this is CNN the most trusted name in news.

Live this hour, President Bush hosts an Oval Office tribute to the crew of Apollo 11 and it's historic landing on the moon. That took place on July 20, 1969, 35 years ago yesterday.

But first, we begin this hour with the president's signing of that BioShield bill and what it means to you.

CNN Kathleen Koch is at the White House with a closer look now.

Kathleen, good morning.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Fredricka. The measure basically boosts U.S. preparedness for biological, chemical or radiological attacks. It's called Project BioShield. And what it does is it authorize the expenditure of some $5.6 billion over the next 10 years, for things like new vaccine, new medicines and diagnostics to better protect the American public.

President Bush signed it just a few moments ago in the Rose Garden. And he said it's part of a broad strategy to defend the nation against determined terrorists.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Even deadlier technology, and if they acquire chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, we have no doubt that we use them to cause even greater harm. The bill I'm about to sign is an important element in our response to that threat. By authorizing unprecedented funding and providing new capabilities, Project BioShield will help America purchase, develop and deploy cutting edge defenses against catastrophic attack.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: The law gives the government authority to, among other things, expedite the most promising treatments for bioterror attacks. Getting the go ahead to develop those new treatments used to take anywhere in the range of 18 to 24 months. Under this new law now, it should take only about six months.

It also gives the Food and Drug Administration the ability, in the case of an extreme emergency, to go ahead and put out their make available to the public for treatment unapproved drugs. Again, if no other approved type of treatment is available. Again, just in case of an emergency, though -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Let's talk about the 9/11 report out tomorrow, but already apparently Condoleezza Rice is getting a briefing today, right?

KOCH: Yes, she will. Both Condoleezza Rice, also White House counsel Alberta Gonzalez, and White House Chief of Staff Andy Card. They will all be present when the chairman and vice-chairman of the 9/11 Commission come here to the White House this afternoon for this briefing.

It should be very interesting what with the word out today that in the report that they will outline some 10 missed opportunities for preventing the attack. Some six of them reportedly occurring during the Bush administration; that reported today in "The Washington Post."

Spokesman Scott McClellan this morning in his gaggle with reporters responded to that saying, "There is nothing that has come to our attention to suggest that we could have prevented that horrible attack from happening." But President Bush himself will likely get a very short briefing from Rice and others about what they hear from the chairman and vice chairman this afternoon. He will get a full copy of the report tomorrow morning.

WHITFIELD: Kathleen Koch at the White House, very noisy White House this morning. Thanks very much.

Well, more on the 9/11 report. Both the Bush and Clinton administrations will be faulted in tomorrow's release of the panel's finding. Today's "Washington Post" says the report details as many as 10 missed opportunities, as you heard Kathleen report, to potentially detect or derail the September 11 hijackings.

However the report does not say the attacks were preventable. The paper cites government sources and those familiar with the report. It attributes six of the missed opportunities to the Bush White House, four to the Clinton presidency.

The 9/11 report is sharing headlines this morning with the criminal investigation of Samuel Berger. The former national security adviser is accused of lifting classified documents related to that panel's investigation. Some Democrats say the competing headlines are more than just coincidence.

CNN national correspondent Bob Franken is with us from Washington with more on that -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Former national security adviser under Clinton, former/informal adviser to the Kerry campaign stepped away from that. Yesterday and currently, somebody who is facing some legal problems still under investigation has been for months by the FBI. He's accused of pulling classified documents from the National Archives, a huge no-no in the world of classifications, studying for the 9/11 Commission.

But now, as the commission gets to put out this report, Sandy Berger assumes the title of "This Week's Distraction."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAMUEL BERGER, FMR. NAT'L SECURITY ADVISER: Everything that I have done, all along in this process, has been for the purpose of aiding and supporting the work of the 9/11 Commission. And any suggestion to the contrary is simply, absolutely wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Well, the Republicans are certainly suggesting to the contrary, suggesting that perhaps there was some sort of, to use one of the words, "sinister effort" to hide information from the 9/11 Commission. The Democrats charging sinister motives of their own. That all of this was a very cleverly timed leak to take some attention away from the 9/11 Commission, which is expected to be critical of, among others, this administration -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And Bob, many of these documents have yet to be returned or even located, correct?

FRANKEN: Well, as a matter of fact, just one of them. But the document is extremely important. It's an After Action report. It was a copy of what had been compiled as recommendations, following efforts to block terrorism centered around the millennium. Highly classified. It's missing. Berger says he discarded it. Others are wondering if that was something that was done, as I said, for the more sinister reason.

WHITFIELD: Bob Franken from Washington. Thanks very much.

Well, Berger's resignation, as an informal adviser to John Kerry presidential campaign, came after some Republicans he may have provided classified information to the presumptive Democratic nominee. Earlier on CNN's American morning, Berger's lawyer emphatically denied that suggestion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LANNY BREUR, SAMUEL BERGER'S ATTY.: John Kerry campaign is absolutely nothing to do with this incident. And it's really sad, in my view, that a man of Sandy Berger's stature, a man who so selflessly devoted his life to the betterment of the United States security and safety, is being accused of such things for purely partisan purposes days before the 9/11 Commission report is coming out.

There's no basis in it. He didn't share it. And the Kerry campaign has absolutely no connection whatsoever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Berger's former boss and close confidant, Bill Clinton has rallied to the defense of his former adviser. The former president commented on investigation at a book signing in Denver.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FRM. UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: I believe his explanation. He did a fabulous job against terror. All those records were documented. And the ones in question involved what we did in the lead-up to the millennium, where we had no terrorist incidents and we prevented a lot of them.

So, I think that, you know, he's just cooperated. He said he's going to do it. But that man worked his heart out for eight years. And he was there for, you know, all day, 10 to 12 hours four days in a row. And he said what happened and I have no reason not to believe him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And Mr. Clinton echoed the suggestion of many Democrats that the disclosure of the months old investigation helps deflect attention away from tomorrow's release of the commission's report. The findings are expected to be critical of the Bush administration.

And this programming note, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has scheduled a news conference for about three hours from now. We'll carry it live from the Pentagon when it gets under way. And that's scheduled for 1:25 Eastern, 10:25 Pacific. Missing without a trace. The latest on the search for Lori Hacking, five weeks pregnant, she disappeared in Salt Lake City while jogging.

And hazards all around; a surprising look at the alarming number of children killed in mishaps involving cars.

And later, the men from the history making Apollo 11 mission are honored by the president of the United States. We'll hear from all of them live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In Utah, volunteers are fanning out across Salt Lake County this morning in search of a woman who disappeared while jogging. Twenty-seven year old Lori Hacking was last seen Monday morning. Yesterday some 1200 volunteers searched for her but turned up no new leads. Earlier today, her family appeared on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THELMA SOARES, LORI HACKING'S MOTHER: She's a wonderful young woman. She's bright. As you can see by the picture, she is beautiful. She was five months -- excuse me, five weeks pregnant. And she had graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business. So happy to be finally moving with Mark, so that he can go to medical school in North Carolina.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Let's get a live update now out of the Salt Lake City area. We go to Max Roth of CNN affiliate KSTU.

And apparently, Max, her husband reported her missing when she didn't show up for work. How are they conducting the search?

MAX ROTH, KSTU CORRESPONDENT: You know, the search has changed dramatically, Fredricka. After yesterday, there were about 1800 volunteers yesterday, who scoured the hills in the area where she normally jogs. The area where they believed she went missing. But they think that they have covered that area completely. They didn't find any sign of her, which is the bad news. The good news they didn't find her either.

So the search changes. It becomes search door-to-door. More really passing out flyers. They are trying to get her face out there. They're trying to get her picture out there, so that people in the Salt Lake City area have her in mind, as they go about her day to day business; looking at her picture and trying to see if they see anything because the police are really desperate for leads at this point. They don't have a good sense of what happened out here. The family is organizing that search.

The police say that their part in that search and rescue effort, or the search organizing is over, as of this morning. The police instead are focusing on investigating this case. And in that switch in focus, the police actually yesterday did look at Mark and Lori's apartment. They went into the apartment. They took some things out of the apartment including box springs from a bed. They actually took Mark's car as well.

We spoke with the police this morning. They say that's just standard operating procedure. They are not specifically zeroing in on Mark, or any other family member or friend. But that they just do that. They look at the family and they look at the victim's home any time that a situation like this occurs. The police are saying that they are hoping to find any evidence that would suggest that there would be any reason for Lori to change the pattern of what she did in the last few days.

You do know that there were extraordinary things happening in her life. Getting ready to move to North Carolina for medical school with her husband, also being five weeks pregnant with their first child. So, they are looking for leads that might be related to something like that.

Fredricka, we'll go back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thank as lot. Max Roth of KTSU.

And apparently that couple had been married for about five years, and no reports of marital problems.

Also out west, firefighters already battling a sea of flames in parts of California. And they are now dealing with a new wave of fires. The Crown Fire joins the list of those burning across the state. This bridge in northern L.A. County is among the casualties. The fire was scorched over 5,000 acres already and forced the evacuation of 175 homes. There are no reported injuries. Meanwhile, in Santa Clarita the 6,000 acre Foothill Fire is over 85 percent contained and could be extinguished this evening.

Well, just about every parent strives to make their child as safe as possible, in or near the family car. But car seats just one answer. Awareness is another. And it's the goal of grieving parents who took their tragic stories to Capitol Hill.

CNN's Julie Vallese explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A nurse, a business owner and a pediatrician, all parents whose children were victims of not crashes, but mishaps involving cars.

BRITT GATES, FOUNDER, ZOE FOUNDATION: Zoe leaned through the opened window and pet a dog. And in doing so, she knelt on the up switch of the power window. It wasn't a fair match, and now Zoe is gone.

VALLESE: Becky Hergot's son survived his encounter with a power window. She credits her training as a nurse for saving his life but none of pediatrician Greg Gulbransen's training could have saved his son Cameron, when the family car accidentally backed over the boy.

DR. GREG GULBRANSEN, PEDIATRICIAN: He was bleeding to death from a massive head injury. And he was holding his blue blanket, looking up in the sky with his little pajamas on.

VALLESE: Seven children have been killed by power windows this year, 91 died in back over accidents last year, according to the non- profit group Kids and Cars. Now it is lobbying Congress to mandate more child safety features on cars.

JANETTE FENNELL, KIDS AND CARS: It's time to prioritize our children as more important than a DVD player, than cup holders, than seat warmers and moon roofs.

VALLESE (on camera): The Senate version of the transportation bill does address safety issues, such as requiring car manufacturers to install auto reverse window, and to study the effectiveness of technology that keep a car from backing into a person. The House version does not.

(voice-over): Lawmakers are hashing out how the final bill will read, but most suspect that won't come until well after the November elections.

Julie Vallese, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: The Democrats are coming soon. But are the security preparations too much? Find out why some Boston residents say yes.

And we can all use a pay raise, right? But do you know how to ask for one? This lady right here does -- Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Fredricka. Good to see you. We'll show you how to get the raise and recognition you deserve, when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, for many in the American workplace, it's not how much you make; it's how much you are worth. So if you think it's time to see the boss about a raise, well, we've got some advice for you.

At least Gerri does. Gerri Willis is joining us now from New York.

And first of all, you say you know what? To help us all get better paychecks, we have to be somewhat realistic and know that timing everything.

WILLIS: You know, that's right, Fredricka. You know, the typical scenario is if somebody goes in and asks for a raise, after they completed a massive project. Maybe there were a lot of deadlines, a lot of frustration. Maybe you feel like, hey, it's time to go tell my boss what I'm really worth. But let me tell you, if you do it when you're frustrated and angry, you're less likely to get the raise. So understand timing is everything.

WHITFIELD: And I guess that applies to what may be going on in your workplace as well? Be cognizant of that.

WILLIS: You are right. You know, if you are thinking about asking for a raise, roll up your shirtsleeves. Do some research and check out how much you're actually worth. There's some great web sites out there, including salary.com, jobstar.org. Even the government web site bls.gov can help you figure out if you're asking for the right amount of money.

WHITFIELD: And there are a few no-nos, too. Right? You want to refrain from saying I need.

WILLIS: Right. You know, four words you don't want to say in this negotiation: I need more money. Don't say that. It's all about proving to your boss how much you are bringing in, how much you are worth. And you need to make up the difference, because you are doing more for the company than you are being paid for. So it's really a negotiation. A conversation you want to get started with.

The language you want to use is also really important, Fredricka. If you want a 5 percent raise and everybody is betting 3 percent. You have to say something like, I think 5 percent works for me. And then have you to be willing to wait for the long pause, while your boss mulls it over. You don't want to let him off the hook too easy.

WHITFIELD: So, in other words, you may want to practice a little bit too? Rehearse some of your lines? What you need to say?

WILLIS: Yes, exactly. Get the spouse, a friend, somebody to go over it with you. And you know, don't be surprised if you get into this conversation and you hear some criticism about your performance. Because your boss isn't going to roll over, they are going to negotiate with you.

WHITFIELD: And of course, you want to go into it positive thinking your boss is going to say yes. But you have got to be realistic and be able to accept a no, don't you?

WILLIS: Well, accept a no, yes. But continue negotiating. What would it take for me to get this raise, if you're not willing to give it to me now? And if you don't want to talk about money, are there other things you could give me that might make me happy, like a company car, or maybe more vacation? There are a lot of things that should be on the table when you're talking about your wages and salary.

WHITFIELD: All right, Gerri Willis. Thanks very much for helping us to figure out a way to make some more money.

WILLIS: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, perhaps here's one way. If you own some Microsoft stock, a big payday is coming. We'll have the details on Microsoft's plan to distribute $75 million to shareholders.

And was that a political statement, that one right there? Stay with us to see what Jenna Bush is doing behind that tinted glass.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Here's a look at stories now in the news.

President Bush has just hosted a gathering of the men who made world history 35 years ago this week. Apollo 11 astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins met with the president earlier this hour in the Oval Office. Tuesday was the anniversary of man's landing on the moon. We'll talk live with the Apollo 11 crew in just about 10 minutes.

Earlier this morning, a U.S. soldier was killed and six others wounded in a roadside bombing near Abduliyah (ph). That's north of Baghdad. This latest American fatality pushes the total to 903 U.S. soldiers who have died in the Iraq war. Six hundred seventy have been killed in combat, 233 in non-hostile incidents.

Power is trickling back on in downtown Hartford, Connecticut this morning. And underground fire and explosion knocked out electricity to about 7,000 homes and businesses. Most have seen it restored, but it could take more than a day to complete all the repairs.

And there's a homecoming celebration expected at Colorado's Fort Carson and just in time. Army officials there are mobilizing for a baby boom from the first wave of soldiers to return from the Iraq War. About 300 babies are due in December and January.

And you can expect us to keep you informed here on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

Generations ago, outraged Bostonians rebelled with a tea party. Today the 't' stands for terrorism and the growing list of precautions that will surround the city's hosting of the Democratic National Convention.

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