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American Morning
Aftermath of Hurricane Charley; Michael Jackson Case
Aired August 16, 2004 - 8:59 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: Also, the Scott Peterson case back in court today after an off day on Friday. Jurors expected to hear more taped phone conversations between Peterson and Amber Frey. On the last tape we heard last week, Peterson revealed one of his biggest secrets. And CNN's Rusty Dornin joins us for a preview of what we expect today in court. So stay tuned for that in a few moments.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: For now, though, Jack is back.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. The question this morning is about New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who announced plans to resign the governorship after it was disclosed that he's been involved in an adulterous homosexual affair with a guy from Israel that he apparently put on the New Jersey payroll in some sort of homeland security post for a six-figure salary. And then they found out over there that the guy wasn't qualified to do any of this stuff.
Anyway, he said he's going to resign, but not until November 15. That would allow the Democrats to keep the governor's mansion basically for another year. We're saying, do you think he ought to go now, like today, Monday? Or is it OK that he waits until the 15th? AM@CNN.com.
And you really shouldn't buy any of that Miller Beer. That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard in my life.
HEMMER: You're on record. That's right.
CAFFERTY: Fiftieth anniversary of rock 'n roll and they don't put any black guys on the five or six commemorative beer cans? I mean who ever heard of such a thing? That's terrible.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Yes.
HEMMER: Good to have you back, by the way. How did that alarm clock feel this morning?
CAFFERTY: Oh, it's rough.
HEMMER: Yes.
CAFFERTY: And you know what I did? I saw -- I went to a couple of movies while I was on vacation. And I saw "Collateral" with Tom Cruise. And if Jamie Foxx doesn't get an Oscar nomination for supporting actor... COLLINS: Really?
CAFFERTY: He stole the movie from Tom Cruise.
HEMMER: You going to call Miller Beer again on that, then?
CAFFERTY: Put Jamie Foxx on one of those beer cans.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: No, it was a great movie. But Jamie Foxx was -- boy, he was brilliant in this thing.
HEMMER: Good deal.
CAFFERTY: Yes, he was terrific.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Want to get to Florida right now. Digging through the massive devastation again today. Hurricane Charley hitting that state with winds topping at 145 miles an hour. The latest damage assessment is this: more than a million still without power. Officials say it may be two weeks before power is restored to the worst hit areas.
Twenty-five Florida counties have been declared disaster areas. Florida Governor Jeb Bush estimating that more than $15 billion in damage caused by that storm.
Florida's $9 billion citrus industry has been devastated by the storm as well. And the Port Charlotte area hit the hardest by Charley's wrath. What is the scene there today? In a moment we'll hear from the Charlotte County administrator. But first, we want to start again with Ed Lavandera, who is in Port Charlotte, Florida, this morning there.
Ed, hello.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
It's been a dramatic three days. You know, we've had a chance to speak with a lot of the emergency workers here over the last couple of days. And when you ask them what all of this reminds them of, everyone you talk to comes up with the word "Andrew."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA (voice-over): Hurricane Charley found a fountain of confidence in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico Friday. It was here where Charley erupted from a Category 1 to a Category 4 hurricane, with winds of 145 miles per hour. At the time, Charley seemed on a collision course with Tampa Bay.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The big headline, "Target Tampa Bay."
LAVANDERA: But the biggest surprise came at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, when the storm took a sudden turn and forecasters changed Charley's projected path. The target shifted about 70 miles south of Tampa.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It doesn't look like the storm system is going to make any more of a jog. It is headed pretty much right toward the Fort Myers area.
LAVANDERA: You could hear the urgency in the warnings of emergency workers ordering hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
CRAIG FUGATE, DIRECTOR, FLORIDA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: You have to move now. You cannot delay. Your options are running out.
LAVANDERA: Shortly before 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday afternoon, Charley unleashed its fury on Florida's southwest coast. Thousands left homeless, the storm's fury was intense.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... Hurricane Charley. For the past five minutes or so, we have been experiencing winds in excess of 100 miles an hour. It is tearing off roofs.
LAVANDERA: The aftermath left people numb.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was like a bomb went off, sir. It was unbelievable. The tree fell.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you surprised to find you're in one piece?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, very much. I mean, I'll never do it again. I'll leave as soon as they say, "Get out." You know, it was -- it was terrifying.
LAVANDERA: On Sunday, President Bush joined his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, touring the area's hardest hit and promising relief to the thousands of victims.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's going to take a while to rebuild it. But the government's job is to help people help rebuild their lives, and that's what -- that's what's happening.
LAVANDERA: One image from the ferocious weekend seemed to say it all and summed up what people feel they've been through.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA: You know, it's funny what the wind will do when it takes away just one letter, as you saw on that sign. It kind of leaves a powerful statement there.
Sixteen people confirmed dead in this -- in the Florida region. And this is a region that will take weeks to repair as a lot of people struggle. But at least today, hot, muggy, sunny weather, no rain, although maybe an afternoon shower. But that will help in the cleanup process -- Bill.
HEMMER: It is day by day now, you're right. Ed, thanks. Ed Lavandera there -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Charlotte County was hit by the full force of the storm. Charley slammed into the region with winds as high as 145 miles per hour, leaving devastation in its wake. So what are the biggest concerns now as the massive cleanup effort begins? Well, we've spoken with several people this morning who list some of them for us to be water, power, security and, of course, insurance as these days go on.
So now we'll speak with Bruce Loucks. He is the Charlotte County administrator. He is live from Port Charlotte to give us the very latest on all of this.
Thanks so much for being with us and spending some time here on AMERICAN MORNING. We do appreciate it. But now that the cleanup efforts have begun, can you talk to us a little bit about what part of the recovery you are most concerned with this morning?
BRUCE LOUCKS, CHARLOTTE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: Obviously the part we're most concerned about is insuring the comfort and safety of our citizens and our residents of Charlotte County, making sure that people have food and water and shelter for those of those who are choosing to leave their homes at this time.
COLLINS: Sir, how will you do that?
LOUCKS: We have a number of comfort stations set up, a significant inflow of goods and materials from other agencies, both the state agencies and federal agencies. Our job now is to be able to get that -- those goods and services redistributed back into the community so that people can, you know, have water, have ice, and be able to get food.
COLLINS: I know that the storm has left just thousands of people homeless now. We've heard about several shelters, and a lot of people really taking advantage of what is available to them. But how are you coping with this situation as far as security concerns go?
LOUCKS: I think we're coping quite well. If you think of this as, what, the third day out from the storm, you know, we've -- we're cleaned up, we've got all the streets pretty well cleared up, power's getting restored. Water service in Punta Gorda has been reconnected as of last night. Although it's intermittent services, we are getting water to folks. You know, we're making every effort to accommodate the needs of our population here in those terms.
COLLINS: As far as aid goes, let's talk about the federal government for just a moment if we could. I know that President Bush visited Charlotte County yesterday and saw some of this damage firsthand, hopefully being able to lift some of the spirits of the people there. But in that event, is the federal government responding the way that you would like them to at this time?
LOUCKS: Not only the federal government is responding the way we would like to, we have state agencies, agencies from other counties and other cities that have responded with -- with tremendous impact. We had crews from other counties that were here before the winds had completely died down. So the effort that's being made at the state level, at the local level and the federal level has met our expectations, and in some cases even exceeded those expectations.
COLLINS: Quickly, before we let you go, Mr. Loucks, how do you feel about the evacuation efforts and how they went? Obviously people in Florida have been through this type of inclement weather before. How did the plan go?
LOUCKS: I think the plan went well. Charley threw us a bit of a surprise when it -- when it made a jog to the northeast and headed directly down upon us. We got the word out very quickly, and the citizens responded very quickly. And that's why the death count is really as low as it is.
We expected much worse than that. We're very pleased at the -- the evacuation efforts that took place.
COLLINS: Well, again, our thoughts are with you and, of course, with all of the people there. Thanks so much for your time. We do appreciate it.
LOUCKS: You're welcome.
COLLINS: Bruce Loucks this morning.
LOUCKS: Thank you.
COLLINS: No more threat from Charley, but now there's Earl. Rob Marciano is at the CNN Center in for Chad to tell us a little bit more about that.
All right. So where does this guy sit right now?
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: All right. Rob, thanks for that.
Nine minutes past the hour. To other news and Carol Costello at the CNN Center.
Carol, good morning again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Bill.
Capitol Hill is taking another look at some of the recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. The Senate Commerce Committee will review the proposals on transportation security. 9/11 Commission chairman Thomas Kean and vice chair Lee Hamilton are expected to go before that panel. Two other Senate commissions will discuss the recommendations today. In northern California, high winds are feeding a blaze that has now consumed 20 homes and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The fast-moving fire swept through the mountain community of French Gulch near Redding this weekend. Nearly 8,000 acres have been burned. More than 1,500 firefighters continue to battle that fire.
In Colorado, NBA star Kobe -- Kobe Bryant is scheduled to return to court today for the last time before jury selection begins less than two weeks from now. Legal experts are speculating that prosecutors, after suffering legal setbacks, may not press the case. Bryant has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.
And former world chess champion Bobby Fischer, while battling the U.S. State Department, announces he intends to marry a Japanese woman. Fischer is wanted in the United States for apparently violating international sanctions.
Detained in Japan last month, officials say Fischer was traveling with a revoked U.S. passport. Fisher wants to renounce his U.S. citizenship. It's unclear, if allowed to take place, how the marriage would affect his legal status.
Back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Carol. Thanks.
There's an unusual courtroom confrontation expected today in the Michael Jackson matter. The man who's trying to put Jackson behind bars will testify at a pretrial hearing. Jackson gets a front row seat. Donna Tetrault is live in Santa Maria, California, with more now.
Donna, good morning.
DONNA TETRAULT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
Well, Michael Jackson doesn't have to be in court today, but he is going to be in court, along with many family members by his side. Now, meanwhile, the California attorney general's office has just completed an investigation in which Michael Jackson claimed that he had been mistreated by police while he was in custody when he was arrested back in November. Now, the findings are sealed, but a source close to CNN has indicated that the findings say that there was no mistreatment and no misconduct.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Michael Jackson!
TETRAULT (voice-over): It was a surprise appearance at the First AME Church in Los Angeles when Michael Jackson showed up for Sunday service. His brother, Randy, and attorney Tom Mesereaus were by his side. Jackson also met with children attending Sunday school. He answered only one question.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Would it be OK if we went to the Neverland Ranch?
MICHAEL JACKSON, ENTERTAINER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TOM MESEREAU, JACKSON'S ATTORNEY: It was a beautiful service. He worshipped god like all of us.
TETRAULT: There was no mention of his next public appearance in a Santa Maria courtroom to fight child molestation charges. Jackson maintains his innocence.
A source tells CNN it's going to be a family reunion in the courtroom, all there to witness the district attorney, Tom Sneddon, on the stand, the man leading the prosecution of Michael. Jackson's lawyers will argue that D.A. Sneddon overstepped his role as prosecutor when he personally went to Los Angeles to investigate the case.
ARTHUR BARENS, LEGAL EXPERT: The district attorney has put himself in the middle of this case as much as he's put Mr. Jackson in the middle of this case. And we don't want to overlook his conduct, and has he acted in a manner that is legally appropriate. And that's what the defense seeks to challenge now.
TETRAULT: At issue, did investigators have the right to search the Beverly Hills office of private investigator Bradley Miller? The private investigator worked for Mark Geragos, Jackson's previous counsel. It's important because any evidence collected at Miller's office would be considered off limits to prosecutors and could be thrown out if the judge rules it was gathered illegally.
BARENS: In this instance, much of the material discovered by the prosecution, if it's eliminated, could absolutely cripple the prosecution's case and make the district attorney unable to proceed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TETRAULT: And the media has already assembled here in Santa Maria, California. Also, several Jackson supporters have shown up here at the courthouse. You can see them, dozens and dozens. Also, at today's hearing, the defense will argue that D.A. Sneddon violated the gag order, and that Jackson's bail amount was excessive.
Bill, back to you.
HEMMER: All right. Donna, thanks. Donna Tetrault there in Santa Maria -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, it's been an up-and-down start for the U.S. Olympic team in Athens. That is for sure. We're going to have an Olympic update coming up in just a moment.
And as thousands fled Hurricane Charley, one man headed directly for the eye of the storm. We'll hear from him in just a moment.
And could there be a political windfall in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley? We'll talk about that next on AMERICAN MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: We are watching a briefing now in Tallahassee, Florida. The lieutenant governor coming out, briefing reporters there. Here's part of what she had to say about what's being said today in Florida regarding Charley.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONI JENNINGS, FLORIDA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: We are concerned about the safety of our citizens now. And we are encouraging people, as we said yesterday, this is sort of that good old public message that we want to -- if you don't need to be out, don't be out.
Don't be on the roads. Don't be driving around. We still have substantial signalization problems in areas that don't have power. So you're working under a four-way stop kind of protocol. And you'll have law enforcement in some areas, but in lots of them you won't. The major roads are clear, but the auxiliary roads are still having some difficulty with debris.
So...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Toni Jennings, again. The task out there is absolutely massive. The comments a few moments ago in Tallahassee.
The president was in Florida yesterday looking at areas wiped out by Charley. It was his trip that went on Sunday for about three hours in length. The question today on the political side, was it strictly presidential or partly political? Our political analyst, Carlos Watson, here now to talk to us about this.
Good morning to you.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.
HEMMER: You give him what kind of marks for that trip yesterday?
WATSON: I think it was important for him to go, important for him to be with the people of Florida. Not only because it's the fourth largest state, and obviously is important from an electoral sense, but because the damage is as significant as any we've seen since 1992, when Hurricane Andrew hit. In fact, I lived in Florida when Hurricane Andrew hit.
HEMMER: John Kerry's in Idaho after his 21-day tour across the country. A statement from John Kerry's camp: "We offer our full support to the president and governor as the people of Florida rebuild their communities and lives." It continues, "Our thoughts and our prayers are with you in today and in the difficult days ahead."
In the days ahead, will we see John Kerry in Florida?
WATSON: I'm sure we will, but this, again, is tricky, and it can't seem too political. People sometimes have not moved quickly enough to show their concern.
The first President Bush, not only on Hurricane Andrew in '92, but also on the L.A. riots, didn't seem to move quickly enough in the face of a disaster. Others, though, seem more sensitive. You think about Clinton in 1995 with the Oklahoma City bombing.
So it's always tricky how you move that. I think so far both of them have done what's appropriate.
HEMMER: The first question the president got yesterday was, hey, you're getting some criticism for coming here. He said, well, it doesn't matter, because you would criticize me if I didn't come.
Difficult to walk the line (UNINTELLIGIBLE) right now in an election year. The Olympics are under way. You've keened in on something that you think is very important. What are you looking at?
WATSON: Well, you know, a couple of weeks ago I said that I thought while we were focusing on the two conventions, in between the Olympics could be a big political opportunity. A lot of patriotic fervor, a lot of good feelings, and an opportunity for an incumbent president, President Bush, to meet and greet, to be seen with the athletes, to congratulate the athletes, and maybe even to be seen with some of the other world leaders.
And sure enough, not only it the president doing some of that, but they've announced a big major ad buy, $28 million for the month of August, and part of that is tied to the Olympics. Not only around when the Olympics are running, but actually they mentioned the Olympics in some of the ads.
HEMMER: Let's talk about Jim McGreevey. It's our "Question of the Day" today, the fallout from the announcement last week. What are you hearing right now within Democratic circles about the amount of pressure that might now be applied to him, getting out before, what is it, the 2nd of September on the calendar to have a general election early November?
WATSON: It's absolutely interesting, Bill, how quickly these things can move. Just a couple of days ago he said he was stepping down and saying, I'm not going to step down, though, formally until November 14. Therefore, there won't be an election until next year. Lots of Democrats were saying good news.
Now some Democrats are saying, hold it, step down early so that we can get our guy, Jon Corzine, a current sitting U.S. senator, to run for governor. There are only 90 days once -- if McGreevey steps down in time, there'll be up to 90 days before the special election. Corzine can spend his own money, a self-fund. The last time around...
HEMMER: That's very true.
WATSON: ... $63 million.
HEMMER: They have two weeks to make this decision, though, right? WATSON: Before September 3 he's got to make the decision. So not a ton of time.
And what Democrats like about that is that Republicans don't have time to get organized. So they say, hey, that wouldn't be a bad thing, we've got a guy who's got great approval numbers. I think he's at 46 percent.
HEMMER: Who do you think made the decision to hang on to November 15? Was it strictly McGreevey or was this the party?
WATSON: Well, clearly, this is McGreevey's call to make. But make no doubt about it, he's the kind of guy who would end up talking to other people.
You saw over a year ago, when Bob Torricelli, the then senator from New Jersey, decided to step down and not run for election. He was there, Jim McGreevey was there. So they all talk together.
HEMMER: There's more to come, we know that. Thank you, Carlos.
WATSON: Good to see you.
HEMMER: Good to see you here in New York.
WATSON: New York City.
HEMMER: Right.
Here's Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come, Scott Peterson. His own words come back to haunt him at trial. We hear what jurors are hearing in court.
And take our Olympic quiz now. What do the five rings of the Olympics symbolize?
Stay with us here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Before the break, we asked you this: what do the five rings of the Olympics symbolize? Well, here's the answer now.
The Olympic symbol created back in 1913 has rings of different colors, one for each continent with athletes, because, you know, some continents don't really have people on them. So these are them: Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and then one for both North and South America. OK.
This morning, in Athens, we want to tell you some of the results of some of the events that went on today. But now, listen, if you don't want to know, now's the time to turn down the TV. But just for a second, because we'll be back.
The U.S. women's softball team beat Japan 3-0 today. The team has yet to give up a single run in three games. They have outscored their opponents 20-0.
And American swimmer Michael Phelps got back in the pool qualifying for the 200-meter butterfly on Monday. Good news there. He can't beat Mark Spitz, but he can still tie him with seven gold medals. Phelps faces a huge showdown with Australian Ian Thorpe later on tonight. That should be a good one.
The men's basketball team not living up to expectations. They were stunned by Puerto Rico, 92-73 yesterday. It was the first Olympic loss for America since NBA players began competing in the games, professional players, obviously. But the U.S., led by Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan, still does have a chance for gold.
HEMMER: One of the papers here in New York calls this men of the dream team, right?
COLLINS: Right, yes.
HEMMER: Going back to '92 and -- they call it a bad dream right now.
CAFFERTY: Well, one of the differences that occurs to me is that the dream team had guys like Michael Jordan on it, guys with a lot of class.
HEMMER: Shaquille O'Neal played.
CAFFERTY: This team has guys like Allen Iverson on it, who has absolutely no class.
HEMMER: Well, at least they went. A lot of other guys stayed home.
COLLINS: Yes, they didn't even play.
CAFFERTY: Yes, but I mean, come on, they can't beat a team from Puerto Rico? Maybe they should have the girls' softball team play basketball for the Americans.
(CROSSTALK)
HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), by the way.
CAFFERTY: The Olympics were more fun before the iron curtain came down, when we could root against the Soviet Union and East Germany and do the medal thing. Remember? And that was a great source of, you know, you'd get in the bars or wherever and talk about how many medals the Russians have.
Now they're not a factor anymore. Half the fun has gone out of...
HEMMER: I still think there are wonderful storylines in every Olympic games played.
CAFFERTY: But you're -- see, you're a good journalist. You find wonderful storylines in everything.
HEMMER: How about this guy from Iran who refuses to do the Judo match with the Israeli?
COLLINS: Yes, the Israeli, right.
CAFFERTY: Really?
HEMMER: How about that?
COLLINS: Yes.
CAFFERTY: See, if he...
HEMMER: Great story. How about Iraq, the soccer team, they beat Costa Rica.
CAFFERTY: That's terrific.
HEMMER: Whoever though Iraq would beat Costa Rica?
CAFFERTY: No, that's wonderful. It's wonderful. I mean, that's good. I agree with you. That's nice.
HEMMER: I'll be quiet now.
(LAUGHTER)
CAFFERTY: He calls me at home when I'm not here to discuss these things. We have long conversations.
Despite calls for New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey governor to resign immediately, including calls now coming from some Democrats, McGreevey says he's going to stay in office until November 15. Some say that's a transparent political move to keep the Democrats in power through at least next year. Of course that's what it is.
Here's the question. Do you think Governor McGreevey should leave before November the 15th?
Kim, in New Windsor, New Jersey, "Governor McGreevey should resign now. There's no acceptable reason to delay. And by the way, I'm a registered Democrat."
Anthony writes from Plymouth, New Hampshire, "I live in New Hampshire, so I could care less if the governor of New Jersey resigns. However, I do think my governor should resign sometime soon."
HEMMER: Oh.
CAFFERTY: Virginia -- Virginia in Waldwick, New Jersey, "If McGreevey were to resign now, there would be a mad scramble in both Republican and Democratic parties to find an appropriate nominee for a November election, thus offering pundits and comedians one more excuse to ridicule New Jersey. McGreevey is making a further sacrifice for his state by taking the ridicule on himself." And Tina in Fort Wayne, Indiana, writes, "Let's see. McGreevey's gay, but straight enough to produce two kids. Kobe Bryant is straight, but twisted enough to make his accuser think he raped her. Scott Peterson's a liar, but maybe not a murderer. And who knows what the hell Michael Jackson is doing. I'm so confused I never want to have sex again with anything."
So Tina's done.
(LAUGHTER)
HEMMER: Yes. Thank you, Jack.
In a moment here, some "90-Second Pop" to start your work week on a Monday. Who is the best dressed? There's a new list out. Some people this pick is just plain crazy.
And Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt may be ready for a major role change. Their plans ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired August 16, 2004 - 8:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Also, the Scott Peterson case back in court today after an off day on Friday. Jurors expected to hear more taped phone conversations between Peterson and Amber Frey. On the last tape we heard last week, Peterson revealed one of his biggest secrets. And CNN's Rusty Dornin joins us for a preview of what we expect today in court. So stay tuned for that in a few moments.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: For now, though, Jack is back.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. The question this morning is about New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who announced plans to resign the governorship after it was disclosed that he's been involved in an adulterous homosexual affair with a guy from Israel that he apparently put on the New Jersey payroll in some sort of homeland security post for a six-figure salary. And then they found out over there that the guy wasn't qualified to do any of this stuff.
Anyway, he said he's going to resign, but not until November 15. That would allow the Democrats to keep the governor's mansion basically for another year. We're saying, do you think he ought to go now, like today, Monday? Or is it OK that he waits until the 15th? AM@CNN.com.
And you really shouldn't buy any of that Miller Beer. That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard in my life.
HEMMER: You're on record. That's right.
CAFFERTY: Fiftieth anniversary of rock 'n roll and they don't put any black guys on the five or six commemorative beer cans? I mean who ever heard of such a thing? That's terrible.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Yes.
HEMMER: Good to have you back, by the way. How did that alarm clock feel this morning?
CAFFERTY: Oh, it's rough.
HEMMER: Yes.
CAFFERTY: And you know what I did? I saw -- I went to a couple of movies while I was on vacation. And I saw "Collateral" with Tom Cruise. And if Jamie Foxx doesn't get an Oscar nomination for supporting actor... COLLINS: Really?
CAFFERTY: He stole the movie from Tom Cruise.
HEMMER: You going to call Miller Beer again on that, then?
CAFFERTY: Put Jamie Foxx on one of those beer cans.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: No, it was a great movie. But Jamie Foxx was -- boy, he was brilliant in this thing.
HEMMER: Good deal.
CAFFERTY: Yes, he was terrific.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Want to get to Florida right now. Digging through the massive devastation again today. Hurricane Charley hitting that state with winds topping at 145 miles an hour. The latest damage assessment is this: more than a million still without power. Officials say it may be two weeks before power is restored to the worst hit areas.
Twenty-five Florida counties have been declared disaster areas. Florida Governor Jeb Bush estimating that more than $15 billion in damage caused by that storm.
Florida's $9 billion citrus industry has been devastated by the storm as well. And the Port Charlotte area hit the hardest by Charley's wrath. What is the scene there today? In a moment we'll hear from the Charlotte County administrator. But first, we want to start again with Ed Lavandera, who is in Port Charlotte, Florida, this morning there.
Ed, hello.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
It's been a dramatic three days. You know, we've had a chance to speak with a lot of the emergency workers here over the last couple of days. And when you ask them what all of this reminds them of, everyone you talk to comes up with the word "Andrew."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA (voice-over): Hurricane Charley found a fountain of confidence in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico Friday. It was here where Charley erupted from a Category 1 to a Category 4 hurricane, with winds of 145 miles per hour. At the time, Charley seemed on a collision course with Tampa Bay.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The big headline, "Target Tampa Bay."
LAVANDERA: But the biggest surprise came at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, when the storm took a sudden turn and forecasters changed Charley's projected path. The target shifted about 70 miles south of Tampa.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It doesn't look like the storm system is going to make any more of a jog. It is headed pretty much right toward the Fort Myers area.
LAVANDERA: You could hear the urgency in the warnings of emergency workers ordering hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
CRAIG FUGATE, DIRECTOR, FLORIDA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: You have to move now. You cannot delay. Your options are running out.
LAVANDERA: Shortly before 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday afternoon, Charley unleashed its fury on Florida's southwest coast. Thousands left homeless, the storm's fury was intense.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... Hurricane Charley. For the past five minutes or so, we have been experiencing winds in excess of 100 miles an hour. It is tearing off roofs.
LAVANDERA: The aftermath left people numb.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was like a bomb went off, sir. It was unbelievable. The tree fell.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you surprised to find you're in one piece?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, very much. I mean, I'll never do it again. I'll leave as soon as they say, "Get out." You know, it was -- it was terrifying.
LAVANDERA: On Sunday, President Bush joined his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, touring the area's hardest hit and promising relief to the thousands of victims.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's going to take a while to rebuild it. But the government's job is to help people help rebuild their lives, and that's what -- that's what's happening.
LAVANDERA: One image from the ferocious weekend seemed to say it all and summed up what people feel they've been through.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA: You know, it's funny what the wind will do when it takes away just one letter, as you saw on that sign. It kind of leaves a powerful statement there.
Sixteen people confirmed dead in this -- in the Florida region. And this is a region that will take weeks to repair as a lot of people struggle. But at least today, hot, muggy, sunny weather, no rain, although maybe an afternoon shower. But that will help in the cleanup process -- Bill.
HEMMER: It is day by day now, you're right. Ed, thanks. Ed Lavandera there -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Charlotte County was hit by the full force of the storm. Charley slammed into the region with winds as high as 145 miles per hour, leaving devastation in its wake. So what are the biggest concerns now as the massive cleanup effort begins? Well, we've spoken with several people this morning who list some of them for us to be water, power, security and, of course, insurance as these days go on.
So now we'll speak with Bruce Loucks. He is the Charlotte County administrator. He is live from Port Charlotte to give us the very latest on all of this.
Thanks so much for being with us and spending some time here on AMERICAN MORNING. We do appreciate it. But now that the cleanup efforts have begun, can you talk to us a little bit about what part of the recovery you are most concerned with this morning?
BRUCE LOUCKS, CHARLOTTE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: Obviously the part we're most concerned about is insuring the comfort and safety of our citizens and our residents of Charlotte County, making sure that people have food and water and shelter for those of those who are choosing to leave their homes at this time.
COLLINS: Sir, how will you do that?
LOUCKS: We have a number of comfort stations set up, a significant inflow of goods and materials from other agencies, both the state agencies and federal agencies. Our job now is to be able to get that -- those goods and services redistributed back into the community so that people can, you know, have water, have ice, and be able to get food.
COLLINS: I know that the storm has left just thousands of people homeless now. We've heard about several shelters, and a lot of people really taking advantage of what is available to them. But how are you coping with this situation as far as security concerns go?
LOUCKS: I think we're coping quite well. If you think of this as, what, the third day out from the storm, you know, we've -- we're cleaned up, we've got all the streets pretty well cleared up, power's getting restored. Water service in Punta Gorda has been reconnected as of last night. Although it's intermittent services, we are getting water to folks. You know, we're making every effort to accommodate the needs of our population here in those terms.
COLLINS: As far as aid goes, let's talk about the federal government for just a moment if we could. I know that President Bush visited Charlotte County yesterday and saw some of this damage firsthand, hopefully being able to lift some of the spirits of the people there. But in that event, is the federal government responding the way that you would like them to at this time?
LOUCKS: Not only the federal government is responding the way we would like to, we have state agencies, agencies from other counties and other cities that have responded with -- with tremendous impact. We had crews from other counties that were here before the winds had completely died down. So the effort that's being made at the state level, at the local level and the federal level has met our expectations, and in some cases even exceeded those expectations.
COLLINS: Quickly, before we let you go, Mr. Loucks, how do you feel about the evacuation efforts and how they went? Obviously people in Florida have been through this type of inclement weather before. How did the plan go?
LOUCKS: I think the plan went well. Charley threw us a bit of a surprise when it -- when it made a jog to the northeast and headed directly down upon us. We got the word out very quickly, and the citizens responded very quickly. And that's why the death count is really as low as it is.
We expected much worse than that. We're very pleased at the -- the evacuation efforts that took place.
COLLINS: Well, again, our thoughts are with you and, of course, with all of the people there. Thanks so much for your time. We do appreciate it.
LOUCKS: You're welcome.
COLLINS: Bruce Loucks this morning.
LOUCKS: Thank you.
COLLINS: No more threat from Charley, but now there's Earl. Rob Marciano is at the CNN Center in for Chad to tell us a little bit more about that.
All right. So where does this guy sit right now?
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: All right. Rob, thanks for that.
Nine minutes past the hour. To other news and Carol Costello at the CNN Center.
Carol, good morning again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Bill.
Capitol Hill is taking another look at some of the recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. The Senate Commerce Committee will review the proposals on transportation security. 9/11 Commission chairman Thomas Kean and vice chair Lee Hamilton are expected to go before that panel. Two other Senate commissions will discuss the recommendations today. In northern California, high winds are feeding a blaze that has now consumed 20 homes and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The fast-moving fire swept through the mountain community of French Gulch near Redding this weekend. Nearly 8,000 acres have been burned. More than 1,500 firefighters continue to battle that fire.
In Colorado, NBA star Kobe -- Kobe Bryant is scheduled to return to court today for the last time before jury selection begins less than two weeks from now. Legal experts are speculating that prosecutors, after suffering legal setbacks, may not press the case. Bryant has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.
And former world chess champion Bobby Fischer, while battling the U.S. State Department, announces he intends to marry a Japanese woman. Fischer is wanted in the United States for apparently violating international sanctions.
Detained in Japan last month, officials say Fischer was traveling with a revoked U.S. passport. Fisher wants to renounce his U.S. citizenship. It's unclear, if allowed to take place, how the marriage would affect his legal status.
Back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Carol. Thanks.
There's an unusual courtroom confrontation expected today in the Michael Jackson matter. The man who's trying to put Jackson behind bars will testify at a pretrial hearing. Jackson gets a front row seat. Donna Tetrault is live in Santa Maria, California, with more now.
Donna, good morning.
DONNA TETRAULT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
Well, Michael Jackson doesn't have to be in court today, but he is going to be in court, along with many family members by his side. Now, meanwhile, the California attorney general's office has just completed an investigation in which Michael Jackson claimed that he had been mistreated by police while he was in custody when he was arrested back in November. Now, the findings are sealed, but a source close to CNN has indicated that the findings say that there was no mistreatment and no misconduct.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Michael Jackson!
TETRAULT (voice-over): It was a surprise appearance at the First AME Church in Los Angeles when Michael Jackson showed up for Sunday service. His brother, Randy, and attorney Tom Mesereaus were by his side. Jackson also met with children attending Sunday school. He answered only one question.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Would it be OK if we went to the Neverland Ranch?
MICHAEL JACKSON, ENTERTAINER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TOM MESEREAU, JACKSON'S ATTORNEY: It was a beautiful service. He worshipped god like all of us.
TETRAULT: There was no mention of his next public appearance in a Santa Maria courtroom to fight child molestation charges. Jackson maintains his innocence.
A source tells CNN it's going to be a family reunion in the courtroom, all there to witness the district attorney, Tom Sneddon, on the stand, the man leading the prosecution of Michael. Jackson's lawyers will argue that D.A. Sneddon overstepped his role as prosecutor when he personally went to Los Angeles to investigate the case.
ARTHUR BARENS, LEGAL EXPERT: The district attorney has put himself in the middle of this case as much as he's put Mr. Jackson in the middle of this case. And we don't want to overlook his conduct, and has he acted in a manner that is legally appropriate. And that's what the defense seeks to challenge now.
TETRAULT: At issue, did investigators have the right to search the Beverly Hills office of private investigator Bradley Miller? The private investigator worked for Mark Geragos, Jackson's previous counsel. It's important because any evidence collected at Miller's office would be considered off limits to prosecutors and could be thrown out if the judge rules it was gathered illegally.
BARENS: In this instance, much of the material discovered by the prosecution, if it's eliminated, could absolutely cripple the prosecution's case and make the district attorney unable to proceed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TETRAULT: And the media has already assembled here in Santa Maria, California. Also, several Jackson supporters have shown up here at the courthouse. You can see them, dozens and dozens. Also, at today's hearing, the defense will argue that D.A. Sneddon violated the gag order, and that Jackson's bail amount was excessive.
Bill, back to you.
HEMMER: All right. Donna, thanks. Donna Tetrault there in Santa Maria -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, it's been an up-and-down start for the U.S. Olympic team in Athens. That is for sure. We're going to have an Olympic update coming up in just a moment.
And as thousands fled Hurricane Charley, one man headed directly for the eye of the storm. We'll hear from him in just a moment.
And could there be a political windfall in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley? We'll talk about that next on AMERICAN MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: We are watching a briefing now in Tallahassee, Florida. The lieutenant governor coming out, briefing reporters there. Here's part of what she had to say about what's being said today in Florida regarding Charley.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONI JENNINGS, FLORIDA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: We are concerned about the safety of our citizens now. And we are encouraging people, as we said yesterday, this is sort of that good old public message that we want to -- if you don't need to be out, don't be out.
Don't be on the roads. Don't be driving around. We still have substantial signalization problems in areas that don't have power. So you're working under a four-way stop kind of protocol. And you'll have law enforcement in some areas, but in lots of them you won't. The major roads are clear, but the auxiliary roads are still having some difficulty with debris.
So...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Toni Jennings, again. The task out there is absolutely massive. The comments a few moments ago in Tallahassee.
The president was in Florida yesterday looking at areas wiped out by Charley. It was his trip that went on Sunday for about three hours in length. The question today on the political side, was it strictly presidential or partly political? Our political analyst, Carlos Watson, here now to talk to us about this.
Good morning to you.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.
HEMMER: You give him what kind of marks for that trip yesterday?
WATSON: I think it was important for him to go, important for him to be with the people of Florida. Not only because it's the fourth largest state, and obviously is important from an electoral sense, but because the damage is as significant as any we've seen since 1992, when Hurricane Andrew hit. In fact, I lived in Florida when Hurricane Andrew hit.
HEMMER: John Kerry's in Idaho after his 21-day tour across the country. A statement from John Kerry's camp: "We offer our full support to the president and governor as the people of Florida rebuild their communities and lives." It continues, "Our thoughts and our prayers are with you in today and in the difficult days ahead."
In the days ahead, will we see John Kerry in Florida?
WATSON: I'm sure we will, but this, again, is tricky, and it can't seem too political. People sometimes have not moved quickly enough to show their concern.
The first President Bush, not only on Hurricane Andrew in '92, but also on the L.A. riots, didn't seem to move quickly enough in the face of a disaster. Others, though, seem more sensitive. You think about Clinton in 1995 with the Oklahoma City bombing.
So it's always tricky how you move that. I think so far both of them have done what's appropriate.
HEMMER: The first question the president got yesterday was, hey, you're getting some criticism for coming here. He said, well, it doesn't matter, because you would criticize me if I didn't come.
Difficult to walk the line (UNINTELLIGIBLE) right now in an election year. The Olympics are under way. You've keened in on something that you think is very important. What are you looking at?
WATSON: Well, you know, a couple of weeks ago I said that I thought while we were focusing on the two conventions, in between the Olympics could be a big political opportunity. A lot of patriotic fervor, a lot of good feelings, and an opportunity for an incumbent president, President Bush, to meet and greet, to be seen with the athletes, to congratulate the athletes, and maybe even to be seen with some of the other world leaders.
And sure enough, not only it the president doing some of that, but they've announced a big major ad buy, $28 million for the month of August, and part of that is tied to the Olympics. Not only around when the Olympics are running, but actually they mentioned the Olympics in some of the ads.
HEMMER: Let's talk about Jim McGreevey. It's our "Question of the Day" today, the fallout from the announcement last week. What are you hearing right now within Democratic circles about the amount of pressure that might now be applied to him, getting out before, what is it, the 2nd of September on the calendar to have a general election early November?
WATSON: It's absolutely interesting, Bill, how quickly these things can move. Just a couple of days ago he said he was stepping down and saying, I'm not going to step down, though, formally until November 14. Therefore, there won't be an election until next year. Lots of Democrats were saying good news.
Now some Democrats are saying, hold it, step down early so that we can get our guy, Jon Corzine, a current sitting U.S. senator, to run for governor. There are only 90 days once -- if McGreevey steps down in time, there'll be up to 90 days before the special election. Corzine can spend his own money, a self-fund. The last time around...
HEMMER: That's very true.
WATSON: ... $63 million.
HEMMER: They have two weeks to make this decision, though, right? WATSON: Before September 3 he's got to make the decision. So not a ton of time.
And what Democrats like about that is that Republicans don't have time to get organized. So they say, hey, that wouldn't be a bad thing, we've got a guy who's got great approval numbers. I think he's at 46 percent.
HEMMER: Who do you think made the decision to hang on to November 15? Was it strictly McGreevey or was this the party?
WATSON: Well, clearly, this is McGreevey's call to make. But make no doubt about it, he's the kind of guy who would end up talking to other people.
You saw over a year ago, when Bob Torricelli, the then senator from New Jersey, decided to step down and not run for election. He was there, Jim McGreevey was there. So they all talk together.
HEMMER: There's more to come, we know that. Thank you, Carlos.
WATSON: Good to see you.
HEMMER: Good to see you here in New York.
WATSON: New York City.
HEMMER: Right.
Here's Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come, Scott Peterson. His own words come back to haunt him at trial. We hear what jurors are hearing in court.
And take our Olympic quiz now. What do the five rings of the Olympics symbolize?
Stay with us here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Before the break, we asked you this: what do the five rings of the Olympics symbolize? Well, here's the answer now.
The Olympic symbol created back in 1913 has rings of different colors, one for each continent with athletes, because, you know, some continents don't really have people on them. So these are them: Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and then one for both North and South America. OK.
This morning, in Athens, we want to tell you some of the results of some of the events that went on today. But now, listen, if you don't want to know, now's the time to turn down the TV. But just for a second, because we'll be back.
The U.S. women's softball team beat Japan 3-0 today. The team has yet to give up a single run in three games. They have outscored their opponents 20-0.
And American swimmer Michael Phelps got back in the pool qualifying for the 200-meter butterfly on Monday. Good news there. He can't beat Mark Spitz, but he can still tie him with seven gold medals. Phelps faces a huge showdown with Australian Ian Thorpe later on tonight. That should be a good one.
The men's basketball team not living up to expectations. They were stunned by Puerto Rico, 92-73 yesterday. It was the first Olympic loss for America since NBA players began competing in the games, professional players, obviously. But the U.S., led by Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan, still does have a chance for gold.
HEMMER: One of the papers here in New York calls this men of the dream team, right?
COLLINS: Right, yes.
HEMMER: Going back to '92 and -- they call it a bad dream right now.
CAFFERTY: Well, one of the differences that occurs to me is that the dream team had guys like Michael Jordan on it, guys with a lot of class.
HEMMER: Shaquille O'Neal played.
CAFFERTY: This team has guys like Allen Iverson on it, who has absolutely no class.
HEMMER: Well, at least they went. A lot of other guys stayed home.
COLLINS: Yes, they didn't even play.
CAFFERTY: Yes, but I mean, come on, they can't beat a team from Puerto Rico? Maybe they should have the girls' softball team play basketball for the Americans.
(CROSSTALK)
HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), by the way.
CAFFERTY: The Olympics were more fun before the iron curtain came down, when we could root against the Soviet Union and East Germany and do the medal thing. Remember? And that was a great source of, you know, you'd get in the bars or wherever and talk about how many medals the Russians have.
Now they're not a factor anymore. Half the fun has gone out of...
HEMMER: I still think there are wonderful storylines in every Olympic games played.
CAFFERTY: But you're -- see, you're a good journalist. You find wonderful storylines in everything.
HEMMER: How about this guy from Iran who refuses to do the Judo match with the Israeli?
COLLINS: Yes, the Israeli, right.
CAFFERTY: Really?
HEMMER: How about that?
COLLINS: Yes.
CAFFERTY: See, if he...
HEMMER: Great story. How about Iraq, the soccer team, they beat Costa Rica.
CAFFERTY: That's terrific.
HEMMER: Whoever though Iraq would beat Costa Rica?
CAFFERTY: No, that's wonderful. It's wonderful. I mean, that's good. I agree with you. That's nice.
HEMMER: I'll be quiet now.
(LAUGHTER)
CAFFERTY: He calls me at home when I'm not here to discuss these things. We have long conversations.
Despite calls for New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey governor to resign immediately, including calls now coming from some Democrats, McGreevey says he's going to stay in office until November 15. Some say that's a transparent political move to keep the Democrats in power through at least next year. Of course that's what it is.
Here's the question. Do you think Governor McGreevey should leave before November the 15th?
Kim, in New Windsor, New Jersey, "Governor McGreevey should resign now. There's no acceptable reason to delay. And by the way, I'm a registered Democrat."
Anthony writes from Plymouth, New Hampshire, "I live in New Hampshire, so I could care less if the governor of New Jersey resigns. However, I do think my governor should resign sometime soon."
HEMMER: Oh.
CAFFERTY: Virginia -- Virginia in Waldwick, New Jersey, "If McGreevey were to resign now, there would be a mad scramble in both Republican and Democratic parties to find an appropriate nominee for a November election, thus offering pundits and comedians one more excuse to ridicule New Jersey. McGreevey is making a further sacrifice for his state by taking the ridicule on himself." And Tina in Fort Wayne, Indiana, writes, "Let's see. McGreevey's gay, but straight enough to produce two kids. Kobe Bryant is straight, but twisted enough to make his accuser think he raped her. Scott Peterson's a liar, but maybe not a murderer. And who knows what the hell Michael Jackson is doing. I'm so confused I never want to have sex again with anything."
So Tina's done.
(LAUGHTER)
HEMMER: Yes. Thank you, Jack.
In a moment here, some "90-Second Pop" to start your work week on a Monday. Who is the best dressed? There's a new list out. Some people this pick is just plain crazy.
And Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt may be ready for a major role change. Their plans ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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