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American Morning
Scott Peterson Trial; Charley Bears Down on Florida; Latest From Baghdad
Aired August 13, 2004 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. It's 7:30 here in New York, and a very busy Friday, too. Heidi along with Bill. And we're watching Charley today, right?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That was good.
HEMMER: Oh, thank you. It's Friday.
That hurricane continues to churn its way toward Florida, expected to slam later tonight in the central part, around Tampa Bay, about 12, maybe 13 hours from now. Hundreds of thousands have been told to get out. Some are doing that. We'll get you live to Key West in a moment to find out what conditions are at this hour.
COLLINS: Also, the Scott Peterson trial. The jury gets to hear more of the phone calls between Peterson and his ex-mistress, Amber Frey. The tapes include the moment when Frey confronted Peterson about his double life. We'll play them for you in just a moment, and we'll also talk to a former prosecutor about how damaging those tapes could be.
HEMMER: Also, on a Friday, "90-Second Pop" a bit later. Madonna causing a bit of a stir backstage. Apparently she is making demands that's getting a little bit of attention. Bottled water or tap water? You think that's what it is?
COLLINS: Super special water. Yes, that's it.
HEMMER: It's coming up.
COLLINS: All right, we want to move on now, as we said, to Hurricane Charley. It's bearing down on Florida this morning and is brushing the Florida Keys. It's centered right now west of the Keys.
We do have an affiliate reporter standing by in Key West. We're going to get to her in just a moment. But first, we want to touch base with Rob Marciano at the CNN center to get the latest.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COLLINS: And again, we do have a reporter on the scene there in Key West. We're going to get to her in just a moment. Look at those winds now. This is Key West. You can get a little bit more of an idea of how quickly this thing is bearing down and how fast those winds are blowing.
The affiliate reporter is coming to us from WPLG down there, again waiting to speak with her in just a few minutes.
HEMMER: In the meantime, when the Scott Peterson trial resumes on Monday -- no court today -- on Monday jurors will listen to more of those secretly-recorded phone conversations between Peterson and former mistress, Amber Frey.
Dean Johnson, a former San Mateo County prosecutor, is back with us today from Redwood City, California.
Dean, welcome back and good morning to you.
I want to take our viewers into one of the conversations played yesterday. This is the scenario where Amber starts demanding some sort of explanation from Scott as to why he lost his wife before, officially, Laci Peterson was listed as missing. Listen here.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
AMBER FREY, FORMER MISTRESS OF SCOTT PETERSON: Yes, and I deserve to understand an explanation of why you told me you lost your wife and this was the first holidays you'd spend without her? That was December 9th you told me this. And then all of a sudden your wife's missing? Are you kidding me?
SCOTT PETERSON, ACCUSED OF MURDERING WIFE: I did. I -- I -- I -- I don't know what to say to you. I...
FREY: I think an explanation would, uh, be a start.
PETERSON: I know you absolutely deserve an explanation.
FREY: Yes, I do. I do.
PETERSON: And I want to give you one.
FREY: I'm listening.
PETERSON: I -- I can't now. I mean, you don't understand.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HEMMER: Dean, what was Scott's demeanor during this?
DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Well, I think the key word is "evasive." The jury is going home for this long weekend with two words ringing in their ears: coincidence and evasion.
Scott Peterson has moved in on this as -- or Amber Frey moved in on Scott Peterson like a prosecutor going after a cross-examination. And she was very successful in a lot of ways. But there are three questions that she kept asking, time after time, and Scott Peterson would not answer.
The first one we just heard. You know, you told me, Scott, on December the 9th that your wife was going missing and you were going to spend the holidays alone. That came true on December the 24th. You're telling me this is just a coincidence?
The other question: Scott, yes or no, did you love your wife? I can't explain that, Amber. I can't answer that.
And the third question: Scott, was the baby yours? I can't explain that. I can't answer that. You don't know everything.
By the way, we know that Conner was Scott's child, but he can't answer that simple question. And the jury is now looking at him, and they identify with Amber. They say, you know what, Scott? An explanation would be a good start.
HEMMER: Dean, she pressed him a little further in that same conversation. Back to the tapes now.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
FREY: So why is it you have such a hard time with the truth?
PETERSON: I don't think I do. But I lied to you, and I hate myself for that.
FREY: You didn't think you knew you lied to me?
PETERSON: No, no, no. I have always told you the truth.
FREY: Oh, really?
PETERSON: Let me -- well, no, with exceptions obviously.
FREY: Oh, truth with exceptions, huh? That's a new one for my book.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HEMMER: I asked about how Scott was responding and reacting in court. What were the jurors doing during this, Dean?
JOHNSON: Well, you know, I watched the jury's language very closely. They've been bored through a lot of this case, but they're now looking at Scott Peterson with disdain. They don't like the fact that he wormed his way into Amber Frey's heart and into her little daughter's heart. They don't like the fact that he's lied. And they're saying, you know what? Amber Frey couldn't force you to explain all of these facts, but we want to hear an explanation.
HEMMER: Dean Johnson, former San Mateo County prosecutor in Redwood City, thanks.
Again, no court today. They'll be back at it on Monday.
JOHNSON: Thanks, Bill.
HEMMER: You're most welcome -- Heidi.
COLLINS: And we are going to take you right back now to Hurricane Charley. We've been waiting to touch base with our reporter there from WPLG. Neki Mohan is braving this thing, as you can see how the winds have really picked up. We want to check in with her and find out what's happening in Key West, Florida.
Neki, go right ahead. Tell us what you're seeing.
NEKI MOHAN, CNN AFFILIATE WPLG REPORTER: Heidi, right now this is about as bad as it's going to get. Charley is about 50 miles offshore. And we're getting just a little taste of what Tampa will get later today.
You can see the wind is blowing the trees throughout Key West. People here have really followed warnings and basically put up their shutters, boarded up, and they really learned from hurricanes of the past.
This is famous Duvall Street you can see right back over here. It's clear. A few people, a few brave people are out on their bikes. You know, not everyone listens in Key West. They're coming down the street at this time.
But for the most part, it's been really, really good here regarding damage and power outages. We lost power this morning. We got it back. We've seen some transformers blow. And for the most part right now we're going to expect some wind and rain for the next half-hour. And then Charley will be clear of us.
So right now it looks like Key West has dodged the bullet. But as you can see, even though Charley is 50 miles offshore and then some, he's letting us know that he is here and that he is passing by.
Live right over the famous Duvall Street in Key West, Neki Mohan.
Back to you -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Neki Mohan, thanks so much for that and thanks for not blowing away. We certainly appreciate your time today.
It is about 40 minutes past the hour now. It's time for a look at some of today's other news with Carol Costello.
Carol -- good morning again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I think Neki wore the wrong jacket.
COLLINS: Yes.
COSTELLO: It's like a parachute.
COLLINS: I think she was tied down.
COSTELLO: Whew! Thank you, Heidi.
Iraqi government officials are negotiating a possible truce with aids loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. American and Iraqi forces have apparently scaled down their attack against militiamen in Najaf during these talks. The U.S. military says it has also taken great caution not to disturb the city's Imam Ali Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam.
A new report is out suggesting that members of the New York Stock Exchange knew about a controversial $187.5 million compensation package for ousted Chairman Richard Grasso. The New York state attorney general has filed suit to recover the bulk of that payment, which led to Grasso's resignation last September. "The Wall Street Journal" suggests that board members knew about Grasso's compensation, but were more concerned about how it would have been seen in the media.
A California teenager has lost his bid to own a company that produced the gun that left him paralyzed a decade ago. Brandon Maxfield (ph) was outbid yesterday in an auction for ownership of Breico (ph). A record $24 million judgment against the Breico (ph) company forced it into bankruptcy last year. The teenager had intended to acquire the company and shut it down.
Hundreds of hypodermic needles have forced health officials to close a beach near Alki Point in West Seattle. The needles washed ashore yesterday. Officials are assessing the health risks, but say the needles were capped and appeared to be unused.
Back to New York now.
HEMMER: All right, Carol, thanks for that.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, the very latest on the wave of fighting near Najaf. Is a breakthrough possible today or this weekend? The latest on what's happening there in a moment.
COLLINS: Plus, Madonna back in the news. The one-time material girl has gone spiritual. But concert organizers were still shocked by her latest backstage wish list. Our "90-Second Pop" panel is going to talk about that.
HEMMER: Also, the very latest on Charley, moving closer in on Florida. The latest as we roll on here on a busy Friday on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush sat down for an hour-long interview with Larry King last night in Beverly Hills, California. The president was asked whether the U.S. can win the war in Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the short- term, we will secure our country by never relenting in our desire to bring people to justice. It's best that we bring them to justice overseas so they don't hit us here at home.
In the long-run, free countries will end up listening to the hopes and desires of their people. Free countries will be peaceful countries. Free countries are countries that don't export terror. And it's vital that the United States never forget the power of liberty when it comes to transforming societies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Again, President Bush on "LARRY KING" last night.
In Najaf now this morning, a spokesman for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr says al-Sadr was slightly injured during fighting while he was inside the Imam Ali Mosque. The U.S. military denies any damage has been done to the mosque and downplays fighting in Najaf.
Meanwhile, a British journalist was kidnapped last night in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
For the very latest on all of the stories happening in Baghdad, we go live now to John Vause, who is standing by.
John -- good morning.
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
On the issue of Muqtada al-Sadr's health, according to his spokesperson, he was wounded by shrapnel, causing some injuries to his chest and arm. But there is no way to independently verify those claims.
The U.S. military in Najaf says that it can't confirm it. The Interim Iraqi Government, for one, is also saying it can't confirm or deny those reports. They're being viewed with a bit of suspicion by those in the Defense Ministry within the Iraqi government.
In fact, they say there has been almost an unofficial cease-fire in place in Najaf for quite some hours now while these cease-fire talks are under way.
The Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, who is currently in London seeking treatment for heart trouble, has sent a large delegation of clerics to Najaf to begin these cease-fire talks; so too the Interim Iraqi Government and its national security adviser and a government team there to begin these negotiations, which we are told are under way right now with al-Sadr.
It's important to note that al-Sistani has become involved, because he is the man who is largely seen as being behind the cease- fire, which was brokered six weeks ago, although it did break down a week or so ago into the fighting, which we have seen now.
The fact that they are negotiating this cease-fire could be seen as a response to the backlash across Iraq over the last few days as being violent and bloodshed. And even this morning thousands of people here in Baghdad marched from Sadr City, a sprawling slum, a stronghold for al-Sadr, they marched from there to the Green Zone. It was mostly a peaceful demonstration, albeit noisy, and an angry one. People were there to show their support for Muqtada al-Sadr and their contempt for the U.S. forces and the Interim Iraqi Government.
Also caught up in the backlash it seems a British journalist has been kidnapped from a hotel in Basra. The British Foreign Office has confirmed that a reporter working in Basra, James Braddon (ph), was taken, according to Basra police, by six gunmen. They released a video a short time ago, and he identified himself. Now, this group of unidentified men are now asking -- or demanding, rather, that this U.S.-led offensive in Najaf come to an end within 24 hours. There is no idea what the timeline or the deadline is on that.
One encouraging sign, it is being widely reported here that a spokesperson for al-Sadr is now pleading with those gunmen to release their hostage -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, John, quickly I want to ask you about al- Sistani. He has asked al-Sadr many times before about putting down his arms. Any indication from where you are now that he will listen to his pleas and his negotiations for a possible cease-fire?
VAUSE: Well, the fact that these cease-fire negotiations are under way is an encouraging sign, if that's what you're looking for. Obviously, the U.S. has backed away from their original objective, which was -- quote -- "to purge the Mehdi militia from Najaf." The Interim Iraqi Government here, and particularly the prime minister, was very keen to do that. So now these cease-fire negotiations are under way.
It must be remembered that while al-Sadr has the support of a small but dedicated band of disaffected young and unemployed men, it is al-Sistani who has the support of most Iraqis, especially Shia Iraqis -- Heidi.
COLLINS: And certainly the respect as well. All right, John Vause, thanks so much, live from Baghdad this morning.
HEMMER: Let's get a break here. In a moment, shifting our focus, Fantasia's fade-out today. Why can't the latest "American Idol" get her own song played on the radio? We'll have a look at that with our poppers.
Plus, on Hurricane Charley, watching the live pictures now out of Key West, Florida, gusts in Havana, Cuba, overnight reached 124 miles an hour. We all wait now 12 hours from now landfall near Tampa Bay. Back with more on Charley in a moment as our coverage continues after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: They put the pop in the acclaimed "90-Second Pop." So let's cue our panel for a Friday. How's that?
Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine, Josh Elliott, staff writer for "Sports Illustrated," and Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly."
Hey, guys, it's Friday. Glad you're here. All right, we have got to get to "American Idol," Sarah. Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, the record sales are good, but they're not getting very much play on the radio.
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: That's true.
COLLINS: What's going on?
BERNARD: Well, you know, this is actually the same thing that happened with Kelly Clarkson. We just don't remember it from all of those years ago. But...
COLLINS: And it was the movie she did with Justin.
BERNARD: Maybe it was.
COLLINS: We just forget.
BERNARD: Oh, Justin. I forgot about Justin.
JOSH ELLIOTT, STAFF WRITER, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": Well, maybe it's the fact that the songs are terrible!
BERNARD: No, they're not. But here is the thing: So the songs that are -- that they have to sing on the show are these kinds of schmaltzy ballads.
ELLIOTT: OK.
BERNARD: They do well on TV. They don't do well on radio. And what's happening is right now they are going to be working with the best pop songwriters. Actually, that's exactly what happened with Kelly Clarkson.
COLLINS: Yes.
BERNARD: "Moment in Time" was not such a big hit. Then "Miss Independent," which was actually written by Christina Aguilera, believe it or not, was her big hit.
COLLINS: I didn't know that.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": And (UNINTELLIGIBLE) song truly...
(CROSSTALK)
ELLIOTT: Yes. No schmaltzy ballads, absolutely.
SHAW: No, no, no.
BERNARD: So now they're going to get -- you know, Desmond Child, who is one of the big songwriters, actually wrote "Dreams" for Diana DeGarmo. So they're going to be -- when their albums come out in October they're going to be totally different. They're going to be poppy, and they'll be all over the radio.
SHAW: Full albums, like 12 songs.
BERNARD: Full albums, yes.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: So, Josh, you're excited about this.
ELLIOTT: No, I'm actually not. I can't get over the dreamy Clay Aiken. Look...
BERNARD: He's a big Fantasia fan.
SHAW: Don't you kind of think that radio managers, they don't want to condone a reality show that chooses the next pop star.
ELLIOTT: But I'll also say this: Fantasia is a great performer. She's -- I don't think that's in question. But I don't -- she didn't have the strongest voice. She...
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get out, John!
ELLIOTT: All right, I'm going to go.
COLLINS: Josh, since this is too painful for you we're going to move on. Jessica, Madonna, OK?
SHAW: On to a less disturbing topic.
COLLINS: Yes. She has requested an interesting type of water to be brought to her.
SHAW: Yes.
COLLINS: Twenty-five cases actually of Kabala water.
SHAW: Yes, of Kabala water.
COLLINS: What is it?
SHAW: It turns out it's water. It has been imbued with all sorts of mystical powers.
COLLINS: OK.
SHAW: And clearly she has bought into this, because she did request 25 cases. But she also requested some vodka. So...
COLLINS: Oh, now do you mix the...
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: The company sent her something. SHAW: I'm thinking that should be the new hot drink. Kabala water and vodka, it would be like a kabala-tini (ph).
ELLIOTT: OK, but...
BERNARD: That sounds good. Served in a little martini glass with lemon.
COLLINS: Exactly.
(CROSSTALK)
ELLIOTT: Really? I mean, J.Lo has her green M&Ms picked out of her bowl.
COLLINS: Well, OK, green M&Ms...
BERNARD: She wanted everything white. Remember that famous contract rider? She has to have white roses, white votive candles. Her whole room has to be white.
COLLINS: Oh, yes.
BERNARD: Those things are so much fun to read. Christina Aguilera actually eats Flintstones vitamins. The Foo Fighters need boxer shorts in their rooms.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: And you should see Fantasia's! My god!
She just (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
COLLINS: Josh, let's move on to someone who is much, much less controversial, Diceman.
ELLIOTT: Indeed.
COLLINS: Right? He's got this new reality show that he's trying to work out there. What it's going to be is about his wife and his girlfriend. Apparently his wife is OK with this.
ELLIOTT: Well...
COLLINS: Is America going to be OK with this?
ELLIOTT: I've got to believe no. But America stuns me. They stun me every couple of weeks with what they're willing to watch. I'm shocked. So...
COLLINS: Does he still...
BERNARD: Look at his shoulder pads.
ELLIOTT: Yes, I mean -- I mean, look, you know, we've proven that we'll watch anything. We've also proven that, I think, Andrew Dice Clay may be, in fact, be the arbiter of -- I mean, he may be the line that we won't cross. So he...
BERNARD: Nothing will. You know, he had a sitcom actually in 1995. It was on for, like, two weeks. So I don't really think that...
ELLIOTT: I dare a network to touch this. I dare a network to touch this.
SHAW: I don't think this is -- this show not going to sell at all. People, he's so lame and not funny and not interesting and just kind of skeezy (ph).
BERNARD: There is concept. It might give Jim McGreevey an idea, though. What do you think?
ELLIOTT: I mean, Diceman and the Amish, you know, in one night.
SHAW: There's a reality show.
COLLINS: Diceman and the Amish, there's another concept.
Hey, guys, thanks so much for that. We will figure out what happens to poor Diceman.
BERNARD: Absolutely.
COLLINS: All right, Sarah and Josh and Jessica, thanks so much -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, in a moment here, Charley is turning stronger than ever now. The hurricane is heading straight toward Florida, toward the Tampa area, packing quite a punch, too. Back in a moment, top of the hour, full updates out of Florida in a moment.
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Aired August 13, 2004 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. It's 7:30 here in New York, and a very busy Friday, too. Heidi along with Bill. And we're watching Charley today, right?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That was good.
HEMMER: Oh, thank you. It's Friday.
That hurricane continues to churn its way toward Florida, expected to slam later tonight in the central part, around Tampa Bay, about 12, maybe 13 hours from now. Hundreds of thousands have been told to get out. Some are doing that. We'll get you live to Key West in a moment to find out what conditions are at this hour.
COLLINS: Also, the Scott Peterson trial. The jury gets to hear more of the phone calls between Peterson and his ex-mistress, Amber Frey. The tapes include the moment when Frey confronted Peterson about his double life. We'll play them for you in just a moment, and we'll also talk to a former prosecutor about how damaging those tapes could be.
HEMMER: Also, on a Friday, "90-Second Pop" a bit later. Madonna causing a bit of a stir backstage. Apparently she is making demands that's getting a little bit of attention. Bottled water or tap water? You think that's what it is?
COLLINS: Super special water. Yes, that's it.
HEMMER: It's coming up.
COLLINS: All right, we want to move on now, as we said, to Hurricane Charley. It's bearing down on Florida this morning and is brushing the Florida Keys. It's centered right now west of the Keys.
We do have an affiliate reporter standing by in Key West. We're going to get to her in just a moment. But first, we want to touch base with Rob Marciano at the CNN center to get the latest.
(WEATHER BREAK)
COLLINS: And again, we do have a reporter on the scene there in Key West. We're going to get to her in just a moment. Look at those winds now. This is Key West. You can get a little bit more of an idea of how quickly this thing is bearing down and how fast those winds are blowing.
The affiliate reporter is coming to us from WPLG down there, again waiting to speak with her in just a few minutes.
HEMMER: In the meantime, when the Scott Peterson trial resumes on Monday -- no court today -- on Monday jurors will listen to more of those secretly-recorded phone conversations between Peterson and former mistress, Amber Frey.
Dean Johnson, a former San Mateo County prosecutor, is back with us today from Redwood City, California.
Dean, welcome back and good morning to you.
I want to take our viewers into one of the conversations played yesterday. This is the scenario where Amber starts demanding some sort of explanation from Scott as to why he lost his wife before, officially, Laci Peterson was listed as missing. Listen here.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
AMBER FREY, FORMER MISTRESS OF SCOTT PETERSON: Yes, and I deserve to understand an explanation of why you told me you lost your wife and this was the first holidays you'd spend without her? That was December 9th you told me this. And then all of a sudden your wife's missing? Are you kidding me?
SCOTT PETERSON, ACCUSED OF MURDERING WIFE: I did. I -- I -- I -- I don't know what to say to you. I...
FREY: I think an explanation would, uh, be a start.
PETERSON: I know you absolutely deserve an explanation.
FREY: Yes, I do. I do.
PETERSON: And I want to give you one.
FREY: I'm listening.
PETERSON: I -- I can't now. I mean, you don't understand.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HEMMER: Dean, what was Scott's demeanor during this?
DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Well, I think the key word is "evasive." The jury is going home for this long weekend with two words ringing in their ears: coincidence and evasion.
Scott Peterson has moved in on this as -- or Amber Frey moved in on Scott Peterson like a prosecutor going after a cross-examination. And she was very successful in a lot of ways. But there are three questions that she kept asking, time after time, and Scott Peterson would not answer.
The first one we just heard. You know, you told me, Scott, on December the 9th that your wife was going missing and you were going to spend the holidays alone. That came true on December the 24th. You're telling me this is just a coincidence?
The other question: Scott, yes or no, did you love your wife? I can't explain that, Amber. I can't answer that.
And the third question: Scott, was the baby yours? I can't explain that. I can't answer that. You don't know everything.
By the way, we know that Conner was Scott's child, but he can't answer that simple question. And the jury is now looking at him, and they identify with Amber. They say, you know what, Scott? An explanation would be a good start.
HEMMER: Dean, she pressed him a little further in that same conversation. Back to the tapes now.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
FREY: So why is it you have such a hard time with the truth?
PETERSON: I don't think I do. But I lied to you, and I hate myself for that.
FREY: You didn't think you knew you lied to me?
PETERSON: No, no, no. I have always told you the truth.
FREY: Oh, really?
PETERSON: Let me -- well, no, with exceptions obviously.
FREY: Oh, truth with exceptions, huh? That's a new one for my book.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HEMMER: I asked about how Scott was responding and reacting in court. What were the jurors doing during this, Dean?
JOHNSON: Well, you know, I watched the jury's language very closely. They've been bored through a lot of this case, but they're now looking at Scott Peterson with disdain. They don't like the fact that he wormed his way into Amber Frey's heart and into her little daughter's heart. They don't like the fact that he's lied. And they're saying, you know what? Amber Frey couldn't force you to explain all of these facts, but we want to hear an explanation.
HEMMER: Dean Johnson, former San Mateo County prosecutor in Redwood City, thanks.
Again, no court today. They'll be back at it on Monday.
JOHNSON: Thanks, Bill.
HEMMER: You're most welcome -- Heidi.
COLLINS: And we are going to take you right back now to Hurricane Charley. We've been waiting to touch base with our reporter there from WPLG. Neki Mohan is braving this thing, as you can see how the winds have really picked up. We want to check in with her and find out what's happening in Key West, Florida.
Neki, go right ahead. Tell us what you're seeing.
NEKI MOHAN, CNN AFFILIATE WPLG REPORTER: Heidi, right now this is about as bad as it's going to get. Charley is about 50 miles offshore. And we're getting just a little taste of what Tampa will get later today.
You can see the wind is blowing the trees throughout Key West. People here have really followed warnings and basically put up their shutters, boarded up, and they really learned from hurricanes of the past.
This is famous Duvall Street you can see right back over here. It's clear. A few people, a few brave people are out on their bikes. You know, not everyone listens in Key West. They're coming down the street at this time.
But for the most part, it's been really, really good here regarding damage and power outages. We lost power this morning. We got it back. We've seen some transformers blow. And for the most part right now we're going to expect some wind and rain for the next half-hour. And then Charley will be clear of us.
So right now it looks like Key West has dodged the bullet. But as you can see, even though Charley is 50 miles offshore and then some, he's letting us know that he is here and that he is passing by.
Live right over the famous Duvall Street in Key West, Neki Mohan.
Back to you -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Neki Mohan, thanks so much for that and thanks for not blowing away. We certainly appreciate your time today.
It is about 40 minutes past the hour now. It's time for a look at some of today's other news with Carol Costello.
Carol -- good morning again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I think Neki wore the wrong jacket.
COLLINS: Yes.
COSTELLO: It's like a parachute.
COLLINS: I think she was tied down.
COSTELLO: Whew! Thank you, Heidi.
Iraqi government officials are negotiating a possible truce with aids loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. American and Iraqi forces have apparently scaled down their attack against militiamen in Najaf during these talks. The U.S. military says it has also taken great caution not to disturb the city's Imam Ali Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam.
A new report is out suggesting that members of the New York Stock Exchange knew about a controversial $187.5 million compensation package for ousted Chairman Richard Grasso. The New York state attorney general has filed suit to recover the bulk of that payment, which led to Grasso's resignation last September. "The Wall Street Journal" suggests that board members knew about Grasso's compensation, but were more concerned about how it would have been seen in the media.
A California teenager has lost his bid to own a company that produced the gun that left him paralyzed a decade ago. Brandon Maxfield (ph) was outbid yesterday in an auction for ownership of Breico (ph). A record $24 million judgment against the Breico (ph) company forced it into bankruptcy last year. The teenager had intended to acquire the company and shut it down.
Hundreds of hypodermic needles have forced health officials to close a beach near Alki Point in West Seattle. The needles washed ashore yesterday. Officials are assessing the health risks, but say the needles were capped and appeared to be unused.
Back to New York now.
HEMMER: All right, Carol, thanks for that.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, the very latest on the wave of fighting near Najaf. Is a breakthrough possible today or this weekend? The latest on what's happening there in a moment.
COLLINS: Plus, Madonna back in the news. The one-time material girl has gone spiritual. But concert organizers were still shocked by her latest backstage wish list. Our "90-Second Pop" panel is going to talk about that.
HEMMER: Also, the very latest on Charley, moving closer in on Florida. The latest as we roll on here on a busy Friday on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush sat down for an hour-long interview with Larry King last night in Beverly Hills, California. The president was asked whether the U.S. can win the war in Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the short- term, we will secure our country by never relenting in our desire to bring people to justice. It's best that we bring them to justice overseas so they don't hit us here at home.
In the long-run, free countries will end up listening to the hopes and desires of their people. Free countries will be peaceful countries. Free countries are countries that don't export terror. And it's vital that the United States never forget the power of liberty when it comes to transforming societies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Again, President Bush on "LARRY KING" last night.
In Najaf now this morning, a spokesman for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr says al-Sadr was slightly injured during fighting while he was inside the Imam Ali Mosque. The U.S. military denies any damage has been done to the mosque and downplays fighting in Najaf.
Meanwhile, a British journalist was kidnapped last night in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
For the very latest on all of the stories happening in Baghdad, we go live now to John Vause, who is standing by.
John -- good morning.
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
On the issue of Muqtada al-Sadr's health, according to his spokesperson, he was wounded by shrapnel, causing some injuries to his chest and arm. But there is no way to independently verify those claims.
The U.S. military in Najaf says that it can't confirm it. The Interim Iraqi Government, for one, is also saying it can't confirm or deny those reports. They're being viewed with a bit of suspicion by those in the Defense Ministry within the Iraqi government.
In fact, they say there has been almost an unofficial cease-fire in place in Najaf for quite some hours now while these cease-fire talks are under way.
The Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, who is currently in London seeking treatment for heart trouble, has sent a large delegation of clerics to Najaf to begin these cease-fire talks; so too the Interim Iraqi Government and its national security adviser and a government team there to begin these negotiations, which we are told are under way right now with al-Sadr.
It's important to note that al-Sistani has become involved, because he is the man who is largely seen as being behind the cease- fire, which was brokered six weeks ago, although it did break down a week or so ago into the fighting, which we have seen now.
The fact that they are negotiating this cease-fire could be seen as a response to the backlash across Iraq over the last few days as being violent and bloodshed. And even this morning thousands of people here in Baghdad marched from Sadr City, a sprawling slum, a stronghold for al-Sadr, they marched from there to the Green Zone. It was mostly a peaceful demonstration, albeit noisy, and an angry one. People were there to show their support for Muqtada al-Sadr and their contempt for the U.S. forces and the Interim Iraqi Government.
Also caught up in the backlash it seems a British journalist has been kidnapped from a hotel in Basra. The British Foreign Office has confirmed that a reporter working in Basra, James Braddon (ph), was taken, according to Basra police, by six gunmen. They released a video a short time ago, and he identified himself. Now, this group of unidentified men are now asking -- or demanding, rather, that this U.S.-led offensive in Najaf come to an end within 24 hours. There is no idea what the timeline or the deadline is on that.
One encouraging sign, it is being widely reported here that a spokesperson for al-Sadr is now pleading with those gunmen to release their hostage -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, John, quickly I want to ask you about al- Sistani. He has asked al-Sadr many times before about putting down his arms. Any indication from where you are now that he will listen to his pleas and his negotiations for a possible cease-fire?
VAUSE: Well, the fact that these cease-fire negotiations are under way is an encouraging sign, if that's what you're looking for. Obviously, the U.S. has backed away from their original objective, which was -- quote -- "to purge the Mehdi militia from Najaf." The Interim Iraqi Government here, and particularly the prime minister, was very keen to do that. So now these cease-fire negotiations are under way.
It must be remembered that while al-Sadr has the support of a small but dedicated band of disaffected young and unemployed men, it is al-Sistani who has the support of most Iraqis, especially Shia Iraqis -- Heidi.
COLLINS: And certainly the respect as well. All right, John Vause, thanks so much, live from Baghdad this morning.
HEMMER: Let's get a break here. In a moment, shifting our focus, Fantasia's fade-out today. Why can't the latest "American Idol" get her own song played on the radio? We'll have a look at that with our poppers.
Plus, on Hurricane Charley, watching the live pictures now out of Key West, Florida, gusts in Havana, Cuba, overnight reached 124 miles an hour. We all wait now 12 hours from now landfall near Tampa Bay. Back with more on Charley in a moment as our coverage continues after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: They put the pop in the acclaimed "90-Second Pop." So let's cue our panel for a Friday. How's that?
Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine, Josh Elliott, staff writer for "Sports Illustrated," and Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly."
Hey, guys, it's Friday. Glad you're here. All right, we have got to get to "American Idol," Sarah. Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, the record sales are good, but they're not getting very much play on the radio.
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: That's true.
COLLINS: What's going on?
BERNARD: Well, you know, this is actually the same thing that happened with Kelly Clarkson. We just don't remember it from all of those years ago. But...
COLLINS: And it was the movie she did with Justin.
BERNARD: Maybe it was.
COLLINS: We just forget.
BERNARD: Oh, Justin. I forgot about Justin.
JOSH ELLIOTT, STAFF WRITER, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": Well, maybe it's the fact that the songs are terrible!
BERNARD: No, they're not. But here is the thing: So the songs that are -- that they have to sing on the show are these kinds of schmaltzy ballads.
ELLIOTT: OK.
BERNARD: They do well on TV. They don't do well on radio. And what's happening is right now they are going to be working with the best pop songwriters. Actually, that's exactly what happened with Kelly Clarkson.
COLLINS: Yes.
BERNARD: "Moment in Time" was not such a big hit. Then "Miss Independent," which was actually written by Christina Aguilera, believe it or not, was her big hit.
COLLINS: I didn't know that.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": And (UNINTELLIGIBLE) song truly...
(CROSSTALK)
ELLIOTT: Yes. No schmaltzy ballads, absolutely.
SHAW: No, no, no.
BERNARD: So now they're going to get -- you know, Desmond Child, who is one of the big songwriters, actually wrote "Dreams" for Diana DeGarmo. So they're going to be -- when their albums come out in October they're going to be totally different. They're going to be poppy, and they'll be all over the radio.
SHAW: Full albums, like 12 songs.
BERNARD: Full albums, yes.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: So, Josh, you're excited about this.
ELLIOTT: No, I'm actually not. I can't get over the dreamy Clay Aiken. Look...
BERNARD: He's a big Fantasia fan.
SHAW: Don't you kind of think that radio managers, they don't want to condone a reality show that chooses the next pop star.
ELLIOTT: But I'll also say this: Fantasia is a great performer. She's -- I don't think that's in question. But I don't -- she didn't have the strongest voice. She...
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get out, John!
ELLIOTT: All right, I'm going to go.
COLLINS: Josh, since this is too painful for you we're going to move on. Jessica, Madonna, OK?
SHAW: On to a less disturbing topic.
COLLINS: Yes. She has requested an interesting type of water to be brought to her.
SHAW: Yes.
COLLINS: Twenty-five cases actually of Kabala water.
SHAW: Yes, of Kabala water.
COLLINS: What is it?
SHAW: It turns out it's water. It has been imbued with all sorts of mystical powers.
COLLINS: OK.
SHAW: And clearly she has bought into this, because she did request 25 cases. But she also requested some vodka. So...
COLLINS: Oh, now do you mix the...
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: The company sent her something. SHAW: I'm thinking that should be the new hot drink. Kabala water and vodka, it would be like a kabala-tini (ph).
ELLIOTT: OK, but...
BERNARD: That sounds good. Served in a little martini glass with lemon.
COLLINS: Exactly.
(CROSSTALK)
ELLIOTT: Really? I mean, J.Lo has her green M&Ms picked out of her bowl.
COLLINS: Well, OK, green M&Ms...
BERNARD: She wanted everything white. Remember that famous contract rider? She has to have white roses, white votive candles. Her whole room has to be white.
COLLINS: Oh, yes.
BERNARD: Those things are so much fun to read. Christina Aguilera actually eats Flintstones vitamins. The Foo Fighters need boxer shorts in their rooms.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: And you should see Fantasia's! My god!
She just (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
COLLINS: Josh, let's move on to someone who is much, much less controversial, Diceman.
ELLIOTT: Indeed.
COLLINS: Right? He's got this new reality show that he's trying to work out there. What it's going to be is about his wife and his girlfriend. Apparently his wife is OK with this.
ELLIOTT: Well...
COLLINS: Is America going to be OK with this?
ELLIOTT: I've got to believe no. But America stuns me. They stun me every couple of weeks with what they're willing to watch. I'm shocked. So...
COLLINS: Does he still...
BERNARD: Look at his shoulder pads.
ELLIOTT: Yes, I mean -- I mean, look, you know, we've proven that we'll watch anything. We've also proven that, I think, Andrew Dice Clay may be, in fact, be the arbiter of -- I mean, he may be the line that we won't cross. So he...
BERNARD: Nothing will. You know, he had a sitcom actually in 1995. It was on for, like, two weeks. So I don't really think that...
ELLIOTT: I dare a network to touch this. I dare a network to touch this.
SHAW: I don't think this is -- this show not going to sell at all. People, he's so lame and not funny and not interesting and just kind of skeezy (ph).
BERNARD: There is concept. It might give Jim McGreevey an idea, though. What do you think?
ELLIOTT: I mean, Diceman and the Amish, you know, in one night.
SHAW: There's a reality show.
COLLINS: Diceman and the Amish, there's another concept.
Hey, guys, thanks so much for that. We will figure out what happens to poor Diceman.
BERNARD: Absolutely.
COLLINS: All right, Sarah and Josh and Jessica, thanks so much -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, in a moment here, Charley is turning stronger than ever now. The hurricane is heading straight toward Florida, toward the Tampa area, packing quite a punch, too. Back in a moment, top of the hour, full updates out of Florida in a moment.
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