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American Morning
Fight for Najaf; GOP Countdown; 'New You Checkup'
Aired August 23, 2004 - 07:32 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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is just a little bit past half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. In just a few minutes, we're going to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what's happening just a few blocks from here. It's very close. They're almost ready for the Republican Convention. Organizers are going for a slightly different feel this time around, and we'll show you what they mean.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Very few pictures inside of Madison Square Garden.
KAGAN: Yes.
HEMMER: So a little bit of an exclusive look coming up in a couple of minutes here.
Also, the "New You" series is back. Sanjay tells us what he discovered when he checked on five people back in January taking the challenge to get fit. It's now August. We're going to go back a couple of months and see how they're doing today in a moment here.
KAGAN: Hopefully well. Let's also check in with Carol Costello. She's is at CNN center with a look at what is happening now in the news.
Carol -- good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Daryn. Thank you.
The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has announced a new proposal to reorganize the intelligence-gathering operation. Senator Pat Roberts says he wants to break up the CIA and divide its responsibilities among three new agencies. It's considered the most sweeping reorganization proposal by anyone outside of the 9/11 Commission. CNN's Ed Henry has a live report for you in the next half-hour.
Talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups from the Darfur region are scheduled to begin this morning. The United Nations reports that as many as 30,000 civilians were killed and more than 1.2 million people have been left homeless since the violence in the region began some 18 months ago.
Investigators are looking for answers this morning after a deadly midair plane crash in California. It happened near Malibu. Divers canvassed the wreckage scattered in the Pacific Ocean. Both pilots and a passenger were killed when the two single-engine planes collided. And the National Intra-Agency Fire Center says there are 20 major fires burning out West. Fire crews fighting the Bland Mountain fire in Oregon got some help from a rainstorm that passed over the fire on Sunday. That fire has now scorched over 3,600 acres.
Back to New York and Daryn.
KAGAN: Thanks for that.
And we move on now to Iraq, where new fighting has broken out overnight in Najaf with American warplanes targeting Shiite militants near the Imam Ali Mosque.
Diana Muriel is live in Baghdad with more on that.
Diana -- hello.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Daryn, another night, another attack. The U.S. forces unleashed an attack on the area around the compound, around the Imam Ali shrine. We understand from our team on the ground that the fighting started around 11:00 in the evening on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of the morning.
They've been down to the shrine compound. They've been down to the wall that encircles the compound, and they have seen for themselves a two-foot-wide hole in that wall, a breach in that wall.
Now, the shrine, of course, has been the subject of intense fighting between U.S. forces and Iraqi government forces against those loyal to al-Sadr, Muqtada al-Sadr, a renegade Shia cleric.
Now, the negotiations to try and end this impasse that has been going on for the last weeks don't seem to have gone any further. We understand from our team there in Najaf that there's been an offer from a delegation of around 600 Sunni and Shia tribal leaders to negotiate to stop the military action and then to negotiation some sort of peaceful resolution to the standoff between the two sides.
A spokesperson for al-Sadr told our team in Najaf that they had accepted this, but they understand that the Iraqi government were not keen to take on this initiative.
In the meantime, other negotiations between the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his representatives continue. He is, of course, in London seeking medical treatment for a heart condition. But his representatives are in Najaf, and they are continuing to try and find some sort of resolution to this standoff.
In the meantime, the violence continues. But another negotiation that was rather more successful was that for the release of Micah Garen. That's the 36-year-old American journalist who was captured more than a week ago in Nasiriyah, together with his translator. He has been released. He says that he's safe and well, and he thanked those who were a party to that negotiation, which included representatives of al-Sadr. Back to you -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Diana Muriel live from Baghdad, thank you -- Bill.
HEMMER: The Republican Convention kicks off in New York City a week from today. Fifty thousands delegates, party officials and reporters descending on Madison Square Garden. There have been very few pictures of what's happening inside the garden. The final-setup is a bit of a secret today. But we were given a sneak preview over the weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got 350,000 pounds of steel. We've got 200,000 square feet of lumber. We've got, I think, 1.5 million feet of cable.
HEMMER (voice over): Bill Harris knows his numbers, because this week Harris has one of the most challenging jobs in New York City.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are looking over here at the main stage.
HEMMER: Harris is in charge of the Republican National Convention, and Madison Square Garden has been transformed. A main stage that appears smaller, more intimate than in previous conventions. A new wooden floor stands almost 10 feet higher than the original with a large circular cutout for entertainment. Some say it could serve as a grand entrance for the president.
(on camera): Is there anything that you would want to tell our viewers today as to how the president is going to make his grand entrance?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president can do whatever he wants to do.
HEMMER (voice over): However, surprises are not out of the question.
(on camera): Are you on target?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, as you know, a week from today is when our convention starts. And so, we are exactly on target of where we want to be. I couldn't be happier with where we are in the process.
HEMMER (voice over): But construction is just half the story. The other half is security.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a major part of my job. But, you know, I'm very fortunate in that we are in New York City and that we have the world's most experienced police department. I am absolutely convinced that they have a very comprehensive program to make sure that we can have a safe and orderly convention.
HEMMER: And is Harris has done his job right, the only message out of New York City will be from the Republican Party presenting its vision for America right down to the closing act at the end of the four-day event.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We'll probably have a lot of balloons up there. They will drop on time.
HEMMER (on camera): They will?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They will drop on time.
HEMMER: Did you see what happened in Boston?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I was busy, but I heard what happened.
HEMMER: And?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't see it.
HEMMER: It's not going to be repeated, is that what you are suggesting today?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, I don't think we're going to repeat anything they did up there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: One big question mark does hang in the balance for the convention. With anywhere from 100,000 to a quarter-million protesters expected to show up here in New York City. They're still working out final details about where the protests will take place. But they are expected to go every day. And we'll see how much attention they take away from the convention itself one week from today here in New York City.
(WEATHER BREAK)
KAGAN: A big moment here. Jack Cafferty here with the "Question of the Day."
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Daryn.
Over the second the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee unveiled a plan to completely revamp the CIA, remove most of the intelligence-gathering operations from the Pentagon and create a new national intelligence director. Of course, criticism of the idea was swift. Democratic Senator Carl Levin of Michigan called it a mistake. An unnamed senior intelligence official said the plan makes no sense.
The question we're asking this morning is: Do you think Congress is moving in the right direction when it comes to intelligence reform?
Rachel (ph) in Godfrey, Illinois: "In my opinion, the Congress is not moving in the right direction. They are simply not moving at all. How many days has it been now since the 9/11 Commission's recommendations?"
It's been over a month, Rachel (ph).
Greg in Knoxville, Tennessee: "I'm amazed that the words Congress and intelligence could be used in the same sentence."
Kathy in Yukon, Oklahoma: "Congress and the president need to take their time on this and get it right. We don't need to rush to change the status quo. We just need to listen to what they are saying. There was a lot of information out there before September 11 and no one was listening."
Mike writes: "I don't think Congress is going to do any more than they have to in regard to intelligence reform. But one thing is for sure: If and when the next major terrorist attack strikes the United States, they'll be tripping over themselves trying to say they did."
And Paul in Hellertown, Pennsylvania: "To make us feel more secure, the upcoming government commission needs to install a new color-coded warning system which more accurately reflects our homeland security's understanding." Here he has a list of ideas: "Green for not sure; blue for really not sure; yellow for very, very confused; orange for clueless; and red, to be on the safe side, let's just invade another country. Thank you, Paul.
HEMMER: I think Pat Roberts took a lot of people off guard yesterday with his suggestion.
Yes, well, somebody finally came forward and said, here are some stuff what we ought to do. That's a start, isn't it?
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
In a moment here, remembering our "New You" participants today. Remember back from January? It's checkup time today. How are they doing since? We'll check in with Sanjay on that this hour.
KAGAN: Also, don't forget about "90-Second Pop." Michael Jackson says he is sick of the name calling, especially when it comes to one name in particular. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It was 1983, right, '83? Twenty-one short years ago.
Welcome back. "90-Second Pop" on a Monday. Say hello to Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine.
Good morning, Sarah.
SARAH BERNARD, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Good morning.
HEMMER: "Rolling Stone" contributing editor Toure is back today.
Good morning.
TOURE, "ROLLING STONE": Thanks.
HEMMER: And comedian Jessi Klein, contributor to VH1, and the hottest thing going is what we understand. (CROSSTALK)
JESSI KLEIN, COMEDIAN, VH1 CONTRIBUTOR: Oh, stop it.
HEMMER: Give us the goods, girl.
Michael Jackson is miffed. He put out a statement at the end of last week that says he doesn't want to be referred anymore as, what, "Whacko Jacko?"
KLEIN: Apparently he's sick of being called "Whacko Jacko." Here's the thing: Michael Jackson has obviously taken a beating in the press, and it's getting worse and worse as his trial approaches.
But here's my thing: This guy has mangled his own face. He dangled his baby over a balcony. He at least sleeps in a bed with boys that he doesn't know. I think "Whacko Jacko" is kind. I think it's pretty generous. It could get a lot worse.
BERNARD: Do you know what I think it is? He didn't go to probably a proper prep school, a high school situation. He was on tour with his brothers. He doesn't understand you can't pick your own nicknames.
KLEIN: That's right. It's not a choice.
BERNARD: It's not like...
KLEIN: It is not a choice.
BERNARD: Yes.
TOURE: If you could, like, the American mind, like, remember eternal sunshine and spotless night? If you go inside the American mind and you'd see Michael Jackson, and weirdness would be hung all over him. You can't separate them.
HEMMER: Tough to escape, huh?
TOURE: Yes.
HEMMER: On the one hand, don't dangle the baby.
KLEIN: Don't dangle the baby!
BERNARD: Yes.
HEMMER: Pull it back.
TOURE: Don't have children with other women.
KLEIN: Yes, yes.
HEMMER: The second topic, Toure. Let's talk about the Olympics.
TOURE: Let's talk the Olympics. HEMMER: First, it was Puerto Rico. Then it was Lithuania. Look out, Angola, baby, because the U.S. men's hoops team is back on the floor. What is happening with this group?
TOURE: Well, I mean, we know they can't shoot, because that's not what the culture of the NBA is about. The culture of the NBA is about slam dunks. And the rules of the NBA are made so that you can get slam dunks and lay-ups in the paint, and the international games are not about that. The NBA is sending its superstars to lose. This is embarrassing for everyone.
HEMMER: Who would pick that strategy then? If you are going to take a team to the Olympics, you know every team around the world plays zone defense. So, you've got to get some shooters.
TOURE: And they are all playing together for years and years. We've got to send like the best NBA team or third best NBA team.
BERNARD: But they're on trial.
(CROSSTALK)
TOURE: Or maybe the best college team. But, like, to send an all-star collection, it doesn't work when the other teams are playing together for years and years.
KLEIN: Or maybe the NBA just needs to start teaching players fundamental basketball again.
HEMMER: Well...
KLEIN: How about that? It's a crazy idea, a crazy idea.
HEMMER: I read a stat here, Sarah, only the second loss since the dream team was put together in 1992, is that right?
TOURE: No, this is only the second loss -- this is the fourth loss in competition ever.
HEMMER: The fourth loss since then?
TOURE: Ever! They've lost twice before this one and twice in this Olympiad.
BERNARD: OK. But you guys are being so harsh, because they could still win a medal. It's still possible.
TOURE: A medal is pathetic.
KLEIN: I think I see a (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TOURE: Like a bronze medal is pathetic.
HEMMER: You know what, Sarah? I think your conventional wisdom, going against it is exactly right. They could still medal. And you watch for that. BERNARD: Yes? They could still medal, and then everybody will have to talk about it.
HEMMER: Larry Brown will be coming back for you.
TOURE: Anything less than a gold is pathetic.
HEMMER: The third topic. Howard Stern wants to be a cartoon. I thought he already was one.
BERNARD: I know. He kind of is a cartoon, isn't he? Well, he has this idea that he is going to try to have an animated show about his life during his awkward high school years on Long Island. And this is something Spike TV has already picked up 13 episodes for.
But, you know, I just think that I know they're all trying to be "The Simpsons," something like that, some kind of very successful adult cartoon. But I don't think adult cartoons work. I mean, Striparella, Pamela Anderson's attempt failed, Gary the Rat, which was Kelsey Grammer's -- I don't even know what that was. It didn't work.
KLEIN: Well, the thing is, I think the show can only work if Howard Stern actually voices himself...
BERNARD: But he hasn't even said that.
KLEIN: ... which he might not do. And for me watching a Howard Stern cartoon without Howard Stern would be like drinking nonalcoholic beer. Like, what's the point? Did I just reveal too much?
BERNARD: Yes. But don't worry.
KLEIN: Sorry.
HEMMER: Pass me an O'Dulls (ph) while you're at it.
TOURE: I think watching Fosters Home for imaginary friends.
HEMMER: Yes?
TOURE: It's cartoon, it's wonderful. I think it's for adults, although I'm not sure.
BERNARD: They don't work.
HEMMER: Part of this Stern deal is that his parent are going to provide the storyline.
BERNARD: That's right. And they call in a lot to the show. So, they have kind of got their own following. And that would be funny. But I think maybe he should go with, like, a "Wonder Years" or "My So Called Life" show, where somebody actually plays him.
KLEIN: Right.
HEMMER: I can't wait for mom and dad's stories. BERNARD: Yes.
HEMMER: It's classic.
BERNARD: Yes, exactly.
HEMMER: Thanks Sarah. Thanks, Toure. Thanks, Jessi. We're short on time. Nice to see all three of you on a Monday.
Here's Daryn.
KAGAN: And now we're going to your reality. Still to come, did you stick to your New Year's resolution? We want to know how five of our viewers did. Checking in on the "New You." It's been six months that have passed since we last saw our "New You" participants. It's time for a checkup. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has that. Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Back in January, we challenged AMERICAN MORNING viewers to make our and take our "New You" resolution challenge. Out of thousands who wrote in, we chose five. Five lucky ones.
KAGAN: Yes, lucky. Well, now their luck strikes again. For eight weeks we followed them through their ups and downs. Now it has been six months since we last saw the fab five.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has our "New You Checkup."
Good morning -- Sanjay.
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Good morning, Bill.
It was an intense eight weeks for all of these individuals, and they all had their individual successes. Now they've had a few months to keep it up or to drop the ball.
This week, we're going to see how each one of them is doing. But first, a little reminder, a little refresher on our "New You" team.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice over): Last January, five viewers from around the country took on a "New You" resolution to change their lives and improve themselves both physically and mentally. For eight weeks we followed their successes and their pitfalls.
Our stressed-out businessman, 44-year-old David Peck, a husband, father of two. He was concerned about his strong family history of heart disease and his own high-stress career.
DAVID PECK, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: The stress to go down, the energy to go up, and lose weight. GUPTA: After abnormal stress test results at the doctor's office, he traded in his fast-paced high-travel job for one closer to home and lost 10 pounds in the process. So, has David managed to stay out of the rat race?
Our youngest participant, 25-year-old Kimberly Everett, a busy single woman working two jobs. She knew her typical meals of cheese sticks or fried foods needed to change to get the figure she wanted.
KIMBERLY EVERETT, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I'm going to be so sexy you guys are not going to be able to stand me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Kim is not doing to do the diet.
EVERETT: Yes, I am!
GUPTA: Despite a couple of skipped training sessions and some doubts of determination from her sister, Toy (ph), Kim dropped 8 inches, 10 pounds and 4 percent body fat in just two months. So, did Kim continue to prove sis wrong by keeping it off?
Our pack-a-day smoker, 32-year-old Kathryn Burkholder, she looked healthy, but she couldn't quit the habit, even after trying 12 times.
KATHRYN BURKHOLDER, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: In an hour I could probably smoke 10 cigarettes if I just sat here and did it. And it wouldn't be hard for me to do that.
GUPTA: With the aid of counseling and medication, she quit cold turkey. With "New You," she went cigarette-free for two months and didn't pack on any additional pounds. Now that she's off the medication, has she stayed smoke-free?
Our new parents, Pam and Michael Kirkbride, after the birth of their baby girl, Olivia, they were sleepless, exhausted, and had gained 40 pounds together. As Michael worked two jobs and studied for his MBA, Pam dealt with coping as a working mom.
PAM KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I'm pretty much on the go and I hide the fact that I'm tired all the time.
MICHAEL KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: They're going to help you find time to go to the gym and eat well? Bring it well.
GUPTA: "New You" made them find the time to take care of themselves, and in the two months they shed 27 pounds together. Did the new parents keep it up after the cameras were turned off?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
That's the "New You" fab five. Experts say a habit is formed in three weeks, and these folks keep it up for eight. But they have made permanent lifestyle changes. Or did they fall off the plan when the cameras went away? We're going to find out all this week -- Daryn.
KAGAN: We're focusing on different people. Who is the first one up to bat that you're going to really focus the spotlight on?
GUPTA: All right, so, Daryn, we'll be checking in with David Peck tomorrow. He was our stressed-out businessman. He seemed to be doing well. But we'll find out if he continued to make more time for his family and his health, plus has he acquired that taste for soy that we've talked so much about -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Lovely. All right. Thank you, Sanjay.
HEMMER: We'll check in with David tomorrow, so make sure and join us all week long for our "New You" six-month checkup on AMERICAN MORNING. We'll have it for you throughout the week here. David Peck is first up tomorrow.
KAGAN: We're looking forward to it.
HEMMER: In a moment here, there's a radical new approach to overhauling the nation's intelligence-gathering, one proposal that would virtually dismantle the CIA. Live to Washington for details on that as we continue, top of the hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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Aired August 23, 2004 - 07:32 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is just a little bit past half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. In just a few minutes, we're going to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what's happening just a few blocks from here. It's very close. They're almost ready for the Republican Convention. Organizers are going for a slightly different feel this time around, and we'll show you what they mean.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Very few pictures inside of Madison Square Garden.
KAGAN: Yes.
HEMMER: So a little bit of an exclusive look coming up in a couple of minutes here.
Also, the "New You" series is back. Sanjay tells us what he discovered when he checked on five people back in January taking the challenge to get fit. It's now August. We're going to go back a couple of months and see how they're doing today in a moment here.
KAGAN: Hopefully well. Let's also check in with Carol Costello. She's is at CNN center with a look at what is happening now in the news.
Carol -- good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Daryn. Thank you.
The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has announced a new proposal to reorganize the intelligence-gathering operation. Senator Pat Roberts says he wants to break up the CIA and divide its responsibilities among three new agencies. It's considered the most sweeping reorganization proposal by anyone outside of the 9/11 Commission. CNN's Ed Henry has a live report for you in the next half-hour.
Talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups from the Darfur region are scheduled to begin this morning. The United Nations reports that as many as 30,000 civilians were killed and more than 1.2 million people have been left homeless since the violence in the region began some 18 months ago.
Investigators are looking for answers this morning after a deadly midair plane crash in California. It happened near Malibu. Divers canvassed the wreckage scattered in the Pacific Ocean. Both pilots and a passenger were killed when the two single-engine planes collided. And the National Intra-Agency Fire Center says there are 20 major fires burning out West. Fire crews fighting the Bland Mountain fire in Oregon got some help from a rainstorm that passed over the fire on Sunday. That fire has now scorched over 3,600 acres.
Back to New York and Daryn.
KAGAN: Thanks for that.
And we move on now to Iraq, where new fighting has broken out overnight in Najaf with American warplanes targeting Shiite militants near the Imam Ali Mosque.
Diana Muriel is live in Baghdad with more on that.
Diana -- hello.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Daryn, another night, another attack. The U.S. forces unleashed an attack on the area around the compound, around the Imam Ali shrine. We understand from our team on the ground that the fighting started around 11:00 in the evening on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of the morning.
They've been down to the shrine compound. They've been down to the wall that encircles the compound, and they have seen for themselves a two-foot-wide hole in that wall, a breach in that wall.
Now, the shrine, of course, has been the subject of intense fighting between U.S. forces and Iraqi government forces against those loyal to al-Sadr, Muqtada al-Sadr, a renegade Shia cleric.
Now, the negotiations to try and end this impasse that has been going on for the last weeks don't seem to have gone any further. We understand from our team there in Najaf that there's been an offer from a delegation of around 600 Sunni and Shia tribal leaders to negotiate to stop the military action and then to negotiation some sort of peaceful resolution to the standoff between the two sides.
A spokesperson for al-Sadr told our team in Najaf that they had accepted this, but they understand that the Iraqi government were not keen to take on this initiative.
In the meantime, other negotiations between the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and his representatives continue. He is, of course, in London seeking medical treatment for a heart condition. But his representatives are in Najaf, and they are continuing to try and find some sort of resolution to this standoff.
In the meantime, the violence continues. But another negotiation that was rather more successful was that for the release of Micah Garen. That's the 36-year-old American journalist who was captured more than a week ago in Nasiriyah, together with his translator. He has been released. He says that he's safe and well, and he thanked those who were a party to that negotiation, which included representatives of al-Sadr. Back to you -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Diana Muriel live from Baghdad, thank you -- Bill.
HEMMER: The Republican Convention kicks off in New York City a week from today. Fifty thousands delegates, party officials and reporters descending on Madison Square Garden. There have been very few pictures of what's happening inside the garden. The final-setup is a bit of a secret today. But we were given a sneak preview over the weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got 350,000 pounds of steel. We've got 200,000 square feet of lumber. We've got, I think, 1.5 million feet of cable.
HEMMER (voice over): Bill Harris knows his numbers, because this week Harris has one of the most challenging jobs in New York City.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are looking over here at the main stage.
HEMMER: Harris is in charge of the Republican National Convention, and Madison Square Garden has been transformed. A main stage that appears smaller, more intimate than in previous conventions. A new wooden floor stands almost 10 feet higher than the original with a large circular cutout for entertainment. Some say it could serve as a grand entrance for the president.
(on camera): Is there anything that you would want to tell our viewers today as to how the president is going to make his grand entrance?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president can do whatever he wants to do.
HEMMER (voice over): However, surprises are not out of the question.
(on camera): Are you on target?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, as you know, a week from today is when our convention starts. And so, we are exactly on target of where we want to be. I couldn't be happier with where we are in the process.
HEMMER (voice over): But construction is just half the story. The other half is security.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a major part of my job. But, you know, I'm very fortunate in that we are in New York City and that we have the world's most experienced police department. I am absolutely convinced that they have a very comprehensive program to make sure that we can have a safe and orderly convention.
HEMMER: And is Harris has done his job right, the only message out of New York City will be from the Republican Party presenting its vision for America right down to the closing act at the end of the four-day event.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We'll probably have a lot of balloons up there. They will drop on time.
HEMMER (on camera): They will?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They will drop on time.
HEMMER: Did you see what happened in Boston?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I was busy, but I heard what happened.
HEMMER: And?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't see it.
HEMMER: It's not going to be repeated, is that what you are suggesting today?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, I don't think we're going to repeat anything they did up there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: One big question mark does hang in the balance for the convention. With anywhere from 100,000 to a quarter-million protesters expected to show up here in New York City. They're still working out final details about where the protests will take place. But they are expected to go every day. And we'll see how much attention they take away from the convention itself one week from today here in New York City.
(WEATHER BREAK)
KAGAN: A big moment here. Jack Cafferty here with the "Question of the Day."
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Daryn.
Over the second the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee unveiled a plan to completely revamp the CIA, remove most of the intelligence-gathering operations from the Pentagon and create a new national intelligence director. Of course, criticism of the idea was swift. Democratic Senator Carl Levin of Michigan called it a mistake. An unnamed senior intelligence official said the plan makes no sense.
The question we're asking this morning is: Do you think Congress is moving in the right direction when it comes to intelligence reform?
Rachel (ph) in Godfrey, Illinois: "In my opinion, the Congress is not moving in the right direction. They are simply not moving at all. How many days has it been now since the 9/11 Commission's recommendations?"
It's been over a month, Rachel (ph).
Greg in Knoxville, Tennessee: "I'm amazed that the words Congress and intelligence could be used in the same sentence."
Kathy in Yukon, Oklahoma: "Congress and the president need to take their time on this and get it right. We don't need to rush to change the status quo. We just need to listen to what they are saying. There was a lot of information out there before September 11 and no one was listening."
Mike writes: "I don't think Congress is going to do any more than they have to in regard to intelligence reform. But one thing is for sure: If and when the next major terrorist attack strikes the United States, they'll be tripping over themselves trying to say they did."
And Paul in Hellertown, Pennsylvania: "To make us feel more secure, the upcoming government commission needs to install a new color-coded warning system which more accurately reflects our homeland security's understanding." Here he has a list of ideas: "Green for not sure; blue for really not sure; yellow for very, very confused; orange for clueless; and red, to be on the safe side, let's just invade another country. Thank you, Paul.
HEMMER: I think Pat Roberts took a lot of people off guard yesterday with his suggestion.
Yes, well, somebody finally came forward and said, here are some stuff what we ought to do. That's a start, isn't it?
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
In a moment here, remembering our "New You" participants today. Remember back from January? It's checkup time today. How are they doing since? We'll check in with Sanjay on that this hour.
KAGAN: Also, don't forget about "90-Second Pop." Michael Jackson says he is sick of the name calling, especially when it comes to one name in particular. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It was 1983, right, '83? Twenty-one short years ago.
Welcome back. "90-Second Pop" on a Monday. Say hello to Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine.
Good morning, Sarah.
SARAH BERNARD, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Good morning.
HEMMER: "Rolling Stone" contributing editor Toure is back today.
Good morning.
TOURE, "ROLLING STONE": Thanks.
HEMMER: And comedian Jessi Klein, contributor to VH1, and the hottest thing going is what we understand. (CROSSTALK)
JESSI KLEIN, COMEDIAN, VH1 CONTRIBUTOR: Oh, stop it.
HEMMER: Give us the goods, girl.
Michael Jackson is miffed. He put out a statement at the end of last week that says he doesn't want to be referred anymore as, what, "Whacko Jacko?"
KLEIN: Apparently he's sick of being called "Whacko Jacko." Here's the thing: Michael Jackson has obviously taken a beating in the press, and it's getting worse and worse as his trial approaches.
But here's my thing: This guy has mangled his own face. He dangled his baby over a balcony. He at least sleeps in a bed with boys that he doesn't know. I think "Whacko Jacko" is kind. I think it's pretty generous. It could get a lot worse.
BERNARD: Do you know what I think it is? He didn't go to probably a proper prep school, a high school situation. He was on tour with his brothers. He doesn't understand you can't pick your own nicknames.
KLEIN: That's right. It's not a choice.
BERNARD: It's not like...
KLEIN: It is not a choice.
BERNARD: Yes.
TOURE: If you could, like, the American mind, like, remember eternal sunshine and spotless night? If you go inside the American mind and you'd see Michael Jackson, and weirdness would be hung all over him. You can't separate them.
HEMMER: Tough to escape, huh?
TOURE: Yes.
HEMMER: On the one hand, don't dangle the baby.
KLEIN: Don't dangle the baby!
BERNARD: Yes.
HEMMER: Pull it back.
TOURE: Don't have children with other women.
KLEIN: Yes, yes.
HEMMER: The second topic, Toure. Let's talk about the Olympics.
TOURE: Let's talk the Olympics. HEMMER: First, it was Puerto Rico. Then it was Lithuania. Look out, Angola, baby, because the U.S. men's hoops team is back on the floor. What is happening with this group?
TOURE: Well, I mean, we know they can't shoot, because that's not what the culture of the NBA is about. The culture of the NBA is about slam dunks. And the rules of the NBA are made so that you can get slam dunks and lay-ups in the paint, and the international games are not about that. The NBA is sending its superstars to lose. This is embarrassing for everyone.
HEMMER: Who would pick that strategy then? If you are going to take a team to the Olympics, you know every team around the world plays zone defense. So, you've got to get some shooters.
TOURE: And they are all playing together for years and years. We've got to send like the best NBA team or third best NBA team.
BERNARD: But they're on trial.
(CROSSTALK)
TOURE: Or maybe the best college team. But, like, to send an all-star collection, it doesn't work when the other teams are playing together for years and years.
KLEIN: Or maybe the NBA just needs to start teaching players fundamental basketball again.
HEMMER: Well...
KLEIN: How about that? It's a crazy idea, a crazy idea.
HEMMER: I read a stat here, Sarah, only the second loss since the dream team was put together in 1992, is that right?
TOURE: No, this is only the second loss -- this is the fourth loss in competition ever.
HEMMER: The fourth loss since then?
TOURE: Ever! They've lost twice before this one and twice in this Olympiad.
BERNARD: OK. But you guys are being so harsh, because they could still win a medal. It's still possible.
TOURE: A medal is pathetic.
KLEIN: I think I see a (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TOURE: Like a bronze medal is pathetic.
HEMMER: You know what, Sarah? I think your conventional wisdom, going against it is exactly right. They could still medal. And you watch for that. BERNARD: Yes? They could still medal, and then everybody will have to talk about it.
HEMMER: Larry Brown will be coming back for you.
TOURE: Anything less than a gold is pathetic.
HEMMER: The third topic. Howard Stern wants to be a cartoon. I thought he already was one.
BERNARD: I know. He kind of is a cartoon, isn't he? Well, he has this idea that he is going to try to have an animated show about his life during his awkward high school years on Long Island. And this is something Spike TV has already picked up 13 episodes for.
But, you know, I just think that I know they're all trying to be "The Simpsons," something like that, some kind of very successful adult cartoon. But I don't think adult cartoons work. I mean, Striparella, Pamela Anderson's attempt failed, Gary the Rat, which was Kelsey Grammer's -- I don't even know what that was. It didn't work.
KLEIN: Well, the thing is, I think the show can only work if Howard Stern actually voices himself...
BERNARD: But he hasn't even said that.
KLEIN: ... which he might not do. And for me watching a Howard Stern cartoon without Howard Stern would be like drinking nonalcoholic beer. Like, what's the point? Did I just reveal too much?
BERNARD: Yes. But don't worry.
KLEIN: Sorry.
HEMMER: Pass me an O'Dulls (ph) while you're at it.
TOURE: I think watching Fosters Home for imaginary friends.
HEMMER: Yes?
TOURE: It's cartoon, it's wonderful. I think it's for adults, although I'm not sure.
BERNARD: They don't work.
HEMMER: Part of this Stern deal is that his parent are going to provide the storyline.
BERNARD: That's right. And they call in a lot to the show. So, they have kind of got their own following. And that would be funny. But I think maybe he should go with, like, a "Wonder Years" or "My So Called Life" show, where somebody actually plays him.
KLEIN: Right.
HEMMER: I can't wait for mom and dad's stories. BERNARD: Yes.
HEMMER: It's classic.
BERNARD: Yes, exactly.
HEMMER: Thanks Sarah. Thanks, Toure. Thanks, Jessi. We're short on time. Nice to see all three of you on a Monday.
Here's Daryn.
KAGAN: And now we're going to your reality. Still to come, did you stick to your New Year's resolution? We want to know how five of our viewers did. Checking in on the "New You." It's been six months that have passed since we last saw our "New You" participants. It's time for a checkup. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has that. Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Back in January, we challenged AMERICAN MORNING viewers to make our and take our "New You" resolution challenge. Out of thousands who wrote in, we chose five. Five lucky ones.
KAGAN: Yes, lucky. Well, now their luck strikes again. For eight weeks we followed them through their ups and downs. Now it has been six months since we last saw the fab five.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has our "New You Checkup."
Good morning -- Sanjay.
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Good morning, Bill.
It was an intense eight weeks for all of these individuals, and they all had their individual successes. Now they've had a few months to keep it up or to drop the ball.
This week, we're going to see how each one of them is doing. But first, a little reminder, a little refresher on our "New You" team.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice over): Last January, five viewers from around the country took on a "New You" resolution to change their lives and improve themselves both physically and mentally. For eight weeks we followed their successes and their pitfalls.
Our stressed-out businessman, 44-year-old David Peck, a husband, father of two. He was concerned about his strong family history of heart disease and his own high-stress career.
DAVID PECK, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: The stress to go down, the energy to go up, and lose weight. GUPTA: After abnormal stress test results at the doctor's office, he traded in his fast-paced high-travel job for one closer to home and lost 10 pounds in the process. So, has David managed to stay out of the rat race?
Our youngest participant, 25-year-old Kimberly Everett, a busy single woman working two jobs. She knew her typical meals of cheese sticks or fried foods needed to change to get the figure she wanted.
KIMBERLY EVERETT, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I'm going to be so sexy you guys are not going to be able to stand me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Kim is not doing to do the diet.
EVERETT: Yes, I am!
GUPTA: Despite a couple of skipped training sessions and some doubts of determination from her sister, Toy (ph), Kim dropped 8 inches, 10 pounds and 4 percent body fat in just two months. So, did Kim continue to prove sis wrong by keeping it off?
Our pack-a-day smoker, 32-year-old Kathryn Burkholder, she looked healthy, but she couldn't quit the habit, even after trying 12 times.
KATHRYN BURKHOLDER, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: In an hour I could probably smoke 10 cigarettes if I just sat here and did it. And it wouldn't be hard for me to do that.
GUPTA: With the aid of counseling and medication, she quit cold turkey. With "New You," she went cigarette-free for two months and didn't pack on any additional pounds. Now that she's off the medication, has she stayed smoke-free?
Our new parents, Pam and Michael Kirkbride, after the birth of their baby girl, Olivia, they were sleepless, exhausted, and had gained 40 pounds together. As Michael worked two jobs and studied for his MBA, Pam dealt with coping as a working mom.
PAM KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I'm pretty much on the go and I hide the fact that I'm tired all the time.
MICHAEL KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: They're going to help you find time to go to the gym and eat well? Bring it well.
GUPTA: "New You" made them find the time to take care of themselves, and in the two months they shed 27 pounds together. Did the new parents keep it up after the cameras were turned off?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
That's the "New You" fab five. Experts say a habit is formed in three weeks, and these folks keep it up for eight. But they have made permanent lifestyle changes. Or did they fall off the plan when the cameras went away? We're going to find out all this week -- Daryn.
KAGAN: We're focusing on different people. Who is the first one up to bat that you're going to really focus the spotlight on?
GUPTA: All right, so, Daryn, we'll be checking in with David Peck tomorrow. He was our stressed-out businessman. He seemed to be doing well. But we'll find out if he continued to make more time for his family and his health, plus has he acquired that taste for soy that we've talked so much about -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Lovely. All right. Thank you, Sanjay.
HEMMER: We'll check in with David tomorrow, so make sure and join us all week long for our "New You" six-month checkup on AMERICAN MORNING. We'll have it for you throughout the week here. David Peck is first up tomorrow.
KAGAN: We're looking forward to it.
HEMMER: In a moment here, there's a radical new approach to overhauling the nation's intelligence-gathering, one proposal that would virtually dismantle the CIA. Live to Washington for details on that as we continue, top of the hour here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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