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American Morning

Previewing Democratic National Convention in Boston; Lieberman Discusses Goals of Convention, Kerry Campaign

Aired July 26, 2004 - 08:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
All Democratic roads leading to Boston today, as one of the great spectacles in American politics now set to begin. The star of the show, John Kerry. A surprise appearance in Boston last night. His first pitch at Fenway, part of a well choreographed week here in the Northeast.

And as Democrats focus on message, something else that is never too far away -- an unprecedented security plan that will impact everything in this city on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Democratic National Convention in Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.

HEMMER: Good morning, everyone.

It's Monday morning here in Boston, the first day of our special coverage throughout the week at the Democratic National Convention. And we have a show planned for you every day, every hour, that will top everything across the board.

We're live on the floor of the Fleet Center all week. It's never been done this way before for any network, but you'll get it all week through us here at CNN.

Kind of quiet now. Don't expect that to last too long, though. The delegates started arriving over the weekend and they'll arrive here in the Fleet Center later this afternoon, called to order at 4:00 Eastern time.

Tonight's speakers include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and the 2000 nominee, Al Gore, with us, as well.

Also, we'll talk to Gore's running mate, Joe Lieberman. He is our guest this hour. In fact, we'll talk to the senator in a few moments here live in Boston. He says we're embedded. More on that in a moment.

Also can mention analysts from -- analysis, rather, from Bill Schneider, watching these poll numbers that came out in some key battleground states from over the weekend.

For his part, Senator Kerry will campaign at Cape Canaveral today then head off to Norfolk, Virginia, then Philadelphia, before coming back to Boston later in the week. He made a surprise appearance here in Boston last night, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the Yankee-Red Sox game. The first pitch fell a bit short, not the kind of bounce he's looking for, certainly. But the Red Sox managed to beat the Yankees, 9-6 the final last night. That pleased the faithful here in Boston.

Back with Senator Lieberman in a moment.

But first we want to say good morning to Heidi Collins, my partner, in New York City -- good morning, Heidi.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. hey, that was the knuckleball, right?

HEMMER: Oh, is that what it was?

COLLINS: I don't know.

HEMMER: Coming in that way?

COLLINS: Yes. We're trying to analyze it from here. We're not doing very well.

All right, Bill, thanks so much for that.

HEMMER: Sure.

COLLINS: We, of course, will have all of the other news, as well this morning, including developments in the case of a missing Utah woman. A candlelight vigil was held for Lori Hacking last night and some potentially important evidence was reportedly found in Salt Lake City over the weekend. We're going to look at that.

We will also talk to Jeff Toobin about developments in the Kobe Bryant case, as well.

But for now we're going to bring in Jack Cafferty with the Question of the Day.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A preview of the "Cafferty File," Heidi, coming up in less than an hour. A huge potty problem at the Democratic convention. We'll explain.

And the "Cafferty File" is going to start counting the days. We're going to see how long it takes before Congress bothers to act on any of the recommendations that were issued in the 9/11 Commission report that was out last week. I hope you're patient. I have a hunch it's going to be a long ride.

COLLINS: All right, the "Cafferty File" it is.

Thanks so much, Jack.

For now, we send it back to Bill in Boston -- Bill.

HEMMER: Heidi, thanks. Just hours ago, in fact, before this convention kicks off later this afternoon, the delegates are ready. The Fleet Center is ready. And both the protesters and the security forces now in place.

Outside with us today, Bob Franken's outside the Fleet Center with a preview of all of that and more -- Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Outside the Fleet Center, where about every five feet, as you know, Bill, you're stopped for a security check. Boston is what can be charitably called a lockdown. But in keeping with the upcoming Olympic spirit, I think we could probably say let the games begin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): One thing for sure, there was plenty of police protection against serious troubles, as demonstrators made their statement. The streets belonged to the security forces, who have thrown up new iron fences and checkpoints, sometimes every few feet. All the widely publicized blockades are slamming into place.

But now, the spotlight shifts inside. The Democratic delegates will fill the floor and corridors of the Fleet Center. The man who used to be the star of these shows, former President Bill Clinton, will appear in a supporting role as one of the opening night speakers, several days away, where he won't overshadow the new leading man, John Kerry.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The American people now have a choice. They can -- we've tried their way for 12 years, our way for eight years and they had four more years. Our way works better.

FRANKEN: The firefighters' union cooperated by settling its contract dispute with the city at the last minute, calling off embarrassing pre-convention picket lines.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Well, one problem down for the Democrats. But now, Bill, back where you are, they need to come up with a nice, boistering, rousing sendoff in spite of the onerous security, a sendoff for their presidential nominees -- Bill.

HEMMER: We'll be here to watch it, Bob.

Thanks.

Bob Franken here in Boston.

Four years ago, Joe Lieberman was getting ready to accept his party's nomination as Al Gore's vice president.

He's with us now to talk about the goals of this convention and where they go from here on the Democratic side.

Good morning, senator.

SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (D), CONNECTICUT: Good morning, Bill.

HEMMER: Nice to see you in person yet again.

Great line, by the way, we're embedded here on the floor, right, at the convention?

LIEBERMAN: Yes, you are. I've never seen anything like it. It's -- this is the first time I've been on this floor and it's like a boxer heading into the ring again.

HEMMER: Well, here's the deal. All the networks are going to have all their reporters out there, but we're the only network with our setup here on the floor of the Fleet Center. We hope to capture some of the excitement for the delegates here in Boston.

LIEBERMAN: I'd like to hear later how you worked that out.

HEMMER: So would I, as a matter of fact.

LIEBERMAN: OK.

HEMMER: Listen, the H.P. is reporting that John Kerry has 14 states locked up, for a total of 195 electoral votes. George Bush has 25 states locked up, with 217 electoral votes. Trying to get to 270.

How do you do it this week?

LIEBERMAN: It's a very, it's very important because both states are locked up and a lot of people are locked up. But there's a big group in the middle and they're the ones who are going to decide who wins this election. And it's a message to all Democrats coming together this week. And I think John Kerry hears it.

He's sent out a message this week can't be about just attacking George Bush. It's got to be about our affirmative programs for the future. And the bottom line, people are pulling away from the president, but they haven't closed their hand on John Kerry's hand yet. And he's got to tell them this week who he is. And in addition to convincing them of what they suspect, which is he'll be better for them here at home on health care, education and environmental protection, he's got to convince them he's tough enough to take on the terrorists in a dangerous world. And I think he is and he'll do it.

HEMMER: Which could be the theme that's underlined over the next four days. Over the weekend Lee Hamilton said -- he helped co-chair the 9/11 Commission, as you well know.

LIEBERMAN: Right.

HEMMER: He said it's very clear someone is trying to kill us. John Kerry said over the weekend he can fight a better war on terror than President Bush.

What would be different in this country to make Americans safer under him in the White House?

LIEBERMAN: Well, obviously, he'll lay that out. But I've -- this is a war and it's a war in a military sense. It's also a war of values, because the people we're fighting hate us more than they love their own lives. They're willing to kill us as an expression of that hatred.

So, number one, you've got to prove to the American people -- and John will do this this week -- that he's tough enough to use America's military might without hesitation to destroy the terrorists.

But I think the other point he's going to make is that to ultimately win the war on terrorism, you've got to not only rebuild our alliances, but you've got to reach out to the majority of Muslims in the world and build bridges of trust and opportunity with them. And I think he'll be better at that as we go forward.

HEMMER: You have already called for hearings to look at the recommendations put forth by the 9/11 report that came out last week. And there is a lot of interest in this already. Congress has been spurred into action.

LIEBERMAN: Right.

HEMMER: The White House apparently has its game plan together, as well.

Can you say today whether or not these recommendations will be enacted before the first of the year? Or is it just a case of only having hearings now, which leads a lot of people to think that you're just talking about it instead of acting upon it?

LIEBERMAN: Well, shame on us if they're not enacted. I mean, look at what's happened. We've got information based on intelligence that the terrorists are intending to attack us again. We've got a report from the 9/11 Commission telling us how September 11 happened and making some recommendations that they believe and I believe will prevent anything like September 11 from happening again. Shame on us if we go on recess, if we focus on the campaign. Those things are all important, but not as important as our responsibility to do what's necessary to protect the safety of the American people.

Senator Susan Collins and I are going to begin hearings in the Governmental Affairs Committee next week. We're going to run them throughout August. Our staff is working. We're going to do what the leadership of the Senate has asked. We're going to have a bill ready for the Senate floor by the end of September.

HEMMER: What do you think of the White House already embracing some of these ideas?

LIEBERMAN: I think it's great. Look, the Kean-Hamilton 9/11 Commission was not only tough and bold in its recommendations, it was non-partisan. And that's the way the White House and Congress ought to be on this.

So I hope the president will do whatever he can administratively as quickly as possible.

HEMMER: Enjoy your week.

LIEBERMAN: Thank you.

HEMMER: Thanks for your time.

LIEBERMAN: A pleasure.

HEMMER: Joe Lieberman.

LIEBERMAN: Take care, Bill.

HEMMER: You've got it.

OK.

Also a bit later here, that convention kicks off at 4:00 Eastern time. The DNC chair, Terry McCauliffe, opens with a call to order here. A number of speakers on tap later tonight -- former Vice President Al Gore; former President Jimmy Carter will also speak; former President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address, now scheduled for 10:00 Eastern time for President Clinton.

You can see all that and much more on CNN, including the president's speech later this evening. Special editions of "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN," 11:00 Eastern, followed by a live special edition of "LARRY KING" at midnight here in Boston.

We're just getting started.

Back to New York now again -- Heidi, good morning this morning.

COLLINS: What a lineup?

HEMMER: I'm telling you. Wall to wall -- Heidi.

COLLINS: All right, Bill.

Thanks so much.

HEMMER: Sure.

COLLINS: Some disturbing reports in the disappearance of a Salt Lake City woman now. Reports of a clump of brown hair now being tested by police.

CNN's Ted Rowlands joining us live this morning with more on Lori Hacking's disappearance -- Ted, good morning to you.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.

Police say that if forensic tests come back the way they believe they will, an arrest warrant could soon follow in this case. Besides that clump of brown hair you're talking about, there are other reports about potential forensic evidence that was pulled from the Hacking apartment.

Specifically, police will not comment one way or another on a report locally here that a bloodstained knife with strands of hair was located in the Hackings' apartment. But clearly the focus of this investigation remains squarely on Lori Hacking's husband Mark. In fact, investigators say they are not taking anything that he says for granted. They're not listening to anything he says. They say the forensics will tell the story as to what exactly happened to Lori Hacking.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people here in Salt Lake joined with family members last night for a very emotional candlelight vigil. Family members say they, too, have questions for Mark Hacking, but they want to let investigators do their job.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCOTT DUNAWAY, HACKING FAMILY SPOKESMAN: The family has full confidence in the police and they are just hoping that the police will be able to get to the bottom of this and they'll learn what the truth is.

However, for the family, our primary focus is to find Lori. That has always been our main interest and both families, the Hackings and the Soares families, are united in that effort and supporting one another.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROWLANDS: And according to family members, Mark Hacking remains hospitalized this morning. He is receiving medical care. They say they love Mark Hacking, but they, too, want answers -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Ted, when do they expect to get those forensic tests back?

ROWLANDS: It's unclear. They're not quite sure, but they are expecting the tests to come back at some point early this week, is how they characterized it.

COLLINS: All right, thanks so much, Ted Rowlands this morning, from Salt Lake City.

Appreciate that.

It is now 13 minutes past the hour.

Time for a look at some of the other news today with Daryn Kagan -- good morning to you, Daryn.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi, good morning.

We're going to start in Baghdad. That is where a senior Iraqi interior ministry official was killed today by gunmen outside his home. Also in Baghdad, a car bombing and three mortar round explosions rocked the city today. One person was injured. Meanwhile, new images of seven truck drivers being held hostage by Islamic militants. Their captors have extended the deadline at which they plan to begin killing the hostages. Officials from India, Kenya and Egypt are working for their release.

Nearly seven million people are now under the control of the U.S. correctional system. A new government report finds the number of people in prison and on probation or parole has risen despite stable crime rates. Experts think the increase is due to tough sentencing laws passed in the 1990s.

Ohio's punch card ballots will be challenged in court today. The ACLU is suing to make the state get rid of the voting system that led to hanging chads in Florida and the month long hang up in the 2000 election. The suit claims that punch card ballots led to minority votes being under counted.

And finally, one French newspaper this morning calling Lance Armstrong "The King of France." He deserves the crown. Armstrong had time to sip champagne yesterday on his way to winning a record sixth straight Tour de France. His final margin of victory over six minutes. Armstrong is not saying if he will try for number seven next year. Let him just kind of sit back and soak it all in, making history.

Let's soak in some weather.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: We want to move on now.

It is the best news Kobe Bryant has received since being charged with sexual assault last year. The judge has ruled that details of his accuser's sexual history can be admitted into evidence. Just how big a victory is it for Bryant's defense?

Well, CNN's senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin here now to shed some light on all of this.

So how significant is this?

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: This is a huge, huge decision. You know, we talk about this case a lot. It's, you need to separate like what's a big deal and what's not. This really is a big deal because basically what the judge ruled is that any sexual activity that the accuser engaged in 72 hours before or 72 hours after the incident is admissible.

Now, what it does not mean is that the defense can go on a fishing expedition about her whole life and get into her reputation. But in terms of physical evidence that may bear on the injuries she received, that comes into evidence. That's going to be a big, big advantage for Kobe Bryant.

COLLINS: Well, what about the prosecution now? Will they appeal this? TOOBIN: Well, they have the right to appeal it, although I think their chances are very slim of succeeding.

COLLINS: Why?

TOOBIN: You know, Judge Ruckriegle, he spent nine days of hearings on this issue. We don't know what the evidence is that will be in those 72 hour window on either side of the incident. But, you know, he looked at this issue. He understood the conflict between the rape shield law and Kobe Bryant's need to defend himself. I don't see any appeals court substituting their judgment for Judge Ruckriegle's judgment.

What was interesting, if you listened to the prosecution's statement, is they suggested they were evaluating their options. I think there is a chance, not a great chance, but a real chance that this whole case may go away and never be tried.

COLLINS: Wow!

TOOBIN: They may drop the case as a result of this.

COLLINS: Well, speaking of dropping it, the accuser has talked before about dropping out of the case herself.

Do you think that's still a possibility, as well?

TOOBIN: Well, that's what I meant. I mean I, you know, as a legal matter, she can be forced to testify. But as a practical matter, the prosecution can't really go forward with an accuser who is reluctant or unwilling to testify. And if she says look, I am not willing to subject myself to examination about my sex life in this way, this has been too painful already, I think the better part of valor for the prosecution may be to simply drop the case. And the prosecution's statement suggested that that was a possibility.

Pretty extraordinary. I mean that would, you know...

COLLINS: Yes.

TOOBIN: To go all this trouble to try the case for this long, have all these hearings and then drop it, but it really could happen.

COLLINS: Yes. All right, well, seven different media organizations now, too, are filing motions with the U.S. Supreme Court in order to get the transcripts published.

TOOBIN: Right.

COLLINS: Do you think this is going to happen or?

TOOBIN: Well, you know, this is a very unusual situation. The Colorado Supreme Court, by a 4-3 vote, said we are imposing a prior restraint. Even though you, the news media, got these transcripts legally and appropriately, we think the risk to the fair trial rights of Kobe Bryant and the prosecution is so great we're going to order a prior restraint.

The U.S. Supreme Court has said that prior restraints are the most unusual -- they are very reluctant to approve prior restraints. So even though this is the middle of a criminal case, the Supreme Court tends not to get involved in those circumstances.

COLLINS: Sure.

TOOBIN: Prior restraints are something that the court really doesn't like.

So I think there is a chance that the Supreme Court might step in here.

COLLINS: All right, we'll...

TOOBIN: But, of course, if the case is dismissed, the whole thing becomes moot.

COLLINS: Of course.

All right, Jeffrey Toobin, thanks so much for that.

TOOBIN: Sure.

COLLINS: Appreciate it.

Bill back to you in Boston.

HEMMER: All right, Heidi.

In a moment here in Boston, more of our convention coverage from the Fleet Center here. Our political guru is standing by. He's ready to go. Bill Schneider stops by, telling us why John Kerry needs to make sure he doesn't take a hit when Howard Dean or Al Gore steps to the podium.

Back with Bill in a moment.

Also ahead, stepping up the search for Osama bin Laden overseas -- the U.S. tries out new tools in its hunt for the terrorist.

And vacations are supposed to be about rest and relaxation. So why should you be worried about a heart attack? Sanjay answers that his hour on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: We want to get you to some breaking news now.

This just into CNN.

You are looking at a tractor-trailer, a semi-truck, that is, on U.S. 1 in Fiesta Key, Florida, hanging off the side of the bridge, if you will. As you probably know, if you're familiar with the area, U.S. 1 is a very long stretch of highway there. It takes you straight down to the Florida Keys.

Apparently traffic, as you would imagine, closed in both directions. The Coast Guard has been dispatched; rescue crews, as well. This is a result, we're told, of a multiple vehicle crash. And fuel leaking out of that truck, as you might imagine, as well, from the position of it.

This is happening at the 71 mile marker, again, if you are familiar with Fiesta Key, Florida.

We will keep our eye on that and keep you posted just as we get the information coming into us this morning here in New York.

For now, though, we will send it back to Bill in Boston -- can you believe that?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks.

Yes, unbelievable shot. You wonder are they going to drop into the water? Will they try and pull it back? We'll see. A lot of tonnage on that semi tractor trailer.

When all is said and done this week, the Democrats expect a bounce from this convention. How big of a bounce? We'll see on Friday.

CNN's senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, here now with more on the latest CNN polling, suggesting a horse race.

Nice hat.

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Thank you.

HEMMER: Do you have two of those?

SCHNEIDER: No, I don't.

HEMMER: Here are the polling numbers. Out of Florida, Bush leads Kerry by three points in the Sunshine State. In Missouri, it's much tighter, Bush 48, Kerry 48. In Ohio, Kerry leads by six points, 51 to 45 over President Bush.

What do these numbers tell you, three battleground states, and key ones at that?

SCHNEIDER: Three battleground states and all of them voted for Bush in 2000. What does it tell you? Ever hear of the phrase "the economy, stupid."

Take a look at these numbers. The percentage of people in Florida who say the economy is good is 54; in Missouri, 41; and in Ohio, since you left, Bill, just 36. Well, the vote follows the economy. Because, as you just said, Florida seems to be sticking with Bush. Missouri is a dead heat. Ohio is tilting to John Kerry.

So, get the picture? The vote is following the economy. HEMMER: I do.

How many conventions have you covered?

SCHNEIDER: Well, who's counting? But I'll tell you a secret. Just between us...

HEMMER: Yes?

SCHNEIDER: This is my 15th.

HEMMER: Oh, my.

You -- it is your sense, true or not, that the Democrats have a greater sense of unity this time around than you have seen? Accurate?

SCHNEIDER: I've never seen this much unity. Usually we come to this convention and the story is what are the Jerry Brown delegates going to do? What are the Jesse Jackson delegates going to do? How is the party going to pull together? Everybody has endorsed John Kerry, including Dennis Kucinich, the last remaining hanger on.

It's an unusual convention, but that raises a risk. What unites this convention isn't really John Kerry, it's George W. Bush. They've got to be careful that this convention not set a tone that's harsh, shrill and divisive. Remember, two of the speakers, Al Gore, Howard Dean. If we hear a Gore growl or a Dean scream, then it's going to be very tough to send the message that Kerry will unify the country.

HEMMER: And Republicans are saying it's an extreme makeover and will be every day.

SCHNEIDER: An extreme makeover. That's right. Everything that Kerry says, they're going to push a button. If Kerry stands up and says fish for sale, they're going to push a button that says fish and they're going to find out that 20 years ago he said I don't like fish. And they're going to say look at that, he's a flip-flopper.

They want to make sure the image does not get a makeover at this convention. Everything he says they're going to find something to contradict.

HEMMER: Thank you, Bill.

Great to see you.

SCHNEIDER: OK.

HEMMER: Enjoy that hat, all right?

SCHNEIDER: Thank you.

Got it at Bulbous -- Teddy Roosevelt.

HEMMER: I like it. In a moment here, the gang from "CROSSFIRE," an appearance here this morning -- James Carville, Robert Novak sitting right here in a moment here.

Also, they'll stop by and tell us how they think this election may shake out. There's James hanging out. Talk to you in a moment. Nice sunglasses.

Also ahead, Big Brother watching this week in Boston. Some privacy advocates concerned about that.

Back in a moment here.

Live from the Fleet Center as our coverage continues on day one of the Democratic National Convention.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired July 26, 2004 - 08:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
All Democratic roads leading to Boston today, as one of the great spectacles in American politics now set to begin. The star of the show, John Kerry. A surprise appearance in Boston last night. His first pitch at Fenway, part of a well choreographed week here in the Northeast.

And as Democrats focus on message, something else that is never too far away -- an unprecedented security plan that will impact everything in this city on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Democratic National Convention in Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.

HEMMER: Good morning, everyone.

It's Monday morning here in Boston, the first day of our special coverage throughout the week at the Democratic National Convention. And we have a show planned for you every day, every hour, that will top everything across the board.

We're live on the floor of the Fleet Center all week. It's never been done this way before for any network, but you'll get it all week through us here at CNN.

Kind of quiet now. Don't expect that to last too long, though. The delegates started arriving over the weekend and they'll arrive here in the Fleet Center later this afternoon, called to order at 4:00 Eastern time.

Tonight's speakers include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and the 2000 nominee, Al Gore, with us, as well.

Also, we'll talk to Gore's running mate, Joe Lieberman. He is our guest this hour. In fact, we'll talk to the senator in a few moments here live in Boston. He says we're embedded. More on that in a moment.

Also can mention analysts from -- analysis, rather, from Bill Schneider, watching these poll numbers that came out in some key battleground states from over the weekend.

For his part, Senator Kerry will campaign at Cape Canaveral today then head off to Norfolk, Virginia, then Philadelphia, before coming back to Boston later in the week. He made a surprise appearance here in Boston last night, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the Yankee-Red Sox game. The first pitch fell a bit short, not the kind of bounce he's looking for, certainly. But the Red Sox managed to beat the Yankees, 9-6 the final last night. That pleased the faithful here in Boston.

Back with Senator Lieberman in a moment.

But first we want to say good morning to Heidi Collins, my partner, in New York City -- good morning, Heidi.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. hey, that was the knuckleball, right?

HEMMER: Oh, is that what it was?

COLLINS: I don't know.

HEMMER: Coming in that way?

COLLINS: Yes. We're trying to analyze it from here. We're not doing very well.

All right, Bill, thanks so much for that.

HEMMER: Sure.

COLLINS: We, of course, will have all of the other news, as well this morning, including developments in the case of a missing Utah woman. A candlelight vigil was held for Lori Hacking last night and some potentially important evidence was reportedly found in Salt Lake City over the weekend. We're going to look at that.

We will also talk to Jeff Toobin about developments in the Kobe Bryant case, as well.

But for now we're going to bring in Jack Cafferty with the Question of the Day.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A preview of the "Cafferty File," Heidi, coming up in less than an hour. A huge potty problem at the Democratic convention. We'll explain.

And the "Cafferty File" is going to start counting the days. We're going to see how long it takes before Congress bothers to act on any of the recommendations that were issued in the 9/11 Commission report that was out last week. I hope you're patient. I have a hunch it's going to be a long ride.

COLLINS: All right, the "Cafferty File" it is.

Thanks so much, Jack.

For now, we send it back to Bill in Boston -- Bill.

HEMMER: Heidi, thanks. Just hours ago, in fact, before this convention kicks off later this afternoon, the delegates are ready. The Fleet Center is ready. And both the protesters and the security forces now in place.

Outside with us today, Bob Franken's outside the Fleet Center with a preview of all of that and more -- Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Outside the Fleet Center, where about every five feet, as you know, Bill, you're stopped for a security check. Boston is what can be charitably called a lockdown. But in keeping with the upcoming Olympic spirit, I think we could probably say let the games begin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): One thing for sure, there was plenty of police protection against serious troubles, as demonstrators made their statement. The streets belonged to the security forces, who have thrown up new iron fences and checkpoints, sometimes every few feet. All the widely publicized blockades are slamming into place.

But now, the spotlight shifts inside. The Democratic delegates will fill the floor and corridors of the Fleet Center. The man who used to be the star of these shows, former President Bill Clinton, will appear in a supporting role as one of the opening night speakers, several days away, where he won't overshadow the new leading man, John Kerry.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The American people now have a choice. They can -- we've tried their way for 12 years, our way for eight years and they had four more years. Our way works better.

FRANKEN: The firefighters' union cooperated by settling its contract dispute with the city at the last minute, calling off embarrassing pre-convention picket lines.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Well, one problem down for the Democrats. But now, Bill, back where you are, they need to come up with a nice, boistering, rousing sendoff in spite of the onerous security, a sendoff for their presidential nominees -- Bill.

HEMMER: We'll be here to watch it, Bob.

Thanks.

Bob Franken here in Boston.

Four years ago, Joe Lieberman was getting ready to accept his party's nomination as Al Gore's vice president.

He's with us now to talk about the goals of this convention and where they go from here on the Democratic side.

Good morning, senator.

SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (D), CONNECTICUT: Good morning, Bill.

HEMMER: Nice to see you in person yet again.

Great line, by the way, we're embedded here on the floor, right, at the convention?

LIEBERMAN: Yes, you are. I've never seen anything like it. It's -- this is the first time I've been on this floor and it's like a boxer heading into the ring again.

HEMMER: Well, here's the deal. All the networks are going to have all their reporters out there, but we're the only network with our setup here on the floor of the Fleet Center. We hope to capture some of the excitement for the delegates here in Boston.

LIEBERMAN: I'd like to hear later how you worked that out.

HEMMER: So would I, as a matter of fact.

LIEBERMAN: OK.

HEMMER: Listen, the H.P. is reporting that John Kerry has 14 states locked up, for a total of 195 electoral votes. George Bush has 25 states locked up, with 217 electoral votes. Trying to get to 270.

How do you do it this week?

LIEBERMAN: It's a very, it's very important because both states are locked up and a lot of people are locked up. But there's a big group in the middle and they're the ones who are going to decide who wins this election. And it's a message to all Democrats coming together this week. And I think John Kerry hears it.

He's sent out a message this week can't be about just attacking George Bush. It's got to be about our affirmative programs for the future. And the bottom line, people are pulling away from the president, but they haven't closed their hand on John Kerry's hand yet. And he's got to tell them this week who he is. And in addition to convincing them of what they suspect, which is he'll be better for them here at home on health care, education and environmental protection, he's got to convince them he's tough enough to take on the terrorists in a dangerous world. And I think he is and he'll do it.

HEMMER: Which could be the theme that's underlined over the next four days. Over the weekend Lee Hamilton said -- he helped co-chair the 9/11 Commission, as you well know.

LIEBERMAN: Right.

HEMMER: He said it's very clear someone is trying to kill us. John Kerry said over the weekend he can fight a better war on terror than President Bush.

What would be different in this country to make Americans safer under him in the White House?

LIEBERMAN: Well, obviously, he'll lay that out. But I've -- this is a war and it's a war in a military sense. It's also a war of values, because the people we're fighting hate us more than they love their own lives. They're willing to kill us as an expression of that hatred.

So, number one, you've got to prove to the American people -- and John will do this this week -- that he's tough enough to use America's military might without hesitation to destroy the terrorists.

But I think the other point he's going to make is that to ultimately win the war on terrorism, you've got to not only rebuild our alliances, but you've got to reach out to the majority of Muslims in the world and build bridges of trust and opportunity with them. And I think he'll be better at that as we go forward.

HEMMER: You have already called for hearings to look at the recommendations put forth by the 9/11 report that came out last week. And there is a lot of interest in this already. Congress has been spurred into action.

LIEBERMAN: Right.

HEMMER: The White House apparently has its game plan together, as well.

Can you say today whether or not these recommendations will be enacted before the first of the year? Or is it just a case of only having hearings now, which leads a lot of people to think that you're just talking about it instead of acting upon it?

LIEBERMAN: Well, shame on us if they're not enacted. I mean, look at what's happened. We've got information based on intelligence that the terrorists are intending to attack us again. We've got a report from the 9/11 Commission telling us how September 11 happened and making some recommendations that they believe and I believe will prevent anything like September 11 from happening again. Shame on us if we go on recess, if we focus on the campaign. Those things are all important, but not as important as our responsibility to do what's necessary to protect the safety of the American people.

Senator Susan Collins and I are going to begin hearings in the Governmental Affairs Committee next week. We're going to run them throughout August. Our staff is working. We're going to do what the leadership of the Senate has asked. We're going to have a bill ready for the Senate floor by the end of September.

HEMMER: What do you think of the White House already embracing some of these ideas?

LIEBERMAN: I think it's great. Look, the Kean-Hamilton 9/11 Commission was not only tough and bold in its recommendations, it was non-partisan. And that's the way the White House and Congress ought to be on this.

So I hope the president will do whatever he can administratively as quickly as possible.

HEMMER: Enjoy your week.

LIEBERMAN: Thank you.

HEMMER: Thanks for your time.

LIEBERMAN: A pleasure.

HEMMER: Joe Lieberman.

LIEBERMAN: Take care, Bill.

HEMMER: You've got it.

OK.

Also a bit later here, that convention kicks off at 4:00 Eastern time. The DNC chair, Terry McCauliffe, opens with a call to order here. A number of speakers on tap later tonight -- former Vice President Al Gore; former President Jimmy Carter will also speak; former President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address, now scheduled for 10:00 Eastern time for President Clinton.

You can see all that and much more on CNN, including the president's speech later this evening. Special editions of "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN," 11:00 Eastern, followed by a live special edition of "LARRY KING" at midnight here in Boston.

We're just getting started.

Back to New York now again -- Heidi, good morning this morning.

COLLINS: What a lineup?

HEMMER: I'm telling you. Wall to wall -- Heidi.

COLLINS: All right, Bill.

Thanks so much.

HEMMER: Sure.

COLLINS: Some disturbing reports in the disappearance of a Salt Lake City woman now. Reports of a clump of brown hair now being tested by police.

CNN's Ted Rowlands joining us live this morning with more on Lori Hacking's disappearance -- Ted, good morning to you.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.

Police say that if forensic tests come back the way they believe they will, an arrest warrant could soon follow in this case. Besides that clump of brown hair you're talking about, there are other reports about potential forensic evidence that was pulled from the Hacking apartment.

Specifically, police will not comment one way or another on a report locally here that a bloodstained knife with strands of hair was located in the Hackings' apartment. But clearly the focus of this investigation remains squarely on Lori Hacking's husband Mark. In fact, investigators say they are not taking anything that he says for granted. They're not listening to anything he says. They say the forensics will tell the story as to what exactly happened to Lori Hacking.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people here in Salt Lake joined with family members last night for a very emotional candlelight vigil. Family members say they, too, have questions for Mark Hacking, but they want to let investigators do their job.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCOTT DUNAWAY, HACKING FAMILY SPOKESMAN: The family has full confidence in the police and they are just hoping that the police will be able to get to the bottom of this and they'll learn what the truth is.

However, for the family, our primary focus is to find Lori. That has always been our main interest and both families, the Hackings and the Soares families, are united in that effort and supporting one another.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROWLANDS: And according to family members, Mark Hacking remains hospitalized this morning. He is receiving medical care. They say they love Mark Hacking, but they, too, want answers -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Ted, when do they expect to get those forensic tests back?

ROWLANDS: It's unclear. They're not quite sure, but they are expecting the tests to come back at some point early this week, is how they characterized it.

COLLINS: All right, thanks so much, Ted Rowlands this morning, from Salt Lake City.

Appreciate that.

It is now 13 minutes past the hour.

Time for a look at some of the other news today with Daryn Kagan -- good morning to you, Daryn.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi, good morning.

We're going to start in Baghdad. That is where a senior Iraqi interior ministry official was killed today by gunmen outside his home. Also in Baghdad, a car bombing and three mortar round explosions rocked the city today. One person was injured. Meanwhile, new images of seven truck drivers being held hostage by Islamic militants. Their captors have extended the deadline at which they plan to begin killing the hostages. Officials from India, Kenya and Egypt are working for their release.

Nearly seven million people are now under the control of the U.S. correctional system. A new government report finds the number of people in prison and on probation or parole has risen despite stable crime rates. Experts think the increase is due to tough sentencing laws passed in the 1990s.

Ohio's punch card ballots will be challenged in court today. The ACLU is suing to make the state get rid of the voting system that led to hanging chads in Florida and the month long hang up in the 2000 election. The suit claims that punch card ballots led to minority votes being under counted.

And finally, one French newspaper this morning calling Lance Armstrong "The King of France." He deserves the crown. Armstrong had time to sip champagne yesterday on his way to winning a record sixth straight Tour de France. His final margin of victory over six minutes. Armstrong is not saying if he will try for number seven next year. Let him just kind of sit back and soak it all in, making history.

Let's soak in some weather.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: We want to move on now.

It is the best news Kobe Bryant has received since being charged with sexual assault last year. The judge has ruled that details of his accuser's sexual history can be admitted into evidence. Just how big a victory is it for Bryant's defense?

Well, CNN's senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin here now to shed some light on all of this.

So how significant is this?

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: This is a huge, huge decision. You know, we talk about this case a lot. It's, you need to separate like what's a big deal and what's not. This really is a big deal because basically what the judge ruled is that any sexual activity that the accuser engaged in 72 hours before or 72 hours after the incident is admissible.

Now, what it does not mean is that the defense can go on a fishing expedition about her whole life and get into her reputation. But in terms of physical evidence that may bear on the injuries she received, that comes into evidence. That's going to be a big, big advantage for Kobe Bryant.

COLLINS: Well, what about the prosecution now? Will they appeal this? TOOBIN: Well, they have the right to appeal it, although I think their chances are very slim of succeeding.

COLLINS: Why?

TOOBIN: You know, Judge Ruckriegle, he spent nine days of hearings on this issue. We don't know what the evidence is that will be in those 72 hour window on either side of the incident. But, you know, he looked at this issue. He understood the conflict between the rape shield law and Kobe Bryant's need to defend himself. I don't see any appeals court substituting their judgment for Judge Ruckriegle's judgment.

What was interesting, if you listened to the prosecution's statement, is they suggested they were evaluating their options. I think there is a chance, not a great chance, but a real chance that this whole case may go away and never be tried.

COLLINS: Wow!

TOOBIN: They may drop the case as a result of this.

COLLINS: Well, speaking of dropping it, the accuser has talked before about dropping out of the case herself.

Do you think that's still a possibility, as well?

TOOBIN: Well, that's what I meant. I mean I, you know, as a legal matter, she can be forced to testify. But as a practical matter, the prosecution can't really go forward with an accuser who is reluctant or unwilling to testify. And if she says look, I am not willing to subject myself to examination about my sex life in this way, this has been too painful already, I think the better part of valor for the prosecution may be to simply drop the case. And the prosecution's statement suggested that that was a possibility.

Pretty extraordinary. I mean that would, you know...

COLLINS: Yes.

TOOBIN: To go all this trouble to try the case for this long, have all these hearings and then drop it, but it really could happen.

COLLINS: Yes. All right, well, seven different media organizations now, too, are filing motions with the U.S. Supreme Court in order to get the transcripts published.

TOOBIN: Right.

COLLINS: Do you think this is going to happen or?

TOOBIN: Well, you know, this is a very unusual situation. The Colorado Supreme Court, by a 4-3 vote, said we are imposing a prior restraint. Even though you, the news media, got these transcripts legally and appropriately, we think the risk to the fair trial rights of Kobe Bryant and the prosecution is so great we're going to order a prior restraint.

The U.S. Supreme Court has said that prior restraints are the most unusual -- they are very reluctant to approve prior restraints. So even though this is the middle of a criminal case, the Supreme Court tends not to get involved in those circumstances.

COLLINS: Sure.

TOOBIN: Prior restraints are something that the court really doesn't like.

So I think there is a chance that the Supreme Court might step in here.

COLLINS: All right, we'll...

TOOBIN: But, of course, if the case is dismissed, the whole thing becomes moot.

COLLINS: Of course.

All right, Jeffrey Toobin, thanks so much for that.

TOOBIN: Sure.

COLLINS: Appreciate it.

Bill back to you in Boston.

HEMMER: All right, Heidi.

In a moment here in Boston, more of our convention coverage from the Fleet Center here. Our political guru is standing by. He's ready to go. Bill Schneider stops by, telling us why John Kerry needs to make sure he doesn't take a hit when Howard Dean or Al Gore steps to the podium.

Back with Bill in a moment.

Also ahead, stepping up the search for Osama bin Laden overseas -- the U.S. tries out new tools in its hunt for the terrorist.

And vacations are supposed to be about rest and relaxation. So why should you be worried about a heart attack? Sanjay answers that his hour on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: We want to get you to some breaking news now.

This just into CNN.

You are looking at a tractor-trailer, a semi-truck, that is, on U.S. 1 in Fiesta Key, Florida, hanging off the side of the bridge, if you will. As you probably know, if you're familiar with the area, U.S. 1 is a very long stretch of highway there. It takes you straight down to the Florida Keys.

Apparently traffic, as you would imagine, closed in both directions. The Coast Guard has been dispatched; rescue crews, as well. This is a result, we're told, of a multiple vehicle crash. And fuel leaking out of that truck, as you might imagine, as well, from the position of it.

This is happening at the 71 mile marker, again, if you are familiar with Fiesta Key, Florida.

We will keep our eye on that and keep you posted just as we get the information coming into us this morning here in New York.

For now, though, we will send it back to Bill in Boston -- can you believe that?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks.

Yes, unbelievable shot. You wonder are they going to drop into the water? Will they try and pull it back? We'll see. A lot of tonnage on that semi tractor trailer.

When all is said and done this week, the Democrats expect a bounce from this convention. How big of a bounce? We'll see on Friday.

CNN's senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, here now with more on the latest CNN polling, suggesting a horse race.

Nice hat.

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Thank you.

HEMMER: Do you have two of those?

SCHNEIDER: No, I don't.

HEMMER: Here are the polling numbers. Out of Florida, Bush leads Kerry by three points in the Sunshine State. In Missouri, it's much tighter, Bush 48, Kerry 48. In Ohio, Kerry leads by six points, 51 to 45 over President Bush.

What do these numbers tell you, three battleground states, and key ones at that?

SCHNEIDER: Three battleground states and all of them voted for Bush in 2000. What does it tell you? Ever hear of the phrase "the economy, stupid."

Take a look at these numbers. The percentage of people in Florida who say the economy is good is 54; in Missouri, 41; and in Ohio, since you left, Bill, just 36. Well, the vote follows the economy. Because, as you just said, Florida seems to be sticking with Bush. Missouri is a dead heat. Ohio is tilting to John Kerry.

So, get the picture? The vote is following the economy. HEMMER: I do.

How many conventions have you covered?

SCHNEIDER: Well, who's counting? But I'll tell you a secret. Just between us...

HEMMER: Yes?

SCHNEIDER: This is my 15th.

HEMMER: Oh, my.

You -- it is your sense, true or not, that the Democrats have a greater sense of unity this time around than you have seen? Accurate?

SCHNEIDER: I've never seen this much unity. Usually we come to this convention and the story is what are the Jerry Brown delegates going to do? What are the Jesse Jackson delegates going to do? How is the party going to pull together? Everybody has endorsed John Kerry, including Dennis Kucinich, the last remaining hanger on.

It's an unusual convention, but that raises a risk. What unites this convention isn't really John Kerry, it's George W. Bush. They've got to be careful that this convention not set a tone that's harsh, shrill and divisive. Remember, two of the speakers, Al Gore, Howard Dean. If we hear a Gore growl or a Dean scream, then it's going to be very tough to send the message that Kerry will unify the country.

HEMMER: And Republicans are saying it's an extreme makeover and will be every day.

SCHNEIDER: An extreme makeover. That's right. Everything that Kerry says, they're going to push a button. If Kerry stands up and says fish for sale, they're going to push a button that says fish and they're going to find out that 20 years ago he said I don't like fish. And they're going to say look at that, he's a flip-flopper.

They want to make sure the image does not get a makeover at this convention. Everything he says they're going to find something to contradict.

HEMMER: Thank you, Bill.

Great to see you.

SCHNEIDER: OK.

HEMMER: Enjoy that hat, all right?

SCHNEIDER: Thank you.

Got it at Bulbous -- Teddy Roosevelt.

HEMMER: I like it. In a moment here, the gang from "CROSSFIRE," an appearance here this morning -- James Carville, Robert Novak sitting right here in a moment here.

Also, they'll stop by and tell us how they think this election may shake out. There's James hanging out. Talk to you in a moment. Nice sunglasses.

Also ahead, Big Brother watching this week in Boston. Some privacy advocates concerned about that.

Back in a moment here.

Live from the Fleet Center as our coverage continues on day one of the Democratic National Convention.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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