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CNN Live At Daybreak
Recapping Last Night's Speeches at Republican National Convention; Latest Developments in Court-Martial Against PFC Lynndie England
Aired August 31, 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: The enthusiasm, the speeches, the focus -- Republicans have wrapped up day one. What does today hold? We've got the answer for you.
It is Tuesday, August 31.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, the first lady, a movie star turned governor, they are the featured speakers in New York today on day two of the Republican national convention. Laura Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will address the delegates.
Overseas, Islamic kidnappers of two French journalists in Iraq have given the French government 24 more hours before the hostages are killed. The kidnappers are demanding that France reverse its ban on head scarves in schools.
A moderate message from a radical cleric. "USA Today" says Muqtada al-Sadr is urging his followers to stop fighting U.S. and Iraqi forces. An aide says the cleric also plans to join the political process.
U.N. chief Kofi Annan probably won't get good news today when he's briefed on the latest from Sudan. A U.N. deadline to ease the ethnic fighting in Darfur is expiring, but not much has changed. Back here in the States, cars literally floating down the street. That's the scene in the Richmond, Virginia area, which has been soaked by the remains of tropical storm Gaston. A state of emergency now in effect.
Tell us the rain has stopped there -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It has stopped. It stopped last night, but not before 6.68 inches and almost 10 inches in the past two days over Richmond, Virginia, and especially northern Henrico County. Now Richmond itself and then Henrico County, then you've got Chesterfield County not only with rain yesterday, but about 10 reports of small tornadoes there, as well, Carol. So it was kind of an ugly day across Richmond, Virginia.
We knew the center of Gaston would actually get right over that area and it certainly did. It ran right over the city.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MYERS: There goes Gaston. You can even see still the circulation here as it moves out to sea, across Chincoteague and Assateague Island and eventually goes south of Austin and even south -- it could still hit Newfoundland, but we'll still have to watch that.
It is now a tropical storm again because it's now back over water. It was only a depression yesterday.
This thing here, this thing is Ermine. See the spin right there? That thing moved across Cape Cod in the overnight hours, bringing some wind, to about 40. Now, why am I holding this piece of paper, Carol? Because here are the new and latest numbers of this thing. This is Frances, not that far from the U.S. Virgin Islands. But it is missing the Virgin Islands. In fact, it was 125 miles north of St. Martin. Here are your coordinates if you're writing them down -- 19.9 north, 62.8 west. Still moving to the west. Winds now still at 100 to 125 miles per hour -- Carol.
So still a very strong storm.
COSTELLO: We'll get back to you with an update.
Thank you, Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Republicans hear more about George W. Bush tonight from the woman who knows him best. First Lady Laura Bush addresses the Republican national convention tonight. She's been stumping for her husband regularly this year, even though he once promised her she would not have to make any political speeches.
Also tonight, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes center stage. The former star of action movies won his state's first ever recall election last year.
And they did come out swinging last night. The speakers at the Republican national convention's kickoff did not pull any punches.
For a recap, let's go live to our Kareen Wynter. She's at New York's Madison Square Garden this morning -- good morning.
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
You're right, we saw just about everything last night -- a little bit of controversy, drama, even personality from last night's speakers. Many Republicans say the first night's festivities, the first night RNC festivities here at Madison Square Garden definitely didn't disappoint, as some party members took aim at Democrats.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator John McCain!
WYNTER (voice-over): It was one of the night's most memorable moments. Arizona Senator John McCain brought the crowd to its feet during his prime time speech. The former Bush rival called the president a tested leader and blasted Democrats who questioned Bush's decision to liberate Iraq.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: It was between war and a greater threat. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, not our political opponents and certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker.
WYNTER: The direct jab at Democrat and "Fahrenheit 911" filmmaker Michael Moore, among those in the crowd, drew thunderous applause.
UNIDENTIFIED BUSH SUPPORTERS: Four more years!
WYNTER: Former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani also moved the party, hailing Bush as a rock solid leader who united a nation following 9/11.
RUDY GIULIANI, FORMER NEW YORK MAYOR: President Bush sees world terrorism for the evil that it is. John Kerry has no such clear, precise and consistent vision.
WYNTER: There was a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives during the worst attack on American soil. There was also controversy. Some convention delegates were seen wearing band-aids with Purple Hearts, a mocking reference to injuries John Kerry suffered in Vietnam. Democrats criticized the delegates' actions.
REP. CHARLES RANGEL (D), NEW YORK: It's an insult to wounded veterans, but it's even an insult for those who never made it. It's a terrible thing to do.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
WYNTER: There were more scattered protests last night, with reports of demonstrators heckling small groups of convention delegates outside theaters and restaurants across the city.
And, Carol, something we'll all definitely have an eye on today, another group calling itself A31 Coalition, anarchists or radical protesters, are going to be taking to the streets. And it'll be something we monitor very closely, as well as the protests, which continue throughout the week.
COSTELLO: Absolutely.
Kareen Wynter reporting live from Madison Square Garden this morning.
This brings us to our DAYBREAK e-mail Question of the Day.
Are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party? Let us know what you think. E-mail us, daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
Police in New York are bracing for another day of possible confrontations with protesters today. Oh. Authorities say a protester stomped and punched a plainclothes detective near the convention center. The officer was knocked unconscious and hospitalized, but his injuries are not considered life threatening. This happened as police in riot gear dispersed the crowd. Police are still looking for the protester at fault.
All this week during the convention, if you're away from your television set, tune us in on the radio. CNN "LIVE FROM" anchor Kyra Phillips and I will be broadcasting every night starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. We'll have complete coverage of everything going on in the Big Apple. That's on CNN Radio all this week from 8:00 p.m. Eastern to 11:00 p.m. Eastern.
Get a bird's eye view of all the activities at the Republican convention right here on CNN. Our prime time coverage begins tonight at 7:00 Eastern with Anderson Cooper. And then comes Wolf Blitzer and Larry King. At 10:00 Eastern, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes the stage, followed by "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN." And then Larry King wraps up the night live at midnight.
On the campaign trail today, President Bush wakes up this morning in Michigan. Then he'll head to Nashville, Tennessee and on to Iowa. The president will end his day at a softball game and picnic in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And while in Nashville today, the president will be going after the veteran vote. He'll speak at the American Legion conference that's going on there.
As for Senator John Kerry, he's still relaxing at his home in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Yesterday, Kerry was out wind surfing again. And tomorrow he is expected to break with the tradition of not campaigning during the opposing candidate's nominating convention. Kerry will address that same American Legion convention where President Bush will speak today.
Private Lynndie England returns to a military courtroom a little more than four hours from now. Her attorneys want to question some former detainees from Abu Ghraib Prison, as well as the general who was in charge of the guards.
Our Susan Candiotti brings us up to date on Monday's court action.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For a pregnant PFC Lynndie England, this is probably the last round of court hearings before her baby is due in October, and for her, the best thing yet -- a defense witness saying it was military intelligence, not the guards, who orchestrated this abuse at Abu Ghraib Prison. Former Sergeant Kenneth Davis said he was in the cell block the night three suspected rapists were brought there for questioning.
He testified it was two M.I. operatives, the men on the right, who began handcuffing the naked prisoners and who directed the abuse. Both of them deny that.
By phone, Davis testified he went to his platoon lieutenant the next day.
SGT. KENNETH DAVIS, FORMER ABU GHRAIB GUARD: And we started to talk. And I said, "Military intelligence is doing some pretty weird things to naked detainees over at the hard site."
He said, "What?"
I said, "They're interrogating naked detainees and it's pretty weird."
And he said, "That's military intelligence, they're in charge, stay out of their way."
CANDIOTTI: Yet the Fay Report, released last week at the Pentagon, contradicts the thrust of Davis' testimony. It said, "This incident was most likely orchestrated by M.P. personnel."
(on camera): Nevertheless, the report says military intelligence was clearly involved. That part of the investigation is continuing. And one prosecutor has indicated more charges in the Abu Ghraib scandal can be expected soon.
Susan Candiotti, CNN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: And here are the stories making news across America this morning.
A former aide to New Jersey Governor James McGreevey says he will not sue the governor for sexual harassment. Golan Cipel says, quoting here, "It's clear to all that McGreevey resigned because he sexually harassed me." McGreevey has denied the allegation.
William Kennedy Smith has quit his job in order to deal with sexual assault allegations. A former personal assistant filed a complaint stating that Smith sexually assaulted her more than four years ago. The Kennedy nephew was chairman and president of the Center for International Rehabilitation.
More potential jurors are expected to be questioned today as part of the Kobe Bryant trial. Individual interviews were conducted for 10 hours on day one of the selection process. Among other things, the potential jurors have been asked about their opinions on interracial relationships. Opening statements are expected to begin on September 7.
We'll take you back to the Republican national convention later this hour and we'll show you the funnier side of those party people. That's six minutes away.
Plus, we'll take you live to Paris, as a controversial ban on Muslim head scarves faces a deadline. That's about 12 minutes from now.
And you definitely don't want to miss this. Live to Florida to talk to none other than swimming sensation, gold medalist Michael Phelps, and two other top stars from the U.S. Olympic swim team. That's 45 minutes away.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: U.S. markets will open down this morning after a day of extremely light trading.
The Dow closed down 72 points.
The Nasdaq fell 25 1/2 points.
And the S&P 500 was down, oh, just about 8 1/2 points.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei closes down almost 103 points.
Britain's FTSE is trading down 16 points.
And France's CAC is down nearly 17 points.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:13 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Get ready for a second big night at the Republican national convention in New York. First Lady Laura Bush and movie star turned governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are the featured speakers.
Allegations of an alternative lifestyle have led Virginia Congressman Ed Shrock to rethink his future. The conservative Republican is dropping his bid for a third term after a Web site alleges he called a gay phone sex line.
In money news, it's getting cheaper to fill the tank these days. A government survey says gas prices have dropped to their lowest level in four months. But the average cost is still $0.10 higher than it was a year ago.
In culture, the final album from the legendary Ray Charles hits stores today. "Genius Loves Company" includes collaborations with other giants like Elton John, Willie Nelson and B.B. King.
In sports, NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace announced plans to put it in park for good. The 48-year-old former champ says he'll drive one more year before setting his sights on becoming a full-time race team owner -- Chad.
MYERS: He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. COSTELLO: Oh.
MYERS: Yes. I actually just sat on the pit wall with him in Richmond, Virginia after he won back in 1989 and he must have signed -- and I'm not kidding, Carol -- he must have signed 3,000 autographs before he finally went home. It was amazing.
COSTELLO: That is so nice to hear. How refreshing.
MYERS: Yes.
Good morning, everybody.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
Inside Madison Square Garden, delegates to the Republican national convention hear political speeches that salute President Bush as a wartime leader. But there is a lighter side to all of this.
We armed our Jeanne Moos with a camera and sent her outside to get a sense of convention humor.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Minicam in hand, here's looking through the lighter side of the lens. It's definitely the Republicans' show. But the protesters tried to steal it with antics like dressing up as elephants.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are withdrawing our image from the Republican Party.
MOOS: And sending aerial messages formed by humans lying end to end in Central Park.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Using their bodies to express liberty.
MOOS: This tearful Statue of Liberty was created by a group called Code Pink. So who is this guy wearing?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, look at the tag, dude. I don't know. What does it say?
MOOS: Compare that with the Texas delegation outfitted from head to booted toe with Bush 2004 stitched into the leather. Their outfits made them targets for protesters.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They said a few of those one syllable words that I don't like to repeat.
MOOS: Inside Madison Square Garden the delegates chanted.
UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATES: Four more years! Four more years!
MOOS: And it felt like it took four years to navigate all the security to get in.
(on camera): Christmas flowers!
(voice-over): Vehicles had to enter the frozen zone through corrals so they'd be penned in while being checked. Sally ports, they call these things.
(on camera): Why is it called a sally port? Who was Sally?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have no idea. I can't confirm or deny any of that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Isn't there a French word to move or to go sally.
MOOS (voice-over): As in to sally forth. The dictionary defines sally port as a gate in a fortified place for use by troops. And check out what the fire department is using -- the littlest fire engine on its maiden trip, equipped with high pressure hose and cup holders.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It does not come with a ladder, no. It's -- they can...
MOOS (on camera): Not even a stepstool?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nope.
MOOS (voice-over): But all the precautions haven't put a damper on the delegates.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We went over and asked for leis from Hawaii. We thought we needed to get laid at the convention.
MOOS: She almost sounds like a Democrat.
Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, live to France, where officials are trying to win the release of two hostages in Iraq. Their kidnappers are demanding the repeal of a controversial French law banning head scarves in schools.
And our DAYBREAK e-mail question of the morning -- are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party? Let us know what you think. E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com.
And you are watching DAYBREAK for Tuesday, August 31.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And it is that time of the morning. We'd like to check out cnn.com to see what you're clicking onto this morning.
So, the number one clicked on story on our Web site this morning...
MYERS: A sad story but yet, you know, could it be happy at some point in time, too?
COSTELLO: I don't know. A man out in California was diagnosed with HIV eight years ago. His doctor calls him the other day and says you know what? We made a mistake, you don't have HIV, you're perfectly healthy.
MYERS: They found this out by going back through the files and realizing that the tests were mixed up. I don't get it.
COSTELLO: I don't know. But somebody's going to get sued, you know that, because he's been living his life as a person infected with HIV...
MYERS: Thinking he's going to die any day.
COSTELLO: Quit his job, went through therapy, took drugs, the whole bit. And now he's perfectly fine.
The second most clicked on story on our Web site has to do with Tokyo and earthquakes.
MYERS: Yes, you know, obviously these guys get earthquakes all the time out there. But major earthquakes took place in 1703, 1782, 1812, 1923, 1855. You kind of put the numbers together and they're thinking that they're overdue.
COSTELLO: Well, the point of this story is that Tokyo is not prepared for a major earthquake. Ninety percent of the buildings aren't earthquake sound, I suppose.
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: And that's why they did this test, to say, hey, maybe we should like examine this. Because back in 1923, an earthquake killed 140,000 people in Japan.
MYERS: Yes. Huge numbers.
COSTELLO: Number, the third most clicked on story on our Web site has to do with France and these two hostages, these two French journalists that were taken hostage by an insurgent group in Iraq. And apparently this insurgent group wants France to repeal a law that went into -- that is going to go into effect that prohibits head scarves for Muslims in public schools there.
MYERS: Right. But also prohibits skullcaps, prohibits crosses, prohibits anything when it comes to any religious symbol in schools. So.
COSTELLO: Yes. Well, the French government is doing all it can to gain the release of these two French hostages.
We want to go live to Paris now and check in with Jim Bittermann to see exactly what they're doing -- good morning, Jim.
JIM BITTERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
In fact, they've been doing quite a lot. There's a crisis meeting that's going to start just a few minutes from now at the prime minister's office here in France, the top ministers, the minister of defense, the minister of interior and others gathering here to see what they can do.
The foreign minister was dispatched immediately after this demand was made over the weekend, was dispatched toward the Middle East. He's in Jordan right now talking with his Jordanian counterpart about what the Jordanians may be able to do to help.
Jacques Chirac has been talking this. The president of France is off in Moscow talking with President Putin. And he has renewed his call just a few minutes ago for the release of these two hostages, Christian Chesnot and George Mabrunot, two journalists working in Iraq who were taken hostage by something called the Islam Army in Iraq. They threatened to execute them as of yesterday, as of last night, and then the two men showed up on Al Jazeera, the Arabic news channel, and the deadline was extended until today.
There's also been an enormous amount of activity in the streets here. There's been several thousand people gathered yesterday for a demonstration. There's supposed to be another big demonstration today at the central mosque of Paris, all in support of these two journalists. And even those who are opposed to this law which will ban head scarves when it takes effect on Thursday, even those opposed have been saying that they do not support at all this hostage taking and they don't want the law being used as a pretext for blackmail -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Thank you.
Jim Bittermann reporting live for us by phone from Paris this morning.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
What's on the hearts and minds of the people who live in Ohio? Our Richard Quest takes a closer look at some of the issues Ohio residents want both presidential candidates to talk more about. And Richard will look at why Ohio matters.
And we're taking your thoughts this morning about the Republicans and their convention. Today's e-mail question -- are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party and its platform? Let us know what you think. E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Republicans in the Garden -- a wrap of day one and a preview of today straight ahead.
It is Tuesday, August 31.
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, this is day two of the Republican national convention. They're praising President Bush as a strong leader, particularly in the war on terrorism. First Lady Laura Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be tonight's big speakers.
Former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic has begun his over statement at his war crimes trial in the Hague. He's accused of masterminding ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and is the first former head of state to stand trial before the World Court.
In Scott Peterson's trial back here in the States, defense attorneys are trying to raise doubts about the prosecution's time line. The defense says Laci Peterson may have used her home computer after the time police say her husband killed her.
A short time ago, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gave his party a timetable for legislation that would lead to the withdrawal of troops and settlers from Gaza. He says the legislation will go before his cabinet two weeks from today.
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 31, 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: The enthusiasm, the speeches, the focus -- Republicans have wrapped up day one. What does today hold? We've got the answer for you.
It is Tuesday, August 31.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, the first lady, a movie star turned governor, they are the featured speakers in New York today on day two of the Republican national convention. Laura Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will address the delegates.
Overseas, Islamic kidnappers of two French journalists in Iraq have given the French government 24 more hours before the hostages are killed. The kidnappers are demanding that France reverse its ban on head scarves in schools.
A moderate message from a radical cleric. "USA Today" says Muqtada al-Sadr is urging his followers to stop fighting U.S. and Iraqi forces. An aide says the cleric also plans to join the political process.
U.N. chief Kofi Annan probably won't get good news today when he's briefed on the latest from Sudan. A U.N. deadline to ease the ethnic fighting in Darfur is expiring, but not much has changed. Back here in the States, cars literally floating down the street. That's the scene in the Richmond, Virginia area, which has been soaked by the remains of tropical storm Gaston. A state of emergency now in effect.
Tell us the rain has stopped there -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It has stopped. It stopped last night, but not before 6.68 inches and almost 10 inches in the past two days over Richmond, Virginia, and especially northern Henrico County. Now Richmond itself and then Henrico County, then you've got Chesterfield County not only with rain yesterday, but about 10 reports of small tornadoes there, as well, Carol. So it was kind of an ugly day across Richmond, Virginia.
We knew the center of Gaston would actually get right over that area and it certainly did. It ran right over the city.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MYERS: There goes Gaston. You can even see still the circulation here as it moves out to sea, across Chincoteague and Assateague Island and eventually goes south of Austin and even south -- it could still hit Newfoundland, but we'll still have to watch that.
It is now a tropical storm again because it's now back over water. It was only a depression yesterday.
This thing here, this thing is Ermine. See the spin right there? That thing moved across Cape Cod in the overnight hours, bringing some wind, to about 40. Now, why am I holding this piece of paper, Carol? Because here are the new and latest numbers of this thing. This is Frances, not that far from the U.S. Virgin Islands. But it is missing the Virgin Islands. In fact, it was 125 miles north of St. Martin. Here are your coordinates if you're writing them down -- 19.9 north, 62.8 west. Still moving to the west. Winds now still at 100 to 125 miles per hour -- Carol.
So still a very strong storm.
COSTELLO: We'll get back to you with an update.
Thank you, Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Republicans hear more about George W. Bush tonight from the woman who knows him best. First Lady Laura Bush addresses the Republican national convention tonight. She's been stumping for her husband regularly this year, even though he once promised her she would not have to make any political speeches.
Also tonight, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes center stage. The former star of action movies won his state's first ever recall election last year.
And they did come out swinging last night. The speakers at the Republican national convention's kickoff did not pull any punches.
For a recap, let's go live to our Kareen Wynter. She's at New York's Madison Square Garden this morning -- good morning.
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
You're right, we saw just about everything last night -- a little bit of controversy, drama, even personality from last night's speakers. Many Republicans say the first night's festivities, the first night RNC festivities here at Madison Square Garden definitely didn't disappoint, as some party members took aim at Democrats.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator John McCain!
WYNTER (voice-over): It was one of the night's most memorable moments. Arizona Senator John McCain brought the crowd to its feet during his prime time speech. The former Bush rival called the president a tested leader and blasted Democrats who questioned Bush's decision to liberate Iraq.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: It was between war and a greater threat. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, not our political opponents and certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker.
WYNTER: The direct jab at Democrat and "Fahrenheit 911" filmmaker Michael Moore, among those in the crowd, drew thunderous applause.
UNIDENTIFIED BUSH SUPPORTERS: Four more years!
WYNTER: Former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani also moved the party, hailing Bush as a rock solid leader who united a nation following 9/11.
RUDY GIULIANI, FORMER NEW YORK MAYOR: President Bush sees world terrorism for the evil that it is. John Kerry has no such clear, precise and consistent vision.
WYNTER: There was a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives during the worst attack on American soil. There was also controversy. Some convention delegates were seen wearing band-aids with Purple Hearts, a mocking reference to injuries John Kerry suffered in Vietnam. Democrats criticized the delegates' actions.
REP. CHARLES RANGEL (D), NEW YORK: It's an insult to wounded veterans, but it's even an insult for those who never made it. It's a terrible thing to do.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
WYNTER: There were more scattered protests last night, with reports of demonstrators heckling small groups of convention delegates outside theaters and restaurants across the city.
And, Carol, something we'll all definitely have an eye on today, another group calling itself A31 Coalition, anarchists or radical protesters, are going to be taking to the streets. And it'll be something we monitor very closely, as well as the protests, which continue throughout the week.
COSTELLO: Absolutely.
Kareen Wynter reporting live from Madison Square Garden this morning.
This brings us to our DAYBREAK e-mail Question of the Day.
Are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party? Let us know what you think. E-mail us, daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
Police in New York are bracing for another day of possible confrontations with protesters today. Oh. Authorities say a protester stomped and punched a plainclothes detective near the convention center. The officer was knocked unconscious and hospitalized, but his injuries are not considered life threatening. This happened as police in riot gear dispersed the crowd. Police are still looking for the protester at fault.
All this week during the convention, if you're away from your television set, tune us in on the radio. CNN "LIVE FROM" anchor Kyra Phillips and I will be broadcasting every night starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. We'll have complete coverage of everything going on in the Big Apple. That's on CNN Radio all this week from 8:00 p.m. Eastern to 11:00 p.m. Eastern.
Get a bird's eye view of all the activities at the Republican convention right here on CNN. Our prime time coverage begins tonight at 7:00 Eastern with Anderson Cooper. And then comes Wolf Blitzer and Larry King. At 10:00 Eastern, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes the stage, followed by "NEWSNIGHT WITH AARON BROWN." And then Larry King wraps up the night live at midnight.
On the campaign trail today, President Bush wakes up this morning in Michigan. Then he'll head to Nashville, Tennessee and on to Iowa. The president will end his day at a softball game and picnic in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And while in Nashville today, the president will be going after the veteran vote. He'll speak at the American Legion conference that's going on there.
As for Senator John Kerry, he's still relaxing at his home in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Yesterday, Kerry was out wind surfing again. And tomorrow he is expected to break with the tradition of not campaigning during the opposing candidate's nominating convention. Kerry will address that same American Legion convention where President Bush will speak today.
Private Lynndie England returns to a military courtroom a little more than four hours from now. Her attorneys want to question some former detainees from Abu Ghraib Prison, as well as the general who was in charge of the guards.
Our Susan Candiotti brings us up to date on Monday's court action.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For a pregnant PFC Lynndie England, this is probably the last round of court hearings before her baby is due in October, and for her, the best thing yet -- a defense witness saying it was military intelligence, not the guards, who orchestrated this abuse at Abu Ghraib Prison. Former Sergeant Kenneth Davis said he was in the cell block the night three suspected rapists were brought there for questioning.
He testified it was two M.I. operatives, the men on the right, who began handcuffing the naked prisoners and who directed the abuse. Both of them deny that.
By phone, Davis testified he went to his platoon lieutenant the next day.
SGT. KENNETH DAVIS, FORMER ABU GHRAIB GUARD: And we started to talk. And I said, "Military intelligence is doing some pretty weird things to naked detainees over at the hard site."
He said, "What?"
I said, "They're interrogating naked detainees and it's pretty weird."
And he said, "That's military intelligence, they're in charge, stay out of their way."
CANDIOTTI: Yet the Fay Report, released last week at the Pentagon, contradicts the thrust of Davis' testimony. It said, "This incident was most likely orchestrated by M.P. personnel."
(on camera): Nevertheless, the report says military intelligence was clearly involved. That part of the investigation is continuing. And one prosecutor has indicated more charges in the Abu Ghraib scandal can be expected soon.
Susan Candiotti, CNN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: And here are the stories making news across America this morning.
A former aide to New Jersey Governor James McGreevey says he will not sue the governor for sexual harassment. Golan Cipel says, quoting here, "It's clear to all that McGreevey resigned because he sexually harassed me." McGreevey has denied the allegation.
William Kennedy Smith has quit his job in order to deal with sexual assault allegations. A former personal assistant filed a complaint stating that Smith sexually assaulted her more than four years ago. The Kennedy nephew was chairman and president of the Center for International Rehabilitation.
More potential jurors are expected to be questioned today as part of the Kobe Bryant trial. Individual interviews were conducted for 10 hours on day one of the selection process. Among other things, the potential jurors have been asked about their opinions on interracial relationships. Opening statements are expected to begin on September 7.
We'll take you back to the Republican national convention later this hour and we'll show you the funnier side of those party people. That's six minutes away.
Plus, we'll take you live to Paris, as a controversial ban on Muslim head scarves faces a deadline. That's about 12 minutes from now.
And you definitely don't want to miss this. Live to Florida to talk to none other than swimming sensation, gold medalist Michael Phelps, and two other top stars from the U.S. Olympic swim team. That's 45 minutes away.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: U.S. markets will open down this morning after a day of extremely light trading.
The Dow closed down 72 points.
The Nasdaq fell 25 1/2 points.
And the S&P 500 was down, oh, just about 8 1/2 points.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei closes down almost 103 points.
Britain's FTSE is trading down 16 points.
And France's CAC is down nearly 17 points.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:13 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Get ready for a second big night at the Republican national convention in New York. First Lady Laura Bush and movie star turned governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are the featured speakers.
Allegations of an alternative lifestyle have led Virginia Congressman Ed Shrock to rethink his future. The conservative Republican is dropping his bid for a third term after a Web site alleges he called a gay phone sex line.
In money news, it's getting cheaper to fill the tank these days. A government survey says gas prices have dropped to their lowest level in four months. But the average cost is still $0.10 higher than it was a year ago.
In culture, the final album from the legendary Ray Charles hits stores today. "Genius Loves Company" includes collaborations with other giants like Elton John, Willie Nelson and B.B. King.
In sports, NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace announced plans to put it in park for good. The 48-year-old former champ says he'll drive one more year before setting his sights on becoming a full-time race team owner -- Chad.
MYERS: He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. COSTELLO: Oh.
MYERS: Yes. I actually just sat on the pit wall with him in Richmond, Virginia after he won back in 1989 and he must have signed -- and I'm not kidding, Carol -- he must have signed 3,000 autographs before he finally went home. It was amazing.
COSTELLO: That is so nice to hear. How refreshing.
MYERS: Yes.
Good morning, everybody.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
Inside Madison Square Garden, delegates to the Republican national convention hear political speeches that salute President Bush as a wartime leader. But there is a lighter side to all of this.
We armed our Jeanne Moos with a camera and sent her outside to get a sense of convention humor.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Minicam in hand, here's looking through the lighter side of the lens. It's definitely the Republicans' show. But the protesters tried to steal it with antics like dressing up as elephants.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are withdrawing our image from the Republican Party.
MOOS: And sending aerial messages formed by humans lying end to end in Central Park.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Using their bodies to express liberty.
MOOS: This tearful Statue of Liberty was created by a group called Code Pink. So who is this guy wearing?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, look at the tag, dude. I don't know. What does it say?
MOOS: Compare that with the Texas delegation outfitted from head to booted toe with Bush 2004 stitched into the leather. Their outfits made them targets for protesters.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They said a few of those one syllable words that I don't like to repeat.
MOOS: Inside Madison Square Garden the delegates chanted.
UNIDENTIFIED DELEGATES: Four more years! Four more years!
MOOS: And it felt like it took four years to navigate all the security to get in.
(on camera): Christmas flowers!
(voice-over): Vehicles had to enter the frozen zone through corrals so they'd be penned in while being checked. Sally ports, they call these things.
(on camera): Why is it called a sally port? Who was Sally?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have no idea. I can't confirm or deny any of that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Isn't there a French word to move or to go sally.
MOOS (voice-over): As in to sally forth. The dictionary defines sally port as a gate in a fortified place for use by troops. And check out what the fire department is using -- the littlest fire engine on its maiden trip, equipped with high pressure hose and cup holders.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It does not come with a ladder, no. It's -- they can...
MOOS (on camera): Not even a stepstool?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nope.
MOOS (voice-over): But all the precautions haven't put a damper on the delegates.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We went over and asked for leis from Hawaii. We thought we needed to get laid at the convention.
MOOS: She almost sounds like a Democrat.
Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, live to France, where officials are trying to win the release of two hostages in Iraq. Their kidnappers are demanding the repeal of a controversial French law banning head scarves in schools.
And our DAYBREAK e-mail question of the morning -- are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party? Let us know what you think. E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com.
And you are watching DAYBREAK for Tuesday, August 31.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And it is that time of the morning. We'd like to check out cnn.com to see what you're clicking onto this morning.
So, the number one clicked on story on our Web site this morning...
MYERS: A sad story but yet, you know, could it be happy at some point in time, too?
COSTELLO: I don't know. A man out in California was diagnosed with HIV eight years ago. His doctor calls him the other day and says you know what? We made a mistake, you don't have HIV, you're perfectly healthy.
MYERS: They found this out by going back through the files and realizing that the tests were mixed up. I don't get it.
COSTELLO: I don't know. But somebody's going to get sued, you know that, because he's been living his life as a person infected with HIV...
MYERS: Thinking he's going to die any day.
COSTELLO: Quit his job, went through therapy, took drugs, the whole bit. And now he's perfectly fine.
The second most clicked on story on our Web site has to do with Tokyo and earthquakes.
MYERS: Yes, you know, obviously these guys get earthquakes all the time out there. But major earthquakes took place in 1703, 1782, 1812, 1923, 1855. You kind of put the numbers together and they're thinking that they're overdue.
COSTELLO: Well, the point of this story is that Tokyo is not prepared for a major earthquake. Ninety percent of the buildings aren't earthquake sound, I suppose.
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: And that's why they did this test, to say, hey, maybe we should like examine this. Because back in 1923, an earthquake killed 140,000 people in Japan.
MYERS: Yes. Huge numbers.
COSTELLO: Number, the third most clicked on story on our Web site has to do with France and these two hostages, these two French journalists that were taken hostage by an insurgent group in Iraq. And apparently this insurgent group wants France to repeal a law that went into -- that is going to go into effect that prohibits head scarves for Muslims in public schools there.
MYERS: Right. But also prohibits skullcaps, prohibits crosses, prohibits anything when it comes to any religious symbol in schools. So.
COSTELLO: Yes. Well, the French government is doing all it can to gain the release of these two French hostages.
We want to go live to Paris now and check in with Jim Bittermann to see exactly what they're doing -- good morning, Jim.
JIM BITTERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
In fact, they've been doing quite a lot. There's a crisis meeting that's going to start just a few minutes from now at the prime minister's office here in France, the top ministers, the minister of defense, the minister of interior and others gathering here to see what they can do.
The foreign minister was dispatched immediately after this demand was made over the weekend, was dispatched toward the Middle East. He's in Jordan right now talking with his Jordanian counterpart about what the Jordanians may be able to do to help.
Jacques Chirac has been talking this. The president of France is off in Moscow talking with President Putin. And he has renewed his call just a few minutes ago for the release of these two hostages, Christian Chesnot and George Mabrunot, two journalists working in Iraq who were taken hostage by something called the Islam Army in Iraq. They threatened to execute them as of yesterday, as of last night, and then the two men showed up on Al Jazeera, the Arabic news channel, and the deadline was extended until today.
There's also been an enormous amount of activity in the streets here. There's been several thousand people gathered yesterday for a demonstration. There's supposed to be another big demonstration today at the central mosque of Paris, all in support of these two journalists. And even those who are opposed to this law which will ban head scarves when it takes effect on Thursday, even those opposed have been saying that they do not support at all this hostage taking and they don't want the law being used as a pretext for blackmail -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Thank you.
Jim Bittermann reporting live for us by phone from Paris this morning.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
What's on the hearts and minds of the people who live in Ohio? Our Richard Quest takes a closer look at some of the issues Ohio residents want both presidential candidates to talk more about. And Richard will look at why Ohio matters.
And we're taking your thoughts this morning about the Republicans and their convention. Today's e-mail question -- are the prime time convention speakers representative of the Republican Party and its platform? Let us know what you think. E-mail us at daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Republicans in the Garden -- a wrap of day one and a preview of today straight ahead.
It is Tuesday, August 31.
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, this is day two of the Republican national convention. They're praising President Bush as a strong leader, particularly in the war on terrorism. First Lady Laura Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be tonight's big speakers.
Former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic has begun his over statement at his war crimes trial in the Hague. He's accused of masterminding ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and is the first former head of state to stand trial before the World Court.
In Scott Peterson's trial back here in the States, defense attorneys are trying to raise doubts about the prosecution's time line. The defense says Laci Peterson may have used her home computer after the time police say her husband killed her.
A short time ago, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gave his party a timetable for legislation that would lead to the withdrawal of troops and settlers from Gaza. He says the legislation will go before his cabinet two weeks from today.
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