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CNN Live At Daybreak

Democrats Open Their Beantown Convention; President Bush Meets With Staff to Discuss 9/11 Commission's Report

Aired July 27, 2004 - 05:00   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.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Geared up and ready for the fall. The Democrats open their Beantown convention.
It is Tuesday, July 27.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, an overnight search in Salt Lake City. Police and their cadaver sniffing dogs are back at a landfill that was searched last week as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Lori Hacking, a pregnant woman who's been missing for more than a week now.

Colin Powell is in Europe -- Budapest, Hungary, to be exact. The secretary of state is talking about Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian mess. In a little more than six hours, he meets with his Hungarian counterpart.

Would having cameras in airline cockpits help us learn what happened if a plane crashed? Maybe so. Four hours from now, the National Transportation Safety Board opens public hearings into putting cameras in the cockpits.

Also this morning, a Senate committee hearing on a report into abuses at Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad. At the same time, 8:30 Eastern, there'll be a news conference announcing a lawsuit on behalf of five Iraqis, some of whom say they were abused at that prison.

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

Good morning -- Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: John Kerry may be Boston bound, but he's waking up in Norfolk, Virginia this morning. The man expected to carry the Democratic mantle this fall arrived in Norfolk last night. Later today, he'll attend a rally in Philadelphia outside the city's art museum and he plans to arrive in Boston for the Democratic convention tomorrow night. Kerry, wearing protective clothing, got a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Monday.

Kerry's running mate, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, also is not in Boston yet. Edwards has been at his Raleigh home preparing for his acceptance speech. He's been practicing with aides and Teleprompters set up in his living room. Edwards will deliver his speech on Wednesday.

More partners, fewer terrorists -- that's the message Democrats were getting last night from former President Clinton. But it wasn't the only message.

Our Aaron Brown wraps up the first big night of the Democratic presidential nominating convention.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hereby call the 44th national convention of the Democratic party to order.

BROWN: As the Democrats want the convention to be seen as forward looking, at least at the start, they looked to the recent past.

AL GORE, FMR. VICE PRESIDENT: Let's make sure that the Supreme Court does not pick the next president and that this president is not the one who picks the next Supreme Court.

BROWN: Now here's the theme, a theme likely to be repeated.

GORE: And I sincerely ask those watching at home tonight who supported President Bush four years ago, did you really get what you expected from the candidate you voted for? Is our country united today or more divided?

BROWN: And another theme here, a critical theme if the Democrats are to win in the fall.

GORE: No challenge is more critical than the situation we confront in Iraq. Regardless of your opinion at the beginning of this war, isn't it now abundantly obvious that the way this war has been managed by the administration has gotten us into very serious trouble?

BROWN: This is the first presidential campaign fought in the shadow of 9/11. The convention noted the attack. The violinist is 16-year old Gabe Lefkowitz (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The strength of who we were on 9/11 should stay with us, a light in the darkness to show us the way.

BROWN: Nearly 80 years old, Jimmy Carter was given a spotlight and in many ways to many people he has improved with age. He was pointed tonight as they like to say and introduced yet another theme.

JIMMY CARTER, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: After 9/11, America stood proud, wounded but determined and united. A cowardly attack on innocent civilians brought us an unprecedented level of cooperation and understanding around the world. But in just 34 months, we have watched with deep concern as all this good will has been squandered by a virtually unbroken series of mistakes and miscalculations. We cannot lead if our leaders mislead. You can't be a war president one day and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) be a peace president the next, depending on the latest political poll.

BROWN: There is no question however, about who the stars of the night were, both were named Clinton. First the junior senator from New York.

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, (D) NEW YORK: If we just have the courage to act on our conviction, we will by an overwhelming majority send John Kerry and John Edwards to do their duty for us in the White House starting next year.

BROWN: And then former President William Clinton, an outcast in the campaign four years ago, but not this time. Bill Clinton perhaps the best public speaker of his generation at the podium.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: My friends, I ask you to join me for the next 100 days in telling John Kerry's story and promoting his ideas. Let every person in this hall and like minded people all across our land say to him what he has always said to America, send me.

BROWN: And there was just a bit of red meat too.

B. CLINTON: Now since most Americans aren't that far to the right, our friends have to portray us Democrats as simply unacceptable, lacking in strength and values, in other words, they need a divided America but we don't.

BROWN: Day one for the Democrats in the books.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Aaron Brown reporting.

And this footnote, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean has officially released delegates committed to him and asked that they support Kerry.

Four aircraft have violated air space restrictions surrounding the Democratic National Convention. Flight restrictions went into effect on Monday morning around Boston Logan International as part of the massive security measures during the convention. The Federal Aviation Administration says all four incidents were until and the pilots meant no harm.

John Kerry's blunt talking wife Teresa will speak at the Democratic convention tonight. She's expected to focus on issues such as health care and economic security. But she's gotten, perhaps, a lot of unwanted attention lately for a testy exchange where she told a newspaperman to shove it. Heinz Kerry talked about that in an interview with CNN's Bill Hemmer.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Take me back to Sunday night.

Do you regret telling that reporter to shove it?

TERESA HEINZ KERRY, JOHN KERRY'S WIFE: No. No. I respect reporters and I respect anyone who does their job well. I don't, like anybody else, want to be trapped or be misrepresented intentionally by someone. That's what happened and I defended myself.

HEMMER: The quote I have is that you said "un-American traits."

HEINZ KERRY: No, un-Pennsylvanian.

HEMMER: OK, back up a little bit then. We need to turn back some of the creeping un-Pennsylvanian...

HEINZ KERRY: Traits.

HEMMER: And sometimes un-American traits that are creeping into some of our politics.

HEINZ KERRY: Correct. And that's absolutely correct.

HEMMER: Is that the way you remember it?

HEINZ KERRY: I would say that again.

HEMMER: And what did the reporter say to you then?

HEINZ KERRY: Un-American activities, which has a very different connotation. It's a political connotation of McCarthy implications, which I would not use unless it was very specific. And I would use it if it was correct, but that's not what I was talking about.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: You can hear Mrs. Kerry's full interview in a couple of hours on "AMERICAN MORNING." Of course, that begins at 7:00 Eastern.

Howard Dean and filmmaker Michael Moore are hosting a rally this afternoon for so-called progressives. But if you're expecting to hear their typical firebrand rhetoric, you might be disappointed. Speakers at the Boston convention have been choosing their words carefully this week.

CNN's Tom Foreman tells you why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch...

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the most important week of his political life, John Kerry is caught between Democrats who want an all out attack on George Bush...

REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: George Bush has got to go. George Bush has got to go.

FOREMAN: And those who fear chasing off moderate voters.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe it's a good idea, I think, to tone it down and have more of a broader message.

FOREMAN: The Kerry camp is trying to reign in the most strident anti-war, anti-Bush talk, reviewing all convention speeches. Firebrand Howard Dean says he's not been told to tone down, but he is on message.

DR. HOWARD DEAN (D), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think a positive face on our agenda is what we need to have and I think that's what John's trying to do.

FOREMAN: Stopping all the Bush bashing may be difficult.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, it's not negative to tell the truth and that's simply what Harry Truman said, let's give 'em hell. They'll think it's hell because it's the truth.

FOREMAN (on camera): Many Democrats say this is the most united convention they have ever seen and their dislike of George Bush is a big reason. But, that could be dangerous.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Hey, ho, we won't go!

FOREMAN (voice-over): In 1968, war protesters at the Democratic convention stole the spotlight from Hubert Humphrey and he lost the election. Now, passions are again running deep.

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D), NEW YORK: The overriding objective, to elect John Kerry and John Edwards and defeat George Bush, has united Democrats from all ends of the political spectrum.

FOREMAN: And the Kerry campaign is calculation how much all this free speech may cost them.

Tom Foreman, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And among tonight's speakers at the convention, some of Kerry's former rivals -- ex-Vermont Governor Howard Dean and Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt. Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama is the keynote speaker. Also at the podium, Ron Reagan, son of the late former president. Son Ron will speak on behalf of stem cell research. Our prime time coverage includes an "AMERICA VOTES" special with Wolf Blitzer. Of course, that begins at 10:00 Eastern. Wolf is followed at 11:00 p.m. Eastern by Aaron Brown. Larry King picks up our coverage with a live interview show at midnight from the convention floor of the Fleet Center.

President Bush goes behind closed doors to have some open dialogue on the September 11 Commission's final report. At 18 minutes after the hour, we'll tell you who's talking to the president about the commission's security recommendations.

At 38 after, it's emerging as Iraqi insurgents' favorite weapon of choice -- turning human lives into bargaining chips. We'll have a live report for you.

And at 42 minutes after, Utah police go back to an area they searched a week ago for Lori Hacking. We'll have the latest on the Salt Lake City woman's disappearance.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Former President Bill Clinton energized the delegates with his speech on day one of the Democratic National Convention. Tonight's speakers including former candidate Howard Dean and first lady hopeful Teresa Heinz Kerry.

We'll have much more on the convention coming up in this hour.

Cuban President Fidel Castro took some verbal shots at President Bush during a Revolution Day speech. He accused the president of making up a lie that Cuba promotes sex tourism. Castro also said President Bush had replaced his drinking with religious fundamentalism.

In money news, do you remember the movie "War Games?" Well, IBM says they've been hired by the Department of Defense to build a new supercomputer. The project will be used for war simulation and weather forecasting, among other things.

In culture, the popular Google Internet search engine was slowed because of a new variation of the My Doom virus. The slowdown lasted just a few hours. Other search engines, such as Yahoo!, may also have been affected.

In sports, the New York Yankees are extremely worried about Jason Giambi. His trainer tells the "Newark Star-Ledger" that the slugger may have a potentially fatal condition involving intestinal parasites. Test results could clear things up -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Wow, not good news for the Bombers, for sure. (WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

While the Democrats gather in Boston, President Bush meets with his staff to discuss the 9/11 Commission's report. Among the items taken up by the task force is the possible addition of that national intelligence chief.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more for you from Crawford, Texas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Bush laying low at his Crawford ranch, but on the fast track to making possible intelligence reforms. Monday morning through a secure video teleconference call, he led his first task force meeting on the 9/11 Commission's recommendations.

Officials at the highest level of government mobilized in the Situation Room of the White House and on the line to figure out how to overhaul the country's intelligence system. In attendance, about a dozen cabinet level officials, including the vice president, secretaries of homeland security and the Defense Department, the acting director of the CIA and the head of the FBI, top officials from Justice, State and the National Security Council.

Cheney, campaigning in Washington State, elaborated on the meeting.

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're at the beginning here of what will be and should be a great debate as we look at how we can improve both the executive branch's and legislative branch's ability to function in this area.

MALVEAUX: National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice joined Mr. Bush at his ranch to discuss enacting recommendations that could be implemented immediately by executive order. A White House spokeswoman said while the task force did not make any decisions on which recommendations will be implemented, that the president urged the group to act quickly to come up with a rapid review of the 9/11 report.

One source privy to the deliberations said the president is warming up to one controversial proposal -- a national director of intelligence. That recommendation is being pushed by the chairs of the 9/11 Commission, both parties in Congress and Bush critics, but was initially rejected by the secretary of homeland security and the acting director of the CIA.

(on camera): The Bush administration, eager to show the president is doing everything he can to protect the American people, says Mr. Bush could decide on some of those recommendations within days.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Crawford, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: The commission has pushed the White House and law makers to act quickly on their recommendations. Senate staffers have begun preparing for hearings next week, while House members are also thinking about holding hearings of their own. Among the issues to discuss, the formation of a new counter-terrorism center.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. PAUL LIGHT, GOVERNMENT REFORM EXPERT: The co-chairs have been quite blunt that responsibility for the next attack may well reside with Congress and the president, that action is essential now because an attack is not just possible, but probable. And I think the co-chairs have made that quite clear. They've really put Congress and the president on the spot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: For more on the 9/11 Commission's report, go to our Web site. You will find analysis, summaries and the complete text. Log onto cnn.com and be informed.

The giant on the Big Island is awake. Just ahead, some spectacular pictures of nature having its way.

Plus, basketball's best and what some are calling an Olympic dream team. Who made the cut, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Can you believe it? The Olympics fast approaching.

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: In fact, the Dream Team, as in basketball, started practicing in Jacksonville, Florida.

MARCIANO: Really? So they're ready to go?

COSTELLO: Yes, they elected the team captains.

MARCIANO: Who are -- Tim Duncan and who else?

COSTELLO: Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson.

MARCIANO: Allen Iverson?

COSTELLO: And we know how much he loves practice.

MARCIANO: He doesn't practice, right? Well, he's so talented. But he plays hard during the game, so it's -- I think it (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...

COSTELLO: He does. But, you know, as a motivating factor -- because you want the other guys to practice -- it was a surprise move. But apparently Allen Iverson is really excited about being on the team.

The other interesting thing, he used to be coached by Larry Brown.

MARCIANO: Right.

COSTELLO: Who's coaching the basketball team.

MARCIANO: OK, so...

COSTELLO: And supposedly they have a loving relationship now.

MARCIANO: They do, in a strange sort of way.

What happened to the time when it was only amateurs that played in the Olympics?

COSTELLO: Oh, that's long gone.

MARCIANO: It's long gone?

COSTELLO: That's long gone. And if the basketball team doesn't win a gold medal, it'll be really embarrassing.

MARCIANO: Right. Yes.

COSTELLO: What, Lebron James -- let me read some of the other names. Lebron James, Carlos Boozer, Richard Jefferson, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion and Lamar Odom, Emeka Okafor. A lot of great guns on the team.

MARCIANO: And then a lot of guys just, I assume, choose not to play. I mean where is Shaq? Where's Kobe?

COSTELLO: Well, a lot of guys chose not to play because of injuries.

MARCIANO: Oh, right.

COSTELLO: Yes.

MARCIANO: OK.

COSTELLO: Who knows about Shaq? I don't know. I don't know.

MARCIANO: Anyway, good luck to the American team.

COSTELLO: But there you go. Exactly.

Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Openers" now.

If clothes makes the man, what does this jacket say about its wearer? The MP3 blue electronic jacket combines mobile technology with music. The onboard MP3 player also doubles as a mobile phone earpiece. It's all connected to the jacket.

How much does this techno geek's dream outfit cost?

MARCIANO: I'd pay $10,000 for it.

COSTELLO: $10,000?

MARCIANO: No.

COSTELLO: It's only $735, so you get a bargain.

MARCIANO: Do you think it's stylish, though? I mean would you be wearing that out?

COSTELLO: No. I'd feel ridiculous.

MARCIANO: If it could download its own MP3 by itself, that's the biggest problem I have with those still.

COSTELLO: Oh, then I'd pay the $735.

MARCIANO: Well into the 700s.

COSTELLO: Exactly.

This is not the best way to see the clear water around Florida, around the Florida Keys, to be exact. No one suffered serious injuries in the wreck that left this truck in a precarious position and closed the main road in and out of the Keys. The road was reopened after a six hour delay. Amazing.

Some great pictures from the Big Island in Hawaii. Lava flowing from the Kilauea Volcano shows a spectacular view of nature's wonders. Kilauea has been active for the past 21 straight years.

MARCIANO: God, I never get tired of seeing that stuff.

COSTELLO: It's amazing, isn't it?

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Time now to check the overseas markets to see what Wall Street investors may be watching.

For that, we head live to London and Diana Muriel -- good morning, Diana.

(AUDIO GAP)

COSTELLO: I don't think Diana can hear us.

Diana, can you hear us?

MARCIANO: Diana? Diana?

COSTELLO: I knew, because she was pulling her -- yes. MARCIANO: You know that trick.

COSTELLO: Here's what's ahead in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Day two of the Dems party in Boston. A preview of what to expect tonight and why the son of a Republican president is speaking to the Democratic delegates. We'll have details ahead.

Also, new developments in the case of a missing Utah woman. We'll tell you where police searched overnight and what her husband's family has just done.

And a little later on on DAYBREAK, the big hummers on the highway aren't just popular here in the States. They are taking Russia by storm.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Democratic delegates will learn more tonight about John Kerry of Massachusetts. You are looking at a live picture of the Fleet Center convention floor.

It is Tuesday, July 27.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the United States has released four French nationals held at the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. France said those detainees should arrive back home some time today. The detainees were held for more than two years without being charged.

Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Hungary today to keep its troops in Iraq despite a deadly campaign of kidnappings. Powell was in Budapest as part of a week long tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Three and a half hours from now, the National Transportation Safety Board opens public hearings into putting cameras in commercial airline cockpits.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news -- Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: It is day two of the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Tonight, the focus will be on John Kerry's personal achievements and life. At the wrap-up of day one, former President Clinton had the crowd standing nine times during his speech. And there were other highlights as well.

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


Aired July 27, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Geared up and ready for the fall. The Democrats open their Beantown convention.
It is Tuesday, July 27.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, an overnight search in Salt Lake City. Police and their cadaver sniffing dogs are back at a landfill that was searched last week as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Lori Hacking, a pregnant woman who's been missing for more than a week now.

Colin Powell is in Europe -- Budapest, Hungary, to be exact. The secretary of state is talking about Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian mess. In a little more than six hours, he meets with his Hungarian counterpart.

Would having cameras in airline cockpits help us learn what happened if a plane crashed? Maybe so. Four hours from now, the National Transportation Safety Board opens public hearings into putting cameras in the cockpits.

Also this morning, a Senate committee hearing on a report into abuses at Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad. At the same time, 8:30 Eastern, there'll be a news conference announcing a lawsuit on behalf of five Iraqis, some of whom say they were abused at that prison.

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

Good morning -- Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: John Kerry may be Boston bound, but he's waking up in Norfolk, Virginia this morning. The man expected to carry the Democratic mantle this fall arrived in Norfolk last night. Later today, he'll attend a rally in Philadelphia outside the city's art museum and he plans to arrive in Boston for the Democratic convention tomorrow night. Kerry, wearing protective clothing, got a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Monday.

Kerry's running mate, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, also is not in Boston yet. Edwards has been at his Raleigh home preparing for his acceptance speech. He's been practicing with aides and Teleprompters set up in his living room. Edwards will deliver his speech on Wednesday.

More partners, fewer terrorists -- that's the message Democrats were getting last night from former President Clinton. But it wasn't the only message.

Our Aaron Brown wraps up the first big night of the Democratic presidential nominating convention.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hereby call the 44th national convention of the Democratic party to order.

BROWN: As the Democrats want the convention to be seen as forward looking, at least at the start, they looked to the recent past.

AL GORE, FMR. VICE PRESIDENT: Let's make sure that the Supreme Court does not pick the next president and that this president is not the one who picks the next Supreme Court.

BROWN: Now here's the theme, a theme likely to be repeated.

GORE: And I sincerely ask those watching at home tonight who supported President Bush four years ago, did you really get what you expected from the candidate you voted for? Is our country united today or more divided?

BROWN: And another theme here, a critical theme if the Democrats are to win in the fall.

GORE: No challenge is more critical than the situation we confront in Iraq. Regardless of your opinion at the beginning of this war, isn't it now abundantly obvious that the way this war has been managed by the administration has gotten us into very serious trouble?

BROWN: This is the first presidential campaign fought in the shadow of 9/11. The convention noted the attack. The violinist is 16-year old Gabe Lefkowitz (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The strength of who we were on 9/11 should stay with us, a light in the darkness to show us the way.

BROWN: Nearly 80 years old, Jimmy Carter was given a spotlight and in many ways to many people he has improved with age. He was pointed tonight as they like to say and introduced yet another theme.

JIMMY CARTER, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: After 9/11, America stood proud, wounded but determined and united. A cowardly attack on innocent civilians brought us an unprecedented level of cooperation and understanding around the world. But in just 34 months, we have watched with deep concern as all this good will has been squandered by a virtually unbroken series of mistakes and miscalculations. We cannot lead if our leaders mislead. You can't be a war president one day and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) be a peace president the next, depending on the latest political poll.

BROWN: There is no question however, about who the stars of the night were, both were named Clinton. First the junior senator from New York.

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, (D) NEW YORK: If we just have the courage to act on our conviction, we will by an overwhelming majority send John Kerry and John Edwards to do their duty for us in the White House starting next year.

BROWN: And then former President William Clinton, an outcast in the campaign four years ago, but not this time. Bill Clinton perhaps the best public speaker of his generation at the podium.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: My friends, I ask you to join me for the next 100 days in telling John Kerry's story and promoting his ideas. Let every person in this hall and like minded people all across our land say to him what he has always said to America, send me.

BROWN: And there was just a bit of red meat too.

B. CLINTON: Now since most Americans aren't that far to the right, our friends have to portray us Democrats as simply unacceptable, lacking in strength and values, in other words, they need a divided America but we don't.

BROWN: Day one for the Democrats in the books.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Aaron Brown reporting.

And this footnote, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean has officially released delegates committed to him and asked that they support Kerry.

Four aircraft have violated air space restrictions surrounding the Democratic National Convention. Flight restrictions went into effect on Monday morning around Boston Logan International as part of the massive security measures during the convention. The Federal Aviation Administration says all four incidents were until and the pilots meant no harm.

John Kerry's blunt talking wife Teresa will speak at the Democratic convention tonight. She's expected to focus on issues such as health care and economic security. But she's gotten, perhaps, a lot of unwanted attention lately for a testy exchange where she told a newspaperman to shove it. Heinz Kerry talked about that in an interview with CNN's Bill Hemmer.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Take me back to Sunday night.

Do you regret telling that reporter to shove it?

TERESA HEINZ KERRY, JOHN KERRY'S WIFE: No. No. I respect reporters and I respect anyone who does their job well. I don't, like anybody else, want to be trapped or be misrepresented intentionally by someone. That's what happened and I defended myself.

HEMMER: The quote I have is that you said "un-American traits."

HEINZ KERRY: No, un-Pennsylvanian.

HEMMER: OK, back up a little bit then. We need to turn back some of the creeping un-Pennsylvanian...

HEINZ KERRY: Traits.

HEMMER: And sometimes un-American traits that are creeping into some of our politics.

HEINZ KERRY: Correct. And that's absolutely correct.

HEMMER: Is that the way you remember it?

HEINZ KERRY: I would say that again.

HEMMER: And what did the reporter say to you then?

HEINZ KERRY: Un-American activities, which has a very different connotation. It's a political connotation of McCarthy implications, which I would not use unless it was very specific. And I would use it if it was correct, but that's not what I was talking about.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: You can hear Mrs. Kerry's full interview in a couple of hours on "AMERICAN MORNING." Of course, that begins at 7:00 Eastern.

Howard Dean and filmmaker Michael Moore are hosting a rally this afternoon for so-called progressives. But if you're expecting to hear their typical firebrand rhetoric, you might be disappointed. Speakers at the Boston convention have been choosing their words carefully this week.

CNN's Tom Foreman tells you why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch...

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the most important week of his political life, John Kerry is caught between Democrats who want an all out attack on George Bush...

REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: George Bush has got to go. George Bush has got to go.

FOREMAN: And those who fear chasing off moderate voters.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe it's a good idea, I think, to tone it down and have more of a broader message.

FOREMAN: The Kerry camp is trying to reign in the most strident anti-war, anti-Bush talk, reviewing all convention speeches. Firebrand Howard Dean says he's not been told to tone down, but he is on message.

DR. HOWARD DEAN (D), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think a positive face on our agenda is what we need to have and I think that's what John's trying to do.

FOREMAN: Stopping all the Bush bashing may be difficult.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, it's not negative to tell the truth and that's simply what Harry Truman said, let's give 'em hell. They'll think it's hell because it's the truth.

FOREMAN (on camera): Many Democrats say this is the most united convention they have ever seen and their dislike of George Bush is a big reason. But, that could be dangerous.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Hey, ho, we won't go!

FOREMAN (voice-over): In 1968, war protesters at the Democratic convention stole the spotlight from Hubert Humphrey and he lost the election. Now, passions are again running deep.

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D), NEW YORK: The overriding objective, to elect John Kerry and John Edwards and defeat George Bush, has united Democrats from all ends of the political spectrum.

FOREMAN: And the Kerry campaign is calculation how much all this free speech may cost them.

Tom Foreman, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And among tonight's speakers at the convention, some of Kerry's former rivals -- ex-Vermont Governor Howard Dean and Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt. Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama is the keynote speaker. Also at the podium, Ron Reagan, son of the late former president. Son Ron will speak on behalf of stem cell research. Our prime time coverage includes an "AMERICA VOTES" special with Wolf Blitzer. Of course, that begins at 10:00 Eastern. Wolf is followed at 11:00 p.m. Eastern by Aaron Brown. Larry King picks up our coverage with a live interview show at midnight from the convention floor of the Fleet Center.

President Bush goes behind closed doors to have some open dialogue on the September 11 Commission's final report. At 18 minutes after the hour, we'll tell you who's talking to the president about the commission's security recommendations.

At 38 after, it's emerging as Iraqi insurgents' favorite weapon of choice -- turning human lives into bargaining chips. We'll have a live report for you.

And at 42 minutes after, Utah police go back to an area they searched a week ago for Lori Hacking. We'll have the latest on the Salt Lake City woman's disappearance.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Former President Bill Clinton energized the delegates with his speech on day one of the Democratic National Convention. Tonight's speakers including former candidate Howard Dean and first lady hopeful Teresa Heinz Kerry.

We'll have much more on the convention coming up in this hour.

Cuban President Fidel Castro took some verbal shots at President Bush during a Revolution Day speech. He accused the president of making up a lie that Cuba promotes sex tourism. Castro also said President Bush had replaced his drinking with religious fundamentalism.

In money news, do you remember the movie "War Games?" Well, IBM says they've been hired by the Department of Defense to build a new supercomputer. The project will be used for war simulation and weather forecasting, among other things.

In culture, the popular Google Internet search engine was slowed because of a new variation of the My Doom virus. The slowdown lasted just a few hours. Other search engines, such as Yahoo!, may also have been affected.

In sports, the New York Yankees are extremely worried about Jason Giambi. His trainer tells the "Newark Star-Ledger" that the slugger may have a potentially fatal condition involving intestinal parasites. Test results could clear things up -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Wow, not good news for the Bombers, for sure. (WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

While the Democrats gather in Boston, President Bush meets with his staff to discuss the 9/11 Commission's report. Among the items taken up by the task force is the possible addition of that national intelligence chief.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more for you from Crawford, Texas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Bush laying low at his Crawford ranch, but on the fast track to making possible intelligence reforms. Monday morning through a secure video teleconference call, he led his first task force meeting on the 9/11 Commission's recommendations.

Officials at the highest level of government mobilized in the Situation Room of the White House and on the line to figure out how to overhaul the country's intelligence system. In attendance, about a dozen cabinet level officials, including the vice president, secretaries of homeland security and the Defense Department, the acting director of the CIA and the head of the FBI, top officials from Justice, State and the National Security Council.

Cheney, campaigning in Washington State, elaborated on the meeting.

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're at the beginning here of what will be and should be a great debate as we look at how we can improve both the executive branch's and legislative branch's ability to function in this area.

MALVEAUX: National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice joined Mr. Bush at his ranch to discuss enacting recommendations that could be implemented immediately by executive order. A White House spokeswoman said while the task force did not make any decisions on which recommendations will be implemented, that the president urged the group to act quickly to come up with a rapid review of the 9/11 report.

One source privy to the deliberations said the president is warming up to one controversial proposal -- a national director of intelligence. That recommendation is being pushed by the chairs of the 9/11 Commission, both parties in Congress and Bush critics, but was initially rejected by the secretary of homeland security and the acting director of the CIA.

(on camera): The Bush administration, eager to show the president is doing everything he can to protect the American people, says Mr. Bush could decide on some of those recommendations within days.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Crawford, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: The commission has pushed the White House and law makers to act quickly on their recommendations. Senate staffers have begun preparing for hearings next week, while House members are also thinking about holding hearings of their own. Among the issues to discuss, the formation of a new counter-terrorism center.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. PAUL LIGHT, GOVERNMENT REFORM EXPERT: The co-chairs have been quite blunt that responsibility for the next attack may well reside with Congress and the president, that action is essential now because an attack is not just possible, but probable. And I think the co-chairs have made that quite clear. They've really put Congress and the president on the spot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: For more on the 9/11 Commission's report, go to our Web site. You will find analysis, summaries and the complete text. Log onto cnn.com and be informed.

The giant on the Big Island is awake. Just ahead, some spectacular pictures of nature having its way.

Plus, basketball's best and what some are calling an Olympic dream team. Who made the cut, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Can you believe it? The Olympics fast approaching.

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: In fact, the Dream Team, as in basketball, started practicing in Jacksonville, Florida.

MARCIANO: Really? So they're ready to go?

COSTELLO: Yes, they elected the team captains.

MARCIANO: Who are -- Tim Duncan and who else?

COSTELLO: Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson.

MARCIANO: Allen Iverson?

COSTELLO: And we know how much he loves practice.

MARCIANO: He doesn't practice, right? Well, he's so talented. But he plays hard during the game, so it's -- I think it (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...

COSTELLO: He does. But, you know, as a motivating factor -- because you want the other guys to practice -- it was a surprise move. But apparently Allen Iverson is really excited about being on the team.

The other interesting thing, he used to be coached by Larry Brown.

MARCIANO: Right.

COSTELLO: Who's coaching the basketball team.

MARCIANO: OK, so...

COSTELLO: And supposedly they have a loving relationship now.

MARCIANO: They do, in a strange sort of way.

What happened to the time when it was only amateurs that played in the Olympics?

COSTELLO: Oh, that's long gone.

MARCIANO: It's long gone?

COSTELLO: That's long gone. And if the basketball team doesn't win a gold medal, it'll be really embarrassing.

MARCIANO: Right. Yes.

COSTELLO: What, Lebron James -- let me read some of the other names. Lebron James, Carlos Boozer, Richard Jefferson, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion and Lamar Odom, Emeka Okafor. A lot of great guns on the team.

MARCIANO: And then a lot of guys just, I assume, choose not to play. I mean where is Shaq? Where's Kobe?

COSTELLO: Well, a lot of guys chose not to play because of injuries.

MARCIANO: Oh, right.

COSTELLO: Yes.

MARCIANO: OK.

COSTELLO: Who knows about Shaq? I don't know. I don't know.

MARCIANO: Anyway, good luck to the American team.

COSTELLO: But there you go. Exactly.

Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Openers" now.

If clothes makes the man, what does this jacket say about its wearer? The MP3 blue electronic jacket combines mobile technology with music. The onboard MP3 player also doubles as a mobile phone earpiece. It's all connected to the jacket.

How much does this techno geek's dream outfit cost?

MARCIANO: I'd pay $10,000 for it.

COSTELLO: $10,000?

MARCIANO: No.

COSTELLO: It's only $735, so you get a bargain.

MARCIANO: Do you think it's stylish, though? I mean would you be wearing that out?

COSTELLO: No. I'd feel ridiculous.

MARCIANO: If it could download its own MP3 by itself, that's the biggest problem I have with those still.

COSTELLO: Oh, then I'd pay the $735.

MARCIANO: Well into the 700s.

COSTELLO: Exactly.

This is not the best way to see the clear water around Florida, around the Florida Keys, to be exact. No one suffered serious injuries in the wreck that left this truck in a precarious position and closed the main road in and out of the Keys. The road was reopened after a six hour delay. Amazing.

Some great pictures from the Big Island in Hawaii. Lava flowing from the Kilauea Volcano shows a spectacular view of nature's wonders. Kilauea has been active for the past 21 straight years.

MARCIANO: God, I never get tired of seeing that stuff.

COSTELLO: It's amazing, isn't it?

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Time now to check the overseas markets to see what Wall Street investors may be watching.

For that, we head live to London and Diana Muriel -- good morning, Diana.

(AUDIO GAP)

COSTELLO: I don't think Diana can hear us.

Diana, can you hear us?

MARCIANO: Diana? Diana?

COSTELLO: I knew, because she was pulling her -- yes. MARCIANO: You know that trick.

COSTELLO: Here's what's ahead in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Day two of the Dems party in Boston. A preview of what to expect tonight and why the son of a Republican president is speaking to the Democratic delegates. We'll have details ahead.

Also, new developments in the case of a missing Utah woman. We'll tell you where police searched overnight and what her husband's family has just done.

And a little later on on DAYBREAK, the big hummers on the highway aren't just popular here in the States. They are taking Russia by storm.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Democratic delegates will learn more tonight about John Kerry of Massachusetts. You are looking at a live picture of the Fleet Center convention floor.

It is Tuesday, July 27.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the United States has released four French nationals held at the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. France said those detainees should arrive back home some time today. The detainees were held for more than two years without being charged.

Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Hungary today to keep its troops in Iraq despite a deadly campaign of kidnappings. Powell was in Budapest as part of a week long tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Three and a half hours from now, the National Transportation Safety Board opens public hearings into putting cameras in commercial airline cockpits.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news -- Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: It is day two of the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Tonight, the focus will be on John Kerry's personal achievements and life. At the wrap-up of day one, former President Clinton had the crowd standing nine times during his speech. And there were other highlights as well.

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