Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Security and the RNC; Political Tone of RNC; Tropical Storm Gaston Damage; Olympics Wrap-Up

Aired August 30, 2004 - 05:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Unfurl the banners and cue the podium -- the Republicans open their national convention today with an aim at keeping the White House.
It is Monday, August 30.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the four day Republican national nominating convention kicks off today in New York City. In a city hit hard by 9/11, Republicans hope to convince undecided Americans that George Bush should serve four more years.

France says it will not give into the demands of a militant Islamic group holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq. The group wants France to revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in schools.

Army Private Lynndie England returns to a military court four hours from now. A hearing will determine if she should be court- martialed on prisoner abuse charges for her actions at Abu Ghraib.

Residents of South Carolina say enough already. Some areas had as much as 10 inches of rain when Tropical Storm Gaston came ashore on Sunday. It's over now, though. At least I hope so -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Are you French, Carol? That was very good, Gaston.

COSTELLO: I tried.

MYERS: Good morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The Republicans are gathered in New York, ready for all the hoopla and flag waving that comes with a presidential nominating convention. The Republicans will try to shape the message that George W. Bush is the man for the job again.

So, we take you live to Madison Square Garden. In fact, we will take you live there in just a second. Our Kareen Wynter is there now -- good morning, Kareen.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Good morning to you.

Day one of the Republican National Convention while it is here. The GOP is getting ready to take on the Big Apple. Now, it's a mostly Democratic city, where Democrats outnumber Republicans five to one. But for this week it doesn't matter. The city is hosting its first national Republican convention.

Behind me, the stage is being set as day one takes shape. But outside, Carol, quite an impressive display, as protesters and police pepper the streets of Manhattan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER (voice-over): This is just a glance at what $80 million in security looks like, the cost to safeguard the 2004 GOP convention. Ten thousand NYPD officers have been joined by thousands more federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

GEORGE WARRINGTON, NEW JERSEY TRANSIT: We're doing everything we can conceivably do to make sure that people are safe and secure. But as is the case in life, there are no guarantees at all.

WYNTER: Bomb sniffing dogs, security cameras and high tech surveillance equipment just a few of the safety measures in place as the spotlight shines on Madison Square Garden. The Republicans are getting ready to roll into their big week, but party faithfuls have no choice but to share some of the spotlight with diehard protesters.

Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters, along with a few famous names, marched their way along the convention site in opposition to President Bush and the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Police say some 200 people were arrested on various charges.

President Bush, who is out on the campaign trail, isn't expected to arrive in the Big Apple until Wednesday evening. However, late Sunday afternoon, Vice President Dick Cheney did a walkthrough inside the Garden.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER: Now, tonight's speakers include Senator John McCain and New York's former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Now, Democrats, Carol, if you remember, in Boston for their Democratic National Convention at the FleetCenter, well, Republicans set up shop not too far by.

Well, it's the same thing here. This time around, with the Republicans, they have a -- with the Democrats, rather -- they have a war room not far from Madison Square Garden. They plan on offering daily briefings to counter the Republicans' message and really take the steam out of their big week -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Let's talk about the protesters once again, because I know you were out there in the middle of them yesterday.

Exactly how many were there? Because, you know, read any newspaper from across the country and you get a different number.

WYNTER: Police officials aren't putting a number on the crowd estimate. We're hearing reports of anywhere between 250,000 to 400,000. I can tell you there were so many people out there, we were sandwiched in between all of the action.

And it was quite orderly, the protest -- a little chaotic at times. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of arrests, rather, 200, and disorderly conduct. There were assaults against police.

So, from our standpoint, when we were out there, it was quite calm. We saw a variety of people, from children to senior citizens, Carol, some with walkers. Just a dramatic display of people exercising their right to free speech and hammering home this message that they don't want another four years of President Bush.

COSTELLO: Kareen Wynter, live at the Republican National Convention in New York, thank you.

You saw the protesters in Kareen's piece. Now we want to know what you think: Will the protesters have any political impact on the election? Does it even matter? E-mail us. The address, daybreak@cnn.com, daybreak@cnn.com. And of course, we'll read some of your e-mail on the air this morning.

The latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows the presidential candidates have a lot of work to do. One job the president has before him is expanding his base of social conservatives and bringing in those fence sitters.

And as our Judy Woodruff reports, it's not going to be easy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Schwarzenegger, Giuliani, McCain -- the faces of this week's gathering at the Garden, beloved among the most coveted voters, independents and moderates, but largely at odds with the conservative core of the Republican Part -- and on some of the most contentious social issues, largely at odds with George W. Bush.

The GOP is showcasing the moderate trinity this week. But Bush needs to do more than bring in wavering independents. He must also nurture and expand his base of social conservatives. And on some of the most polarizing social issues, these hard-liners are worlds apart from other voters.

Take abortion, for instance. Fifty-three percent of voters who describe themselves very conservative say abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. But just 17 percent of the rest of the electorate agrees, demonstrating the ideological chasm Bush is struggling to straddle.

Houston, 1992, Republicans made a hard charge to the right.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Most women do not wish to be liberated from their essential natures as women.

WOODRUFF: Alienating huge swaths of moderates in the process. Pat Buchanan thundered against radical feminists and denounced gay marriage as amoral.

PAT BUCHANAN, FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There is a religious war going on in this country.

WOODRUFF: George W. Bush won't allow us versus them language on social issues at his convention. But he's found other ways to telegraph to his core supporters that he's one of them, referring to Christianity as his life's guiding principle.

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Democratic societies should welcome, not fear, the participation of the faithful.

WOODRUFF: Infusing the Republican platform with language defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman; supporting a constitutional amendment to do the same.

BUSH: The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution.

WOODRUFF: But in that speech, Bush never disparaged homosexuality. In fact, he never even used the words gay or lesbian or morality. And as the president stakes out a clear position on same-sex marriage...

DICK CHENEY (R), VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Lynne and I have a gay daughter.

WOODRUFF: ... the vice president signals the Republican Party is big enough to accommodate other views.

CHENEY: Freedom means freedom for everyone.

WOODRUFF: And so, the ticket straddles the gap between this week's trio of prime time speakers and the social conservatives already in the fold.

Judy Woodruff, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And certainly CNN will be there to bring you full coverage of the convention. Our prime time coverage begins tonight at 7:00 Eastern with Anderson Cooper. He's followed at 8:00 by Wolf Blitzer and at 9:00 "LARRY KING LIVE" from Madison Square Garden. And of course, if you're listening to the radio, CNN affiliates from across the land will be listening to me and Kyra Phillips.

In news across America this morning, a three-year-old Montana boy was found safe and sound three days after wandering away from his family's campground. He had no food, but he ate the leaves of wild rose bushes to survive. More than 100 people took part in the search. The boy was finally found outside the search area by a volunteer who had himself gotten lost.

Also in Montana, a small plane narrowly misses a crowded church during a crash landing. Both people aboard the plane were killed when they plowed into the front of a house. The residents were not home, but their dog was killed in the crash.

It's time for a little one-on-one time in the Kobe Bryant case. Attorneys will begin questioning potential jurors today. Three hundred prospective jurors filled out lengthy questionnaires this week. Another 100 people may be put into the Bryant jury pool after the case they were supposed to hear was settled before going to trial on Friday.

It seems like one storm after another is hitting the Southeastern United States. When we come back, we'll look at the damage left by Tropical Storm Gaston, as hurricane Frances gains strength. All that comes your way six minutes from now.

Plus, a gold rush for American athletes at the Olympics. Don't miss closing ceremony excitement, about 12 minutes from now.

And as you get revved up for the Republican National Convention, we'll tell you what people in America's heartland are concerned about. That's at the bottom of the hour.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: U.S. stocks will open higher this morning.

The blue chip Dow ended up 21 1/2 points Friday. The Nasdaq closed up 9 points. And the S&P 500 was up more than 2 1/2 points.

In the overseas markets, Japan's Nikkei closed down 25 points. Britain's FTSE is trading up 36 points. And France's CAC trading down nearly 4 points.

Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:14 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

The Republican National Convention gets under way today in New York City. On the agenda, speeches by Senator John McCain, actor Ron Silver and the keynote address by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The world's best athletes are heading home after a spectacular close to the 2004 Olympics. The United States is the winningest nation. U.S. athletes are bringing back a total of 103 medals, 35 of them gold. In money news, prices at the pump have edged up ever so slightly. The average cost for a gallon of self-serve regular rose a half a penny over the past two weeks.

And in culture, it was a heroic weekend for Jet Li. His latest thriller "Hero" debuted in the top spot at the box office over the weekend. The film took in just under $18 million.

And in sports, Barry Bonds got two steps closer to 700 home runs, with two dingers. And the Giants win over the Atlanta Braves. He actually made a spectacular catch in a game two. The win lifts the Giants into a three way tie in a wildcard race with the Cubs and the Padres -- Chad.

MYERS: Good morning, Carol.

1:05 is the game time today, a businessman's special here in Atlanta. Looking for more balls out of the park there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: A one-two punch for some people in Charleston, South Carolina. Before residents could finish cleaning up from hurricane Charley, they now have to tackle a big cleanup job from Tropical Storm Gaston.

CNN's Sara Dorsey has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Power lines exploded like fireworks as Tropical Storm Gaston pelted South Carolina with rain and 60 mile per hour winds. Residents expected the worst sandbagging and waiting for the water to rise. And rise it did, right into Freddie Fudge's house.

FREDDIE FUDGE, STORM VICTIM: All my furniture is totally gone. The TV gone. My computer gone.

DORSEY: And Fudge isn't alone. South Carolina is being declared a state of emergency. Officials in Charleston County say this storm could potentially be worse for their area than hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Many roads across the state at underwater, making travel dangerous, if not impossible in some areas. And trees, snapped like toothpicks by the storm, became roadblocks. Officials urged people to stay inside, but some couldn't resist chasing this storm.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The trees are just steadily blowing like this. And we got out a few times in the weather and had some fun in it, you know? But you know, it's a serious thing, too.

DORSEY: South Carolina residents weathered Gaston, but can't breathe easy just yet. Lurking off in the Atlantic, Hurricane Frances, also a potential threat. Sara Dorsey, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And as you heard, Chad is watching Frances. The 2004 Summer Games are now history. Next, from start to finish, a look at the high points and the low points of the Athens Games.

And our DAYBREAK e-mail Question of the Day. We're asking you, will the protesters have any political impact on the election? You know, hundreds of thousands turned up in New York City over the weekend: Will they make a difference to the election in November? E- mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.

And you are watching DAYBREAK for Monday, August 30.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Oh, it's time to check out our Web clicks. You know we're always interested in what you're clicking onto on cnn.com. Sometimes it's quite different than what we choose to put in our newscasts. Some of this is the same, though.

MYERS: The MTV Awards.

COSTELLO: That's in our show in the 6:00 hour. And I know that's your favorite story of the morning.

MYERS: It is, Carol, because they were on a tape delay and then they found out they didn't even need it.

COSTELLO: No, it was very tame.

MYERS: Yes. Even Chappelle did a good job, even though he warned he wouldn't.

COSTELLO: The most skin shown was Usher, who preened in front of the camera bare-chested as simulated raindrops fell on his chiseled body during the opening performance.

MYERS: I missed him.

COSTELLO: Some interesting moments when the Kerry sisters and also the Bush sisters appeared on stage.

MYERS: Were they?

COSTELLO: Actually, the Bush sisters were on a big monitor. But there were boos from the crowd. Oooh, we're going to get into that later.

MYERS: Interesting.

COSTELLO: See, that's kind of intriguing, in a small, tiny way.

MYERS: Sure. New York City. COSTELLO: The second most clicked on story, that's right, the massive protests in New York City. Not very many arrests when you take into account how many protesters actually showed up. About 250 arrests in all.

MYERS: Right, you know, and even Mayor Bloomberg said everybody was just really, really good about it. And isn't this what America is all about, the ability to peacefully protest?

COSTELLO: Absolutely.

MYERS: I mean so...

COSTELLO: I mean at times it was -- the protest line was two miles long and people were shoulder to shoulder.

MYERS: Could you imagine the taxi cabs trying to get around that city, though, with all of the streets shut down?

COSTELLO: I don't think they did.

MYERS: Oh, my. They didn't do well.

COSTELLO: The third most clicked on story, chocolate boosts blood vessel health. Who would have thunk it? Dark chocolate.

MYERS: Yes?

COSTELLO: That's all you have to say about it? That's it?

MYERS: I like that.

COSTELLO: Allow me to read a paragraph.

MYERS: Please. Go right ahead.

COSTELLO: The study involving 17 healthy young volunteers who agreed to eat a bar of dark chocolate and then get an ultra sound found that eating dark chocolate seemed to make blood vessels more flexible, which helped prevent the hardening of the arteries that leads to heart attacks. So, eat a chocolate bar. Go to it.

MYERS: It could have been the caffeine or the sugar in those bars, too, but, you know...

COSTELLO: Well, you know.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: The games are over. More than 10,000 athletes called Athens home over the past two weeks while at least a billion people watched from their own homes around the world.

But now it's time to wrap up the 28th Olympiad.

And for that, we turn to CNN's Larry Smith in Athens. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A month ago, these were the doomed Olympics. Reports of construction delays, massive budget overruns and security concerns kept many spectators, and even some athletes, away from Athens. But the Greeks, overflowing with pride as the games returned to its birthplace, came through.

The security detail was flawless; the venues nearly all superb and TV ratings were up, earning Greece a gold medal.

JACQUES ROGGE, IOC PRESIDENT: We knew they could do it amidst, you know, a very strong skepticism and criticism internationally. I think our Greek friends have delivered in a splendid way.

SMITH: The U.S. came in with a goal of 100 medals and they topped it with 103, even though the star of the Sydney Games, Marion Jones, failed to win one.

STEVEN LOPEZ, U.S. TAEKWONDO GOLD MEDALIST: You know, coming here in 2004 in Athens, Greece, where it all originated from, where it all started, it's very historical. It's a dream come true and I'm just so happy that I could contribute to our medal count. You know, I was number 98 and I was just very happy that I could do so.

SMITH: Michael Phelps picked up eight on his own, the first swimmer ever to do that. And with gold medals in beach volleyball, basketball and soccer, the American women could lay claim that these were their Olympics.

MIA HAMM, U.S. SOCCER GOLD MEDALIST: When I think about this experience, it's just a scrapbook of wonderful memories, meeting gracious people everywhere we went who were so proud of their country and so proud that we are here to compete at the highest level.

SMITH (on camera): While the many doping scandals threatened to taint the 28th Olympiad, we are reminded that even in the ancient games, there were cheaters, and they, too, were punished. Athenians will celebrate their successful hosting of the games, but the party will be short-lived, as Greece must now deal with the billion dollar deficit the Olympics leaves behind, as the world turns its eyes toward the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.

Larry Smith, CNN, Athens.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Thousands hit the streets of New York in protest at the Republican National Convention. A closer look at the issues they feel so strongly about.

Which brings us to today's e-mail question, on that very topic, will the protesters have any sort of political impact on the election? E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com; daybreak@cnn.com.

This is DAYBREAK.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Madison Square Garden buttoned up and secure. Today, the Republicans arrive for their presidential nominating convention.

It is Monday, August 30.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the party chairman calls the Republican National Convention -- about four and a half hours from now he'll call it to order. And then Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomes the delegates to New York. The first night speakers include Senator John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

France has rejected a demand by kidnappers in Iraq that it revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in French schools. The kidnappers say they're holding two French journalists hostage, who have been missing since August 19, because of that policy.

After a three week recess, a hearing resumes this morning for Private Lynndie England. She's accused of abusing prisoners in Iraq. The defense wants to call some high ranking members of the Bush administration as witnesses.

A wet Monday in the Charleston area, where Tropical Storm Gaston came ashore, dumping rain, flooding streets and knocking out power. Gaston is now a tropical depression, sloshing its way through North Carolina -- Chad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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 30, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Unfurl the banners and cue the podium -- the Republicans open their national convention today with an aim at keeping the White House.
It is Monday, August 30.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the four day Republican national nominating convention kicks off today in New York City. In a city hit hard by 9/11, Republicans hope to convince undecided Americans that George Bush should serve four more years.

France says it will not give into the demands of a militant Islamic group holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq. The group wants France to revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in schools.

Army Private Lynndie England returns to a military court four hours from now. A hearing will determine if she should be court- martialed on prisoner abuse charges for her actions at Abu Ghraib.

Residents of South Carolina say enough already. Some areas had as much as 10 inches of rain when Tropical Storm Gaston came ashore on Sunday. It's over now, though. At least I hope so -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Are you French, Carol? That was very good, Gaston.

COSTELLO: I tried.

MYERS: Good morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The Republicans are gathered in New York, ready for all the hoopla and flag waving that comes with a presidential nominating convention. The Republicans will try to shape the message that George W. Bush is the man for the job again.

So, we take you live to Madison Square Garden. In fact, we will take you live there in just a second. Our Kareen Wynter is there now -- good morning, Kareen.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Good morning to you.

Day one of the Republican National Convention while it is here. The GOP is getting ready to take on the Big Apple. Now, it's a mostly Democratic city, where Democrats outnumber Republicans five to one. But for this week it doesn't matter. The city is hosting its first national Republican convention.

Behind me, the stage is being set as day one takes shape. But outside, Carol, quite an impressive display, as protesters and police pepper the streets of Manhattan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER (voice-over): This is just a glance at what $80 million in security looks like, the cost to safeguard the 2004 GOP convention. Ten thousand NYPD officers have been joined by thousands more federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

GEORGE WARRINGTON, NEW JERSEY TRANSIT: We're doing everything we can conceivably do to make sure that people are safe and secure. But as is the case in life, there are no guarantees at all.

WYNTER: Bomb sniffing dogs, security cameras and high tech surveillance equipment just a few of the safety measures in place as the spotlight shines on Madison Square Garden. The Republicans are getting ready to roll into their big week, but party faithfuls have no choice but to share some of the spotlight with diehard protesters.

Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters, along with a few famous names, marched their way along the convention site in opposition to President Bush and the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Police say some 200 people were arrested on various charges.

President Bush, who is out on the campaign trail, isn't expected to arrive in the Big Apple until Wednesday evening. However, late Sunday afternoon, Vice President Dick Cheney did a walkthrough inside the Garden.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER: Now, tonight's speakers include Senator John McCain and New York's former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Now, Democrats, Carol, if you remember, in Boston for their Democratic National Convention at the FleetCenter, well, Republicans set up shop not too far by.

Well, it's the same thing here. This time around, with the Republicans, they have a -- with the Democrats, rather -- they have a war room not far from Madison Square Garden. They plan on offering daily briefings to counter the Republicans' message and really take the steam out of their big week -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Let's talk about the protesters once again, because I know you were out there in the middle of them yesterday.

Exactly how many were there? Because, you know, read any newspaper from across the country and you get a different number.

WYNTER: Police officials aren't putting a number on the crowd estimate. We're hearing reports of anywhere between 250,000 to 400,000. I can tell you there were so many people out there, we were sandwiched in between all of the action.

And it was quite orderly, the protest -- a little chaotic at times. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of arrests, rather, 200, and disorderly conduct. There were assaults against police.

So, from our standpoint, when we were out there, it was quite calm. We saw a variety of people, from children to senior citizens, Carol, some with walkers. Just a dramatic display of people exercising their right to free speech and hammering home this message that they don't want another four years of President Bush.

COSTELLO: Kareen Wynter, live at the Republican National Convention in New York, thank you.

You saw the protesters in Kareen's piece. Now we want to know what you think: Will the protesters have any political impact on the election? Does it even matter? E-mail us. The address, daybreak@cnn.com, daybreak@cnn.com. And of course, we'll read some of your e-mail on the air this morning.

The latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows the presidential candidates have a lot of work to do. One job the president has before him is expanding his base of social conservatives and bringing in those fence sitters.

And as our Judy Woodruff reports, it's not going to be easy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Schwarzenegger, Giuliani, McCain -- the faces of this week's gathering at the Garden, beloved among the most coveted voters, independents and moderates, but largely at odds with the conservative core of the Republican Part -- and on some of the most contentious social issues, largely at odds with George W. Bush.

The GOP is showcasing the moderate trinity this week. But Bush needs to do more than bring in wavering independents. He must also nurture and expand his base of social conservatives. And on some of the most polarizing social issues, these hard-liners are worlds apart from other voters.

Take abortion, for instance. Fifty-three percent of voters who describe themselves very conservative say abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. But just 17 percent of the rest of the electorate agrees, demonstrating the ideological chasm Bush is struggling to straddle.

Houston, 1992, Republicans made a hard charge to the right.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Most women do not wish to be liberated from their essential natures as women.

WOODRUFF: Alienating huge swaths of moderates in the process. Pat Buchanan thundered against radical feminists and denounced gay marriage as amoral.

PAT BUCHANAN, FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There is a religious war going on in this country.

WOODRUFF: George W. Bush won't allow us versus them language on social issues at his convention. But he's found other ways to telegraph to his core supporters that he's one of them, referring to Christianity as his life's guiding principle.

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Democratic societies should welcome, not fear, the participation of the faithful.

WOODRUFF: Infusing the Republican platform with language defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman; supporting a constitutional amendment to do the same.

BUSH: The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution.

WOODRUFF: But in that speech, Bush never disparaged homosexuality. In fact, he never even used the words gay or lesbian or morality. And as the president stakes out a clear position on same-sex marriage...

DICK CHENEY (R), VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Lynne and I have a gay daughter.

WOODRUFF: ... the vice president signals the Republican Party is big enough to accommodate other views.

CHENEY: Freedom means freedom for everyone.

WOODRUFF: And so, the ticket straddles the gap between this week's trio of prime time speakers and the social conservatives already in the fold.

Judy Woodruff, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And certainly CNN will be there to bring you full coverage of the convention. Our prime time coverage begins tonight at 7:00 Eastern with Anderson Cooper. He's followed at 8:00 by Wolf Blitzer and at 9:00 "LARRY KING LIVE" from Madison Square Garden. And of course, if you're listening to the radio, CNN affiliates from across the land will be listening to me and Kyra Phillips.

In news across America this morning, a three-year-old Montana boy was found safe and sound three days after wandering away from his family's campground. He had no food, but he ate the leaves of wild rose bushes to survive. More than 100 people took part in the search. The boy was finally found outside the search area by a volunteer who had himself gotten lost.

Also in Montana, a small plane narrowly misses a crowded church during a crash landing. Both people aboard the plane were killed when they plowed into the front of a house. The residents were not home, but their dog was killed in the crash.

It's time for a little one-on-one time in the Kobe Bryant case. Attorneys will begin questioning potential jurors today. Three hundred prospective jurors filled out lengthy questionnaires this week. Another 100 people may be put into the Bryant jury pool after the case they were supposed to hear was settled before going to trial on Friday.

It seems like one storm after another is hitting the Southeastern United States. When we come back, we'll look at the damage left by Tropical Storm Gaston, as hurricane Frances gains strength. All that comes your way six minutes from now.

Plus, a gold rush for American athletes at the Olympics. Don't miss closing ceremony excitement, about 12 minutes from now.

And as you get revved up for the Republican National Convention, we'll tell you what people in America's heartland are concerned about. That's at the bottom of the hour.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: U.S. stocks will open higher this morning.

The blue chip Dow ended up 21 1/2 points Friday. The Nasdaq closed up 9 points. And the S&P 500 was up more than 2 1/2 points.

In the overseas markets, Japan's Nikkei closed down 25 points. Britain's FTSE is trading up 36 points. And France's CAC trading down nearly 4 points.

Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:14 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

The Republican National Convention gets under way today in New York City. On the agenda, speeches by Senator John McCain, actor Ron Silver and the keynote address by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The world's best athletes are heading home after a spectacular close to the 2004 Olympics. The United States is the winningest nation. U.S. athletes are bringing back a total of 103 medals, 35 of them gold. In money news, prices at the pump have edged up ever so slightly. The average cost for a gallon of self-serve regular rose a half a penny over the past two weeks.

And in culture, it was a heroic weekend for Jet Li. His latest thriller "Hero" debuted in the top spot at the box office over the weekend. The film took in just under $18 million.

And in sports, Barry Bonds got two steps closer to 700 home runs, with two dingers. And the Giants win over the Atlanta Braves. He actually made a spectacular catch in a game two. The win lifts the Giants into a three way tie in a wildcard race with the Cubs and the Padres -- Chad.

MYERS: Good morning, Carol.

1:05 is the game time today, a businessman's special here in Atlanta. Looking for more balls out of the park there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: A one-two punch for some people in Charleston, South Carolina. Before residents could finish cleaning up from hurricane Charley, they now have to tackle a big cleanup job from Tropical Storm Gaston.

CNN's Sara Dorsey has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Power lines exploded like fireworks as Tropical Storm Gaston pelted South Carolina with rain and 60 mile per hour winds. Residents expected the worst sandbagging and waiting for the water to rise. And rise it did, right into Freddie Fudge's house.

FREDDIE FUDGE, STORM VICTIM: All my furniture is totally gone. The TV gone. My computer gone.

DORSEY: And Fudge isn't alone. South Carolina is being declared a state of emergency. Officials in Charleston County say this storm could potentially be worse for their area than hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Many roads across the state at underwater, making travel dangerous, if not impossible in some areas. And trees, snapped like toothpicks by the storm, became roadblocks. Officials urged people to stay inside, but some couldn't resist chasing this storm.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The trees are just steadily blowing like this. And we got out a few times in the weather and had some fun in it, you know? But you know, it's a serious thing, too.

DORSEY: South Carolina residents weathered Gaston, but can't breathe easy just yet. Lurking off in the Atlantic, Hurricane Frances, also a potential threat. Sara Dorsey, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And as you heard, Chad is watching Frances. The 2004 Summer Games are now history. Next, from start to finish, a look at the high points and the low points of the Athens Games.

And our DAYBREAK e-mail Question of the Day. We're asking you, will the protesters have any political impact on the election? You know, hundreds of thousands turned up in New York City over the weekend: Will they make a difference to the election in November? E- mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.

And you are watching DAYBREAK for Monday, August 30.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Oh, it's time to check out our Web clicks. You know we're always interested in what you're clicking onto on cnn.com. Sometimes it's quite different than what we choose to put in our newscasts. Some of this is the same, though.

MYERS: The MTV Awards.

COSTELLO: That's in our show in the 6:00 hour. And I know that's your favorite story of the morning.

MYERS: It is, Carol, because they were on a tape delay and then they found out they didn't even need it.

COSTELLO: No, it was very tame.

MYERS: Yes. Even Chappelle did a good job, even though he warned he wouldn't.

COSTELLO: The most skin shown was Usher, who preened in front of the camera bare-chested as simulated raindrops fell on his chiseled body during the opening performance.

MYERS: I missed him.

COSTELLO: Some interesting moments when the Kerry sisters and also the Bush sisters appeared on stage.

MYERS: Were they?

COSTELLO: Actually, the Bush sisters were on a big monitor. But there were boos from the crowd. Oooh, we're going to get into that later.

MYERS: Interesting.

COSTELLO: See, that's kind of intriguing, in a small, tiny way.

MYERS: Sure. New York City. COSTELLO: The second most clicked on story, that's right, the massive protests in New York City. Not very many arrests when you take into account how many protesters actually showed up. About 250 arrests in all.

MYERS: Right, you know, and even Mayor Bloomberg said everybody was just really, really good about it. And isn't this what America is all about, the ability to peacefully protest?

COSTELLO: Absolutely.

MYERS: I mean so...

COSTELLO: I mean at times it was -- the protest line was two miles long and people were shoulder to shoulder.

MYERS: Could you imagine the taxi cabs trying to get around that city, though, with all of the streets shut down?

COSTELLO: I don't think they did.

MYERS: Oh, my. They didn't do well.

COSTELLO: The third most clicked on story, chocolate boosts blood vessel health. Who would have thunk it? Dark chocolate.

MYERS: Yes?

COSTELLO: That's all you have to say about it? That's it?

MYERS: I like that.

COSTELLO: Allow me to read a paragraph.

MYERS: Please. Go right ahead.

COSTELLO: The study involving 17 healthy young volunteers who agreed to eat a bar of dark chocolate and then get an ultra sound found that eating dark chocolate seemed to make blood vessels more flexible, which helped prevent the hardening of the arteries that leads to heart attacks. So, eat a chocolate bar. Go to it.

MYERS: It could have been the caffeine or the sugar in those bars, too, but, you know...

COSTELLO: Well, you know.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: The games are over. More than 10,000 athletes called Athens home over the past two weeks while at least a billion people watched from their own homes around the world.

But now it's time to wrap up the 28th Olympiad.

And for that, we turn to CNN's Larry Smith in Athens. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A month ago, these were the doomed Olympics. Reports of construction delays, massive budget overruns and security concerns kept many spectators, and even some athletes, away from Athens. But the Greeks, overflowing with pride as the games returned to its birthplace, came through.

The security detail was flawless; the venues nearly all superb and TV ratings were up, earning Greece a gold medal.

JACQUES ROGGE, IOC PRESIDENT: We knew they could do it amidst, you know, a very strong skepticism and criticism internationally. I think our Greek friends have delivered in a splendid way.

SMITH: The U.S. came in with a goal of 100 medals and they topped it with 103, even though the star of the Sydney Games, Marion Jones, failed to win one.

STEVEN LOPEZ, U.S. TAEKWONDO GOLD MEDALIST: You know, coming here in 2004 in Athens, Greece, where it all originated from, where it all started, it's very historical. It's a dream come true and I'm just so happy that I could contribute to our medal count. You know, I was number 98 and I was just very happy that I could do so.

SMITH: Michael Phelps picked up eight on his own, the first swimmer ever to do that. And with gold medals in beach volleyball, basketball and soccer, the American women could lay claim that these were their Olympics.

MIA HAMM, U.S. SOCCER GOLD MEDALIST: When I think about this experience, it's just a scrapbook of wonderful memories, meeting gracious people everywhere we went who were so proud of their country and so proud that we are here to compete at the highest level.

SMITH (on camera): While the many doping scandals threatened to taint the 28th Olympiad, we are reminded that even in the ancient games, there were cheaters, and they, too, were punished. Athenians will celebrate their successful hosting of the games, but the party will be short-lived, as Greece must now deal with the billion dollar deficit the Olympics leaves behind, as the world turns its eyes toward the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.

Larry Smith, CNN, Athens.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Thousands hit the streets of New York in protest at the Republican National Convention. A closer look at the issues they feel so strongly about.

Which brings us to today's e-mail question, on that very topic, will the protesters have any sort of political impact on the election? E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com; daybreak@cnn.com.

This is DAYBREAK.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Madison Square Garden buttoned up and secure. Today, the Republicans arrive for their presidential nominating convention.

It is Monday, August 30.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news, the party chairman calls the Republican National Convention -- about four and a half hours from now he'll call it to order. And then Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomes the delegates to New York. The first night speakers include Senator John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

France has rejected a demand by kidnappers in Iraq that it revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in French schools. The kidnappers say they're holding two French journalists hostage, who have been missing since August 19, because of that policy.

After a three week recess, a hearing resumes this morning for Private Lynndie England. She's accused of abusing prisoners in Iraq. The defense wants to call some high ranking members of the Bush administration as witnesses.

A wet Monday in the Charleston area, where Tropical Storm Gaston came ashore, dumping rain, flooding streets and knocking out power. Gaston is now a tropical depression, sloshing its way through North Carolina -- Chad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com