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American Morning
Interview With Nicolle Devenish; Interview With Sen. Ted Kennedy And Caroline Kennedy; "The Bourne Supremacy" Is Weekend's Top Film
Aired July 26, 2004 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. That video screen, we'll talk about that a bit later -- it is enormous -- a panoramic screen that goes across the top of the stage here in Boston.
We're live starting today throughout the entire week at the Democratic convention in the FleetCenter here in Boston. I'm Bill Hemmer. Heidi Collins is back in New York. Good morning, Heidi on this Monday.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill. Looks great there.
Want to also let everybody know that we are staying on top of that story of the missing woman in Salt Lake City. Could be an arrest warrant issued over the next couple of days. So again, we are staying on top of that from New York this morning.
HEMMER: OK. Heidi, thanks for that.
Some demonstrations yesterday as the convention gearing up here in Boston. In fact, about 3,000 anti-war demonstrators Marching past the FleetCenter, this after they rallied on Boston Common.
A large group of anti-abortion activists held a rally at Faneuil Hall. During the convention, many protests will be confined to a fenced in area near the FleetCenter.
Now, tradition dictates that President Bush, the incumbent, lay low this week while the Democrats nominate their candidate. But those campaign surrogates are certainly plenty busy.
Nicolle Devenish, communications director for the Bush-Cheney '04 team is with us live today in Arlington. And good morning to you from campaign headquarters there.
NICOLLE DEVENISH, COMM. DIRECTOR, BUSH-CHENEY '04: Thanks, Bill. Good morning.
HEMMER: You have labeled this convention as extreme makeover. Define that?
DEVENISH: Well, I think something that you won't hear there in the FleetCenter is John Kerry talking too much about his record in the Senate. He has a 19-year record that earned him the distinction of being the body's most out of the mainstream member. He has a voted for higher taxes on everything from a gallon of gas to the family farm.
He has a vote that's caused him a lot of problems on the campaign trail, a vote against our troops on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq and, you know, really a career made up of votes that -- you know, we didn't designate him as the Senate's most out of the mainstream member. It's a record that earned him that distinction.
And I highly doubt you'll hear too much about that in Boston this week.
HEMMER: What we may hear at the end of the week though, I understand, is about an 11-minute videotape going back to the late '90s showing Senator Kerry in a number of speeches.
I have not seen it. I don't know the content, but have you seen it and share it with us now?
DEVENISH: I have not seen it, but I understand that part of the story that John Kerry will tell this week is a story about who he is. But I think Americans are as interested in knowing where he stands, where he stands on the very important issue of the war on terror.
And I understand he's taken many positions going back to the late '90s where he said things that if you covered up the person who was speaking up, he, obviously, recognized the threat that Saddam Hussein posed to our nation. And despite that recognition, he now says things on the campaign trail that seem to belie that awareness he had.
So, I think we'll point to what is really a troubling record of rhetoric and campaign spin on the issue -- very important issue, the war on terror in Iraq.
HEMMER: Ms. Devenish, I can tell you here in Boston, Democrats say it's clear that Republicans are concerned because they are sending what amounts to what's called a truth squad, a 30-member, quote, "squad" here to Boston to counter everything that is said at the podium off to my left.
Why do you feel it's necessary? You have this measure of confidence that you're sharing with us today.
DEVENISH: Well, I think that whenever you have a candidate that who runs so completely un-tethered to his own past statements and his own record in the Senate, it's critical that there is some kind of accounting.
You know, John Kerry wasn't born yesterday. And the words on the campaign trail are certainly not his first as a public official. So, we found most people find it interesting that he certainly has had several iterations of his positions on most issues.
HEMMER: If you go back to his interview from over the weekend, he insists still that he can fight a better war on terror than the current president, something I know Republicans will be responding to throughout the week here in Boston.
Nicolle, thanks for your time.
DEVENISH: Thank you.
HEMMER: Nicolle Devenish, in Arlington, Virginia.
Back here in Boston now, 17-year-old Jason Rae will take to the floor tonight as the youngest member of the Democratic National Committee. And for him, mission number one is to get more young voters educated not only on the issues but also get them out to the polls come early November.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER (voice-over): Just like any teenager, Jason Rae shares a moment of downtime playing frisbee with his brother and sister.
JASON RAE, YOUNGEST DEM. NATL COMM. MEMBER: My role as editor entails designing all the layouts.
HEMMER: But Jason is far from your typical teenager. At 17, he's editor of his high school yearbook, band member, National Honor Society member and student council president. In his spare time, he dabbles in forensics and drama. His real passion, though, is politics.
RAE: A lot of people give me the reaction of, wow, there's someone this young who cares this much about what's going on in our country, what's going on in our state government. And they really listen because they know that I am the voice of America's next generation.
HEMMER: Jason's grassroots are here in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, population just over 8,000 where life is simple. Politics is progressive.
It's a swing state that Al Gore won in 2000 by a slim two-tenths of a percentage point. Only one-third of voters ages 18 to 24 voted in that election, and Jason hopes to change that.
RAE: If we, as a Democratic party, can get them involved and active, their votes will play a key role in every election from here on out.
This photo right here is a group of us with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
HEMMER: Jason's tenacity won him a rare spot as a Senate page. He spent last year learning the ropes on Capitol Hill and making local headlines alongside legislative leaders.
RAE: That's a pretty important clue right there.
HEMMER: Now he's back home volunteering at the local library making sure he's focused on tomorrow's voters, never too far away from his real passion, keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill.
Cecil Kippenhan is chairman of the Barron County Democratic Party.
CECIL KIPPENNHAN, CHAIRMAN, BARRON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY: I wish we had 1,000 people like him. We could take over the state and the nation.
HEMMER: While he can't vote just yet, Jason has earned his political stripes. He serves on the re-election steering committee of Senator Russ Feingold. And he one of four non-voting members representing Wisconsin at this year's convention.
RAE: My election to the Democratic national committee is just one more step closer to some day living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER (on camera): Jason's plans include running for the Senate before he makes, what he says, an eventual run for the White House.
The teen officially begins his four-year term as a member of the Democratic national committee after the convention here in Boston. And my thanks to producer Adam Reese for his help on that story, as well.
One more reminder for you, CNN, of course, live coverage of tonight's convention. Later this evening, former president Bill Clinton gives the keynote address.
Coverage starts at 10:00 Eastern for that address, but earlier in the night a number of speeches from Al Gore, Jimmy Carter. Also, later followed by special convention editions of "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN" at 11:00 Eastern, and then Larry King comes back again with "LARRY KING LIVE" at midnight tonight.
It is a packed day here in Boston, and this is just day one.
And now the check of the news -- back to the CNN center and Daryn Kagan for more on that. Good morning again, Daryn.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Bill, our headlines begin in the Middle East.
Israeli forces have launched a new attack against Palestinian militants in the Gaza strip. Overnight an Israeli helicopter fired two missiles at a house in Gaza City.
Earlier in the day, Israeli forces killed six Palestinians in clashes in the West Bank. The attacks came as tens of thousands of Israelis formed a human chain to demonstrate against prime minister Ariel Sharon's plan to pull out of Gaza.
Back here in the U.S., a Massachusetts teen begins his court battle today to cut ties with his father who killed his mother six years ago. Fourteen-year-old Patrick Holland will ask a court today to terminate his father's parental rights. Holland says his father, who is serving a life sentence, demands to see his report cards and his counseling records. Police in Utah are awaiting forensic test results that could lead to an arrest warrant in the case of a missing woman. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for Lori Hacking yesterday. Over the weekend police found a clump of brown hair in a dumpster. It's not clear if that hair belongs to Hacking.
On a much lighter note at the box office, Matt Damon proved himself a born winner. His "The Bourne Supremacy" took top honors this weekend, earning an estimated $53 million. That was enough to drop Will Smith's "I, Robot" to second, and "Catwoman" opened a distant third. Over $100 million spent on that movie. It only brought in $17 million.
Let's see what the numbers, how they're stacking up in the weather department. Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers today.
Hi, Rob.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Daryn. If you have the day off on this Monday, by chance, and you want to catch a matinee, good weather to do that.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MARCIANO: But Bill, Boston, as you noted earlier, looking pretty nice. And you'll continue at least through the daylight hours today. Enjoy it.
HEMMER: That's a pretty good looking map. We will. Hey, thank you, Rob for that.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, Andy is back from vacation. He's "Minding Your Business" today -- word of what might be a surprising takeover attempt. Andy has that in a moment.
Plus, the best known family in the Democratic party, the Kennedy's. We'll talk live to Senator Ted Kennedy and his niece Caroline about a very special day today for their family.
And could "The Bourne Supremacy" live up to its name? "90-Second Pop" has a crack at that when we continue on a busy Monday, live in Boston from the FleetCenter.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back to Boston.
Kennedy family roots run deep here in Boston throughout the entire commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ted Kennedy, the senior Senator from the state, addresses the convention tomorrow night.
This morning, though, Senator Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy hosting an event in Boston honoring the family matriarch. They are both with us live here in Boston, just across town.
Good morning to both of you and thanks for your time here. SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: Good morning.
CAROLINE KENNEDY, SEN. KENNEDY'S NIECE: Good morning.
HEMMER: Senator, I want to start with you.
What do you think your mother would think of this dedication today here, this greenway here named after your mother?
E. KENNEDY: She would be absolutely thrilled to death. She was born about 400 or 500 yards from here. She grew up as a small girl here. This is where she went to church, at St. Steven's church.
She loved the Boston Symphony, the Jordan Hall, the museums here, but most of all, she loved history. And took all of us, wrapped us all in the car and put a picnic together, and we visited every one of these sites that now you'll be able to come down to the greenway and be able to look left and right.
And on the one way, you'll see the old north church where they hung the lanterns for Paul Revere, the mast of the great constitution, Bunker Hill monument where they fought at Bunker Hill. You'll see the old statehouse where on July 18th they read the Declaration of Independence. And Faneuil Hall where they had the great debates.
So, this will make the history alive for future generations. So, all the family is enormously grateful to the people of Boston and also the city for giving this honor to my mother. She would have absolutely been thrilled. And we're very hopeful the future generations will love Boston like she did and help their children understand history like she did.
HEMMER: Based on your answer, it's quite obvious the pride in your voice today.
Caroline, how do you view this today?
C. KENNEDY: Well, grandma was really an inspiration to all of our family. She took tremendous joy in politics, as Teddy said, loved history and shared that love with all of us.
We used to read poetry, "The Midnight Rider, Paul Revere," and quizzed us all about the pilgrims and the revolution. And so, it really came alive for us, and I think for families that's so important and for young people because it is so exciting, and you really feel like you're part of the past as well as the future.
And so, I think if we could all do as good a job as grandma did, we would all be very happy. And I hope this greenway will make it possible for people to have fun and learn at the same time.
HEMMER: Well listen, it's been a long time in the making if you look at that construction project here in downtown Boston.
Senator, let's talk about politics quickly, if we could. Republicans say John Kerry has the most liberal voting record of any senator in the U.S. Senate today. Your own party shied away from Boston for a number of years. They felt in many ways it was giving the signal that the party was too far left coming to the northeast in the city of Boston.
How do you sell John Kerry from Massachusetts to the people in, say, Missouri?
E. KENNEDY: Well, first of all John Kerry has already sold himself over the course of the primaries. He did after all, win the presidential primary system, won them fairly comfortably. And he had the same message for all parts of the country.
You know, it's interesting. Our Republican friends have $80 million to try to distort, misrepresent and basically lie about John Kerry's record. That's because they haven't got a record of their own.
What you will hear on Thursday night is a message of hope. It will be a message of opportunity for the future. It will be a message of strength. He'll say what he's going to do both in defending our country. And as a war hero, he has the credibility to do that.
And he'll also talk about how he's going to restore our economy, which is so important for working families in the middle class. And he'll also talk about how we're going to restore the American's position of prestige in the international community.
This is a positive message. It's a hopeful message.
People are tired of cliches. People are tired of slogans and bumper sticker solutions. They want to hear some positive message. John Kerry has it, and John Edwards will be speaking to that as well.
We've got a great team. It's a team for the future. And between John Edwards and John Kerry, Bill, I'm absolutely confident that they are going to be successful.
HEMMER: I have 30 seconds left here.
You mentioned the dollar figure spent by Republicans. My numbers tell me Democrats in five months have spent $150 million.
With that dollar figure, why is it you still find so many people in your own Democratic Party still not familiar or comfortable with how they know John Kerry and who he is as a person.
E. KENNEDY: This is a large -- and more people are paying attention to this election than the last two elections, but that's still down at 63 or 64 percent. The -- even by the own polls show that about 40 percent haven't really tuned in yet.
But we've got plenty of time. People make up their minds: one, when you announce for president; two, probably at the speech on Thursday night or when they have the first debate; and third when he takes the oath of office for the presidency.
We've got the time. It's only about 100 days, three months. There will be some good debates. People will have a heightened interest in this campaign. And when they make up their mind they're going to make it up for John Kerry and John Edwards.
HEMMER: July 26th, day one. The convention kicks off later today. Many consider it to begin today, the election in full.
Senator, thank you for your time, and Caroline, as well.
E. KENNEDY: Thank you.
HEMMER: Enjoy this day in honor...
C. KENNEDY: Thank you.
HEMMER: ... of your family today in central Boston.
Back to Heidi again in New York -- Heidi?
COLLINS: All right, Bill. Thanks so much.
We're going to bring in Jack now and the "Question of the Day," once again.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. How important are these conventions anyway?
Time was this was a real exercise in politics and democracy in action. Anymore, though, because of the primaries and the TV coverage, it's just like a four-day PR stunt. Sort of like a Democratic or Republican infomercial, if you will. So, we're curious whether or not you agree with those who suggest the country might be able to get along without them.
We've got all the security considerations, all the money being spent because of terrorism.
Carole in Crossville, Tennessee: "It seems to me it's a waste of time, a terrible inconvenience to the residents of Boston and a terrible waste of money. Security in Boston is costing $50 million. New York will be the same, if not more. It seems to me the money could be well spent on something else instead of an excuse to have a party."
Kathleen in Princeton: "They are terribly important. Every industry needs a good trade show, and the poor politicians only get one every four years."
That's quite enough for them.
Tony Walker in Rosco, Illinois: "Always judge an events importance on how much coverage CNN and other networks devote to it. My guess is the Democratic convention will rank somewhere between the O.J. Simpson murder trial and Jennifer Lopez's love life." And on the subject of Mrs. Kerry telling a reporter to shove it, got a couple of interesting e-mails.
Paul in Hellertown, PA: "Wouldn't it be refreshing to have a first lady in the White House who isn't afraid to tell reporters and hopefully others to shove it?"
Yes, Paul, that's great. So, you'd just have the first lady going around telling everybody to shove it.
"Comparing this to the 'Stepford Wife' who lounges there now and who only has one opinion, her husband's, Mrs. Kerry represents a long breath of fresh air."
And Charlie in Tampa Bay, Florida: "At least she didn't tell the reporter, 'Go Cheney yourself!'"
COLLINS: That would have been worse. That would have been much worse.
All right, Jack. Thanks very much.
CAFFERTY: That's all we have at this time, but there'll be more.
COLLINS: There will be.
CAFFERTY: There will be.
COLLINS: I can't wait. All right.
In the meantime, Andy Serwer is back. So glad to see you. Major merger news in the pharmaceutical industry, correct?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Indeed. Let's start with the markets, though. I go away for a week and what happens, you guys let the stock market go to pot here.
Stocks continuing their summer swoon. Let's check this out. Dow down 177 points last week. Nasdaq -- and you can see the big news is here we've crossed below 10,000 on the Dow, first time we've been that low since mid-May. What's going on?
Well one thing, questions about the economic recovery: How strong is it? Also uncertainty about the election. Heightened terrorism threats also playing their part.
Could get a boost this morning, though. As Heidi mentioned, there is some takeover news. It is merger Monday. Mylan Labs buying King Pharmaceuticals for $4 billion. That's what's cooking on Wall Street.
Another one we're talking about, which is very interesting, takeover speculation concerning AT&T, venerable Ma Bell, could you imagine, possibly being owned by some buyout artists on Wall Street? That is still very speculative at this stage, but that's what they are talking about on Wall Street this morning. COLLINS: Wow. That would be wacky, wouldn't it?
SERWER: It sure would be
COLLINS: All right. Nice to see you again, Andy.
SERWER: Thank you very much.
COLLINS: Glad to have you back.
SERWER: Good to see you all.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning -- this AMERICAN MORNING, that is -- Bill will be back with more convention coverage from Boston, of course.
And next, Lance Armstrong rides into history and into "90-Second Pop."
Our panel takes a look, next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Hey, it's "90-Second Pop" for a Monday. And in today's episode, a born winner and the greatest athlete on two wheels.
Here to discuss it all, Toure, contributing editor for "Rolling Stone." "New York Magazine" contributing editor Sarah Bernard.
Stop laughing.
And Andy Borowitz from borowitzreport.com.
OK. Let's get to the movie deal first. "The Bourne Supremacy," what, $53 million?
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK MAGAZINE": Won the weekend.
TOURE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "ROLLING STONE" MAGAZINE: Wow.
COLLINS: Blowing away the competition, which we think was "Catwoman," maybe not.
BERNARD: Supposedly. Supposedly it was "Catwoman."
This movie, I have to say, I really liked it. I have a huge crush on Matt Damon all over again. He -- the thing about him that's so appealing, he's like the Harrison Ford of his generation. He's like this sort of every man action hero.
You disagree with me. I can see it, but we're going to let me talk first.
COLLINS: Something about that body language, Toure.
BERNARD: I know. He's going, no, no no.
But the thing that's so appealing about him is he's an assassin, and he seem to have a conscience about it. He'll kill somebody and seem like he feels terrible, and he didn't realize what he's capable of.
TOURE: Oh, God. You know...
BERNARD: So he's got this kind of Harrison Ford in "The Fugitive"...
TOURE: I'm just shocked by the numbers that this film is doing, because I thought for sure Matty was over. I thought that Ben being over...
BERNARD: Ben is over. Matty is not over.
TOURE: ... would just naturally transfer to Matt being over, because the whole -- you know, we all look at them together. But he's just coasting off the "Good Will Hunting" fame. Let it go. He's not that cute. He's not that good an actor. Let it go.
BERNARD: But he found his niche. The action hero thing works for him.
ANDY BOROWITZ, "BOROWITZREPORT.COM": I just want to have a moment of silence for "Catwoman."
(LAUGHTER)
BOROWITZ: I do because I just feel so bad because Halle Berry has had a couple -- a rough couple of years because there's the "Catwoman" thing and then also that kiss from Adrian Brody at the Oscars.
BERNARD: Oh, yes. That still lingers.
COLLINS: Doesn't it?
BERNARD: But don't feel bad for her $12.5 million paycheck.
TOURE: How come she can't pick a good movie? What's up with that?
BOROWITZ: I don't know. She went from "Monster's Ball" to hairball. It's very discouraging.
COLLINS: Toure, you're going to be her script advisor.
All right. Let's talk about blowing away the competition as far as a bicycle is concerned.
TOURE: Well, let's look at you, because you're wearing the myojoan (ph) as a dress today. Look at that.
COLLINS: As a matter of fact, that is correct. BERNARD: Is that a tribute to Lance?
COLLINS: Yes, it is -- a tribute to my friend, Lance, who I haven't met yet, but I'm sure we'll get along great.
So on that -- amazing, six times in a row. Nobody had ever done it before.
BERNARD: I think we need to talk about what he's going to do next. I think he's either got to go into politics or get a reality show. I mean that's pretty much his only options at this point.
BOROWITZ: That's it for him?
TOURE: Well, I'm sure the French are just dying to have a Texan come over and dominate their sport year after year after year. I bet it's killing them.
BOROWITZ: You know a new poll came out. Lance Armstrong is the second most popular American in France after Linda Ronstadt. This is true. He's really popular.
You know, I've got to tell you, with all due respect to him, I want to give him his props and all that. But, you know, I saw the Tour de France and a lot of that race is downhill. It's not that hard.
BERNARD: It was so easy, right?
BOROWITZ: Yes.
BERNARD: We could do it, right?
BOROWITZ: Yes.
COLLINS: They just coast. What's the problem.
TOURE: I mean, it really is just a month of pain. I mean, that's what it is.
BOROWITZ: Right.
COLLINS: It's very tough, you're right.
TOURE: After rowing, this is like the most painful sport where your body is just in pain every day, all day, all day.
COLLINS: Yes, well I happen to have a lot of respect for him, that's for sure.
You guys, thanks so much for being here, as always. Andy, Sarah and Toure, thanks again.
Bill back to you in Boston.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi. In a moment here from Boston -- more from live at the convention floor at the FleetCenter. We'll talk to someone in a moment who knows a thing or two who knows a thing or two about what it's like to run against the Bush-Cheney ticket.
Joe Lieberman is our guest in a moment.
That's Hillary Clinton with Dan Rather checking out the scene here in Boston.
Back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Still to come -- the latest in the Kobe Bryant case. The judge makes an important ruling on the accuser's sexual history -- senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin with us for that.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired July 26, 2004 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. That video screen, we'll talk about that a bit later -- it is enormous -- a panoramic screen that goes across the top of the stage here in Boston.
We're live starting today throughout the entire week at the Democratic convention in the FleetCenter here in Boston. I'm Bill Hemmer. Heidi Collins is back in New York. Good morning, Heidi on this Monday.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill. Looks great there.
Want to also let everybody know that we are staying on top of that story of the missing woman in Salt Lake City. Could be an arrest warrant issued over the next couple of days. So again, we are staying on top of that from New York this morning.
HEMMER: OK. Heidi, thanks for that.
Some demonstrations yesterday as the convention gearing up here in Boston. In fact, about 3,000 anti-war demonstrators Marching past the FleetCenter, this after they rallied on Boston Common.
A large group of anti-abortion activists held a rally at Faneuil Hall. During the convention, many protests will be confined to a fenced in area near the FleetCenter.
Now, tradition dictates that President Bush, the incumbent, lay low this week while the Democrats nominate their candidate. But those campaign surrogates are certainly plenty busy.
Nicolle Devenish, communications director for the Bush-Cheney '04 team is with us live today in Arlington. And good morning to you from campaign headquarters there.
NICOLLE DEVENISH, COMM. DIRECTOR, BUSH-CHENEY '04: Thanks, Bill. Good morning.
HEMMER: You have labeled this convention as extreme makeover. Define that?
DEVENISH: Well, I think something that you won't hear there in the FleetCenter is John Kerry talking too much about his record in the Senate. He has a 19-year record that earned him the distinction of being the body's most out of the mainstream member. He has a voted for higher taxes on everything from a gallon of gas to the family farm.
He has a vote that's caused him a lot of problems on the campaign trail, a vote against our troops on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq and, you know, really a career made up of votes that -- you know, we didn't designate him as the Senate's most out of the mainstream member. It's a record that earned him that distinction.
And I highly doubt you'll hear too much about that in Boston this week.
HEMMER: What we may hear at the end of the week though, I understand, is about an 11-minute videotape going back to the late '90s showing Senator Kerry in a number of speeches.
I have not seen it. I don't know the content, but have you seen it and share it with us now?
DEVENISH: I have not seen it, but I understand that part of the story that John Kerry will tell this week is a story about who he is. But I think Americans are as interested in knowing where he stands, where he stands on the very important issue of the war on terror.
And I understand he's taken many positions going back to the late '90s where he said things that if you covered up the person who was speaking up, he, obviously, recognized the threat that Saddam Hussein posed to our nation. And despite that recognition, he now says things on the campaign trail that seem to belie that awareness he had.
So, I think we'll point to what is really a troubling record of rhetoric and campaign spin on the issue -- very important issue, the war on terror in Iraq.
HEMMER: Ms. Devenish, I can tell you here in Boston, Democrats say it's clear that Republicans are concerned because they are sending what amounts to what's called a truth squad, a 30-member, quote, "squad" here to Boston to counter everything that is said at the podium off to my left.
Why do you feel it's necessary? You have this measure of confidence that you're sharing with us today.
DEVENISH: Well, I think that whenever you have a candidate that who runs so completely un-tethered to his own past statements and his own record in the Senate, it's critical that there is some kind of accounting.
You know, John Kerry wasn't born yesterday. And the words on the campaign trail are certainly not his first as a public official. So, we found most people find it interesting that he certainly has had several iterations of his positions on most issues.
HEMMER: If you go back to his interview from over the weekend, he insists still that he can fight a better war on terror than the current president, something I know Republicans will be responding to throughout the week here in Boston.
Nicolle, thanks for your time.
DEVENISH: Thank you.
HEMMER: Nicolle Devenish, in Arlington, Virginia.
Back here in Boston now, 17-year-old Jason Rae will take to the floor tonight as the youngest member of the Democratic National Committee. And for him, mission number one is to get more young voters educated not only on the issues but also get them out to the polls come early November.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER (voice-over): Just like any teenager, Jason Rae shares a moment of downtime playing frisbee with his brother and sister.
JASON RAE, YOUNGEST DEM. NATL COMM. MEMBER: My role as editor entails designing all the layouts.
HEMMER: But Jason is far from your typical teenager. At 17, he's editor of his high school yearbook, band member, National Honor Society member and student council president. In his spare time, he dabbles in forensics and drama. His real passion, though, is politics.
RAE: A lot of people give me the reaction of, wow, there's someone this young who cares this much about what's going on in our country, what's going on in our state government. And they really listen because they know that I am the voice of America's next generation.
HEMMER: Jason's grassroots are here in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, population just over 8,000 where life is simple. Politics is progressive.
It's a swing state that Al Gore won in 2000 by a slim two-tenths of a percentage point. Only one-third of voters ages 18 to 24 voted in that election, and Jason hopes to change that.
RAE: If we, as a Democratic party, can get them involved and active, their votes will play a key role in every election from here on out.
This photo right here is a group of us with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
HEMMER: Jason's tenacity won him a rare spot as a Senate page. He spent last year learning the ropes on Capitol Hill and making local headlines alongside legislative leaders.
RAE: That's a pretty important clue right there.
HEMMER: Now he's back home volunteering at the local library making sure he's focused on tomorrow's voters, never too far away from his real passion, keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill.
Cecil Kippenhan is chairman of the Barron County Democratic Party.
CECIL KIPPENNHAN, CHAIRMAN, BARRON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY: I wish we had 1,000 people like him. We could take over the state and the nation.
HEMMER: While he can't vote just yet, Jason has earned his political stripes. He serves on the re-election steering committee of Senator Russ Feingold. And he one of four non-voting members representing Wisconsin at this year's convention.
RAE: My election to the Democratic national committee is just one more step closer to some day living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER (on camera): Jason's plans include running for the Senate before he makes, what he says, an eventual run for the White House.
The teen officially begins his four-year term as a member of the Democratic national committee after the convention here in Boston. And my thanks to producer Adam Reese for his help on that story, as well.
One more reminder for you, CNN, of course, live coverage of tonight's convention. Later this evening, former president Bill Clinton gives the keynote address.
Coverage starts at 10:00 Eastern for that address, but earlier in the night a number of speeches from Al Gore, Jimmy Carter. Also, later followed by special convention editions of "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN" at 11:00 Eastern, and then Larry King comes back again with "LARRY KING LIVE" at midnight tonight.
It is a packed day here in Boston, and this is just day one.
And now the check of the news -- back to the CNN center and Daryn Kagan for more on that. Good morning again, Daryn.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Bill, our headlines begin in the Middle East.
Israeli forces have launched a new attack against Palestinian militants in the Gaza strip. Overnight an Israeli helicopter fired two missiles at a house in Gaza City.
Earlier in the day, Israeli forces killed six Palestinians in clashes in the West Bank. The attacks came as tens of thousands of Israelis formed a human chain to demonstrate against prime minister Ariel Sharon's plan to pull out of Gaza.
Back here in the U.S., a Massachusetts teen begins his court battle today to cut ties with his father who killed his mother six years ago. Fourteen-year-old Patrick Holland will ask a court today to terminate his father's parental rights. Holland says his father, who is serving a life sentence, demands to see his report cards and his counseling records. Police in Utah are awaiting forensic test results that could lead to an arrest warrant in the case of a missing woman. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for Lori Hacking yesterday. Over the weekend police found a clump of brown hair in a dumpster. It's not clear if that hair belongs to Hacking.
On a much lighter note at the box office, Matt Damon proved himself a born winner. His "The Bourne Supremacy" took top honors this weekend, earning an estimated $53 million. That was enough to drop Will Smith's "I, Robot" to second, and "Catwoman" opened a distant third. Over $100 million spent on that movie. It only brought in $17 million.
Let's see what the numbers, how they're stacking up in the weather department. Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers today.
Hi, Rob.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Daryn. If you have the day off on this Monday, by chance, and you want to catch a matinee, good weather to do that.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MARCIANO: But Bill, Boston, as you noted earlier, looking pretty nice. And you'll continue at least through the daylight hours today. Enjoy it.
HEMMER: That's a pretty good looking map. We will. Hey, thank you, Rob for that.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, Andy is back from vacation. He's "Minding Your Business" today -- word of what might be a surprising takeover attempt. Andy has that in a moment.
Plus, the best known family in the Democratic party, the Kennedy's. We'll talk live to Senator Ted Kennedy and his niece Caroline about a very special day today for their family.
And could "The Bourne Supremacy" live up to its name? "90-Second Pop" has a crack at that when we continue on a busy Monday, live in Boston from the FleetCenter.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back to Boston.
Kennedy family roots run deep here in Boston throughout the entire commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ted Kennedy, the senior Senator from the state, addresses the convention tomorrow night.
This morning, though, Senator Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy hosting an event in Boston honoring the family matriarch. They are both with us live here in Boston, just across town.
Good morning to both of you and thanks for your time here. SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: Good morning.
CAROLINE KENNEDY, SEN. KENNEDY'S NIECE: Good morning.
HEMMER: Senator, I want to start with you.
What do you think your mother would think of this dedication today here, this greenway here named after your mother?
E. KENNEDY: She would be absolutely thrilled to death. She was born about 400 or 500 yards from here. She grew up as a small girl here. This is where she went to church, at St. Steven's church.
She loved the Boston Symphony, the Jordan Hall, the museums here, but most of all, she loved history. And took all of us, wrapped us all in the car and put a picnic together, and we visited every one of these sites that now you'll be able to come down to the greenway and be able to look left and right.
And on the one way, you'll see the old north church where they hung the lanterns for Paul Revere, the mast of the great constitution, Bunker Hill monument where they fought at Bunker Hill. You'll see the old statehouse where on July 18th they read the Declaration of Independence. And Faneuil Hall where they had the great debates.
So, this will make the history alive for future generations. So, all the family is enormously grateful to the people of Boston and also the city for giving this honor to my mother. She would have absolutely been thrilled. And we're very hopeful the future generations will love Boston like she did and help their children understand history like she did.
HEMMER: Based on your answer, it's quite obvious the pride in your voice today.
Caroline, how do you view this today?
C. KENNEDY: Well, grandma was really an inspiration to all of our family. She took tremendous joy in politics, as Teddy said, loved history and shared that love with all of us.
We used to read poetry, "The Midnight Rider, Paul Revere," and quizzed us all about the pilgrims and the revolution. And so, it really came alive for us, and I think for families that's so important and for young people because it is so exciting, and you really feel like you're part of the past as well as the future.
And so, I think if we could all do as good a job as grandma did, we would all be very happy. And I hope this greenway will make it possible for people to have fun and learn at the same time.
HEMMER: Well listen, it's been a long time in the making if you look at that construction project here in downtown Boston.
Senator, let's talk about politics quickly, if we could. Republicans say John Kerry has the most liberal voting record of any senator in the U.S. Senate today. Your own party shied away from Boston for a number of years. They felt in many ways it was giving the signal that the party was too far left coming to the northeast in the city of Boston.
How do you sell John Kerry from Massachusetts to the people in, say, Missouri?
E. KENNEDY: Well, first of all John Kerry has already sold himself over the course of the primaries. He did after all, win the presidential primary system, won them fairly comfortably. And he had the same message for all parts of the country.
You know, it's interesting. Our Republican friends have $80 million to try to distort, misrepresent and basically lie about John Kerry's record. That's because they haven't got a record of their own.
What you will hear on Thursday night is a message of hope. It will be a message of opportunity for the future. It will be a message of strength. He'll say what he's going to do both in defending our country. And as a war hero, he has the credibility to do that.
And he'll also talk about how he's going to restore our economy, which is so important for working families in the middle class. And he'll also talk about how we're going to restore the American's position of prestige in the international community.
This is a positive message. It's a hopeful message.
People are tired of cliches. People are tired of slogans and bumper sticker solutions. They want to hear some positive message. John Kerry has it, and John Edwards will be speaking to that as well.
We've got a great team. It's a team for the future. And between John Edwards and John Kerry, Bill, I'm absolutely confident that they are going to be successful.
HEMMER: I have 30 seconds left here.
You mentioned the dollar figure spent by Republicans. My numbers tell me Democrats in five months have spent $150 million.
With that dollar figure, why is it you still find so many people in your own Democratic Party still not familiar or comfortable with how they know John Kerry and who he is as a person.
E. KENNEDY: This is a large -- and more people are paying attention to this election than the last two elections, but that's still down at 63 or 64 percent. The -- even by the own polls show that about 40 percent haven't really tuned in yet.
But we've got plenty of time. People make up their minds: one, when you announce for president; two, probably at the speech on Thursday night or when they have the first debate; and third when he takes the oath of office for the presidency.
We've got the time. It's only about 100 days, three months. There will be some good debates. People will have a heightened interest in this campaign. And when they make up their mind they're going to make it up for John Kerry and John Edwards.
HEMMER: July 26th, day one. The convention kicks off later today. Many consider it to begin today, the election in full.
Senator, thank you for your time, and Caroline, as well.
E. KENNEDY: Thank you.
HEMMER: Enjoy this day in honor...
C. KENNEDY: Thank you.
HEMMER: ... of your family today in central Boston.
Back to Heidi again in New York -- Heidi?
COLLINS: All right, Bill. Thanks so much.
We're going to bring in Jack now and the "Question of the Day," once again.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. How important are these conventions anyway?
Time was this was a real exercise in politics and democracy in action. Anymore, though, because of the primaries and the TV coverage, it's just like a four-day PR stunt. Sort of like a Democratic or Republican infomercial, if you will. So, we're curious whether or not you agree with those who suggest the country might be able to get along without them.
We've got all the security considerations, all the money being spent because of terrorism.
Carole in Crossville, Tennessee: "It seems to me it's a waste of time, a terrible inconvenience to the residents of Boston and a terrible waste of money. Security in Boston is costing $50 million. New York will be the same, if not more. It seems to me the money could be well spent on something else instead of an excuse to have a party."
Kathleen in Princeton: "They are terribly important. Every industry needs a good trade show, and the poor politicians only get one every four years."
That's quite enough for them.
Tony Walker in Rosco, Illinois: "Always judge an events importance on how much coverage CNN and other networks devote to it. My guess is the Democratic convention will rank somewhere between the O.J. Simpson murder trial and Jennifer Lopez's love life." And on the subject of Mrs. Kerry telling a reporter to shove it, got a couple of interesting e-mails.
Paul in Hellertown, PA: "Wouldn't it be refreshing to have a first lady in the White House who isn't afraid to tell reporters and hopefully others to shove it?"
Yes, Paul, that's great. So, you'd just have the first lady going around telling everybody to shove it.
"Comparing this to the 'Stepford Wife' who lounges there now and who only has one opinion, her husband's, Mrs. Kerry represents a long breath of fresh air."
And Charlie in Tampa Bay, Florida: "At least she didn't tell the reporter, 'Go Cheney yourself!'"
COLLINS: That would have been worse. That would have been much worse.
All right, Jack. Thanks very much.
CAFFERTY: That's all we have at this time, but there'll be more.
COLLINS: There will be.
CAFFERTY: There will be.
COLLINS: I can't wait. All right.
In the meantime, Andy Serwer is back. So glad to see you. Major merger news in the pharmaceutical industry, correct?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Indeed. Let's start with the markets, though. I go away for a week and what happens, you guys let the stock market go to pot here.
Stocks continuing their summer swoon. Let's check this out. Dow down 177 points last week. Nasdaq -- and you can see the big news is here we've crossed below 10,000 on the Dow, first time we've been that low since mid-May. What's going on?
Well one thing, questions about the economic recovery: How strong is it? Also uncertainty about the election. Heightened terrorism threats also playing their part.
Could get a boost this morning, though. As Heidi mentioned, there is some takeover news. It is merger Monday. Mylan Labs buying King Pharmaceuticals for $4 billion. That's what's cooking on Wall Street.
Another one we're talking about, which is very interesting, takeover speculation concerning AT&T, venerable Ma Bell, could you imagine, possibly being owned by some buyout artists on Wall Street? That is still very speculative at this stage, but that's what they are talking about on Wall Street this morning. COLLINS: Wow. That would be wacky, wouldn't it?
SERWER: It sure would be
COLLINS: All right. Nice to see you again, Andy.
SERWER: Thank you very much.
COLLINS: Glad to have you back.
SERWER: Good to see you all.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning -- this AMERICAN MORNING, that is -- Bill will be back with more convention coverage from Boston, of course.
And next, Lance Armstrong rides into history and into "90-Second Pop."
Our panel takes a look, next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Hey, it's "90-Second Pop" for a Monday. And in today's episode, a born winner and the greatest athlete on two wheels.
Here to discuss it all, Toure, contributing editor for "Rolling Stone." "New York Magazine" contributing editor Sarah Bernard.
Stop laughing.
And Andy Borowitz from borowitzreport.com.
OK. Let's get to the movie deal first. "The Bourne Supremacy," what, $53 million?
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK MAGAZINE": Won the weekend.
TOURE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "ROLLING STONE" MAGAZINE: Wow.
COLLINS: Blowing away the competition, which we think was "Catwoman," maybe not.
BERNARD: Supposedly. Supposedly it was "Catwoman."
This movie, I have to say, I really liked it. I have a huge crush on Matt Damon all over again. He -- the thing about him that's so appealing, he's like the Harrison Ford of his generation. He's like this sort of every man action hero.
You disagree with me. I can see it, but we're going to let me talk first.
COLLINS: Something about that body language, Toure.
BERNARD: I know. He's going, no, no no.
But the thing that's so appealing about him is he's an assassin, and he seem to have a conscience about it. He'll kill somebody and seem like he feels terrible, and he didn't realize what he's capable of.
TOURE: Oh, God. You know...
BERNARD: So he's got this kind of Harrison Ford in "The Fugitive"...
TOURE: I'm just shocked by the numbers that this film is doing, because I thought for sure Matty was over. I thought that Ben being over...
BERNARD: Ben is over. Matty is not over.
TOURE: ... would just naturally transfer to Matt being over, because the whole -- you know, we all look at them together. But he's just coasting off the "Good Will Hunting" fame. Let it go. He's not that cute. He's not that good an actor. Let it go.
BERNARD: But he found his niche. The action hero thing works for him.
ANDY BOROWITZ, "BOROWITZREPORT.COM": I just want to have a moment of silence for "Catwoman."
(LAUGHTER)
BOROWITZ: I do because I just feel so bad because Halle Berry has had a couple -- a rough couple of years because there's the "Catwoman" thing and then also that kiss from Adrian Brody at the Oscars.
BERNARD: Oh, yes. That still lingers.
COLLINS: Doesn't it?
BERNARD: But don't feel bad for her $12.5 million paycheck.
TOURE: How come she can't pick a good movie? What's up with that?
BOROWITZ: I don't know. She went from "Monster's Ball" to hairball. It's very discouraging.
COLLINS: Toure, you're going to be her script advisor.
All right. Let's talk about blowing away the competition as far as a bicycle is concerned.
TOURE: Well, let's look at you, because you're wearing the myojoan (ph) as a dress today. Look at that.
COLLINS: As a matter of fact, that is correct. BERNARD: Is that a tribute to Lance?
COLLINS: Yes, it is -- a tribute to my friend, Lance, who I haven't met yet, but I'm sure we'll get along great.
So on that -- amazing, six times in a row. Nobody had ever done it before.
BERNARD: I think we need to talk about what he's going to do next. I think he's either got to go into politics or get a reality show. I mean that's pretty much his only options at this point.
BOROWITZ: That's it for him?
TOURE: Well, I'm sure the French are just dying to have a Texan come over and dominate their sport year after year after year. I bet it's killing them.
BOROWITZ: You know a new poll came out. Lance Armstrong is the second most popular American in France after Linda Ronstadt. This is true. He's really popular.
You know, I've got to tell you, with all due respect to him, I want to give him his props and all that. But, you know, I saw the Tour de France and a lot of that race is downhill. It's not that hard.
BERNARD: It was so easy, right?
BOROWITZ: Yes.
BERNARD: We could do it, right?
BOROWITZ: Yes.
COLLINS: They just coast. What's the problem.
TOURE: I mean, it really is just a month of pain. I mean, that's what it is.
BOROWITZ: Right.
COLLINS: It's very tough, you're right.
TOURE: After rowing, this is like the most painful sport where your body is just in pain every day, all day, all day.
COLLINS: Yes, well I happen to have a lot of respect for him, that's for sure.
You guys, thanks so much for being here, as always. Andy, Sarah and Toure, thanks again.
Bill back to you in Boston.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi. In a moment here from Boston -- more from live at the convention floor at the FleetCenter. We'll talk to someone in a moment who knows a thing or two who knows a thing or two about what it's like to run against the Bush-Cheney ticket.
Joe Lieberman is our guest in a moment.
That's Hillary Clinton with Dan Rather checking out the scene here in Boston.
Back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Still to come -- the latest in the Kobe Bryant case. The judge makes an important ruling on the accuser's sexual history -- senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin with us for that.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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