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American Morning
Sistani, Sadr People Negotiating Over Phone; 'New You' Woman Quits Smoking, Gets Engaged
Aired August 26, 2004 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: There's the opening bell live from Wall Street, starting off today at 10,181, decent day yesterday too, the bulls were running. Up about 83 points at the close, watch the oil prices, though. They fell yesterday. Andy tells us they might be headed back up. So we'll watch that.
Nasdaq MarketSite, 1860 is your opening mark, decent day there too yesterday, 23 points in the positive range. We'll see where we're headed today.
9:30 here in New York. Welcome back and good morning again to AMERICAN MORNING.
Watching the situation in Iraq. We all woke up to news earlier today, dozens are dead there, killed in Najaf and nearby Kufa on a day unlike any other for the besieged city. Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric is there, back home. A demonstration planned for today, also more negotiations happening now. We'll of much more on where things stand at this hour in a moment.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That video just unbelievable with all those people there.
Also, anarchists said to be coming to New York to try to disrupt the Republican Convention, is the threat overblown? We're going to talk with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly about that and other security issues as that week approaches very quickly.
For now, though, we are going to check in with Carol Costello at the CNN Center for a look at what's now in the news.
Hi, Carol.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Hi Heidi, thank you.
Good morning, everyone. A closed hearing of the Governmental Affairs Committee is now getting under way on Capitol Hill. The Senate panel is looking at intelligence gathering. More Congressional hearings on the 9/11 report are set for later today.
Police have now released a man they question in connection with the shooting deaths of a young couple on a California beach. The man told police that he had never met Lindsay Cutshall or her fiance, Jason Allen. Their bodies were found last week shot to death in their sleeping bags. Sonoma Country authorities have posted a $10,000 reward to help solve the crime. An update for you from Athens, the dream isn't over yet for the U.S. men's basketball team. Jack, are you listening? This one wrapping up in the last 15 minutes or so. The Americans, a 102-94 winner over Spain. Team USA advances to the semifinals and is guaranteed at least a shot at the Bronze.
And the Yankees' once an insurmountable lead in the A.L. East has now dwindled to 5 1/2 games over the Red Sox. The slide continued as the Cleveland Indians pulled out their secret weapon; no, not the runaway squirrel. Play was held up several times, though. But it was a slide by Coco Crisp and a go-ahead bunt single in the eighth that put the Indians up over the Yankees 4-3 last night. But personally, I think it was the rally squirrel that got the crowd going and got the Cleveland Indians back into the game.
HEMMER: That's what I'm talking about.
COSTELLO: The squirrel was there the whole game, Bill. Never left.
HEMMER: Big fan, evidently. Thank you, Carol.
There is this effort under way to end the bloodshed in Najaf. Already under way again today, Iraq's most senior Shiite leader, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani back home in Najaf. John Vause back in Baghdad again watching all the developments hour to hour.
John, what do we have now?
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill. Incredible scenes in Najaf with the arrival home of the grand ayatollah, al-Sistani. Thousands turning out to greet him. We've seen thousands lining the road all the way from Basra, where he spent the night, all the way to Najaf. Thousands there to greet him, to cheer him, just even to see this man, a sign of his importance in all of this.
He is only the seventh grand ayatollah in all of Islam. But he is not a well man. We're told by his spokesperson that he returned from his hospital in London where he was receiving treatment for a heart complaint. He had heart surgery just a few weeks ago, and he returned against doctors' orders.
But we're also told right now that negotiations are under way on the telephone between the ayatollah's people and the people of Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric holed inside the Imam Ali Mosque.
And despite this wave of optimism which is now sweeping through Najaf, it has been a very violent day. Before Sistani arrived in Najaf, a mosque was attacked with a mortar. Thousands had gathered there at the call of the grand ayatollah for a peaceful march to Najaf. And then when they left Kufa for Najaf, there was another attack, unidentified gunmen opening fire on thousands of people.
Now, we don't have separate casualty numbers for both those incidents, but what we're told is that combined, 39 people killed in both those attacks, 255 people wounded -- Bill. HEMMER: Staggering numbers again today. John Vause in Baghdad -- Heidi.
COLLINS: The swift boat controversy moved to Crawford, Texas, yesterday when Vietnam veteran and former Senator Max Cleland tried to deliver President Bush a letter, calling on him to condemn the recent ads attacking John Kerry.
I spoke with Cleland about what he did.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Senator Cleland, did you get accomplished what you wanted to get accomplished yesterday?
MAX CLELAND (D), FMR. U.S. SENATOR: I'm trying to make sure that nine members of the United States Senate, all of whom served in the military, one of whom won the Medal of Honor, that their message was delivered. It was a message from the United States senators, nine of them asking the president to stop these attacks on John Kerry's character and courage.
Now we have 19 members of the United States House of Representatives, all of whom who have served in the American military, saying the same thing to the president.
And more and more veterans around this country are saying to the president, Mr. President, stop these negative attacks on John Kerry, because this is what's happening: What is happening here is the president is trying to cover up the tragedy in Iraq, the sense in which he has made more enemies abroad than friends, and the disastrous record in losing more jobs that he's created in this country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Meanwhile, Ben Ginsberg, chief outside (ph) counsel to the Bush campaign resigned because of his association with the Swift Boat Veterans.
Bill asked Ginsberg about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Did the White House know that you were holding essentially two jobs that related to this campaign?
BEN GINSBERG, FMR. BUSH CAMPAIGN ATTY.: No, they didn't.
I'm a lawyer in outside practice, and I have a number of clients. And lawyers don't tell one client what they're doing for the other client.
HEMMER: Here's what Democrats say: "The sudden resignation of Bush's top lawyer doesn't end the extensive web of connections between George Bush and the group trying to smear John Kerry's military record. In fact, it only confirms the extent of these connections." Mary Beth Cahill, her words from yesterday.
Your reaction to that on the Democratic side is what?
GINSBERG: I think that's blatant distortion from the fact that Senator Kerry made his military service the centerpiece of his convention.
There are a group of veterans who feel deeply and strongly that his actions -- particularly when he came back from Vietnam, testified in the public hearings the way he did -- really cast terrible aspersions upon all veterans who served in Vietnam and they feel strongly about that. They wanted to express those views in the course of the First Amendment debate.
They now have an ad up by two POWs held in the Hanoi Hilton for more than six years, they feel strongly that John Kerry discredited them. He made this an issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Ben Ginsberg, the former chief outside counsel to the Bush campaign. He says he is a victim to a double standard, saying there is no similar complaint about Democratic lawyers who worked with both the Kerry campaign and independent 527 groups.
HEMMER: Almost 22 minutes now before the hour. The flight data recorders of those two Russian jetliners that crashed within minutes of each other earlier this week are not giving enough clues yet as to what went wrong. Those planes went down late Tuesday, about 450 miles apart, after taking off from the same airport in Moscow. A top Russian official says terrorism remains as a suspected cause.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge talked about the incident yesterday here in New York City.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: We know that there are a couple of flights daily from Russia to the United States. And alterations have been made in terms of landing patterns. So we're just paying a lot more attention to those flights as they enter and leave the United States.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: All 89 people onboard were killed on Tuesday. Also today in Russia, they're observing a national day of mourning -- Heidi.
An extraordinary multi-agency security plan is under way for next week's Republican National Convention here in New York City. Earlier I asked New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly about his biggest concerns.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) COLLINS: We're hearing reports, police intelligence reports actually that anarchists could possibly show up at the RNC. How worried are you about that?
RAY KELLY, NYC POLICE COMMISSIONER: Well, I think a lot of disparate groups are going to be arriving at the convention. We planned for this. We've anticipated these so-called anarchists coming here. We believe the vast majority of demonstrators are going to be peaceful and want their opinions heard. But there are going to be some that are looking to be disruptive. And we're ready for that.
COLLINS: I mean, when people hear the word "anarchists," I think they get a little alarmed. How big of a group are we talking about possibly?
KELLY: It's difficult to say. Perhaps a couple of hundred.
COLLINS: What are you most worried about? Again, there's a lot going on, a lot of money has been spent on security. A lot of people are going to be here, visitors. And again, as we say, protesters of whatever kind, what is your main concern as this week approaches?
KELLY: Well, obviously, we have to be concerned about a terrorist event. That's our No. 1 job, to protect the city against some sort of terrorist attack. I think we're well-positioned to do that. We're working with our federal partners. There are a lot of agencies here that will be working. Obviously there will be demonstrators here. As I say, I think the vast majority will be peaceful. We have, you know, a lot of balls in the air. But I think we're well-positioned to take care of any contingency.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Commissioner Kelly met with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge yesterday. Ridge expressed confidence after touring the police command center -- Bill.
HEMMER: F stands for Frances, that's what Chad is watching today.
Good morning, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill.
Yesterday it was just a tropical depression, now it is a named storm. Frances right there, kind of making its way from east to west across the central Atlantic. Still miles and miles and miles away from anything. But it's not moving as far to the north and toward the east as it was yesterday.
Yesterday, really the forecast was to make a big right-hand turn and head up into the middle of the Atlantic. That doesn't seem to be the case right now. We'll have to keep watching it. Literally, it's a week from anything. But just so you know that it's out there.
(WEATHER REPORT) HEMMER: Thanks.
Which car should you buy if you want high resale value? Andy's "Minding Your Business" has an answer.
COLLINS: And according to the weather -- a convertible, maybe?
Also ahead, maybe the toughest challenge of our "New You" series -- kicking the habit. Kathryn Burkholder doubted she could do it. So, was she right. Stay with us to find out.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Markets are open now. We're going to check on all the early action and the hot new cars that will hold their value.
Andy Serwer here "Minding Your Business." All right, markets first?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Let's do the markets. Yes.
COLLINS: Krispy Kreme gets creamed?
SERWER: Krispy Kreme getting creamed. Little coffee and doughnuts.
Let's check out the board first, Heidi: down about seven there, it looks like, yes. Well, not so terrible, but maybe we'll look up a little bit later on.
Coffee and doughnuts this morning. Let's talk about that, Heidi. You mentioned that Krispy Kreme was getting hurt. Their numbers are way down. The low-carb craze has been hurting them.
On the other hand, Starbucks is much weaker. That stock is down 2.59 to $43.43. But a different story there, because that company continues to do very, very well. Expectations just so high. They reported numbers a little bit worse than expected, but still cooking over there.
COLLINS: And Krispy Kreme is giving all their doughnuts away to the kids.
SERWER: That's right.
COLLINS: So, maybe that's...
SERWER: Too many people getting As, right?
COLLINS: That's right.
All right, so what about these cars? Best value?
SERWER: Right, that's resale value. This is something that Kelley Blue Book puts out every year. And interesting stuff: The average car after five years retains only 45 percent of its value. We're taking a look here at some of the cars that retain value best. It's over 50 percent. These are the top cars that are retaining value over five years. The Mitsubishi Lancer -- that goes for around 31K, over 50 percent. The Beamer there, that 5 Series, a little bit under 50 percent. And then, the Infiniti G35, another $35,000 car -- well, you pay a lot of money.
Here you go for the Ram. That's a $45,000 truck, Heidi -- that Dodge Ram.
COLLINS: Is it really?
SERWER: Yes, that's expensive. And that Volvo SUV is only 36 grand. I know -- it depends what you like. The minivan there, the Honda Odyssey for all you soccer dads out there -- you thought I was going to say something different.
Now, let's look at cars that did the worst. If you bought these and you want to resell them, you're not going to get that much money. These cars only retain between 17 and 21 percent of their value, including the Jaguar. Did I say that correctly? That's how they say it in the advertisements -- in the advertisements. The Mercury Sable there as well, you can see, and the Pontiac Aztec.
So, anyway, that does it for the resale values from Kelley Blue Book.
COLLINS: Maybe you can trade in one of those -- if you're on the bad list, trade in for one that's on the good list.
SERWER: Yes, and then, probably spend a little bit more money if you want to get that Dodge Ram -- 45,000.
COLLINS: Ouch!
SERWER: Yes, a well done.
HEMMER: Aluminum.
SERWER: Yes, that too, Bill.
HEMMER: Thank you, Andy.
"Question of the Day" -- here's Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: When are the Olympics over?
HEMMER: Sunday night.
CAFFERTY: Sunday night?
HEMMER: Confirmed.
The other "Question of the Day" is: Is it right to keep the protesters out of Central Park? We've gotten a lot of mail. Doug in Stoney Creek, Ontario: "There's an old saying, you pick your fights, or in this case, your sites. The original message the protesters want to get across will be lost in the battle for the Park. We'll remember only the controversy over where, not what."
Mary Ann in Sandusky, Ohio: "Even the most passionate demonstrators need to get a grip. The city's reason for denying the Central Park permit is more than reasonable."
And Lee in Hoboken: "While I think the protesters are getting a little whiny about this whole thing, you've got to admit there's more than a little hypocrisy in letting hundreds of thousands of people watch a concert in Central Park and not allowing a demonstration."
Am@cnn.com. Thank you for your responses.
HEMMER: There it is.
SERWER: The park is empty. There's no protesters to be seen.
CAFFERTY: We here at CNN have obtained this rare footage of some grass to show you.
SERWER: Is that the Sheep's Meadow?
HEMMER: The Great Lawn.
SERWER: The Great Lawn or the Sheep's Meadow?
HEMMER: Great Lawn.
SERWER: That was the Great Lawn.
COLLINS: Looked like the Great Lawn, yes.
SERWER: Yes.
I haven't seen any protesters anywhere in the city yet, have you? They're not here yet.
HEMMER: ... just waiting and plotting.
CAFFERTY: It doesn't start until next week.
SERWER: Yes, well, they want...
HEMMER: This weekend.
SERWER: ... to protest this weekend. So, they'll be coming in in droves and buses.
CAFFERTY: We invite you to -- stop it, Andy.
SERWER: Sorry.
CAFFERTY: We invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY." Actually, Andy's a part of that, as well. The Republicans about to take the stage in New York City.
SERWER: Demonstrate against it.
CAFFERTY: Protesters will be making their voices heard. We'll look at how protest movements have evolved in this country, and whether next week's may be any different. Plus, we promise to replay the footage of the grass on "IN THE MONEY," Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00.
COLLINS: Maybe you'll have a live cam? The Great Lawn cam.
SERWER: Yes. No demonstrating against the show, by the way.
COLLINS: yes, definitely not.
SERWER: Don't do that.
COLLINS: Hey, still to come this morning, Kathryn Burkholder tried to quit smoking as part of our "New You" series. But did her resolution go up in smoke? Dr. Sanjay Gupta has an update here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Time for our "New You" checkup right now. Our pack-a- day smoker, our favorite one, Kathryn Burkholder, checked in with her months ago, see how she's doing today.
COLLINS: That's right. She's 32 years old. She's addicted to smoking for more than half of her life, though. Tried to quit 12 times, didn't make it. Maybe this is the lucky time.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta standing by to tell us more, all about it.
So?
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN STARR: . MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kathryn tried several times in the past, as you know. But perhaps it was number 13 that ended up being her lucky number.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice-over): Kathryn bought a brand new car. She's selling her house. She's been promoted at work. And most importantly, she's got an engagement ring on her finger. The wedding's in September.
As far as her "New You" resolution to quit smoking, Kathryn had a minor setback.
KATHRYN BURKHOLDER, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I've smoked a couple of times, but just one cigarette and long periods of time in between.
GUPTA: But she hasn't gone back to smoking full-time, and she's not giving herself a guilt trip about her lapse. BURKHOLDER: If you break down after eight months and you smoke two cigarettes, as long as you learn not to get yourself in that situation again (UNINTELLIGIBLE) it feels like I'm stupid and I didn't want to do it again.
GUPTA: Kicking her pack-a-day habit for six months saved her from smoking 4,720 cigarettes and it saved $800. Kathryn is still exercising.
BURKHOLDER: I try to walk for 15 minutes every day, no matter what.
GUPTA: And as far as weight gain, something she feared would go along with quitting smoking...
BURKHOLDER: I've gained three or four pounds depending on the day.
GUPTA: After five months she quit taking prescription medication designed to help her stop, but she's still feeling good.
BURKHOLDER: I'm better than I was before. I'm not as agitated. It's much easier to not smoke, and I don't think about it in certain situations like I would before.
GUPTA: Her message to other folks trying to quit?
BURKHOLDER: You can do it. I didn't ever think I would do it. I mean, you can try and try and try. But I didn't think I would ever feel comfortable without smoking. And I can honestly say I feel pretty comfortable without smoking, even when I'm around people who are smoking.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA: There she is, 32 years old. Now, of course, we're not saying everyone who stops smoking is going to go out and get engaged. But quitting smoking can be tough. It can lead to some pretty big changes as well -- Bill and Heidi.
HEMMER: Sanjay, any idea when she's out of the danger area, or is she always going to have these cravings that go back?
GUPTA: Yes, you know, to be honest, a former smoker can have strong cravings to smoke for months, for even years after they quit. The real key is going to be to ride out those momentary cravings.
If a smoker such as Kathryn does slip once or twice, don't dwell on it. That's the best piece of advice. Just remind yourself why you quit smoking in the first place. And don't use that one cigarette as an excuse to say, you know what, I fell off the wagon, and start lighting up for good.
COLLINS: Good point, Sanjay. But tomorrow, our last day of the "New You" six-month checkup, our new parents. This is my favorite one. Can the people get any sleep, right, with a 1-year-old? GUPTA: Exactly. It's the New York City couple, you remember them from six months ago, Pam and Michael Kirkbride. Their baby, Olivia, who you also met, just turned a year old. So we're going find out if they got the time to sleep, which you know well, Heidi, and get their lives in order and make time for themselves as well. You're going to be surprised, I think, at some of the very positive changes they've made and how they've done it.
COLLINS: I can't wait to hear it. I haven't worked out in three years, all because of that kid. It's not my fault.
HEMMER: Thank you, Sanjay. See you tomorrow, all right?
GUPTA: Yes, I'll be here.
HEMMER: Log onto our Web site, CNN.com/americanmorning for more on the "New You" six-month checkup. We're be back in touch tomorrow.
COLLINS: And also -- yes, they're good.
Coming up on CNN, though, today, the ongoing drama in Najaf. The most powerful Shiite cleric in Iraq is there now, along with tens of thousands of his devoted followers. A live update from Iraq coming your way in the next hour with Daryn Kagan on "CNN LIVE TODAY."
And AMERICAN MORNING will be back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Hey, we've got to run, but good news from Athens: the U.S. beat Spain.
CAFFERTY: The Olympics are over?
HEMMER: No, not yet. So that means they get a chance to play for a medal, for a bronze at least.
SERWER: At the least, that's right.
Stephon Marbury scored 31 points, a Team USA record.
COLLINS: Thank you, Andy Serwer.
HEMMER: What was the final?
SERWER: 102-94.
HEMMER: Bingo.
What are you doing downstairs, by the way?
SERWER: Watching the game.
COLLINS: Watching stocks, watching basketball.
SERWER: Keeping abreast of all the news. We've got to run. See you tomorrow, on Friday.
Here's Daryn Kagan, at the CNN Center.
Good morning, Daryn.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired August 26, 2004 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: There's the opening bell live from Wall Street, starting off today at 10,181, decent day yesterday too, the bulls were running. Up about 83 points at the close, watch the oil prices, though. They fell yesterday. Andy tells us they might be headed back up. So we'll watch that.
Nasdaq MarketSite, 1860 is your opening mark, decent day there too yesterday, 23 points in the positive range. We'll see where we're headed today.
9:30 here in New York. Welcome back and good morning again to AMERICAN MORNING.
Watching the situation in Iraq. We all woke up to news earlier today, dozens are dead there, killed in Najaf and nearby Kufa on a day unlike any other for the besieged city. Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric is there, back home. A demonstration planned for today, also more negotiations happening now. We'll of much more on where things stand at this hour in a moment.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That video just unbelievable with all those people there.
Also, anarchists said to be coming to New York to try to disrupt the Republican Convention, is the threat overblown? We're going to talk with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly about that and other security issues as that week approaches very quickly.
For now, though, we are going to check in with Carol Costello at the CNN Center for a look at what's now in the news.
Hi, Carol.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Hi Heidi, thank you.
Good morning, everyone. A closed hearing of the Governmental Affairs Committee is now getting under way on Capitol Hill. The Senate panel is looking at intelligence gathering. More Congressional hearings on the 9/11 report are set for later today.
Police have now released a man they question in connection with the shooting deaths of a young couple on a California beach. The man told police that he had never met Lindsay Cutshall or her fiance, Jason Allen. Their bodies were found last week shot to death in their sleeping bags. Sonoma Country authorities have posted a $10,000 reward to help solve the crime. An update for you from Athens, the dream isn't over yet for the U.S. men's basketball team. Jack, are you listening? This one wrapping up in the last 15 minutes or so. The Americans, a 102-94 winner over Spain. Team USA advances to the semifinals and is guaranteed at least a shot at the Bronze.
And the Yankees' once an insurmountable lead in the A.L. East has now dwindled to 5 1/2 games over the Red Sox. The slide continued as the Cleveland Indians pulled out their secret weapon; no, not the runaway squirrel. Play was held up several times, though. But it was a slide by Coco Crisp and a go-ahead bunt single in the eighth that put the Indians up over the Yankees 4-3 last night. But personally, I think it was the rally squirrel that got the crowd going and got the Cleveland Indians back into the game.
HEMMER: That's what I'm talking about.
COSTELLO: The squirrel was there the whole game, Bill. Never left.
HEMMER: Big fan, evidently. Thank you, Carol.
There is this effort under way to end the bloodshed in Najaf. Already under way again today, Iraq's most senior Shiite leader, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani back home in Najaf. John Vause back in Baghdad again watching all the developments hour to hour.
John, what do we have now?
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill. Incredible scenes in Najaf with the arrival home of the grand ayatollah, al-Sistani. Thousands turning out to greet him. We've seen thousands lining the road all the way from Basra, where he spent the night, all the way to Najaf. Thousands there to greet him, to cheer him, just even to see this man, a sign of his importance in all of this.
He is only the seventh grand ayatollah in all of Islam. But he is not a well man. We're told by his spokesperson that he returned from his hospital in London where he was receiving treatment for a heart complaint. He had heart surgery just a few weeks ago, and he returned against doctors' orders.
But we're also told right now that negotiations are under way on the telephone between the ayatollah's people and the people of Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric holed inside the Imam Ali Mosque.
And despite this wave of optimism which is now sweeping through Najaf, it has been a very violent day. Before Sistani arrived in Najaf, a mosque was attacked with a mortar. Thousands had gathered there at the call of the grand ayatollah for a peaceful march to Najaf. And then when they left Kufa for Najaf, there was another attack, unidentified gunmen opening fire on thousands of people.
Now, we don't have separate casualty numbers for both those incidents, but what we're told is that combined, 39 people killed in both those attacks, 255 people wounded -- Bill. HEMMER: Staggering numbers again today. John Vause in Baghdad -- Heidi.
COLLINS: The swift boat controversy moved to Crawford, Texas, yesterday when Vietnam veteran and former Senator Max Cleland tried to deliver President Bush a letter, calling on him to condemn the recent ads attacking John Kerry.
I spoke with Cleland about what he did.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Senator Cleland, did you get accomplished what you wanted to get accomplished yesterday?
MAX CLELAND (D), FMR. U.S. SENATOR: I'm trying to make sure that nine members of the United States Senate, all of whom served in the military, one of whom won the Medal of Honor, that their message was delivered. It was a message from the United States senators, nine of them asking the president to stop these attacks on John Kerry's character and courage.
Now we have 19 members of the United States House of Representatives, all of whom who have served in the American military, saying the same thing to the president.
And more and more veterans around this country are saying to the president, Mr. President, stop these negative attacks on John Kerry, because this is what's happening: What is happening here is the president is trying to cover up the tragedy in Iraq, the sense in which he has made more enemies abroad than friends, and the disastrous record in losing more jobs that he's created in this country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Meanwhile, Ben Ginsberg, chief outside (ph) counsel to the Bush campaign resigned because of his association with the Swift Boat Veterans.
Bill asked Ginsberg about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: Did the White House know that you were holding essentially two jobs that related to this campaign?
BEN GINSBERG, FMR. BUSH CAMPAIGN ATTY.: No, they didn't.
I'm a lawyer in outside practice, and I have a number of clients. And lawyers don't tell one client what they're doing for the other client.
HEMMER: Here's what Democrats say: "The sudden resignation of Bush's top lawyer doesn't end the extensive web of connections between George Bush and the group trying to smear John Kerry's military record. In fact, it only confirms the extent of these connections." Mary Beth Cahill, her words from yesterday.
Your reaction to that on the Democratic side is what?
GINSBERG: I think that's blatant distortion from the fact that Senator Kerry made his military service the centerpiece of his convention.
There are a group of veterans who feel deeply and strongly that his actions -- particularly when he came back from Vietnam, testified in the public hearings the way he did -- really cast terrible aspersions upon all veterans who served in Vietnam and they feel strongly about that. They wanted to express those views in the course of the First Amendment debate.
They now have an ad up by two POWs held in the Hanoi Hilton for more than six years, they feel strongly that John Kerry discredited them. He made this an issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Ben Ginsberg, the former chief outside counsel to the Bush campaign. He says he is a victim to a double standard, saying there is no similar complaint about Democratic lawyers who worked with both the Kerry campaign and independent 527 groups.
HEMMER: Almost 22 minutes now before the hour. The flight data recorders of those two Russian jetliners that crashed within minutes of each other earlier this week are not giving enough clues yet as to what went wrong. Those planes went down late Tuesday, about 450 miles apart, after taking off from the same airport in Moscow. A top Russian official says terrorism remains as a suspected cause.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge talked about the incident yesterday here in New York City.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: We know that there are a couple of flights daily from Russia to the United States. And alterations have been made in terms of landing patterns. So we're just paying a lot more attention to those flights as they enter and leave the United States.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: All 89 people onboard were killed on Tuesday. Also today in Russia, they're observing a national day of mourning -- Heidi.
An extraordinary multi-agency security plan is under way for next week's Republican National Convention here in New York City. Earlier I asked New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly about his biggest concerns.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) COLLINS: We're hearing reports, police intelligence reports actually that anarchists could possibly show up at the RNC. How worried are you about that?
RAY KELLY, NYC POLICE COMMISSIONER: Well, I think a lot of disparate groups are going to be arriving at the convention. We planned for this. We've anticipated these so-called anarchists coming here. We believe the vast majority of demonstrators are going to be peaceful and want their opinions heard. But there are going to be some that are looking to be disruptive. And we're ready for that.
COLLINS: I mean, when people hear the word "anarchists," I think they get a little alarmed. How big of a group are we talking about possibly?
KELLY: It's difficult to say. Perhaps a couple of hundred.
COLLINS: What are you most worried about? Again, there's a lot going on, a lot of money has been spent on security. A lot of people are going to be here, visitors. And again, as we say, protesters of whatever kind, what is your main concern as this week approaches?
KELLY: Well, obviously, we have to be concerned about a terrorist event. That's our No. 1 job, to protect the city against some sort of terrorist attack. I think we're well-positioned to do that. We're working with our federal partners. There are a lot of agencies here that will be working. Obviously there will be demonstrators here. As I say, I think the vast majority will be peaceful. We have, you know, a lot of balls in the air. But I think we're well-positioned to take care of any contingency.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Commissioner Kelly met with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge yesterday. Ridge expressed confidence after touring the police command center -- Bill.
HEMMER: F stands for Frances, that's what Chad is watching today.
Good morning, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill.
Yesterday it was just a tropical depression, now it is a named storm. Frances right there, kind of making its way from east to west across the central Atlantic. Still miles and miles and miles away from anything. But it's not moving as far to the north and toward the east as it was yesterday.
Yesterday, really the forecast was to make a big right-hand turn and head up into the middle of the Atlantic. That doesn't seem to be the case right now. We'll have to keep watching it. Literally, it's a week from anything. But just so you know that it's out there.
(WEATHER REPORT) HEMMER: Thanks.
Which car should you buy if you want high resale value? Andy's "Minding Your Business" has an answer.
COLLINS: And according to the weather -- a convertible, maybe?
Also ahead, maybe the toughest challenge of our "New You" series -- kicking the habit. Kathryn Burkholder doubted she could do it. So, was she right. Stay with us to find out.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Markets are open now. We're going to check on all the early action and the hot new cars that will hold their value.
Andy Serwer here "Minding Your Business." All right, markets first?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Let's do the markets. Yes.
COLLINS: Krispy Kreme gets creamed?
SERWER: Krispy Kreme getting creamed. Little coffee and doughnuts.
Let's check out the board first, Heidi: down about seven there, it looks like, yes. Well, not so terrible, but maybe we'll look up a little bit later on.
Coffee and doughnuts this morning. Let's talk about that, Heidi. You mentioned that Krispy Kreme was getting hurt. Their numbers are way down. The low-carb craze has been hurting them.
On the other hand, Starbucks is much weaker. That stock is down 2.59 to $43.43. But a different story there, because that company continues to do very, very well. Expectations just so high. They reported numbers a little bit worse than expected, but still cooking over there.
COLLINS: And Krispy Kreme is giving all their doughnuts away to the kids.
SERWER: That's right.
COLLINS: So, maybe that's...
SERWER: Too many people getting As, right?
COLLINS: That's right.
All right, so what about these cars? Best value?
SERWER: Right, that's resale value. This is something that Kelley Blue Book puts out every year. And interesting stuff: The average car after five years retains only 45 percent of its value. We're taking a look here at some of the cars that retain value best. It's over 50 percent. These are the top cars that are retaining value over five years. The Mitsubishi Lancer -- that goes for around 31K, over 50 percent. The Beamer there, that 5 Series, a little bit under 50 percent. And then, the Infiniti G35, another $35,000 car -- well, you pay a lot of money.
Here you go for the Ram. That's a $45,000 truck, Heidi -- that Dodge Ram.
COLLINS: Is it really?
SERWER: Yes, that's expensive. And that Volvo SUV is only 36 grand. I know -- it depends what you like. The minivan there, the Honda Odyssey for all you soccer dads out there -- you thought I was going to say something different.
Now, let's look at cars that did the worst. If you bought these and you want to resell them, you're not going to get that much money. These cars only retain between 17 and 21 percent of their value, including the Jaguar. Did I say that correctly? That's how they say it in the advertisements -- in the advertisements. The Mercury Sable there as well, you can see, and the Pontiac Aztec.
So, anyway, that does it for the resale values from Kelley Blue Book.
COLLINS: Maybe you can trade in one of those -- if you're on the bad list, trade in for one that's on the good list.
SERWER: Yes, and then, probably spend a little bit more money if you want to get that Dodge Ram -- 45,000.
COLLINS: Ouch!
SERWER: Yes, a well done.
HEMMER: Aluminum.
SERWER: Yes, that too, Bill.
HEMMER: Thank you, Andy.
"Question of the Day" -- here's Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: When are the Olympics over?
HEMMER: Sunday night.
CAFFERTY: Sunday night?
HEMMER: Confirmed.
The other "Question of the Day" is: Is it right to keep the protesters out of Central Park? We've gotten a lot of mail. Doug in Stoney Creek, Ontario: "There's an old saying, you pick your fights, or in this case, your sites. The original message the protesters want to get across will be lost in the battle for the Park. We'll remember only the controversy over where, not what."
Mary Ann in Sandusky, Ohio: "Even the most passionate demonstrators need to get a grip. The city's reason for denying the Central Park permit is more than reasonable."
And Lee in Hoboken: "While I think the protesters are getting a little whiny about this whole thing, you've got to admit there's more than a little hypocrisy in letting hundreds of thousands of people watch a concert in Central Park and not allowing a demonstration."
Am@cnn.com. Thank you for your responses.
HEMMER: There it is.
SERWER: The park is empty. There's no protesters to be seen.
CAFFERTY: We here at CNN have obtained this rare footage of some grass to show you.
SERWER: Is that the Sheep's Meadow?
HEMMER: The Great Lawn.
SERWER: The Great Lawn or the Sheep's Meadow?
HEMMER: Great Lawn.
SERWER: That was the Great Lawn.
COLLINS: Looked like the Great Lawn, yes.
SERWER: Yes.
I haven't seen any protesters anywhere in the city yet, have you? They're not here yet.
HEMMER: ... just waiting and plotting.
CAFFERTY: It doesn't start until next week.
SERWER: Yes, well, they want...
HEMMER: This weekend.
SERWER: ... to protest this weekend. So, they'll be coming in in droves and buses.
CAFFERTY: We invite you to -- stop it, Andy.
SERWER: Sorry.
CAFFERTY: We invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY." Actually, Andy's a part of that, as well. The Republicans about to take the stage in New York City.
SERWER: Demonstrate against it.
CAFFERTY: Protesters will be making their voices heard. We'll look at how protest movements have evolved in this country, and whether next week's may be any different. Plus, we promise to replay the footage of the grass on "IN THE MONEY," Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00.
COLLINS: Maybe you'll have a live cam? The Great Lawn cam.
SERWER: Yes. No demonstrating against the show, by the way.
COLLINS: yes, definitely not.
SERWER: Don't do that.
COLLINS: Hey, still to come this morning, Kathryn Burkholder tried to quit smoking as part of our "New You" series. But did her resolution go up in smoke? Dr. Sanjay Gupta has an update here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Time for our "New You" checkup right now. Our pack-a- day smoker, our favorite one, Kathryn Burkholder, checked in with her months ago, see how she's doing today.
COLLINS: That's right. She's 32 years old. She's addicted to smoking for more than half of her life, though. Tried to quit 12 times, didn't make it. Maybe this is the lucky time.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta standing by to tell us more, all about it.
So?
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN STARR: . MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kathryn tried several times in the past, as you know. But perhaps it was number 13 that ended up being her lucky number.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice-over): Kathryn bought a brand new car. She's selling her house. She's been promoted at work. And most importantly, she's got an engagement ring on her finger. The wedding's in September.
As far as her "New You" resolution to quit smoking, Kathryn had a minor setback.
KATHRYN BURKHOLDER, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: I've smoked a couple of times, but just one cigarette and long periods of time in between.
GUPTA: But she hasn't gone back to smoking full-time, and she's not giving herself a guilt trip about her lapse. BURKHOLDER: If you break down after eight months and you smoke two cigarettes, as long as you learn not to get yourself in that situation again (UNINTELLIGIBLE) it feels like I'm stupid and I didn't want to do it again.
GUPTA: Kicking her pack-a-day habit for six months saved her from smoking 4,720 cigarettes and it saved $800. Kathryn is still exercising.
BURKHOLDER: I try to walk for 15 minutes every day, no matter what.
GUPTA: And as far as weight gain, something she feared would go along with quitting smoking...
BURKHOLDER: I've gained three or four pounds depending on the day.
GUPTA: After five months she quit taking prescription medication designed to help her stop, but she's still feeling good.
BURKHOLDER: I'm better than I was before. I'm not as agitated. It's much easier to not smoke, and I don't think about it in certain situations like I would before.
GUPTA: Her message to other folks trying to quit?
BURKHOLDER: You can do it. I didn't ever think I would do it. I mean, you can try and try and try. But I didn't think I would ever feel comfortable without smoking. And I can honestly say I feel pretty comfortable without smoking, even when I'm around people who are smoking.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA: There she is, 32 years old. Now, of course, we're not saying everyone who stops smoking is going to go out and get engaged. But quitting smoking can be tough. It can lead to some pretty big changes as well -- Bill and Heidi.
HEMMER: Sanjay, any idea when she's out of the danger area, or is she always going to have these cravings that go back?
GUPTA: Yes, you know, to be honest, a former smoker can have strong cravings to smoke for months, for even years after they quit. The real key is going to be to ride out those momentary cravings.
If a smoker such as Kathryn does slip once or twice, don't dwell on it. That's the best piece of advice. Just remind yourself why you quit smoking in the first place. And don't use that one cigarette as an excuse to say, you know what, I fell off the wagon, and start lighting up for good.
COLLINS: Good point, Sanjay. But tomorrow, our last day of the "New You" six-month checkup, our new parents. This is my favorite one. Can the people get any sleep, right, with a 1-year-old? GUPTA: Exactly. It's the New York City couple, you remember them from six months ago, Pam and Michael Kirkbride. Their baby, Olivia, who you also met, just turned a year old. So we're going find out if they got the time to sleep, which you know well, Heidi, and get their lives in order and make time for themselves as well. You're going to be surprised, I think, at some of the very positive changes they've made and how they've done it.
COLLINS: I can't wait to hear it. I haven't worked out in three years, all because of that kid. It's not my fault.
HEMMER: Thank you, Sanjay. See you tomorrow, all right?
GUPTA: Yes, I'll be here.
HEMMER: Log onto our Web site, CNN.com/americanmorning for more on the "New You" six-month checkup. We're be back in touch tomorrow.
COLLINS: And also -- yes, they're good.
Coming up on CNN, though, today, the ongoing drama in Najaf. The most powerful Shiite cleric in Iraq is there now, along with tens of thousands of his devoted followers. A live update from Iraq coming your way in the next hour with Daryn Kagan on "CNN LIVE TODAY."
And AMERICAN MORNING will be back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Hey, we've got to run, but good news from Athens: the U.S. beat Spain.
CAFFERTY: The Olympics are over?
HEMMER: No, not yet. So that means they get a chance to play for a medal, for a bronze at least.
SERWER: At the least, that's right.
Stephon Marbury scored 31 points, a Team USA record.
COLLINS: Thank you, Andy Serwer.
HEMMER: What was the final?
SERWER: 102-94.
HEMMER: Bingo.
What are you doing downstairs, by the way?
SERWER: Watching the game.
COLLINS: Watching stocks, watching basketball.
SERWER: Keeping abreast of all the news. We've got to run. See you tomorrow, on Friday.
Here's Daryn Kagan, at the CNN Center.
Good morning, Daryn.
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