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American Morning
Interview With Teresa Heinz Kerry; Interview With Barack Obama; More On The Kobe Bryant Trial
Aired July 27, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
Their hearts were pumping, their feet stomping -- the Democrats get the party going in Boston.
The star of night one has been on these stages many times before. The candidate's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, though, is the featured speaker later tonight. We'll get a hint at what she might have to say.
One of the Democrats' rising stars, tonight's keynote speaker. This morning, we'll talk to Barack Obama live here at the Fleet Center.
And the senator, John Kerry, making his way to Boston, along the way getting a tour of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
We'll get to all those stories this hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Democratic National Convention in Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.
HEMMER: All right, welcome, everybody and good morning.
It is day two, the morning of, anyway,
Eight o'clock here from the Fleet Center in the Northeast of the U.S.
The Democratic National Convention rolls on later today.
Last night, President Clinton proved he still has what it takes to get a crowd going. He was the feature prime time speaker on a night that also included speeches from his wife Hillary; also featured Clinton's former vice president, Al Gore. We'll hear what they had to say coming up this hour.
Also, tonight's lineup features Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama. We will hear from both of them coming up this hour, as well.
Meanwhile, Senator Kerry getting closer to Boston geographically. He's in Norfolk, Virginia this morning. Yesterday, he was at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where he put on one of those jumpsuits that all guests must wear to tour the cockpit of the Shuttle Discovery. And don't you know it, the tabloids are having fun with that image? Back in New York City, we've seen the headlines already today.
Also in New York, here's Heidi Collins -- Heidi, good morning there.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill.
A lot of other news this morning, too.
We're going to get a report from Colorado in just a few minutes, looking at whether the prosecution feels its case is damaged by a recent ruling from the judge. We'll also have more on the case of the missing woman in Utah. That's Lori Hacking. Some new information coming to us this morning.
Jack now, The Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR Coming up in "The Cafferty File," Heidi, animal planet today. We're going to tell you about 1,500 homing pigeons that have no idea where the hell they are. And a four- legged jack ass gets elected in Colorado.
COLLINS: OK. We'll be waiting on that one for sure.
CAFFERTY: I'll be doing it later.
COLLINS: OK.
Bill now, back to you in Boston.
HEMMER: I'm not going anywhere, either.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: So I'm staying tuned, too, Jack.
Delegates to the convention here treated to the parade of party stars last night here at the Fleet Center. The hard-liner, Bill Clinton, and certainly introduced by his wife Hillary Clinton. The two term president stirred the crowd as he talked about John Kerry's service to America, first as a sailor with the Navy, then as a U.S. senator.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL CLINTON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Since we're all in the same boat, we should choose a captain of our ship who is a brave, good man, who knows how to steer a vessel through troubled waters to the calm seas and the clear sides of our more perfect union. That is our mission. So let us join tonight and say to America in a loud, clear voice -- send John Kerry! God bless you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: And the former president did little campaigning for his vice president, Al Gore, back in Campaign 2000. This year they appear to be on the same page. Gore jokingly referred to the defeat four years ago as a way to energize the party behind Senator Kerry.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AL GORE, FMR. VICE PRESIDENT: My friends, fellow Democrats, fellow Americans, I'm going to be candid with you. I had hoped to be back here this week under different circumstances, running for re- election. But you know the old saying, you win some, you lose some.
And then there's that little-known third category. But I didn't come here tonight to talk about the past. After all, I don't want you to think I lie awake at night counting and recounting sheep.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: John Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, a featured speaker later tonight.
I spoke with her last evening to try and get a bit of a preview of what she might offer tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: What's the message in your speech?
TERESA HEINZ KERRY, JOHN KERRY'S WIFE: Generally what I talk about, but just a little bit more.
HEMMER: Such as?
HEINZ KERRY: Well, I'll surprise you tomorrow.
HEMMER: Is it ready?
HEINZ KERRY: Of course. It's been ready for quite a while.
HEMMER: Has it? Weeks or?
HEINZ KERRY: Weeks with tweaks. You know, I keep away from it for three or four days and then I come back. And in fact, I added some stuff about my mom today, because I realized that I hadn't paid due respect.
HEMMER: Is there a theme that we will find when you deliver it?
HEINZ KERRY: It's a tone and it's, I hope, an inspiration, and a hopeful statement.
HEMMER: Is it more a reflection about you and your life? Is it a reflection on Senator Kerry?
HEINZ KERRY: All.
HEMMER: Or is it a reflection on America today?
HEINZ KERRY: All. All of it.
HEMMER: Is that one third, one third, one third?
HEINZ KERRY: Not measured. It flows. But it's personal. It's my words. I feel very comfortable with it. I normally don't have text when I speak. I speak from my heart, from my head and from my soul. And this, that's where this came from. But it is written.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Later tonight in prime time, after the 10:00 p.m. Eastern hour, you'll hear what she has to say. Also live next here on CNN next hour, much more on that interview from last evening, when Teresa Heinz Kerry addresses the incident that occurred here in Boston on Sunday night. We'll get back to that interview next hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
Even here in Boston, not everybody knows his name. But rest assured you will be hearing much more about Barack Obama after this evening. A candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, a rising star, we're told, in the Democratic Party. And tonight Barack Obama delivers the convention's keynote address.
He's our guest now live here on the floor of the Fleet Center.
And good morning to you.
BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE: Great to see you.
HEMMER: Thank you for some time.
OBAMA: Absolutely.
HEMMER: I'm told that you have three main points you want to make tonight.
What are they?
OBAMA: Well, the -- maybe you can tell me. I remember two at least. You know what I'd like to do is focus on making sure that I give voice to the stories that I'm hearing in people across Illinois, who are struggling with health care bills that are rising, trying to save for college and retirement at the same time, making sure that they have some sort of economic security.
I want to talk about John Kerry and John Edwards and how they offer, I think, a program that will help voters. And I want to make sure that we communicate the hope and optimism of the Democratic Party.
HEMMER: You apparently made a comment to the "Atlantic Monthly." I know you addressed this over the weekend.
OBAMA: Right.
HEMMER: And just for our viewers on the screen here, "Sometimes," you say, "sometimes Massachusetts Senator John Kerry doesn't have that oomph."
OBAMA: Yes, well, you know, this was four months ago right after the primary and the -- a grueling primary. And the campaign on the general election side hadn't caught its stride. What we're seeing now, I think, is each week John Kerry building up a head of steam.
His selection of John Edwards has, I think, really energized the party. And I think coming out of this convention you'll see a Democratic Party that's more unified and more energetic than I've ever seen it before.
HEMMER: If that was four months ago, what has changed today, though?
OBAMA: You know what's...
HEMMER: And how would you define that word oomph? What is that?
OBAMA: Well, you know what? The -- what I've seen in John Kerry, you know, anybody who talks to him individually, this is a guy who is better prepared for the presidency than anybody I've ever seen -- enormously engaging, enormously caring and enormously intelligent.
And consistently what's happened in his campaign is that the further we get along in the campaign, the more he lets himself show. And the more he lets himself show, the more voters like him.
HEMMER: Jon Corzine said about you, "Tomorrow, everybody's going to know who Barack Obama is." That was the quote he gave to the "L.A. Times."
Why do you think you were chosen to give this address?
OBAMA: You know, I think there were a couple of things. I think that, obviously, the fact that I have the opportunity, potentially, of being the only African-American in the U.S. Senate is significant, particularly for a party that values inclusion.
I think the way we won in Illinois, the fact that we were able to put together a coalition not just of African-Americans or liberals, but a wide cross-section of rural and suburban voters, as well, that gave people a sense of hope. It kind of blew up some of the presuppositions people have about voters.
HEMMER: You also have a playing card in your name.
OBAMA: You know...
HEMMER: "Kerry Wins" is the headline of the "Chicago Tribune."
OBAMA: This is (INAUDIBLE).
HEMMER: Does this mean you've made it now in the party? And if so, how does your life change when you wake up tomorrow morning?
OBAMA: Well, I just want to point out that I think I'm the two of spades.
HEMMER: Yes?
OBAMA: So the -- I've still got, I've got a ways to go in the rankings.
But you know, it's obviously a lot of fun. But I don't buy into the hype too much. My focus is going to be on Illinois and the voters back home.
HEMMER: Good luck tonight, OK, Barack Obama.
OBAMA: Thank you so much.
HEMMER: Nice to meet you here in Boston.
OBAMA: You're very gracious. I appreciate it.
HEMMER: All right.
OBAMA: Thank you.
Thank you.
HEMMER: A bit of a programming note. Later tonight, the keynote speech address, the speakers include on the schedule Howard Dean, Dick Gephardt, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama. After that, Ron Reagan and Teresa Heinz Kerry will conclude things in prime time.
We'll be here for all of it.
Back to New York now.
And again, here's Heidi -- good morning.
COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks so much.
This morning, the "Salt Lake City Tribune" reports that missing Utah woman Lori Hacking may have found out about her husband's deceptions just days before she vanished. It reports coworkers believe she tearfully left work after discovering her husband wasn't going to med school.
One of Lori's coworkers explained it just moments ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MELISSA SUGDEN, FRIEND OF LORI HACKING: I was in the parking garage with my friend Jen and I saw her come across the sky walk. And I said, "Hey, look, there's Lori."
And Jen says, "Wow, it looks like she's crying."
And I said, "Yes."
So she came out the skywalk and I go, "Hey, Lori, what's up?" And she usually talks to me because we vent about everything all the time.
And she just said, "Nothing."
Then she walked away and she was walking so fast.
And I said, "Are you sure?"
She said, "Yes."
And then she got in her car. She zoomed past us, didn't even look at us, and left. And I mean, I have been friends with Lori for a while, so I knew something was wrong, but I didn't -- I should have called her and I was going to, but then I just -- I just got busy over the weekend and I didn't.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Hacking disappeared last week. Police say her husband Mark is considered a person of interest in her case. Mark had lied, claiming he was accepted to medical school. Last night, police searched a dumpster for a second time for any clues in the case. They also used cadaver dogs to search a landfill they had first searched last week.
Coming up in the next half hour of AMERICAN MORNING, we'll talk live with Scott Dunaway for the latest on Lori's disappearance.
Prosecutors in the Kobe Bryant case are pressing on despite a ruling that will bring his accuser's sex life into evidence.
Cynthia Stone, spokesman for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, joins us now from Denver this morning to talk about the potential impact on the case.
Thanks for being here, Ms. Stone.
I do want to ask about that impact.
What do you think this ruling will mean for potential victims of rape?
CYNTHIA STONE, COLORADO COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT: Well, we've been concerned all along that these sort of rulings would be discouraging for women to come forward and report. Sexual assault is already one of the lowest reported of any crimes against a person, with an average of only 16 percent of the victims coming forward.
But the one thing that we are also concerned about is we don't believe that this ruling is the death knell for this case. This, the victim's sexual history -- and this is the 72 hours in question -- is only one piece of the evidence in this case.
COLLINS: Why do you think, though, that is not -- I would imagine that from your point of view, this could really be a problem for victims to go down that line.
STONE: Well, of course. Colorado's rape shield law does try to protect victims from these horrendous fishing expeditions into their sexual past. But the Colorado rape shield law does allow for some of a victim's sexual history in, and typically if it's tied to some sort of as an explanation of physical evidence in the case.
COLLINS: Well, what about the rights of the person being accused? I mean you would have to agree that not everyone who is accused of rape actually committed the crime.
STONE: Well, you know, are there false accusations of rape? Yes, unfortunately there are. But it's very, very low. One study that we have seen says that it is probably under 3 percent.
Do we condone this in any way, shape or form? Hell, no. But again, one of the major problems that we see is only 16 percent of victims actually come forward.
COLLINS: All right, Cynthia Stone, the director of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, coming to us from Denver this morning.
Thanks so much.
STONE: Thank you.
COLLINS: It is just about 13 minutes past the hour now.
Time for a look at some of the other news with Daryn Kagan -- hi, Daryn.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi.
Let's begin with some exclusive CNN video from Iraq. Authorities in Baghdad uncovered a massive weapons cache just inside of a suspected safe house. Hundreds of mortar rounds and multiple anti- tank mines were found. Also in Baghdad, a high ranking Egyptian embassy official is back at work today. His captors released the man yesterday, reportedly with gifts of a dagger, a string of prayer beads and an apology.
Back here in the U.S., the massive wildfires threatening an Indian reservation in central Oregon. Firefighters are battling to control the 2,500 acre blaze. It's the state's largest wildfire so far this summer. Dozens of homes are under voluntary evacuation. There are no reports of any injuries.
Amtrak says that security plans for the Republican convention in New York are back on track. Nearly all passengers traveling between Washington and Boston during the convention in New York will have to make reservations. The convention runs from August 28 through September 2. Trains will be searched before they leave and while they are traveling.
And a music publisher wants to stop a satiric version of "This Land Is Your Land." You probably have seen this. The flash animation movie on the Internet shows President Bush and Senator John Kerry singing to the tune of Woody Guthrie's song.
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALES: I'm a Texas tiger, you're a liberal wiener. I'm a great crusader.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Well, it's funny stuff, but the company that owns the copyright to "This Land Is Your Land" says the song is being damaged. The creators of the parody don't agree. They refuse to take it off the Internet. This one is out of the box.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Still to come here, the Democrats trying to put their best forward in the Fleet Center. But not too far away, the Republicans are ready and they are waiting. They have their own team here at the Fleet Center, as well.
Also, Bill Clinton rallied the troops in Boston. What about the viewers at home, though? How did that translate? Bill Schneider joins us. He has the take and the lowdown after this on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Good morning from Boston yet again.
Two men who shared the White House for eight years served as bookends last night for a rousing opening night here in Boston.
Senior political analyst Bill Schneider back with us here to reflect on day one of the DNC -- good morning, Bill.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.
HEMMER: Where's your hat?
SCHNEIDER: It's in rehab temporarily.
HEMMER: Did someone tell you to do that or was that your own decision?
SCHNEIDER: That was my decision.
HEMMER: All right, listen here...
SCHNEIDER: It'll be back.
HEMMER: We have three interviews that we want to play, three of the speeches that were given last night. SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: First stop, Al Gore. His message last night to the delegates.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GORE: It is in that spirit that 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?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Is that what they call red meat or angry (INAUDIBLE)?
SCHNEIDER: Well, it is. But what he's saying here is the Bush that got elected -- it's hard to say he won the election -- you're supposed to say got elected president, was not the Bush people expected. Bush ran as a compassionate conservative. He got the nomination and a lot of people voted for him because, simply, he was not Newt Gingrich. He had no connection to impeachment. People didn't think he was a hard core conservative. He ran as a compassionate conservative.
So what Gore is saying to Americans is the Bush that we got as president is not the Bush you thought you voted for. Think about that choice again you Bush voters.
HEMMER: Here's Jimmy Carter, one of the keynote speakers, again, last night, too.
President Carter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY CARTER, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Truth is the foundation of our global leadership. But our credibility has been shattered and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world. Without truth, without trust, America cannot flourish. Trust is at the very heart of our democracy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: It's my understanding that speech was not vetted.
SCHNEIDER: No, it was not. He's a former president. They did not vet the speech. But it was very much on message. He is a man of great moral standing and he was elected because of morality after Watergate and he's probably the most successful ex-president we've ever had. His reputation as a man of morality and integrity remain undiminished.
Well, what he was saying to the delegates and to the country was that -- the reputation of this country as a country of truth and trust in the world has been tarnished under George Bush and we have become more isolated in the world than this country has been in 50 years. That was the message and I think it was effective.
HEMMER: Also, Bill Clinton last night. I think it was nine standing ovations from our count.
SCHNEIDER: Yes.
HEMMER: Here's President Clinton's message, part of it, anyway.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: The president had an amazing opportunity to bring the country together under his slogan of compassionate conservatism and to unite the world in the struggle against terror. Instead, he and his congressional allies made a very different choice. They chose to move that -- to use that moment of unity to try to push the country too far to the right and to walk away from our allies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: We heard that theme consistently in a number of different versions last night.
SCHNEIDER: Right.
HEMMER: Do we expect to hear that more today and Wednesday and Thursday?
SCHNEIDER: I think we'll hear it -- we're going to hear it throughout the week. The idea is that John Kerry will offer to do what Bush promised and failed to do in 2000. He said I'm going to be a uniter, not a divider. And the one thing Americans are longing for right now is a person who can bring unity to the country.
And Clinton's speech was really a way of saying we Democrats believe we can offer to -- unifying the country in a way that George Bush has not. He squandered that opportunity after 9/11.
HEMMER: Do you think they were paying attention to what John Kerry said over the weekend -- no Bush bashing?
SCHNEIDER: Yes. Oh, yes, they were. Even though there was harsh criticism of the Bush record from Bill Clinton -- they made their choice, we've made our choice -- it wasn't personal. It wasn't mean-spirited. It was his policies, not his personality.
HEMMER: Good to see you, Bill.
We'll talk again tomorrow at the same time.
SCHNEIDER: A pleasure.
HEMMER: All right.
SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: Back to Heidi now in New York -- Heidi. COLLINS: All right, Bill and Bill, thanks so much.
Still to come today, Teresa Heinz Kerry takes the stage tonight in Boston. But some experts wonder whether she'll prove to be more of a liability than an asset.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: You are looking now live once again inside the Fleet Center there. And we are looking at the podium where Teresa Heinz Kerry will be the featured speaker this evening, as you watch our continuing coverage tonight here on CNN.
Jack has the Question of the Day about that very person, correct?
CAFFERTY: Correct. She managed to do the impossible yesterday, which was to make the first day of a political convention actually interesting, moderately so. Love her or hate her, Teresa Heinz Kerry telling that reporter to shove it managed to steal the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention even before the opening gavel came down.
The question this morning is whether or not Teresa Heinz Kerry is a political asset or a liability.
Rony in West Hempstead, New York: "Your bosses at CNN, with your help, always try to trip up the Democrats." Yes, Rony, that's why we're here every morning. "How come you did not pose such a question on the foul-mouthed Cheney? Why not let everyone know that Ms. Kerry is a hardworking philanthropist who forced many charities to reform and be responsible before they got her foundation's money?"
Well, we just did.
Carole in Crossville, Tennessee: "Mrs. Heinz Kerry is a liability, in my opinion. I would not be proud to have a foreign born first lady with an accent so thick that she's difficult to understand at times. She also appears quite aggressive, in an angry way, the way she rushed over to that reporter with her finger in his face. And finally, what has she accomplished in her life on her own, other than knowing how to marry well?"
Marilyn writes: "She's definitely an asset. The best of George 41 and 43 was Barbara Bush. She spoke her mind, made up some rather crude statements about Hillary Clinton and the media ate it up. Teresa speaks her mind more thoughtfully and in one moment of frustration is vilified. Give me a break."
Am@cnn.com is the e-mail address.
COLLINS: All right, Jack.
Thanks so much.
CAFFERTY: You're welcome.
COLLINS: And still ahead this morning, police could be close to issuing an arrest warrant in the case of that missing Utah woman we've been talking about. We will talk to the family spokesman in just a few moments.
Plus, the GOP goes behind enemy lines in Boston. We'll go inside the Republican war room here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired July 27, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
Their hearts were pumping, their feet stomping -- the Democrats get the party going in Boston.
The star of night one has been on these stages many times before. The candidate's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, though, is the featured speaker later tonight. We'll get a hint at what she might have to say.
One of the Democrats' rising stars, tonight's keynote speaker. This morning, we'll talk to Barack Obama live here at the Fleet Center.
And the senator, John Kerry, making his way to Boston, along the way getting a tour of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
We'll get to all those stories this hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Democratic National Convention in Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.
HEMMER: All right, welcome, everybody and good morning.
It is day two, the morning of, anyway,
Eight o'clock here from the Fleet Center in the Northeast of the U.S.
The Democratic National Convention rolls on later today.
Last night, President Clinton proved he still has what it takes to get a crowd going. He was the feature prime time speaker on a night that also included speeches from his wife Hillary; also featured Clinton's former vice president, Al Gore. We'll hear what they had to say coming up this hour.
Also, tonight's lineup features Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama. We will hear from both of them coming up this hour, as well.
Meanwhile, Senator Kerry getting closer to Boston geographically. He's in Norfolk, Virginia this morning. Yesterday, he was at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where he put on one of those jumpsuits that all guests must wear to tour the cockpit of the Shuttle Discovery. And don't you know it, the tabloids are having fun with that image? Back in New York City, we've seen the headlines already today.
Also in New York, here's Heidi Collins -- Heidi, good morning there.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill.
A lot of other news this morning, too.
We're going to get a report from Colorado in just a few minutes, looking at whether the prosecution feels its case is damaged by a recent ruling from the judge. We'll also have more on the case of the missing woman in Utah. That's Lori Hacking. Some new information coming to us this morning.
Jack now, The Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR Coming up in "The Cafferty File," Heidi, animal planet today. We're going to tell you about 1,500 homing pigeons that have no idea where the hell they are. And a four- legged jack ass gets elected in Colorado.
COLLINS: OK. We'll be waiting on that one for sure.
CAFFERTY: I'll be doing it later.
COLLINS: OK.
Bill now, back to you in Boston.
HEMMER: I'm not going anywhere, either.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: So I'm staying tuned, too, Jack.
Delegates to the convention here treated to the parade of party stars last night here at the Fleet Center. The hard-liner, Bill Clinton, and certainly introduced by his wife Hillary Clinton. The two term president stirred the crowd as he talked about John Kerry's service to America, first as a sailor with the Navy, then as a U.S. senator.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL CLINTON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Since we're all in the same boat, we should choose a captain of our ship who is a brave, good man, who knows how to steer a vessel through troubled waters to the calm seas and the clear sides of our more perfect union. That is our mission. So let us join tonight and say to America in a loud, clear voice -- send John Kerry! God bless you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: And the former president did little campaigning for his vice president, Al Gore, back in Campaign 2000. This year they appear to be on the same page. Gore jokingly referred to the defeat four years ago as a way to energize the party behind Senator Kerry.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AL GORE, FMR. VICE PRESIDENT: My friends, fellow Democrats, fellow Americans, I'm going to be candid with you. I had hoped to be back here this week under different circumstances, running for re- election. But you know the old saying, you win some, you lose some.
And then there's that little-known third category. But I didn't come here tonight to talk about the past. After all, I don't want you to think I lie awake at night counting and recounting sheep.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: John Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, a featured speaker later tonight.
I spoke with her last evening to try and get a bit of a preview of what she might offer tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: What's the message in your speech?
TERESA HEINZ KERRY, JOHN KERRY'S WIFE: Generally what I talk about, but just a little bit more.
HEMMER: Such as?
HEINZ KERRY: Well, I'll surprise you tomorrow.
HEMMER: Is it ready?
HEINZ KERRY: Of course. It's been ready for quite a while.
HEMMER: Has it? Weeks or?
HEINZ KERRY: Weeks with tweaks. You know, I keep away from it for three or four days and then I come back. And in fact, I added some stuff about my mom today, because I realized that I hadn't paid due respect.
HEMMER: Is there a theme that we will find when you deliver it?
HEINZ KERRY: It's a tone and it's, I hope, an inspiration, and a hopeful statement.
HEMMER: Is it more a reflection about you and your life? Is it a reflection on Senator Kerry?
HEINZ KERRY: All.
HEMMER: Or is it a reflection on America today?
HEINZ KERRY: All. All of it.
HEMMER: Is that one third, one third, one third?
HEINZ KERRY: Not measured. It flows. But it's personal. It's my words. I feel very comfortable with it. I normally don't have text when I speak. I speak from my heart, from my head and from my soul. And this, that's where this came from. But it is written.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Later tonight in prime time, after the 10:00 p.m. Eastern hour, you'll hear what she has to say. Also live next here on CNN next hour, much more on that interview from last evening, when Teresa Heinz Kerry addresses the incident that occurred here in Boston on Sunday night. We'll get back to that interview next hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
Even here in Boston, not everybody knows his name. But rest assured you will be hearing much more about Barack Obama after this evening. A candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, a rising star, we're told, in the Democratic Party. And tonight Barack Obama delivers the convention's keynote address.
He's our guest now live here on the floor of the Fleet Center.
And good morning to you.
BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE: Great to see you.
HEMMER: Thank you for some time.
OBAMA: Absolutely.
HEMMER: I'm told that you have three main points you want to make tonight.
What are they?
OBAMA: Well, the -- maybe you can tell me. I remember two at least. You know what I'd like to do is focus on making sure that I give voice to the stories that I'm hearing in people across Illinois, who are struggling with health care bills that are rising, trying to save for college and retirement at the same time, making sure that they have some sort of economic security.
I want to talk about John Kerry and John Edwards and how they offer, I think, a program that will help voters. And I want to make sure that we communicate the hope and optimism of the Democratic Party.
HEMMER: You apparently made a comment to the "Atlantic Monthly." I know you addressed this over the weekend.
OBAMA: Right.
HEMMER: And just for our viewers on the screen here, "Sometimes," you say, "sometimes Massachusetts Senator John Kerry doesn't have that oomph."
OBAMA: Yes, well, you know, this was four months ago right after the primary and the -- a grueling primary. And the campaign on the general election side hadn't caught its stride. What we're seeing now, I think, is each week John Kerry building up a head of steam.
His selection of John Edwards has, I think, really energized the party. And I think coming out of this convention you'll see a Democratic Party that's more unified and more energetic than I've ever seen it before.
HEMMER: If that was four months ago, what has changed today, though?
OBAMA: You know what's...
HEMMER: And how would you define that word oomph? What is that?
OBAMA: Well, you know what? The -- what I've seen in John Kerry, you know, anybody who talks to him individually, this is a guy who is better prepared for the presidency than anybody I've ever seen -- enormously engaging, enormously caring and enormously intelligent.
And consistently what's happened in his campaign is that the further we get along in the campaign, the more he lets himself show. And the more he lets himself show, the more voters like him.
HEMMER: Jon Corzine said about you, "Tomorrow, everybody's going to know who Barack Obama is." That was the quote he gave to the "L.A. Times."
Why do you think you were chosen to give this address?
OBAMA: You know, I think there were a couple of things. I think that, obviously, the fact that I have the opportunity, potentially, of being the only African-American in the U.S. Senate is significant, particularly for a party that values inclusion.
I think the way we won in Illinois, the fact that we were able to put together a coalition not just of African-Americans or liberals, but a wide cross-section of rural and suburban voters, as well, that gave people a sense of hope. It kind of blew up some of the presuppositions people have about voters.
HEMMER: You also have a playing card in your name.
OBAMA: You know...
HEMMER: "Kerry Wins" is the headline of the "Chicago Tribune."
OBAMA: This is (INAUDIBLE).
HEMMER: Does this mean you've made it now in the party? And if so, how does your life change when you wake up tomorrow morning?
OBAMA: Well, I just want to point out that I think I'm the two of spades.
HEMMER: Yes?
OBAMA: So the -- I've still got, I've got a ways to go in the rankings.
But you know, it's obviously a lot of fun. But I don't buy into the hype too much. My focus is going to be on Illinois and the voters back home.
HEMMER: Good luck tonight, OK, Barack Obama.
OBAMA: Thank you so much.
HEMMER: Nice to meet you here in Boston.
OBAMA: You're very gracious. I appreciate it.
HEMMER: All right.
OBAMA: Thank you.
Thank you.
HEMMER: A bit of a programming note. Later tonight, the keynote speech address, the speakers include on the schedule Howard Dean, Dick Gephardt, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama. After that, Ron Reagan and Teresa Heinz Kerry will conclude things in prime time.
We'll be here for all of it.
Back to New York now.
And again, here's Heidi -- good morning.
COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks so much.
This morning, the "Salt Lake City Tribune" reports that missing Utah woman Lori Hacking may have found out about her husband's deceptions just days before she vanished. It reports coworkers believe she tearfully left work after discovering her husband wasn't going to med school.
One of Lori's coworkers explained it just moments ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MELISSA SUGDEN, FRIEND OF LORI HACKING: I was in the parking garage with my friend Jen and I saw her come across the sky walk. And I said, "Hey, look, there's Lori."
And Jen says, "Wow, it looks like she's crying."
And I said, "Yes."
So she came out the skywalk and I go, "Hey, Lori, what's up?" And she usually talks to me because we vent about everything all the time.
And she just said, "Nothing."
Then she walked away and she was walking so fast.
And I said, "Are you sure?"
She said, "Yes."
And then she got in her car. She zoomed past us, didn't even look at us, and left. And I mean, I have been friends with Lori for a while, so I knew something was wrong, but I didn't -- I should have called her and I was going to, but then I just -- I just got busy over the weekend and I didn't.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Hacking disappeared last week. Police say her husband Mark is considered a person of interest in her case. Mark had lied, claiming he was accepted to medical school. Last night, police searched a dumpster for a second time for any clues in the case. They also used cadaver dogs to search a landfill they had first searched last week.
Coming up in the next half hour of AMERICAN MORNING, we'll talk live with Scott Dunaway for the latest on Lori's disappearance.
Prosecutors in the Kobe Bryant case are pressing on despite a ruling that will bring his accuser's sex life into evidence.
Cynthia Stone, spokesman for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, joins us now from Denver this morning to talk about the potential impact on the case.
Thanks for being here, Ms. Stone.
I do want to ask about that impact.
What do you think this ruling will mean for potential victims of rape?
CYNTHIA STONE, COLORADO COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT: Well, we've been concerned all along that these sort of rulings would be discouraging for women to come forward and report. Sexual assault is already one of the lowest reported of any crimes against a person, with an average of only 16 percent of the victims coming forward.
But the one thing that we are also concerned about is we don't believe that this ruling is the death knell for this case. This, the victim's sexual history -- and this is the 72 hours in question -- is only one piece of the evidence in this case.
COLLINS: Why do you think, though, that is not -- I would imagine that from your point of view, this could really be a problem for victims to go down that line.
STONE: Well, of course. Colorado's rape shield law does try to protect victims from these horrendous fishing expeditions into their sexual past. But the Colorado rape shield law does allow for some of a victim's sexual history in, and typically if it's tied to some sort of as an explanation of physical evidence in the case.
COLLINS: Well, what about the rights of the person being accused? I mean you would have to agree that not everyone who is accused of rape actually committed the crime.
STONE: Well, you know, are there false accusations of rape? Yes, unfortunately there are. But it's very, very low. One study that we have seen says that it is probably under 3 percent.
Do we condone this in any way, shape or form? Hell, no. But again, one of the major problems that we see is only 16 percent of victims actually come forward.
COLLINS: All right, Cynthia Stone, the director of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, coming to us from Denver this morning.
Thanks so much.
STONE: Thank you.
COLLINS: It is just about 13 minutes past the hour now.
Time for a look at some of the other news with Daryn Kagan -- hi, Daryn.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi.
Let's begin with some exclusive CNN video from Iraq. Authorities in Baghdad uncovered a massive weapons cache just inside of a suspected safe house. Hundreds of mortar rounds and multiple anti- tank mines were found. Also in Baghdad, a high ranking Egyptian embassy official is back at work today. His captors released the man yesterday, reportedly with gifts of a dagger, a string of prayer beads and an apology.
Back here in the U.S., the massive wildfires threatening an Indian reservation in central Oregon. Firefighters are battling to control the 2,500 acre blaze. It's the state's largest wildfire so far this summer. Dozens of homes are under voluntary evacuation. There are no reports of any injuries.
Amtrak says that security plans for the Republican convention in New York are back on track. Nearly all passengers traveling between Washington and Boston during the convention in New York will have to make reservations. The convention runs from August 28 through September 2. Trains will be searched before they leave and while they are traveling.
And a music publisher wants to stop a satiric version of "This Land Is Your Land." You probably have seen this. The flash animation movie on the Internet shows President Bush and Senator John Kerry singing to the tune of Woody Guthrie's song.
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALES: I'm a Texas tiger, you're a liberal wiener. I'm a great crusader.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Well, it's funny stuff, but the company that owns the copyright to "This Land Is Your Land" says the song is being damaged. The creators of the parody don't agree. They refuse to take it off the Internet. This one is out of the box.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Still to come here, the Democrats trying to put their best forward in the Fleet Center. But not too far away, the Republicans are ready and they are waiting. They have their own team here at the Fleet Center, as well.
Also, Bill Clinton rallied the troops in Boston. What about the viewers at home, though? How did that translate? Bill Schneider joins us. He has the take and the lowdown after this on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Good morning from Boston yet again.
Two men who shared the White House for eight years served as bookends last night for a rousing opening night here in Boston.
Senior political analyst Bill Schneider back with us here to reflect on day one of the DNC -- good morning, Bill.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.
HEMMER: Where's your hat?
SCHNEIDER: It's in rehab temporarily.
HEMMER: Did someone tell you to do that or was that your own decision?
SCHNEIDER: That was my decision.
HEMMER: All right, listen here...
SCHNEIDER: It'll be back.
HEMMER: We have three interviews that we want to play, three of the speeches that were given last night. SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: First stop, Al Gore. His message last night to the delegates.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GORE: It is in that spirit that 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?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Is that what they call red meat or angry (INAUDIBLE)?
SCHNEIDER: Well, it is. But what he's saying here is the Bush that got elected -- it's hard to say he won the election -- you're supposed to say got elected president, was not the Bush people expected. Bush ran as a compassionate conservative. He got the nomination and a lot of people voted for him because, simply, he was not Newt Gingrich. He had no connection to impeachment. People didn't think he was a hard core conservative. He ran as a compassionate conservative.
So what Gore is saying to Americans is the Bush that we got as president is not the Bush you thought you voted for. Think about that choice again you Bush voters.
HEMMER: Here's Jimmy Carter, one of the keynote speakers, again, last night, too.
President Carter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY CARTER, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Truth is the foundation of our global leadership. But our credibility has been shattered and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world. Without truth, without trust, America cannot flourish. Trust is at the very heart of our democracy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: It's my understanding that speech was not vetted.
SCHNEIDER: No, it was not. He's a former president. They did not vet the speech. But it was very much on message. He is a man of great moral standing and he was elected because of morality after Watergate and he's probably the most successful ex-president we've ever had. His reputation as a man of morality and integrity remain undiminished.
Well, what he was saying to the delegates and to the country was that -- the reputation of this country as a country of truth and trust in the world has been tarnished under George Bush and we have become more isolated in the world than this country has been in 50 years. That was the message and I think it was effective.
HEMMER: Also, Bill Clinton last night. I think it was nine standing ovations from our count.
SCHNEIDER: Yes.
HEMMER: Here's President Clinton's message, part of it, anyway.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: The president had an amazing opportunity to bring the country together under his slogan of compassionate conservatism and to unite the world in the struggle against terror. Instead, he and his congressional allies made a very different choice. They chose to move that -- to use that moment of unity to try to push the country too far to the right and to walk away from our allies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: We heard that theme consistently in a number of different versions last night.
SCHNEIDER: Right.
HEMMER: Do we expect to hear that more today and Wednesday and Thursday?
SCHNEIDER: I think we'll hear it -- we're going to hear it throughout the week. The idea is that John Kerry will offer to do what Bush promised and failed to do in 2000. He said I'm going to be a uniter, not a divider. And the one thing Americans are longing for right now is a person who can bring unity to the country.
And Clinton's speech was really a way of saying we Democrats believe we can offer to -- unifying the country in a way that George Bush has not. He squandered that opportunity after 9/11.
HEMMER: Do you think they were paying attention to what John Kerry said over the weekend -- no Bush bashing?
SCHNEIDER: Yes. Oh, yes, they were. Even though there was harsh criticism of the Bush record from Bill Clinton -- they made their choice, we've made our choice -- it wasn't personal. It wasn't mean-spirited. It was his policies, not his personality.
HEMMER: Good to see you, Bill.
We'll talk again tomorrow at the same time.
SCHNEIDER: A pleasure.
HEMMER: All right.
SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: Back to Heidi now in New York -- Heidi. COLLINS: All right, Bill and Bill, thanks so much.
Still to come today, Teresa Heinz Kerry takes the stage tonight in Boston. But some experts wonder whether she'll prove to be more of a liability than an asset.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: You are looking now live once again inside the Fleet Center there. And we are looking at the podium where Teresa Heinz Kerry will be the featured speaker this evening, as you watch our continuing coverage tonight here on CNN.
Jack has the Question of the Day about that very person, correct?
CAFFERTY: Correct. She managed to do the impossible yesterday, which was to make the first day of a political convention actually interesting, moderately so. Love her or hate her, Teresa Heinz Kerry telling that reporter to shove it managed to steal the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention even before the opening gavel came down.
The question this morning is whether or not Teresa Heinz Kerry is a political asset or a liability.
Rony in West Hempstead, New York: "Your bosses at CNN, with your help, always try to trip up the Democrats." Yes, Rony, that's why we're here every morning. "How come you did not pose such a question on the foul-mouthed Cheney? Why not let everyone know that Ms. Kerry is a hardworking philanthropist who forced many charities to reform and be responsible before they got her foundation's money?"
Well, we just did.
Carole in Crossville, Tennessee: "Mrs. Heinz Kerry is a liability, in my opinion. I would not be proud to have a foreign born first lady with an accent so thick that she's difficult to understand at times. She also appears quite aggressive, in an angry way, the way she rushed over to that reporter with her finger in his face. And finally, what has she accomplished in her life on her own, other than knowing how to marry well?"
Marilyn writes: "She's definitely an asset. The best of George 41 and 43 was Barbara Bush. She spoke her mind, made up some rather crude statements about Hillary Clinton and the media ate it up. Teresa speaks her mind more thoughtfully and in one moment of frustration is vilified. Give me a break."
Am@cnn.com is the e-mail address.
COLLINS: All right, Jack.
Thanks so much.
CAFFERTY: You're welcome.
COLLINS: And still ahead this morning, police could be close to issuing an arrest warrant in the case of that missing Utah woman we've been talking about. We will talk to the family spokesman in just a few moments.
Plus, the GOP goes behind enemy lines in Boston. We'll go inside the Republican war room here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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