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American Morning
Interview with Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani; Bombings in Israel
Aired August 31, 2004 - 08:00 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: And good morning. And welcome back, everyone, now day two. We are high above the skybox here in Madison Square Garden. In a few moments, we'll talk with the former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He'll be my guest here in studio.
In the meantime, though, quiet now, but a story now about 12 hours ago. As is the case with all conventions, delegates saw their emotions pulled in opposite directions between the cheering and the dancing, and then serious moments as speakers remember the attacks of 9/11, and remember the war on terror. The former mayor will be with us to talk about that it in a moment. He spoke extensively about it last night. Also we'll ask him if the attacks three years ago are being now used as political tool.
All that coming up this hour. Also Heidi Collins with us this morning, outside of our studios in "TIME-Life."
Good morning, Heidi.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you once again, Bill. A lot of news going on this morning over here, as well. We're going to get to the jury selection. It does continue in the Kobe Bryant case. Lawyers are asking prospective jurors lots of questions now. We're going to talk to CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin about some of those questions being asked.
Also, this just coming in to us here at CNN: Apparently there has been an explosion on a bus in Israel. The name of that town -- we are hearing now, pardon me, two buses, explosion on two different buses in Israel. The name of the town there, Beer Sheva. We're going to get a little bit more information just as soon as we can on all of that. Stand by.
But we are going to go right now over to Jack Cafferty once again at the CNN Diner.
Jack, hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Heidi. Thanks.
Coming up on "The Cafferty File," a porn star climbing toward the top of "The New York Times" best-seller list. Who'd have thunk it? And we'll tell you about a new game, where President Bush and John Kerry can literally knock the stuffing out of each other. That's coming up in the file. Plus, the long-awaited tour of the diner. If you've never seen a diner before, you won't want to miss this. You get an inside look at a diner later -- Heidi.
All right, jack. Thank you for that.
Once again I want to remind everybody a story we're working on. This just coming in to CNN, apparently an explosion on two buses in Israel. We are awaiting to get more information out of there, of course bring it to you just as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, more hostages have apparently been killed in Iraq. An Islamic Web site has posted images and video of what it said was the killing of 12 Nepalis. The group was taken hostage August 20th while employed by a Jordanian firm. CNN is working to confirm the authenticity of those images.
In the Netherlands, former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has finally opened his defense case. These pictures just in to CNN now. Milosevic's war crimes trial was postponed five times over concerns about his health. The U.N. tribunal my decide after his opening statement whether to appoint him a defense attorney, against his will.
Within the hour, a preliminary hearing resumes for Reservist Lynndie England. A judge will considers a defense request to call more witnesses, including some detainees from Abu Ghraib Prison. A witness testified yesterday that England helped lead the mistreat at the prison near Baghdad.
U.S. ambassador Howard Baker is recovering this morning after successful open-heart surgery. The 78-year-old former Texas senator underwent a double-bypass procedure in Knoxville yesterday. He's expected to resume his post as ambassador to Japan by October. Good news there for him.
Bill, back to you.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
Day two for the convention, and the battle's already been joined. So far, Republicans giving as good as they got from Democrats about a month ago in Boston.
Bob Franken is with me again live here in New York.
Good morning, Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
And they're getting, too, to no one's surprise. This is not turning into exactly a love feast.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN (voice-over): Republicans' first night turned into a reminder how bitterly divided the nation is, with help from their political enemies, like filmmaker Michael Moore, taunting inside the hall from the press section, and drawing a taunt right back from the night's headliner, who insisted the president made a right choice to fight the war on Iraq that Moore has so brutally criticized.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: Not our political opponents, not -- and certainly not -- and certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker who would have us believe...
(APPLAUSE)
GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming.
FRANKEN: Michael Moore wasn't the only distraction. From outside, Democrats pounced after President Bush said in a "Today" show interview about the war or terror, I don't think you can win it. That caused a White House clarification -- the president was talking about wining in the conventional sense, a different kind of war. But there was a much more direct statement at the convention, from the night's other featured speaker.
RUDOLPH GIULIANI (R), FMR. NEW YORK CITY MAYOR: We'll see and end to global terrorism? I can see it. I believe it. I know it will happen.
FRANKEN: Happening tonight is an appearance by another Republican leading man, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who provided a preview of coming attractions by checking out the hall. He'll share top billing with first lady Laura Bush.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN: And do not expect -- do not expect that this is going to follow the script, because people on the outside of the fold are having some success, Bill, in crashing this Republican Party party.
HEMMER: All right, Bob, thanks for that, Bob Franken down on the floor. Bob, thanks for that.
He came to praise the president, but former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani also got in some pretty good jabs last night at John Kerry. He mentioned him by name 11 times in this speech. Rudy Giuliani, my guest now here in New York, high above the Garden.
Good morning to you, and thanks for your time.
GIULIANI: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Much of your appeal in your speech last night went to New Yorkers, going back three years to 9/11, your response in how the city responded. When your speech got finished, I was walking right out here in the hallway, and there was this man pushing this food cart down the aisle, and he said, quoting now, "Everyone's milking 9/11." Democrats have charged that Republicans will exploit this issue. Is there validity to that charge on that side?
GIULIANI: Well, Democrats are trying to get us not to discuss September 11th, because they spent $70 million, all of these different 527s and committees, attacking the president. They had Michael Moore as a featured star guest at their convention, who has $110 million movie out, just virtually attacking the president in every segment of it, on the way he handled September 11th.
So just think of this, I mean, the Democrats are saying, you can't discuss September 11th, but we can. So it's like going into a boxing match with both hands tied behind your back. Of course we have to discuss September 11th. It would be like Abraham Lincoln running for re-election in 1864 and not being able to discuss the Civil War?
HEMMER: That would you your response to the Democrats who leveled that charge. What would you say to that New Yorker pushing his food cart? The same thing?
GIULIANI: Some New Yorkers are right. Some New Yorker are wrong. You have to discuss September 11th. It was done in an appropriate way. The way in which September 11th was discussed last night was no different than at the Democratic Convention. They had a memorial on their first night; we had a memorial on our first night. They discussed September 11th at their convention, how about over 60 times. It may very well be possible that they will have discussed September 11th more often at their convention than we will at ours. Who knows. I don't know how often it will be discussed.
But the reality is, it's the defining event for America during the presidency of George Bush. And my view and the view of the delegates of this convention and John McCain, is that George Bush did a remarkable job as a new president bringing our country together, fighting the war on terror and remaining resolute and continuing it.
And John Kerry has a record of being pro-war, anti-war. In his words, I'm an anti-war candidate, and now being pro-war again. In a short period of time, some pretty disturbing shifts on a matter of war and peace that's very critical to protecting us against terrorist attacks here. You can't protect us here just in the United States. You can't do it. You can spend 10 times more money on homeland defense, and if you don't go look for them overseas, engage them overseas, stop them there, we're going to be in great peril for the next 10, 15 years.
HEMMER: That was another part of your theme last night. You went back in history. You pointed to the Munich Games in 1972. You mentioned the hijacking of Achille Lauro in 1985, and you said because Germany and the Italians appeased the terrorists at that point, they believed they could continue essentially with their own mission in Europe.
Let me just finish. In 1972, in 1985, Republican presidents were in the White House. How does that fact fit into the scenario you lay down?
GIULIANI: It was not a Republican or Democratic thing. The approach to terrorism that we took from about 1968, when Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, through 1999, 2000, when Bill Clinton was in the White House, included Democratic presidents, Republican presidents, Democratic presidents again. It really was us sitting back and letting Europe decide the agenda.
And I use those two examples. I could have given you 70 more examples of terrorists who slaughtered people, including American citizens, and weren't arrested or were set free. And I'm not the first one to say this; you can go read a book like Alan Dershowitz' book, "How Terrorism Succeeded," exact same point.
And President Bush had to turn that around. He had to turn that policy around, to, we're not just going to play defense, like we have for the last 34 years, under Republicans and Democrats, but we're going to have to go on offense, and he's remained resolute to that. John Kerry has changed his mind about that at least three or four times.
HEMMER: On a different note, on a personal note, how did it feel for you in Madison Square garden last night?
GIULIANI: It was wonderful. It was wonderful, to have the Republican Convention here, to see New York City so strong. I mean, I know many of these delegates. I've traveled to probably 40 of these states over the last four or five years. I know a lot of them personally. And to have them in my city, this great city, after what we went through and how much this city has come back. I know they're all going back with this great view of New York, so you know, you never stop being mayor. I appreciate what Michael Bloomberg has done in getting the convention here, and this is like about $200 million worth of publicity for us.
HEMMER: You never stopped being mayor, as you just said. You want to be president?
GIULIANI: Well, I mean, you never stop thinking like a mayor. You do stop being mayor. Michael Bloomberg is the mayor, and a great one.
HEMMER: (INAUDIBLE) president?
GIULIANI: I'm not going to think about that. I'm not even going to think about that, until after this election.
I believe we have to remain focused on 2004. We can not have any other agendas confused in this, any more than the Democrats. I mean, either the president or John Kerry, they want the focus on them, because it should be. That's the election that's going on right now.
HEMMER: I've got a million more questions, for another time.
Rudy Giuliani, thank you for your time on this morning here.
GIULIANI: Thank you.
HEMMER: Our coverage begins later tonight, 7:00 Eastern. Anderson will kick it off. Then, we'll go to Wolf, and then Larry, and then Arnold, and then Aaron again, and Larry comes back at midnight. So, complete coverage later tonight here.
From Madison Square Garden, back to Heidi, again, across town now -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Bill, thanks so much.
Want to update you on a story now we've been following this morning. This just in: CNN confirming two buses damaged by explosions in the southern city of Beer Sheva -- the Israeli city, that is. Israel Radio's reporting this to us now, as well. And ambulance services on the scene are telling us at least 15 people have been wounded. Again, at least 15 have been wounded. We will be following up on this story as the morning continues.
And meanwhile, Virginia's governor has declared a state of emergency now to deal with severe flooding in Richmond. The remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston brought 10 to 12 inches of rain to the city yesterday. In some places, the water was so high, moving so fast. people were trapped inside their homes and businesses. Rescuers cut a hole in the roof of this apartment building to get people out. It was one of 14 rescues yesterday. Other trapped people watched rapids 10 to 12 feet deep carrying their cars away.
And now, Hurricane Frances is coming. More on the way. Chad Myers is at the CNN Center following all of this for us. Chad, good morning.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: It has, and we are feeling just a little bit of that rain right here right now. Hopefully, Chad, it will not rain out the U.S. Open.
In fact, tennis star Serena Williams -- known as a risk taker on the court, and she's proven in. Check out those shoes. Did you see them?
Williams looked like she was dressed more for a night out on the town than for a night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium: knee-high black boots, a denim mini skirt, a studded black tank top, long silver earrings, and a navel ring. Times have changed from the days of the white pleated skirt and tennis visor, I guess.
By the way, Serena, though, as you can see with her victorious kisses there defeated Sandra Kleinova 6-1, 6-3. Looking good.
All right, Bill, over to you.
HEMMER: Hey, go Serena! She looked great. COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, the connection between politics and sports. When the candidates go windsurfing and running or biking, they may be doing it more than just for reasons of keeping physically fit. We'll look at the two men: John Kerry, George Bush -- 58 and age 60, respectively.
Also, we're paging the good Doctor. He's got word of a sweet new reason to eat that chocolate.
And next, has a judge come up with a brand new set of rules for the Kobe Bryant matter. Jeff Toobin stops in for that, some answers -- after the break on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Dozens are prospective jurors in the Kobe Bryant trial are being question behind closed doors. We'll talk about that, as well as the Scott Peterson trial. And senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is joining us now to talk about jury selection, as we said, and the developments in the Scott Peterson trial.
Let's start with the Scott Peterson trial. Want to go ahead and read a couple of these comments. This was a phone conversation between Laci's brother Brent Rocha. Let's go ahead and listen to this now.
Brent said, "Apparently, there's pictures of you and the girl together." "Yes," Scott replies.
And then, Brent continues, "So, we know that's true, right?" Scott then admits, "Yes, there was an encounter."
But he later maintains his innocence in Laci's disappearance. So, how big of a deal are these tapes going to be for the defense?
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SR. LEGAL ANALYST: Well, I think they actually are somewhat helpful to the defense, because the jury has heard a series of Scott Peterson's lies to Amber Frey, about Amber Frey, whether he was involved.
Here, he's basically coming clean with Laci's brother, even before Amber Frey has gone public, said, yes, I did have an affair with this woman. There was an encounter, but I had nothing to do with Laci's death. And in that respect, Peterson is always consistent. He is always denying that he had anything to do with his wife's death.
COLLINS: Well, also the defense tried to poke some holes in that police timeline in this case. How do you think that's going to sit with jurors? Are they going to start to doubt it?
TOOBIN: Well, that's an interesting argument by the defense. They show that on the morning of Christmas Eve, someone in the Peterson household was surfing the Net for umbrellas, scarves, Christmas-type gifts. It appears to be Laci, according to the government's timeline -- although the government is not totally committed to that. Laci is supposed to have been dead by that point, but I don't think that's terribly significant.
There was another interesting piece of evidence yesterday where you had evidence from search dogs that said they picked up the scent of Laci Peterson at the marina where Scott Peterson went fishing. And of course, her body is later discovered right near by there.
COLLINS: How much -- I mean, how well does that hold up...
TOOBIN: Well, I mean, you know, scent dogs are not exactly DNA evidence. It's not 100 percent persuasive, but I still think, despite all of this side show about Scott's affairs and his lying, the key evidence in this case is that Laci Peterson's body is discovered in San Francisco Bay right where he was.
And the fact that her scent is picked up there is, I think, significant evidence. It's not the big smoking gun by itself, but it is definitely helpful to the prosecution.
COLLINS: Right. And you've said it many times before.
All right. Let's turn to the Kobe Bryant rape trial. Jury selection began behind closed doors. An 11-page questionnaire -- lots of those questions about race, about sexual past; many personal questions, in other words.
Are you surprised this is happening away from the media?
TOOBIN: Well, I'm not vise surprised that that's in the jury questionnaire. That's fairly common in high-profile cases.
What's unusual here is that a lot the first round of questioning -- all of the first round of questioning is taking place behind closed doors: questions about sexual assault history; personal experience jurors might have had; their racial attitudes; their attitudes about press coverage of this case.
COLLINS: One of them in particular I have here, I have: Have you ever been afraid or had a negative experience with an African- American? We see it on the screen there.
TOOBIN: That's a perfectly legitimate question to ask, but what's disturbing to me about jury selection in this case is that a lot of the questioning is taking place behind closed doors. The news media can't be there. And you know, this is now becoming fairly common in high-profile cases.
COLLINS: Well, I mean, they're personal questions, right?
TOOBIN: They're personal questions, but you know, if -- the news media shows, I think, great restraint and responsibility in terms of reporting jurors names. These people's privacy is not at issue. What's at issue is whether the judge is conducting a fair voir dire. Is he throwing these people off because of their attitudes about race? Is he keeping them on? What are the decisions making? The press is not in a position to evaluate whether the judge is doing a fair job or not.
And there seems to be an emerging body of law that says, in high- profile cases, the First Amendment doesn't apply, that a lot takes place behind closed doors. And it's happened in the Michael Jackson case. It's happening in this case.
COLLINS: And they go on and on.
TOOBIN: They go on and on, and it's -- you know, I think it's disturbing.
COLLINS: All right, CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, thanks so much for that.
TOOBIN: Nice to see you.
COLLINS: Nice to see you to.
Bill, back over to you at the Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi. In a moment here, when did politics end up in the sports page? Good question. Look at the candidates as athletes here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: We continue to follow a story we just told you about just a moment ago. This just in to CNN now: a possibility of a third explosion in that southern city in Jerusalem -- southern Israeli city Beer Sheva. A third explosion, possibilities of one.
These are some of the first pictures now. We already know that two buses were involved. Other explosions involved there. Still trying to check out the actual details on this. Also hearing from ambulances services at the scene, reports of injuries; 15 people so far. Likely that number will change.
Once again, looking at some of these first pictures coming to us -- Beer Sheva, that southern city there. You see all of the firefighters trying to douse the flames there.
We will of course be following this story throughout. Once again, possibility of a third explosion now. We'll check back on that story in just a moment.
Meanwhile, we are going to go over to the CNN Diner, check in with Jack. He's got the "Question of the Day." Hello, once again, Jack.
CAFFERTY: How you doing? Heidi, how are you? You're looking at a picture inside the diner here. I just finished a large order of blueberry hotcakes and bacon, so I'll probably make it until lunchtime now.
The "Question of the Day" has to do with the war on terror. President Bush apparently deciding now that this is not a war the United States can win. As recently as April, when reporters would ask can the war on terror be won? His answer was of course it can. White House officials say he's emphasizing what is a long-term nature of the struggle against terrorism.
The question is: Do you think the U.S. can win the war on terror?
Carolynne in Brooksville, Florida, writes: "Terrorists have no national allegiance. They take over an area, plan their dirty deeds. When people are willing to die in order to kill Americans, Americans are going to be killed. Bush can say all he wants about his war on terror. He is tilting at windmills."
Scott in Columbia, Maryland, writes: "It's safe to say the president's response was taken out of context. The question should be whether we're making progress in reducing popular support for al Qaeda and its affiliate groups in the global Arab community. And right now, I don't think we have the answer to that question."
And Mike in Las Vegas weighs in with this: "How can you win what does not exist? How the hell can an invasion of Iraq and the wasting of many billions of dollars be considered a war on terror? There are terrorist acts. There have always been terrorist acts; there will always be terrorist acts. All Bush has done is increase the possibility of an attack in the United States."
Am@cnn.com if you have some thoughts. We'll read some more of these a little later -- Bill?
HEMMER: All right, Jack. Thanks for that. Jack, thanks for that.
We'll take you live to Jerusalem in a moment, continue to follow the latest on what's happening there. There's reports of at least two bombings in the southern part of the country. The latest on that in a moment here.
Back in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired August 31, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning. And welcome back, everyone, now day two. We are high above the skybox here in Madison Square Garden. In a few moments, we'll talk with the former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He'll be my guest here in studio.
In the meantime, though, quiet now, but a story now about 12 hours ago. As is the case with all conventions, delegates saw their emotions pulled in opposite directions between the cheering and the dancing, and then serious moments as speakers remember the attacks of 9/11, and remember the war on terror. The former mayor will be with us to talk about that it in a moment. He spoke extensively about it last night. Also we'll ask him if the attacks three years ago are being now used as political tool.
All that coming up this hour. Also Heidi Collins with us this morning, outside of our studios in "TIME-Life."
Good morning, Heidi.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you once again, Bill. A lot of news going on this morning over here, as well. We're going to get to the jury selection. It does continue in the Kobe Bryant case. Lawyers are asking prospective jurors lots of questions now. We're going to talk to CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin about some of those questions being asked.
Also, this just coming in to us here at CNN: Apparently there has been an explosion on a bus in Israel. The name of that town -- we are hearing now, pardon me, two buses, explosion on two different buses in Israel. The name of the town there, Beer Sheva. We're going to get a little bit more information just as soon as we can on all of that. Stand by.
But we are going to go right now over to Jack Cafferty once again at the CNN Diner.
Jack, hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Heidi. Thanks.
Coming up on "The Cafferty File," a porn star climbing toward the top of "The New York Times" best-seller list. Who'd have thunk it? And we'll tell you about a new game, where President Bush and John Kerry can literally knock the stuffing out of each other. That's coming up in the file. Plus, the long-awaited tour of the diner. If you've never seen a diner before, you won't want to miss this. You get an inside look at a diner later -- Heidi.
All right, jack. Thank you for that.
Once again I want to remind everybody a story we're working on. This just coming in to CNN, apparently an explosion on two buses in Israel. We are awaiting to get more information out of there, of course bring it to you just as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, more hostages have apparently been killed in Iraq. An Islamic Web site has posted images and video of what it said was the killing of 12 Nepalis. The group was taken hostage August 20th while employed by a Jordanian firm. CNN is working to confirm the authenticity of those images.
In the Netherlands, former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has finally opened his defense case. These pictures just in to CNN now. Milosevic's war crimes trial was postponed five times over concerns about his health. The U.N. tribunal my decide after his opening statement whether to appoint him a defense attorney, against his will.
Within the hour, a preliminary hearing resumes for Reservist Lynndie England. A judge will considers a defense request to call more witnesses, including some detainees from Abu Ghraib Prison. A witness testified yesterday that England helped lead the mistreat at the prison near Baghdad.
U.S. ambassador Howard Baker is recovering this morning after successful open-heart surgery. The 78-year-old former Texas senator underwent a double-bypass procedure in Knoxville yesterday. He's expected to resume his post as ambassador to Japan by October. Good news there for him.
Bill, back to you.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
Day two for the convention, and the battle's already been joined. So far, Republicans giving as good as they got from Democrats about a month ago in Boston.
Bob Franken is with me again live here in New York.
Good morning, Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
And they're getting, too, to no one's surprise. This is not turning into exactly a love feast.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN (voice-over): Republicans' first night turned into a reminder how bitterly divided the nation is, with help from their political enemies, like filmmaker Michael Moore, taunting inside the hall from the press section, and drawing a taunt right back from the night's headliner, who insisted the president made a right choice to fight the war on Iraq that Moore has so brutally criticized.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAIN: Not our political opponents, not -- and certainly not -- and certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker who would have us believe...
(APPLAUSE)
GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming.
FRANKEN: Michael Moore wasn't the only distraction. From outside, Democrats pounced after President Bush said in a "Today" show interview about the war or terror, I don't think you can win it. That caused a White House clarification -- the president was talking about wining in the conventional sense, a different kind of war. But there was a much more direct statement at the convention, from the night's other featured speaker.
RUDOLPH GIULIANI (R), FMR. NEW YORK CITY MAYOR: We'll see and end to global terrorism? I can see it. I believe it. I know it will happen.
FRANKEN: Happening tonight is an appearance by another Republican leading man, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who provided a preview of coming attractions by checking out the hall. He'll share top billing with first lady Laura Bush.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FRANKEN: And do not expect -- do not expect that this is going to follow the script, because people on the outside of the fold are having some success, Bill, in crashing this Republican Party party.
HEMMER: All right, Bob, thanks for that, Bob Franken down on the floor. Bob, thanks for that.
He came to praise the president, but former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani also got in some pretty good jabs last night at John Kerry. He mentioned him by name 11 times in this speech. Rudy Giuliani, my guest now here in New York, high above the Garden.
Good morning to you, and thanks for your time.
GIULIANI: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Much of your appeal in your speech last night went to New Yorkers, going back three years to 9/11, your response in how the city responded. When your speech got finished, I was walking right out here in the hallway, and there was this man pushing this food cart down the aisle, and he said, quoting now, "Everyone's milking 9/11." Democrats have charged that Republicans will exploit this issue. Is there validity to that charge on that side?
GIULIANI: Well, Democrats are trying to get us not to discuss September 11th, because they spent $70 million, all of these different 527s and committees, attacking the president. They had Michael Moore as a featured star guest at their convention, who has $110 million movie out, just virtually attacking the president in every segment of it, on the way he handled September 11th.
So just think of this, I mean, the Democrats are saying, you can't discuss September 11th, but we can. So it's like going into a boxing match with both hands tied behind your back. Of course we have to discuss September 11th. It would be like Abraham Lincoln running for re-election in 1864 and not being able to discuss the Civil War?
HEMMER: That would you your response to the Democrats who leveled that charge. What would you say to that New Yorker pushing his food cart? The same thing?
GIULIANI: Some New Yorkers are right. Some New Yorker are wrong. You have to discuss September 11th. It was done in an appropriate way. The way in which September 11th was discussed last night was no different than at the Democratic Convention. They had a memorial on their first night; we had a memorial on our first night. They discussed September 11th at their convention, how about over 60 times. It may very well be possible that they will have discussed September 11th more often at their convention than we will at ours. Who knows. I don't know how often it will be discussed.
But the reality is, it's the defining event for America during the presidency of George Bush. And my view and the view of the delegates of this convention and John McCain, is that George Bush did a remarkable job as a new president bringing our country together, fighting the war on terror and remaining resolute and continuing it.
And John Kerry has a record of being pro-war, anti-war. In his words, I'm an anti-war candidate, and now being pro-war again. In a short period of time, some pretty disturbing shifts on a matter of war and peace that's very critical to protecting us against terrorist attacks here. You can't protect us here just in the United States. You can't do it. You can spend 10 times more money on homeland defense, and if you don't go look for them overseas, engage them overseas, stop them there, we're going to be in great peril for the next 10, 15 years.
HEMMER: That was another part of your theme last night. You went back in history. You pointed to the Munich Games in 1972. You mentioned the hijacking of Achille Lauro in 1985, and you said because Germany and the Italians appeased the terrorists at that point, they believed they could continue essentially with their own mission in Europe.
Let me just finish. In 1972, in 1985, Republican presidents were in the White House. How does that fact fit into the scenario you lay down?
GIULIANI: It was not a Republican or Democratic thing. The approach to terrorism that we took from about 1968, when Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, through 1999, 2000, when Bill Clinton was in the White House, included Democratic presidents, Republican presidents, Democratic presidents again. It really was us sitting back and letting Europe decide the agenda.
And I use those two examples. I could have given you 70 more examples of terrorists who slaughtered people, including American citizens, and weren't arrested or were set free. And I'm not the first one to say this; you can go read a book like Alan Dershowitz' book, "How Terrorism Succeeded," exact same point.
And President Bush had to turn that around. He had to turn that policy around, to, we're not just going to play defense, like we have for the last 34 years, under Republicans and Democrats, but we're going to have to go on offense, and he's remained resolute to that. John Kerry has changed his mind about that at least three or four times.
HEMMER: On a different note, on a personal note, how did it feel for you in Madison Square garden last night?
GIULIANI: It was wonderful. It was wonderful, to have the Republican Convention here, to see New York City so strong. I mean, I know many of these delegates. I've traveled to probably 40 of these states over the last four or five years. I know a lot of them personally. And to have them in my city, this great city, after what we went through and how much this city has come back. I know they're all going back with this great view of New York, so you know, you never stop being mayor. I appreciate what Michael Bloomberg has done in getting the convention here, and this is like about $200 million worth of publicity for us.
HEMMER: You never stopped being mayor, as you just said. You want to be president?
GIULIANI: Well, I mean, you never stop thinking like a mayor. You do stop being mayor. Michael Bloomberg is the mayor, and a great one.
HEMMER: (INAUDIBLE) president?
GIULIANI: I'm not going to think about that. I'm not even going to think about that, until after this election.
I believe we have to remain focused on 2004. We can not have any other agendas confused in this, any more than the Democrats. I mean, either the president or John Kerry, they want the focus on them, because it should be. That's the election that's going on right now.
HEMMER: I've got a million more questions, for another time.
Rudy Giuliani, thank you for your time on this morning here.
GIULIANI: Thank you.
HEMMER: Our coverage begins later tonight, 7:00 Eastern. Anderson will kick it off. Then, we'll go to Wolf, and then Larry, and then Arnold, and then Aaron again, and Larry comes back at midnight. So, complete coverage later tonight here.
From Madison Square Garden, back to Heidi, again, across town now -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Bill, thanks so much.
Want to update you on a story now we've been following this morning. This just in: CNN confirming two buses damaged by explosions in the southern city of Beer Sheva -- the Israeli city, that is. Israel Radio's reporting this to us now, as well. And ambulance services on the scene are telling us at least 15 people have been wounded. Again, at least 15 have been wounded. We will be following up on this story as the morning continues.
And meanwhile, Virginia's governor has declared a state of emergency now to deal with severe flooding in Richmond. The remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston brought 10 to 12 inches of rain to the city yesterday. In some places, the water was so high, moving so fast. people were trapped inside their homes and businesses. Rescuers cut a hole in the roof of this apartment building to get people out. It was one of 14 rescues yesterday. Other trapped people watched rapids 10 to 12 feet deep carrying their cars away.
And now, Hurricane Frances is coming. More on the way. Chad Myers is at the CNN Center following all of this for us. Chad, good morning.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: It has, and we are feeling just a little bit of that rain right here right now. Hopefully, Chad, it will not rain out the U.S. Open.
In fact, tennis star Serena Williams -- known as a risk taker on the court, and she's proven in. Check out those shoes. Did you see them?
Williams looked like she was dressed more for a night out on the town than for a night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium: knee-high black boots, a denim mini skirt, a studded black tank top, long silver earrings, and a navel ring. Times have changed from the days of the white pleated skirt and tennis visor, I guess.
By the way, Serena, though, as you can see with her victorious kisses there defeated Sandra Kleinova 6-1, 6-3. Looking good.
All right, Bill, over to you.
HEMMER: Hey, go Serena! She looked great. COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, the connection between politics and sports. When the candidates go windsurfing and running or biking, they may be doing it more than just for reasons of keeping physically fit. We'll look at the two men: John Kerry, George Bush -- 58 and age 60, respectively.
Also, we're paging the good Doctor. He's got word of a sweet new reason to eat that chocolate.
And next, has a judge come up with a brand new set of rules for the Kobe Bryant matter. Jeff Toobin stops in for that, some answers -- after the break on AMERICAN MORNING.
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COLLINS: Dozens are prospective jurors in the Kobe Bryant trial are being question behind closed doors. We'll talk about that, as well as the Scott Peterson trial. And senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is joining us now to talk about jury selection, as we said, and the developments in the Scott Peterson trial.
Let's start with the Scott Peterson trial. Want to go ahead and read a couple of these comments. This was a phone conversation between Laci's brother Brent Rocha. Let's go ahead and listen to this now.
Brent said, "Apparently, there's pictures of you and the girl together." "Yes," Scott replies.
And then, Brent continues, "So, we know that's true, right?" Scott then admits, "Yes, there was an encounter."
But he later maintains his innocence in Laci's disappearance. So, how big of a deal are these tapes going to be for the defense?
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SR. LEGAL ANALYST: Well, I think they actually are somewhat helpful to the defense, because the jury has heard a series of Scott Peterson's lies to Amber Frey, about Amber Frey, whether he was involved.
Here, he's basically coming clean with Laci's brother, even before Amber Frey has gone public, said, yes, I did have an affair with this woman. There was an encounter, but I had nothing to do with Laci's death. And in that respect, Peterson is always consistent. He is always denying that he had anything to do with his wife's death.
COLLINS: Well, also the defense tried to poke some holes in that police timeline in this case. How do you think that's going to sit with jurors? Are they going to start to doubt it?
TOOBIN: Well, that's an interesting argument by the defense. They show that on the morning of Christmas Eve, someone in the Peterson household was surfing the Net for umbrellas, scarves, Christmas-type gifts. It appears to be Laci, according to the government's timeline -- although the government is not totally committed to that. Laci is supposed to have been dead by that point, but I don't think that's terribly significant.
There was another interesting piece of evidence yesterday where you had evidence from search dogs that said they picked up the scent of Laci Peterson at the marina where Scott Peterson went fishing. And of course, her body is later discovered right near by there.
COLLINS: How much -- I mean, how well does that hold up...
TOOBIN: Well, I mean, you know, scent dogs are not exactly DNA evidence. It's not 100 percent persuasive, but I still think, despite all of this side show about Scott's affairs and his lying, the key evidence in this case is that Laci Peterson's body is discovered in San Francisco Bay right where he was.
And the fact that her scent is picked up there is, I think, significant evidence. It's not the big smoking gun by itself, but it is definitely helpful to the prosecution.
COLLINS: Right. And you've said it many times before.
All right. Let's turn to the Kobe Bryant rape trial. Jury selection began behind closed doors. An 11-page questionnaire -- lots of those questions about race, about sexual past; many personal questions, in other words.
Are you surprised this is happening away from the media?
TOOBIN: Well, I'm not vise surprised that that's in the jury questionnaire. That's fairly common in high-profile cases.
What's unusual here is that a lot the first round of questioning -- all of the first round of questioning is taking place behind closed doors: questions about sexual assault history; personal experience jurors might have had; their racial attitudes; their attitudes about press coverage of this case.
COLLINS: One of them in particular I have here, I have: Have you ever been afraid or had a negative experience with an African- American? We see it on the screen there.
TOOBIN: That's a perfectly legitimate question to ask, but what's disturbing to me about jury selection in this case is that a lot of the questioning is taking place behind closed doors. The news media can't be there. And you know, this is now becoming fairly common in high-profile cases.
COLLINS: Well, I mean, they're personal questions, right?
TOOBIN: They're personal questions, but you know, if -- the news media shows, I think, great restraint and responsibility in terms of reporting jurors names. These people's privacy is not at issue. What's at issue is whether the judge is conducting a fair voir dire. Is he throwing these people off because of their attitudes about race? Is he keeping them on? What are the decisions making? The press is not in a position to evaluate whether the judge is doing a fair job or not.
And there seems to be an emerging body of law that says, in high- profile cases, the First Amendment doesn't apply, that a lot takes place behind closed doors. And it's happened in the Michael Jackson case. It's happening in this case.
COLLINS: And they go on and on.
TOOBIN: They go on and on, and it's -- you know, I think it's disturbing.
COLLINS: All right, CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, thanks so much for that.
TOOBIN: Nice to see you.
COLLINS: Nice to see you to.
Bill, back over to you at the Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi. In a moment here, when did politics end up in the sports page? Good question. Look at the candidates as athletes here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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COLLINS: We continue to follow a story we just told you about just a moment ago. This just in to CNN now: a possibility of a third explosion in that southern city in Jerusalem -- southern Israeli city Beer Sheva. A third explosion, possibilities of one.
These are some of the first pictures now. We already know that two buses were involved. Other explosions involved there. Still trying to check out the actual details on this. Also hearing from ambulances services at the scene, reports of injuries; 15 people so far. Likely that number will change.
Once again, looking at some of these first pictures coming to us -- Beer Sheva, that southern city there. You see all of the firefighters trying to douse the flames there.
We will of course be following this story throughout. Once again, possibility of a third explosion now. We'll check back on that story in just a moment.
Meanwhile, we are going to go over to the CNN Diner, check in with Jack. He's got the "Question of the Day." Hello, once again, Jack.
CAFFERTY: How you doing? Heidi, how are you? You're looking at a picture inside the diner here. I just finished a large order of blueberry hotcakes and bacon, so I'll probably make it until lunchtime now.
The "Question of the Day" has to do with the war on terror. President Bush apparently deciding now that this is not a war the United States can win. As recently as April, when reporters would ask can the war on terror be won? His answer was of course it can. White House officials say he's emphasizing what is a long-term nature of the struggle against terrorism.
The question is: Do you think the U.S. can win the war on terror?
Carolynne in Brooksville, Florida, writes: "Terrorists have no national allegiance. They take over an area, plan their dirty deeds. When people are willing to die in order to kill Americans, Americans are going to be killed. Bush can say all he wants about his war on terror. He is tilting at windmills."
Scott in Columbia, Maryland, writes: "It's safe to say the president's response was taken out of context. The question should be whether we're making progress in reducing popular support for al Qaeda and its affiliate groups in the global Arab community. And right now, I don't think we have the answer to that question."
And Mike in Las Vegas weighs in with this: "How can you win what does not exist? How the hell can an invasion of Iraq and the wasting of many billions of dollars be considered a war on terror? There are terrorist acts. There have always been terrorist acts; there will always be terrorist acts. All Bush has done is increase the possibility of an attack in the United States."
Am@cnn.com if you have some thoughts. We'll read some more of these a little later -- Bill?
HEMMER: All right, Jack. Thanks for that. Jack, thanks for that.
We'll take you live to Jerusalem in a moment, continue to follow the latest on what's happening there. There's reports of at least two bombings in the southern part of the country. The latest on that in a moment here.
Back in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
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