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American Morning
Republicans Hoping to Convince Undecided Americans that George Bush Should Serve Four More Years; Interview with Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Aired August 30, 2004 - 07:00 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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Here it is and ready to go, Madison Square Garden on the first morning of the Republican Convention. The cameras are ready, signs are printed and the stage is now set.
The president not letting up in the run-up to his night here in the Garden, campaigning in two more swing states today. We'll have a look today the latest poll numbers in those critical battleground race.
Also from South Carolina, a town brushed by Hurricane Charley, this time gets a full blow from Tropical Storm Gaston.
Also, out in the Atlantic, a much bigger storm making its way toward land later this week. All that straight ahead on this Monday edition of AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Republican National Convention in New York, here's Bill Hemmer.
And good morning and welcome. It is day one in midtown Manhattan, where we are located today site of the Republican Convention here. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people stream down Seventh and Eighth Avenue. Now to all that, add the hustle and bustle and thousands of Republicans, police and some protesters, and you have what adds up to the 2004 Republican Convention.
Welcome now to our special coverage today. We are live inside the Garden, where the convention gets started in about three hours from now. The Republicans focusing on courage today. That's the theme as they set out their themes for this re-election of George Bush.
Former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik's our guest today, Senator John McCain and the former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be some of those taking part in the speaking assignments today.
While for us this hour, we'll be talking with the mayor, Michael Bloomberg, and also two Democrats with very different perspectives on this election, Senator Zell Miller, a Bush supporter who will speak on Wednesday, and General Wesley Clark, who supports John Kerry.
Now for his part, President Bush campaigning today in New Hampshire and in Michigan, both considered swing states and both very close right now in the polling. Much more on all this as we go forward. Want to say hello to my partner this morning, Heidi Collins across town.
Good morning, Heidi.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill.
Can you see it behind me, Radio City Music Hall? Pretty slick, huh?
We've got a live shot here on the plaza. That's kind of the big shot, the wide shot as you can see. We are out here in front of the Time-Life Building, going to give you a little bit of different perspective.
We do have General Wesley Clark from over on this side of the fence. We're going to talk about that. Also, a lot other news happening today besides the convention. We're going to have the very latest on Tropical Storm Gaston and Hurricane Francis, where those systems are headed.
We'll have the latest. Also, the Olympics ending yesterday. We'll have the final medal count from what almost everyone agrees was an excellent Summer Games.
Right now, though, let's go to Jack Cafferty, who's across the street from Madison Square garden at the CNN diner.
Hey, Jack. Good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi.
A block north of Madison Square Garden, at the corner of 34th and 8th Avenue, a couple of blocks west of Herald's Square, and directly across the square from a XXX porno theater here in midtown Manhattan. We're going to look at what it will take for the Republicans get to get some of the fence-sitters off the fence. The CNN diner will be open all week. Delegates, members of the press -- they actually are serving food here. However, you need credentials and ID get in. I came in the back door before the guards got here. That's how I arrived. But we will be here all week.
In a moment, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City, who is standing just off to my left, will be on here to talk about what is a huge challenge for this city this week, making sure everybody has a good time and taking care of protecting everybody's interest.
So we'll be back with the Question of the Day, "The Cafferty File."
Andy Serwer's here with the business news, and it'll be just like old times.
Heidi, back to you.
COLLINS: All right, Jack Cafferty. Thanks so much for that.
I want to go ahead and check on the stories now in the news this morning. Oil exports from southern Iraq have been temporarily stopped. A senior Iraqi official says key pipelines, which account for about 90 percent of Iraq's exports, were shut down late yesterday because of sabotage.
Just hours ago now, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told CNN such attacks have detrimental effects on the people of Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: The revenues, as you know now, the oil prices have increased dramatically, and this is causing a great loss for the Iraqi people in terms of revenues, which could be used in the reconstruction of the country, and to pay the people and to get the economy cycle back again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The pipelines are expected to be closed for at least a week.
And just about two hours from now, a military hearing set to resume for Army Officer Lynndie England at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. The soldier is one of seven people charged in connection with the mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib Prison. Today's hearing will help determine if she should be court-martialed.
The Kremlin's favorite candidate looks poised to win the presidential election in war-battered Chechnya. The election for the new president came after the original president was assassinated in May. Opponents say the balloting was rigged. Chechens are suspected of masterminding last week's twin plane crashes in Russia.
And the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. Lawyers are getting ready to start behind-closed door questioning of potential jurors. Three-hundred people in Eagle, Colorado filled out questionnaires, with more expected. The judge hopes to seat a jury by the end of the week. Opening statements are set for September 7th. And on that note, we throw things back over to Bill at Madison Square Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that. Republicans in New York City arriving over the weekend, hoping to convince undecided Americans that George Bush should serve four more years. The city is absolutely electric, and it really started kicking in late on Friday night.
Outside the Garden, Bob Franken's with us this morning.
Good morning, Bob. Nice to see you here.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
And I should also point out it's absolutely around the Garden like a penitentiary, except prisons don't have that much security, as New York is the latest now to be held captive by the fear of disruption or some sort of attack.
But the show goes on, both outside Madison Square Garden and inside.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN (voice-over): By the tens of thousands, the demonstrators marched through the heat, airing their heated anti-Bush convictions.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
FRANKEN: But now the pro-Bush Republican convention.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
FRANKEN: Beyond all the countless barricades, the floor of Madison Square Garden, and the re-nomination of the Bush-Cheney ticket. The Cheney part is already here.
RICHARD CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: All of us are gathering this week for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to make certain that George W. Bush is president for the next four years.
FRANKEN: The vice president is scheduled to speak Wednesday night. On opening night, it's former New York mayor and resident icon, Rudy Giuliani. Another first-nighter is John McCain, who has certainly not always been on the president's team.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We have our differences. Have we had our differences on policy issues? Absolutely. But I believe that you -- if you looked at my voting record, you'd find that I am more -- I'm supportive in more issues than in disagreement.
FRANKEN: Former President Bill Clinton was preaching a different sermon on Sunday, making sure that the Democrats got their bite of the big apple.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The other party about to convene here, putting on its "once every four years" compassionate face.
FRANKEN: But the applause in the Garden this week will be for the current president, who was in West Virginia Sunday, heading this way.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm hunting for votes.
(END VIDEOTAPE) FRANKEN: And the hunt officially begins this morning with a session where they'll begin the nominations of the Bush-Cheney tickets. They'll be finalized Wednesday. Momentous formalities, and then, Bill, the really hard work begins for both parties.
HEMMER: Indeed, you're right. Bob, thanks for that. Bob Franken outside.
Back inside now, New York's current mayor, Michael Bloomberg, officially welcomes the delegates inside here a bit later today. He's with us now to talk about the week's Grand Old Party and what's happening not only over the weekend, but also what's coming up over the next four days.
Your honor, good morning to you, Mayor Bloomberg.
MYR. MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK CITY: Good morning. Good morning. And welcome to New York City.
HEMMER: Let's talk about what we -- thank you very much. I live here, but it's good to be here with you again today. Over 300 arrests over the weekend with protests, but what is your take on what went down over the weekend and how things came off?
BLOOMBERG: Well, I think the answer is very few arrests in the real world. People came here. They were allowed to protest. We gave them the greatest venue they could have. They got right by Madison Square Garden, something they wouldn't have had any other place in the country. They said their piece. They said it responsibly and peacefully. The world got their message and will judge what they had to say and the handful of people that wanted to cause commotion and disrupt others rights, they were arrested. That's what they were supposed to do.
HEMMER: Over the weekend, a story broke here in New York. The D train, right around Herald's Square and Macy's famous department store there, two men arrested. The story is that they wanted to carry out a bomb attack here in New York City. How serious was that threat?
BLOOMBERG: Well, we don't have any tolerance for that. They did not have any ability to do anything. They talked about it, and that's enough to get them arrested, and now they'll face charges. But I think that the truth of the matter is, we still really haven't had any credible threats. A short-term directly at New York City or at this convention. That's the way we want to keep it. We have the world's best police department, and we'll make sure everybody is safe.
HEMMER: We took some polling over the past couple of days with the folks at Gallup. On the screen, you can see some of the questions we asked, asked whether or not will things ever be back to normal after 9/11? Sixty-four percent say no. In addition, no additional attacks since 9/11 because George Bush is president. 61 percent say no. Your reaction to those numbers and how they react on this campaign.
BLOOMBERG: Well, the fact of the matter is New York City is back. Our business is growing, jobs, streets are getting safer, streets are getting cleaner. We're never going to forget the 2,800 people who died, but they died because of the freedoms that New York and America has. And we have our young men and women around the world fighting today to make sure that we can keep those freedoms.
You know, freedom is not free. For 235 years we've been fighting in this country, and sadly, it looks like we're going to have to keep doing it. But I think the fact of this matter is that people can go out in the streets and feel that this is the greatest country in the world. They are free to express themselves, and they are free to go about their business and enjoy the life that is so threatening to others.
HEMMER: You're a former Democrat. Republicans coming into a largely Democratic city, 5 to 1 Democrats outnumber Republican in the five boroughs. What is the message of Republicans coming to Madison Square Garden for this four-day event?
BLOOMBERG: New York City is the most inclusive, diverse city in the world really, and the Republicans, I think, should be open to everybody. And should reach out, and this gives them the opportunity to do that. I'm going to a pro-choice event later this week. I went yesterday to a pro-gay rights event. I went to an Hispanic event. This is -- I think the party, all parties should be open to everybody. That's what I'm trying to promote. That's my politics, and New York City gives you the perfect venue to do that.
HEMMER: Michael Bloomberg, the mayor here in New York City, thanks for your time. Hope to talk to you again later in the week, and we will note the progress throughout the city and during this four-day affair.
Thank you.
BLOOMBERG: Looking forward to it.
HEMMER: And stay with CNN for a ringside seat, all the convention action here. Our primetime coverage starts at 7:00 Eastern, special convention edition of "ANDERSON COOPER 360," followed at 8:00 with an "AMERICA VOTES 2004" special with Wolf Blitzer. "LARRY KING" comes live at 9:00. You get a double shot again here in New York, just like Boston. At 10:00 Eastern, Senator John McCain addresses the convention. We'll be here live for that certainly. "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN" takes over at 11:00, and then Larry comes back again at midnight. All times Eastern, by the way, from Madison Square Garden. Day one. Wow. Here we go.
Back to Heidi across the city now -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks so much.
Tropical Storm Gaston is now a tropical depression. It blew ashore in South Carolina yesterday, packing near-hurricane force winds. Some reached 60 miles an hour. The storm knocked out power to thousands of people. Gaston made landfall near McCullenville (ph) South Carolina. The intense downpours flooded roads and some homes. Some seven inches of rain fell in some of those areas.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: After two weeks of Olympic competition, the world is saying a fond farewell to Athens. Amid great pomp and circumstance, the Olympic flame was extinguished during last night's closing ceremony. Many American athletes enjoyed the festivities, marching with the procession of nations.
Also yesterday, a little mayhem during the men's marathon. Look at this, just a few kilometers before the finish line, a man dressed in a kilt rushed on to the course, pushing the leader, a runner from Brazil, into the crowd. Fans subdued him. Officials say the man pulled a similar stunt last summer at the British Grand Prix. The Brazilian athlete finished the race, but he lost his lead. He hung on for the bronze medal, though. And the IOC also presented him with a special medal for sportsmanship.
The United States won the most medals, though, 103 altogether. Russia came in second, with 92, followed by China at 63. And that's the way it all went down.
Bill is over at the Garden now.
Did you watch last night?
HEMMER: I saw a little bit of it.
But I think, overall, Heidi, really hats off to Athens and what the Greeks pulled off. A lot of doubters around the world, but they did it, so.
COLLINS: They sure did.
HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi. Talk to you in a couple of minutes here.
In a moment here this week, they belong to the Republicans, but at least one Democrat is playing a large role at this convention. Senator Zell Miller has not made many friends in his own party lately. Why is he now taking sides with Republicans. We'll talk to him about that.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger may represent the new face of the party, but could he, superstars like him, alienate the base. We'll talk to that with Bill Schneider in a moment.
And what will John Kerry be up to this week? He's got some free time on his hands.
Back in a moment, on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Welcome back, everyone. We are live in Madison Square garden. The picture from outside, along Eighth Avenue. They have completely transformed this part of New York City, literally shutting down entire avenues, which sometimes stretch five or six across, squeezed down to one lane, to allow the journalists to work, and to allow the security personnel to work, to allow the delegates a place to go, so it is a city right now that is truly seeing something unique, especially from a Republican perspective. Never before has the Republican Party come to New York City for its convention.
Poll numbers now, our senior political analyst Bill Schneider with me now, here in New York City.
Good morning to you.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POL. ANALYST: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Interesting numbers to chew on for these battleground states on the screen. Pennsylvania, it is even right now, 47 to 47, George Bush and John Kerry. In Wisconsin, Bush leading right now, 48, 45, favored by three there at this point. Iowa, John Kerry up 6. What do these numbers tell you, Bill?
SCHNEIDER: They tell me a problem for Democrats. Look, these were all Gore states in 2000. Kerry cannot win unless he holds on to these states. Every one of them is too close to call. And in Wisconsin, Bush is slightly ahead, Pennsylvania, dead even. Not good news for Democrats.
HEMMER: Also back on the screen. Asked whether or not it was a mistake to send U.S. troops into Iraq, of these states, most say it was not a mistake. That tells you what?
SCHNEIDER: That tells me that the economy is not the only issue in this election. What we're finding is that in all three of these states, a majority of voters, nearly 60 percent, say the economy is in bad shape. That should produce a big vote for Kerry. But what you just said, those figures on the war, most people in these states also say we did the right thing in Iraq, and that's contradicting and trumping the economic issue.
HEMMER: Rudy Giuliani goes tonight. Arnold Schwarzenegger goes tomorrow night. Schwarzenegger's presence here does what for the party?
SCHNEIDER: Well, of course this is a show, and he's a great showman. He's also a moderate Republican, who doesn't agree with most of these delegates on abortion, gay rights, gun control.
Look, if I had to name speakers -- major political figures who had bipartisan appeal, one of them is Arnold Schwarzenegger who gets support from Democrats, as well as Republicans. Another is Rudy Giuliani. A third is John McCain. A fourth is Laura Bush. And they're all speaking at this convention. It's an outreach convention.
HEMMER: And with that convention -- and it is an outreach program, as you mentioned, if it is that the case -- how much will we hear about the picture being painted for the agenda for the next four years?
SCHNEIDER: What you are going to hear is these are dangerous times, and this president will protect you. I don't think you'll hear too, too much about the economy and domestic policy. The main message here is: We are strong; we are resolute; we won the war in Iraq; we fought the war in Afghanistan; we'll protect you.
HEMMER: We have some videotape to run to show our viewers now of what was going, apparently in Massachusetts over the weekend with John Kerry out windsurfing or kite-surfing. What does it tell you about what his approach in the coming week? How low will he lie?
SCHNEIDER: Well, I think he's going to be out there. Look, the Republicans were there during the Democratic convention. This is all -- this is total war, this election. They're both trying to rally their base.
John Kerry is there showing he's strong, he's vigorous. The whole point of this convention was to say, "I will protect you just as surely as Bush will protect you,: and he's showing he has the vigor to do that.
HEMMER: Have you tried that?
SCHNEIDER: Not recently.
HEMMER: Where's your hat?
SCHNEIDER: It's right here, and I am ready.
HEMMER: You've got the flip down, too.
SCHNEIDER: Right.
HEMMER: You had a month to practice that.
See you later, Bill.
SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: All right.
In a moment here, we're going to get back to the whole issue of 9/11. The tragedy very much a part of this backdrop for the convention. We'll likely be reminded of indelible images like this one.
In a moment, we'll hear from the man who was part of American history, side by side with the president almost three years ago.
Also, we will go back to the diner. Andy and Jack are hanging out. Back in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COLLINS: Welcome back, everybody. A beautiful Monday morning with the start of the Republican National Convention kicking it all off. AMERICAN MORNING is coming to you from several different New York locations now.
Jack Cafferty is at one of them at the CNN diner just outside Madison Square Garden. Good morning once again, Jack.
CAFFERTY: How are you doing, Heidi?
The election is shaping up to be another nail-biter. The country is sharply divided as it's been perhaps since Vietnam. A number of issues, and a very small group of undecided voters that probably will determine the outcome: the war in Iraq, the economy, health care, homeland security, jobs.
For the next four days, the Republican will have the spotlight and the stage. And their job is to convince America that they also have the answers.
The question this morning is this: How can the Republicans win the undecided vote? You can e-mail us at am@cnn.com. We'll read some of the responses later. We also were out in Times Square yesterday with a CNN camera crew, talked to some New Yorkers, some tourists about why they are here, what they are expecting, reaction to all the security.
So, we got a few little tidbits as we move through the morning, Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Jack. Thanks so much for that.
I want to ask you real quick, though: Have you had any coffee or doughnuts, or you find any food over there yet?
CAFFERTY: I -- actually, they are serving food here. This used to be a place called the Tick Tock Diner, and CNN used to be located right across the street from here. And it was this greasy little diner that was open all night. And you come here in the morning and you get toast with too much butter that was cold, and coffee that had been there since dinner the night before.
Now, it's -- see -- a greasy little diner run by CNN. It's all ours for the duration. Actually, our people came in, transformed the whole place. They brought in a new crew in the back. And I had an order of blueberry pancakes a couple of minutes ago that were average.
COLLINS: So, they were hot and tasty? That's an improvement.
CAFFERTY: Actually, they were very good. No, they were very good.
COLLINS: Very good. All right, Jack, we'll check in with you in a little bit.
CAFFERTY: Come on down. I'll buy you breakfast. COLLINS: I'd love that. All right, 10:00, bud. Thanks so much.
Still to come this morning -- we're going to go back to Bill at Madison Square Garden.
Plus, it was a hot time in Miami at the MTV Video Music Awards. Everybody was waiting for the buzzworthy moment of the night, and they got it from an unlikely source. The Kerry daughters steal the show, but not the way they wanted.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Half past the hour here in New York City. Welcome back to our special coverage of this year's Republican convention.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, we'll talk to one man who has helped divide Democrats, Senator Zell Miller -- supporting the president, crossing over party lines -- and also, retired General Wesley Clark, who backs John Kerry. We will hear from both me in a moment here.
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Aired August 30, 2004 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Here it is and ready to go, Madison Square Garden on the first morning of the Republican Convention. The cameras are ready, signs are printed and the stage is now set.
The president not letting up in the run-up to his night here in the Garden, campaigning in two more swing states today. We'll have a look today the latest poll numbers in those critical battleground race.
Also from South Carolina, a town brushed by Hurricane Charley, this time gets a full blow from Tropical Storm Gaston.
Also, out in the Atlantic, a much bigger storm making its way toward land later this week. All that straight ahead on this Monday edition of AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From the Republican National Convention in New York, here's Bill Hemmer.
And good morning and welcome. It is day one in midtown Manhattan, where we are located today site of the Republican Convention here. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people stream down Seventh and Eighth Avenue. Now to all that, add the hustle and bustle and thousands of Republicans, police and some protesters, and you have what adds up to the 2004 Republican Convention.
Welcome now to our special coverage today. We are live inside the Garden, where the convention gets started in about three hours from now. The Republicans focusing on courage today. That's the theme as they set out their themes for this re-election of George Bush.
Former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik's our guest today, Senator John McCain and the former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be some of those taking part in the speaking assignments today.
While for us this hour, we'll be talking with the mayor, Michael Bloomberg, and also two Democrats with very different perspectives on this election, Senator Zell Miller, a Bush supporter who will speak on Wednesday, and General Wesley Clark, who supports John Kerry.
Now for his part, President Bush campaigning today in New Hampshire and in Michigan, both considered swing states and both very close right now in the polling. Much more on all this as we go forward. Want to say hello to my partner this morning, Heidi Collins across town.
Good morning, Heidi.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, Bill.
Can you see it behind me, Radio City Music Hall? Pretty slick, huh?
We've got a live shot here on the plaza. That's kind of the big shot, the wide shot as you can see. We are out here in front of the Time-Life Building, going to give you a little bit of different perspective.
We do have General Wesley Clark from over on this side of the fence. We're going to talk about that. Also, a lot other news happening today besides the convention. We're going to have the very latest on Tropical Storm Gaston and Hurricane Francis, where those systems are headed.
We'll have the latest. Also, the Olympics ending yesterday. We'll have the final medal count from what almost everyone agrees was an excellent Summer Games.
Right now, though, let's go to Jack Cafferty, who's across the street from Madison Square garden at the CNN diner.
Hey, Jack. Good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi.
A block north of Madison Square Garden, at the corner of 34th and 8th Avenue, a couple of blocks west of Herald's Square, and directly across the square from a XXX porno theater here in midtown Manhattan. We're going to look at what it will take for the Republicans get to get some of the fence-sitters off the fence. The CNN diner will be open all week. Delegates, members of the press -- they actually are serving food here. However, you need credentials and ID get in. I came in the back door before the guards got here. That's how I arrived. But we will be here all week.
In a moment, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City, who is standing just off to my left, will be on here to talk about what is a huge challenge for this city this week, making sure everybody has a good time and taking care of protecting everybody's interest.
So we'll be back with the Question of the Day, "The Cafferty File."
Andy Serwer's here with the business news, and it'll be just like old times.
Heidi, back to you.
COLLINS: All right, Jack Cafferty. Thanks so much for that.
I want to go ahead and check on the stories now in the news this morning. Oil exports from southern Iraq have been temporarily stopped. A senior Iraqi official says key pipelines, which account for about 90 percent of Iraq's exports, were shut down late yesterday because of sabotage.
Just hours ago now, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told CNN such attacks have detrimental effects on the people of Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: The revenues, as you know now, the oil prices have increased dramatically, and this is causing a great loss for the Iraqi people in terms of revenues, which could be used in the reconstruction of the country, and to pay the people and to get the economy cycle back again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The pipelines are expected to be closed for at least a week.
And just about two hours from now, a military hearing set to resume for Army Officer Lynndie England at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. The soldier is one of seven people charged in connection with the mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib Prison. Today's hearing will help determine if she should be court-martialed.
The Kremlin's favorite candidate looks poised to win the presidential election in war-battered Chechnya. The election for the new president came after the original president was assassinated in May. Opponents say the balloting was rigged. Chechens are suspected of masterminding last week's twin plane crashes in Russia.
And the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. Lawyers are getting ready to start behind-closed door questioning of potential jurors. Three-hundred people in Eagle, Colorado filled out questionnaires, with more expected. The judge hopes to seat a jury by the end of the week. Opening statements are set for September 7th. And on that note, we throw things back over to Bill at Madison Square Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that. Republicans in New York City arriving over the weekend, hoping to convince undecided Americans that George Bush should serve four more years. The city is absolutely electric, and it really started kicking in late on Friday night.
Outside the Garden, Bob Franken's with us this morning.
Good morning, Bob. Nice to see you here.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
And I should also point out it's absolutely around the Garden like a penitentiary, except prisons don't have that much security, as New York is the latest now to be held captive by the fear of disruption or some sort of attack.
But the show goes on, both outside Madison Square Garden and inside.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN (voice-over): By the tens of thousands, the demonstrators marched through the heat, airing their heated anti-Bush convictions.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
FRANKEN: But now the pro-Bush Republican convention.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No more years!
FRANKEN: Beyond all the countless barricades, the floor of Madison Square Garden, and the re-nomination of the Bush-Cheney ticket. The Cheney part is already here.
RICHARD CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: All of us are gathering this week for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to make certain that George W. Bush is president for the next four years.
FRANKEN: The vice president is scheduled to speak Wednesday night. On opening night, it's former New York mayor and resident icon, Rudy Giuliani. Another first-nighter is John McCain, who has certainly not always been on the president's team.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We have our differences. Have we had our differences on policy issues? Absolutely. But I believe that you -- if you looked at my voting record, you'd find that I am more -- I'm supportive in more issues than in disagreement.
FRANKEN: Former President Bill Clinton was preaching a different sermon on Sunday, making sure that the Democrats got their bite of the big apple.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The other party about to convene here, putting on its "once every four years" compassionate face.
FRANKEN: But the applause in the Garden this week will be for the current president, who was in West Virginia Sunday, heading this way.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm hunting for votes.
(END VIDEOTAPE) FRANKEN: And the hunt officially begins this morning with a session where they'll begin the nominations of the Bush-Cheney tickets. They'll be finalized Wednesday. Momentous formalities, and then, Bill, the really hard work begins for both parties.
HEMMER: Indeed, you're right. Bob, thanks for that. Bob Franken outside.
Back inside now, New York's current mayor, Michael Bloomberg, officially welcomes the delegates inside here a bit later today. He's with us now to talk about the week's Grand Old Party and what's happening not only over the weekend, but also what's coming up over the next four days.
Your honor, good morning to you, Mayor Bloomberg.
MYR. MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK CITY: Good morning. Good morning. And welcome to New York City.
HEMMER: Let's talk about what we -- thank you very much. I live here, but it's good to be here with you again today. Over 300 arrests over the weekend with protests, but what is your take on what went down over the weekend and how things came off?
BLOOMBERG: Well, I think the answer is very few arrests in the real world. People came here. They were allowed to protest. We gave them the greatest venue they could have. They got right by Madison Square Garden, something they wouldn't have had any other place in the country. They said their piece. They said it responsibly and peacefully. The world got their message and will judge what they had to say and the handful of people that wanted to cause commotion and disrupt others rights, they were arrested. That's what they were supposed to do.
HEMMER: Over the weekend, a story broke here in New York. The D train, right around Herald's Square and Macy's famous department store there, two men arrested. The story is that they wanted to carry out a bomb attack here in New York City. How serious was that threat?
BLOOMBERG: Well, we don't have any tolerance for that. They did not have any ability to do anything. They talked about it, and that's enough to get them arrested, and now they'll face charges. But I think that the truth of the matter is, we still really haven't had any credible threats. A short-term directly at New York City or at this convention. That's the way we want to keep it. We have the world's best police department, and we'll make sure everybody is safe.
HEMMER: We took some polling over the past couple of days with the folks at Gallup. On the screen, you can see some of the questions we asked, asked whether or not will things ever be back to normal after 9/11? Sixty-four percent say no. In addition, no additional attacks since 9/11 because George Bush is president. 61 percent say no. Your reaction to those numbers and how they react on this campaign.
BLOOMBERG: Well, the fact of the matter is New York City is back. Our business is growing, jobs, streets are getting safer, streets are getting cleaner. We're never going to forget the 2,800 people who died, but they died because of the freedoms that New York and America has. And we have our young men and women around the world fighting today to make sure that we can keep those freedoms.
You know, freedom is not free. For 235 years we've been fighting in this country, and sadly, it looks like we're going to have to keep doing it. But I think the fact of this matter is that people can go out in the streets and feel that this is the greatest country in the world. They are free to express themselves, and they are free to go about their business and enjoy the life that is so threatening to others.
HEMMER: You're a former Democrat. Republicans coming into a largely Democratic city, 5 to 1 Democrats outnumber Republican in the five boroughs. What is the message of Republicans coming to Madison Square Garden for this four-day event?
BLOOMBERG: New York City is the most inclusive, diverse city in the world really, and the Republicans, I think, should be open to everybody. And should reach out, and this gives them the opportunity to do that. I'm going to a pro-choice event later this week. I went yesterday to a pro-gay rights event. I went to an Hispanic event. This is -- I think the party, all parties should be open to everybody. That's what I'm trying to promote. That's my politics, and New York City gives you the perfect venue to do that.
HEMMER: Michael Bloomberg, the mayor here in New York City, thanks for your time. Hope to talk to you again later in the week, and we will note the progress throughout the city and during this four-day affair.
Thank you.
BLOOMBERG: Looking forward to it.
HEMMER: And stay with CNN for a ringside seat, all the convention action here. Our primetime coverage starts at 7:00 Eastern, special convention edition of "ANDERSON COOPER 360," followed at 8:00 with an "AMERICA VOTES 2004" special with Wolf Blitzer. "LARRY KING" comes live at 9:00. You get a double shot again here in New York, just like Boston. At 10:00 Eastern, Senator John McCain addresses the convention. We'll be here live for that certainly. "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN" takes over at 11:00, and then Larry comes back again at midnight. All times Eastern, by the way, from Madison Square Garden. Day one. Wow. Here we go.
Back to Heidi across the city now -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks so much.
Tropical Storm Gaston is now a tropical depression. It blew ashore in South Carolina yesterday, packing near-hurricane force winds. Some reached 60 miles an hour. The storm knocked out power to thousands of people. Gaston made landfall near McCullenville (ph) South Carolina. The intense downpours flooded roads and some homes. Some seven inches of rain fell in some of those areas.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: After two weeks of Olympic competition, the world is saying a fond farewell to Athens. Amid great pomp and circumstance, the Olympic flame was extinguished during last night's closing ceremony. Many American athletes enjoyed the festivities, marching with the procession of nations.
Also yesterday, a little mayhem during the men's marathon. Look at this, just a few kilometers before the finish line, a man dressed in a kilt rushed on to the course, pushing the leader, a runner from Brazil, into the crowd. Fans subdued him. Officials say the man pulled a similar stunt last summer at the British Grand Prix. The Brazilian athlete finished the race, but he lost his lead. He hung on for the bronze medal, though. And the IOC also presented him with a special medal for sportsmanship.
The United States won the most medals, though, 103 altogether. Russia came in second, with 92, followed by China at 63. And that's the way it all went down.
Bill is over at the Garden now.
Did you watch last night?
HEMMER: I saw a little bit of it.
But I think, overall, Heidi, really hats off to Athens and what the Greeks pulled off. A lot of doubters around the world, but they did it, so.
COLLINS: They sure did.
HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi. Talk to you in a couple of minutes here.
In a moment here this week, they belong to the Republicans, but at least one Democrat is playing a large role at this convention. Senator Zell Miller has not made many friends in his own party lately. Why is he now taking sides with Republicans. We'll talk to him about that.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger may represent the new face of the party, but could he, superstars like him, alienate the base. We'll talk to that with Bill Schneider in a moment.
And what will John Kerry be up to this week? He's got some free time on his hands.
Back in a moment, on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Welcome back, everyone. We are live in Madison Square garden. The picture from outside, along Eighth Avenue. They have completely transformed this part of New York City, literally shutting down entire avenues, which sometimes stretch five or six across, squeezed down to one lane, to allow the journalists to work, and to allow the security personnel to work, to allow the delegates a place to go, so it is a city right now that is truly seeing something unique, especially from a Republican perspective. Never before has the Republican Party come to New York City for its convention.
Poll numbers now, our senior political analyst Bill Schneider with me now, here in New York City.
Good morning to you.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POL. ANALYST: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Interesting numbers to chew on for these battleground states on the screen. Pennsylvania, it is even right now, 47 to 47, George Bush and John Kerry. In Wisconsin, Bush leading right now, 48, 45, favored by three there at this point. Iowa, John Kerry up 6. What do these numbers tell you, Bill?
SCHNEIDER: They tell me a problem for Democrats. Look, these were all Gore states in 2000. Kerry cannot win unless he holds on to these states. Every one of them is too close to call. And in Wisconsin, Bush is slightly ahead, Pennsylvania, dead even. Not good news for Democrats.
HEMMER: Also back on the screen. Asked whether or not it was a mistake to send U.S. troops into Iraq, of these states, most say it was not a mistake. That tells you what?
SCHNEIDER: That tells me that the economy is not the only issue in this election. What we're finding is that in all three of these states, a majority of voters, nearly 60 percent, say the economy is in bad shape. That should produce a big vote for Kerry. But what you just said, those figures on the war, most people in these states also say we did the right thing in Iraq, and that's contradicting and trumping the economic issue.
HEMMER: Rudy Giuliani goes tonight. Arnold Schwarzenegger goes tomorrow night. Schwarzenegger's presence here does what for the party?
SCHNEIDER: Well, of course this is a show, and he's a great showman. He's also a moderate Republican, who doesn't agree with most of these delegates on abortion, gay rights, gun control.
Look, if I had to name speakers -- major political figures who had bipartisan appeal, one of them is Arnold Schwarzenegger who gets support from Democrats, as well as Republicans. Another is Rudy Giuliani. A third is John McCain. A fourth is Laura Bush. And they're all speaking at this convention. It's an outreach convention.
HEMMER: And with that convention -- and it is an outreach program, as you mentioned, if it is that the case -- how much will we hear about the picture being painted for the agenda for the next four years?
SCHNEIDER: What you are going to hear is these are dangerous times, and this president will protect you. I don't think you'll hear too, too much about the economy and domestic policy. The main message here is: We are strong; we are resolute; we won the war in Iraq; we fought the war in Afghanistan; we'll protect you.
HEMMER: We have some videotape to run to show our viewers now of what was going, apparently in Massachusetts over the weekend with John Kerry out windsurfing or kite-surfing. What does it tell you about what his approach in the coming week? How low will he lie?
SCHNEIDER: Well, I think he's going to be out there. Look, the Republicans were there during the Democratic convention. This is all -- this is total war, this election. They're both trying to rally their base.
John Kerry is there showing he's strong, he's vigorous. The whole point of this convention was to say, "I will protect you just as surely as Bush will protect you,: and he's showing he has the vigor to do that.
HEMMER: Have you tried that?
SCHNEIDER: Not recently.
HEMMER: Where's your hat?
SCHNEIDER: It's right here, and I am ready.
HEMMER: You've got the flip down, too.
SCHNEIDER: Right.
HEMMER: You had a month to practice that.
See you later, Bill.
SCHNEIDER: OK.
HEMMER: All right.
In a moment here, we're going to get back to the whole issue of 9/11. The tragedy very much a part of this backdrop for the convention. We'll likely be reminded of indelible images like this one.
In a moment, we'll hear from the man who was part of American history, side by side with the president almost three years ago.
Also, we will go back to the diner. Andy and Jack are hanging out. Back in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COLLINS: Welcome back, everybody. A beautiful Monday morning with the start of the Republican National Convention kicking it all off. AMERICAN MORNING is coming to you from several different New York locations now.
Jack Cafferty is at one of them at the CNN diner just outside Madison Square Garden. Good morning once again, Jack.
CAFFERTY: How are you doing, Heidi?
The election is shaping up to be another nail-biter. The country is sharply divided as it's been perhaps since Vietnam. A number of issues, and a very small group of undecided voters that probably will determine the outcome: the war in Iraq, the economy, health care, homeland security, jobs.
For the next four days, the Republican will have the spotlight and the stage. And their job is to convince America that they also have the answers.
The question this morning is this: How can the Republicans win the undecided vote? You can e-mail us at am@cnn.com. We'll read some of the responses later. We also were out in Times Square yesterday with a CNN camera crew, talked to some New Yorkers, some tourists about why they are here, what they are expecting, reaction to all the security.
So, we got a few little tidbits as we move through the morning, Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Jack. Thanks so much for that.
I want to ask you real quick, though: Have you had any coffee or doughnuts, or you find any food over there yet?
CAFFERTY: I -- actually, they are serving food here. This used to be a place called the Tick Tock Diner, and CNN used to be located right across the street from here. And it was this greasy little diner that was open all night. And you come here in the morning and you get toast with too much butter that was cold, and coffee that had been there since dinner the night before.
Now, it's -- see -- a greasy little diner run by CNN. It's all ours for the duration. Actually, our people came in, transformed the whole place. They brought in a new crew in the back. And I had an order of blueberry pancakes a couple of minutes ago that were average.
COLLINS: So, they were hot and tasty? That's an improvement.
CAFFERTY: Actually, they were very good. No, they were very good.
COLLINS: Very good. All right, Jack, we'll check in with you in a little bit.
CAFFERTY: Come on down. I'll buy you breakfast. COLLINS: I'd love that. All right, 10:00, bud. Thanks so much.
Still to come this morning -- we're going to go back to Bill at Madison Square Garden.
Plus, it was a hot time in Miami at the MTV Video Music Awards. Everybody was waiting for the buzzworthy moment of the night, and they got it from an unlikely source. The Kerry daughters steal the show, but not the way they wanted.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone. Half past the hour here in New York City. Welcome back to our special coverage of this year's Republican convention.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, we'll talk to one man who has helped divide Democrats, Senator Zell Miller -- supporting the president, crossing over party lines -- and also, retired General Wesley Clark, who backs John Kerry. We will hear from both me in a moment here.
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