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American Morning
Republicans Transform Madison Square Garden To Break From The Past
Aired September 02, 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: Right now, though, here in "The Garden," the stage is being transformed, as I mentioned. The president, later tonight, 10:00 Eastern time will make his address.
The White House telling us that in the past they have seen conventions develop a formula. They wanted to break from that formula. And that's why the president will speak in the round tonight.
Last night we saw what they call in politics, red meat. Senator Zell Miller delivering a scorching attack on John Kerry.
He was followed by the vice president, Dick Cheney, who in a very different tone delivered a very similar message.
A lot to cover this hour, and we will. We'll talk to the president's younger sister in a moment, find out how he is getting ready now in approaching this convention and this election different from four years ago.
Also, Heidi Collins across town and outside, yet again. Heidi, good morning to you.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Bill.
Also this hour, the Kobe Bryant case comes to an abrupt end. The judge dismissing sexual assault charges yesterday. We'll get a report from Eagle, Colorado on that.
Also, the latest on Hurricane Frances, which has all of the potential right now to be a devastating storm. In just a few minutes, we're going to talk with Ed Rappaport of the National Hurricane Center about the very latest models of where this could be going. And that is a very tough question this morning.
Right now, though, let's go over to Jack Cafferty once again at the CNN Diner.
Hey, Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi to you, Heidi. You may want to set your VCR. The "Cafferty File" is not bad this morning. We actually have videotape of a guy who can squirt milk through his eyes, and we intend to show.
And the other story that's kind of interesting is police had to separate a drunk from his blowup doll. And this time it was not here in the CNN Diner.
Those stories are coming up in the "Cafferty File" in less than an hour.
COLLINS: All right, Jack, thanks so much.
I want to get straight to Russia now, day two of an intense standoff there at a school. And this morning, there are reports of explosions in the area. Ryan Chilcote is at the scene in Beslan. He's joining us now by phone.
Ryan, what do you know particularly about those explosions?
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sure, the people from the headquarters here are saying that, that was just some of the hostage- takers inside the school shooting from inside the school out with a grenade launcher. They say those were not large explosions. They were just explosions caused by a grenade launcher.
COLLINS: Ryan, tell us a little bit more about what you're seeing there outside of the area. We talked earlier, with a "Time" magazine reporter who tells us there are so many people that are gathered outside of the school. It is a small town that has been completely turned upside down by this?
CHILCOTE: Sure, this is a town of 30,000 people, to be exact. And I am in a crowd of several hundred people right now that are all standing around waiting for information.
The last information they got came from the regional leader here in northern Ossetia. He said that they are going to try and resume negotiations with the hostage-takers as soon as they can.
Russian authorities believe that there are 350, or more than 350 hostages inside, many of them, as you know, children between the ages of seven and 17. So, right now we're waiting for a possible resumption of the negotiations.
Dr. Leonid Roshal, who is a famous pediatrician in Russia and that has negotiated with hostage-takers before, is supposed to talk to them -- talk to them. He was supposed to go in earlier. But apparently there were some kind of problems, and the hostage-takers said that they will not reprieve him yet.
So, right now, everybody here waiting for what is to come next. A lot of people with very, very worried looks on their faces.
COLLINS: Quickly, rush -- Ryan I want to ask you about deaths and injuries. What is the latest that you are hearing right there, now that you are there?
CHILCOTE: Sure, well, the latest that I have heard is that four people have been killed and 10 wounded so far in some of the fighting. There was a firefight immediately -- this was about 31 hours ago -- when the hostage-takers seized the school. And then there were some intermittent fighting after that. But that's the latest. And I should also mention that the Russian president just met with king of Jordan. He said that this was a very dire situation, and that the most important thing is the safety of the children and the children's lives.
The king of Jordan told him, I can understand the people, the parents that are outside that school. I have three children myself, and I can imagine their situation.
So a very, very dire situation here in Southern Russia, more than 350 people's lives hanging in the balance.
COLLINS: Cannot help but be reminded of the Moscow theater, October 2002 and the absolute tragic end to that as well.
Ryan Chilcote on the scene for us now in Beslan. We'll be checking back with him throughout the morning, keeping you up-to-date on this story.
Other stories now in the news this morning, Israeli's foreign minister blaming Syria for twin suicide bus blasts. Tuesday's attacks killed 16 people, wounded almost 100 others.
The radical Islamic group Hamas has claimed responsibility, but the Israeli officials said this morning Syria also shares the blame because a number of high-ranking Hamas officials reside in that country. He hinted at possible military response against Syria.
U.S. military officials have launched an air strike in Fallujah. Officials say they are targeting safe houses used by followers of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. Sources cited by the Associated Press say 17 people were killed, including children. CNN has not yet confirmed that report.
A diet rich in soy and fish may help ward off Alzheimer's disease. That according to a new study led by a California researcher. In tests on mice, a fatty acid, in dose, has appeared to protect the brain from memory loss and cell damage caused by the disease. The study appears in the journal "Neuron."
And beachgoers are on notice after nearly 100 sharks spotted along the Alabama coast. Marine biologists believe the sharks are feeding on bait fish near state beaches. Despite the sightings, swimmers have not been warned to completely avoid the water.
Hopefully, though, they have heard this and they are going to take that under advisement. All right, Bill, back over to you.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
We'll get to Chad in a moment here, find out what's happening on Frances with the new numbers coming out at this hour, in fact.
But in the meantime, highlights now from last night here in New York: the vice president, Dick Cheney, the star of the party and the featured speaker after Zell Miller finished. Dick Cheney pointing to differences of opinion between the Bush- Cheney ticket and the opponent, John Kerry, when it comes to handling the war, the war on terror.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Even in this post-9/11 period, Senator Kerry doesn't appear to understand how the world has changed. He talks about leading a more sensitive war on terror as though al Qaeda will be impressed with our softer side.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: During that address, a protester started shouting -- quickly carried away from the convention hall. Earlier in the night, though, Democratic senator, Zell Miller, of Georgia gave the keynote address listing defense projects he says John Kerry has voted against.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. ZELL MILLER (D), GEORGIA: Against, against, against. This is -- this is the man who wants to be the commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces?
U.S. forces armed with what? Spitballs?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: The Democratic National Committee releasing a statement immediately after that. In fact, they were firing out e-mails during the course of Zell Miller's address.
At one point they said his address, Miller, sounded like "an angry, rabid elephant."
That word from the Democrats last night.
Now we go to the main event later tonight, President Bush on the floor behind me here at Madison Square Garden. What can we expect? Our senior White House correspondent, John King with us now here in New York City.
Good morning to you.
JOHN KING, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you.
HEMMER: What have you heard about the address tonight?
KING: Well, we've had a lot of what you might call "bad cop" attacks on Senator John Kerry throughout this program, unrelenting assaults on his credentials as commander in chief. We'll get a little of that from the president tonight.
He will contrast his leadership in the war on terrorism and suggest Senator Kerry is not up to the task. But you'll have much more "good cop" tonight. This president learned a lesson from his father in 1992. He thinks his father failed to outline what he would do in a second term.
So, we will get a long list from the president tonight of things he wants to do in a second term. But much like this whole convention, the defining issues will be terrorism.
HEMMER: You mentioned the word unrelenting. What are you suggesting with the tone so far here in New York?
KING: Well, the president came in here with a little momentum. The Republicans feel better than they did a month ago, no question about that. But the fundamentals are still not good for an incumbent president.
His approval rating is just around 50 percent; that's the danger zone. More than a majority, somewhere near 55 percent of the American people, think the country's heading in the wrong direction. They tend to blame incumbents when they feel that way.
And we've had a tepid economy -- more unemployment numbers out this Friday -- most think modest job growth, not great job growth. Incumbents tend to get punished for that.
This president's fundamentals are, they're not horrible, but they're not good. So, what do you do if your case is not so great? You make sure the other guy's is even worse.
HEMMER: It's that right track, wrong track approach that you watch quite closely every election cycle for the White House.
On the floor behind us, Dan Bartlett, an hour ago explained that, he says, in the past, conventions have fallen to a certain formula that they wanted to get away from this time around.
What have you heard about the address tonight and the way it's being set up now in Madison Square Garden?
KING: Well, if you look at it, the president's very comfortable in these setting. He does these ask President Bush events all the time where he's in the round like this.
Most of his speech tonight will be focused straight ahead when he delivers his comments. But they wanted to make it cozy. They wanted to make it comfortable. They believe their candidate is more approachable and more likable than John Kerry, and they want to emphasize that with this tonight.
They think this is much more comfortable. Plus, we'll probably have a presidential debate in this format, town hall format. And why not get him a little more experience?
HEMMER: Have fun tonight.
KING: It's going to be a great night.
HEMMER: Good work this week, John. Thanks for getting up with us.
KING: My pleasure.
HEMMER: John King, our senior White House correspondent.
Ringside seats starts later tonight: 7:00 Eastern Anderson kicks it off; Wolf is after that; two issues -- two editions, rather -- of "LARRY KING", one at 9:00, one at midnight; in between that, you have the president and Aaron Brown at 11:00 here Eastern time -- all times Eastern on CNN in primetime.
Now back to the storm in Florida and Heidi across town.
COLLINS: That's right. They are bracing for quite a storm. Frances is the name. Just weeks after Hurricane Charley left parts of the state in ruin, the governor has declared a state of emergency in Florida and half a million people being told to evacuate coastal areas now.
Ed Rappaport tracking Frances at the National Hurricane Center in Miami for us this morning. Ed, give us the latest. Where is Frances?
ED RAPPAPORT, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER: Frances is located near the southeastern Bahamas. Right here you see the eye pretty clearly. It's located about 470 miles off the Florida east coast, and with a general motion towards Florida.
We have a hurricane watch up for most of the Florida east coast and a portion of the Florida Keys, meaning that hurricane conditions are possible there within about 36 hours.
COLLINS: And we had actually heard a little bit about the possibility of that hurricane watch turning into a warning? Is that true?
RAPPAPORT: That's right. As the hurricane draws closer to the coast, the time to prepare diminishes. We like to give at least 24 hours time for preparation. So, what that means is we'll likely issue a hurricane warning for a portion of the East Coast at 11:00 a.m. this morning.
COLLINS: All right, does that give enough people enough time to get out? I mean, they've already started these evacuations. But it's a huge amount of people trying to get out of that area?
RAPPAPORT: You'd think so. And hurricanes -- people in Florida have become very hurricane savvy over the years, and they have actually been doing some preparations now for the last several days. That's good news because anywhere in this area along the Florida east coast could experience hurricane-force winds.
This is a much bigger storm than Charley was, maybe two to three times the size. Hurricane force winds extend outward 75 miles on either side of the hurricane. So, it'll be a large area of damage when this comes ashore. COLLINS: Speaking of coming ashore, I know it's very difficult to track these things, but you're the expert. Where do you expect landfall to be?
RAPPAPORT: Well, at the moment, we have a hurricane watch, as I said, up for the Florida east coast. That's the area that's in pink on the right, here. And we expect that the hurricane will come ashore in that area, perhaps taking a turn, just as it does, up the coast.
And it's very critical where that turn would occur because of the orientation of the coast. So, we can't pinpoint to the nearest county or two or three where the greatest impact is going to be. Everyone in the watch area needs to be prepared for hurricane conditions.
COLLINS: But how unbelievable is this, Ed? I mean, I'm understanding that this never actually happened before, that two category four storms have happened in the same year. Is that true, too?
RAPPAPORT: Yes, it's very interesting that's the case. But focusing on Frances, what we want to remind people is that a category four hurricane for any given location is about a once in a generation, once in a lifetime experience; so you have to prepare as if this is the strongest storm you're ever going to see on the Florida east coast.
COLLINS: Well, I'm sure that people are listening very carefully to you and all of their local officials telling them exactly what to do. We're hoping everyone stays safe there.
Ed Rappaport at National Hurricane Center, thanks so much for the update on that.
Meanwhile, after teetering on the brink for weeks, the criminal case against Kobe Bryant is now history. Prosecutors say they were forced to drop the sexual assault charge. Chris Lawrence has the very latest now from Eagle, Colorado.
Chris, wow!
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Heidi. Wow is the right word. You know, potential jurors were expected to start showing up here in just a few hours for the last few days of jury selection. Instead, just like that the criminal case is finished in what prosecutors are calling interrupted justice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE (voice-over): The criminal case against Kobe Bryant collapsed less than a week before opening arguments, when his accuser told prosecutors she would no longer cooperate.
MARK HURLBERT, EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: For this reason, and this reason only, I am dismissing this case.
LAWRENCE: The woman's attorney said she is disturbed by courthouse mistakes, including the repeated release of her name and medical history.
HURLBERT: Today justice is sadly interrupted, and the casualty in this interruption has been a brave, young woman who is grievously hurt.
LAWRENCE: The decision came down after Bryant had already flown out. But in a written statement, he apologized to the young woman and her family and said, "I now understand how she sincerely feels that she did not consent to this encounter."
The woman has also filed a civil suit against the basketball star seeking damages.
But back in Los Angeles, Bryant's teammates were supportive.
UNIDENTIFIED L.A. LAKERS PLAYER: I just, you know, for something like this, you know, to finally be over with, I'm happy for him and his family.
LAWRENCE: Bryant is married and the father of a little girl -- his accuser, a college student and single. Their two worlds might never have collided if not for a knee injury.
Bryant developed tendinitis last year and came to Colorado for surgery, putting him at this lodge on a night his accuser was working there. Both agreed they had sex. She said it was rape. Bryant insisted it was consensual.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE: So, after 14 months and some 700 motions, the entire process ended in just 15 minutes.
Now, prosecutors cannot re-file these criminal charges down the road, but the civil suit has not yet been settled -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Fifteen minutes, after all of that. All right. Chris Lawrence, live from Eagle, Colorado this morning.
Thanks, Chris.
Bill, back to Madison Square Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks.
In a moment here, much more on Zell Miller's speech from last night, the senator blasting his fellow Democrats -- now folks in Georgia have a new idea. We'll fill you in on what they're talking about.
And the Republican gender gap, how do you bring more women into the tent this year? We'll talk to someone working that issue. How about the president's younger sister?
And some experts think we'll see the softer side of the president tonight. One paper says it's, "making over Mr. Macho." We'll explain, or try, anyway, ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "AMERICA VOTES 1988")
ANNOUNCER: On the last night of the 1988 Republican convention in New Orleans, George Bush accepted the nomination with words that put haunting throughout this presidency.
GEORGE H. W. BUSH, 41ST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Read my lips, no new taxes.
ANNOUNCER: It was a promise he couldn't keep.
(END VIDEO CLIP, "AMERICA VOTES 1988")
HEMMER: That was in 1988, President Bush number 41; the focus later tonight, President Bush 43.
And the convention's closing night will be something of a first family affair. Several generations of Bushes will be on hand to see the president address the party faithful and the country.
Doro Bush Koch is the president's younger sister, also a delegate from the state of Maryland. She is my guest now here at Madison Square Garden.
Good morning.
DORO BUSH KOCH, PRESIDENT BUSH'S SISTER: Good morning.
HEMMER: Good to see you again.
BUSH KOCH: Thanks.
HEMMER: It's been four years since we have spoken, the last time in Philadelphia.
BUSH KOCH: Yes, that's right.
HEMMER: When you reflect back on the year 2000 now in 2004, how is your brother approaching this race differently than he did four years ago?
BUSH KOCH: Well, it's a different time, really. You know, he's a president in very difficult times, and so the issues are different; the focus is different,
But he, himself, is the same person. That's one of the things I love about this president. He's the same person that he was yesterday and that we see as a family. He's the same person that you all know.
HEMMER: Do you see, perhaps, a greater intensity in him at all? Do you see the importance of the issues out there and how close this race appears to be in the polling? BUSH KOCH: Well, I think so. I mean, I think he knows this is going to be a close race, and so that's why one of my jobs here at the convention is to make sure that every single person is inclined to vote for the president, who wants to work for the president does absolutely everything they can because as we learned in 2000, which was also a close race, that everything you do makes an enormous difference.
HEMMER: A lot of people are wondering on the Democratic side, where the brother is, Jeb Bush, the governor of Florida.
BUSH KOCH: Well...
HEMMER: What will be his role in his election, knowing we're two months away starting today?
BUSH KOCH: Well, if the Democrats are watching the news, they'll know where my brother is. He's down there. He's being a very reassuring voice to the people of Florida during an incredible hurricane that's come and about to come. And so, that's why he's not here, but his son is here representing him and helping him be with the Florida delegation and travel around the convention.
HEMMER: I know as the delegate from Maryland one of your primary focuses is getting out the female vote. On the screen, we can show our viewers here.
The polling still suggests that Senator Kerry has a slight edge, but lately it appears that gap is slowly getting closer and closer with your brother. What can you do and what can your brother do now, two months away, to make those numbers better?
BUSH KOCH: Well, one of the things that I'm involved with in this campaign is the "W" stands for women coalition. And it's a grass roots effort to mobilize women voters. And we talk about issues that women care about like the safety of our children, and education, affordable health care for our parents.
And it's a grassroots effort that -- and we write letters to the editor, and we knock on doors, and we do absolutely everything we can to get women to join us because this president is a natural leader for women.
HEMMER: What do you expect from him tonight?
BUSH KOCH: I think he'll talk about his vision. I think we've had a night crescendo up until tonight of learning every aspect about this president. I thought Laura was great giving the personal side.
And tonight, he'll tell us -- I hope he talks about his many, many accomplishments. And then I hope he -- and I know he'll talk about what he's going to do in these next four years.
HEMMER: Doro Bush Koch, thank you for your time this morning.
BUSH KOCH: Thanks for having me. HEMMER: Appreciate talking to you.
Much more in a moment here, back to Heidi now with more -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Thanks, Bill.
About 500 Democrats from Senator Zell Miller's home state of Georgia are filing divorce papers. They want to separate from Miller, who gave the keynote address last night at the Republican National Convention.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The court calls the case of the Democratic citizens of Georgia versus Zell Miller, a.k.a. "zig zag Zell."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Miller says Democratic nominee John Kerry has waffled more than any other national figure on defense issues.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNKNOWN FEMALE: The order of this court, that a total divorce be granted between the Democratic citizens of the state of Georgia and Senator Zell Miller.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: During his speech, delegates on the convention floor carried flip flops with them and shouted flip-flop when Miller mentioned John Kerry's name.
Still to come this morning, strokes are one of the biggest killers in the United States, but doctors may now have a powerful weapon when it comes to preventing them.
We're paging Dr. Gupta on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Busy day yet again. Back to the diner and Jack on one story that rattled newsrooms across the country late yesterday afternoon.
How are you, Jack. Good morning, again.
CAFFERTY: I'm good, William, thanks. Yes, that Kobe Bryant thing -- suddenly out of nowhere they drop all the criminal charges against him yesterday. And if you look at it, it's probably a win-win for both sides.
He gets to keep his career as a basketball player. He doesn't have to go to prison, where he'd wind up as the point guard on some Sing Sing all-star team. And she probably will stand to make millions of dollars in the civil lawsuit that she's filed against him. The only loser, perhaps, in all of this is lady justice. I'm not sure there was any justice done anywhere.
Anyway, we're asking this morning, what's your reaction to the dropping of the criminal charges?
Shaun in Roanoke, Virginia writes, "Both of these sorry souls will end up getting what they want. Kobe gets off on another indiscretion; and the accuser will end up getting paid. I'm sure if Mrs. Bryant gave the accuser that multimillion dollar ring she got from Kobe, all would be forgiven."
Donna in Slidell, Louisiana, "I never believed Kobe committed rape, however, he should never have put himself in this position. He's a married man. And I'm sure that his accuser knew that."
Weldon in New Brunswick, Canada, I think, gets it, "My understanding of the judicial system is that you cannot be proven guilty of any crime if your salary is above that of the middle class."
And Ken in Prescott, Arizona, "Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. Now all we have to put up with instead of news is the Laci Peterson case, Jack, the two clowns running for president and Jack."
Hey, Kim, what can I tell you, you know? I got kids in college. I need the money.
Back to you, Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Jack. You're always getting hammered, at least at one point during the show.
Thanks so much, we'll check back a little bit later on.
Still to come, Florida is bracing for yet another hurricane. We'll tell you who's in the path of Frances.
Plus, Senator Zell Miller launched a furious attack on John Kerry last night, but did he turn off more voters than he swayed?
Jeff Greenfield has his opinion on that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired September 2, 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: Right now, though, here in "The Garden," the stage is being transformed, as I mentioned. The president, later tonight, 10:00 Eastern time will make his address.
The White House telling us that in the past they have seen conventions develop a formula. They wanted to break from that formula. And that's why the president will speak in the round tonight.
Last night we saw what they call in politics, red meat. Senator Zell Miller delivering a scorching attack on John Kerry.
He was followed by the vice president, Dick Cheney, who in a very different tone delivered a very similar message.
A lot to cover this hour, and we will. We'll talk to the president's younger sister in a moment, find out how he is getting ready now in approaching this convention and this election different from four years ago.
Also, Heidi Collins across town and outside, yet again. Heidi, good morning to you.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Bill.
Also this hour, the Kobe Bryant case comes to an abrupt end. The judge dismissing sexual assault charges yesterday. We'll get a report from Eagle, Colorado on that.
Also, the latest on Hurricane Frances, which has all of the potential right now to be a devastating storm. In just a few minutes, we're going to talk with Ed Rappaport of the National Hurricane Center about the very latest models of where this could be going. And that is a very tough question this morning.
Right now, though, let's go over to Jack Cafferty once again at the CNN Diner.
Hey, Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi to you, Heidi. You may want to set your VCR. The "Cafferty File" is not bad this morning. We actually have videotape of a guy who can squirt milk through his eyes, and we intend to show.
And the other story that's kind of interesting is police had to separate a drunk from his blowup doll. And this time it was not here in the CNN Diner.
Those stories are coming up in the "Cafferty File" in less than an hour.
COLLINS: All right, Jack, thanks so much.
I want to get straight to Russia now, day two of an intense standoff there at a school. And this morning, there are reports of explosions in the area. Ryan Chilcote is at the scene in Beslan. He's joining us now by phone.
Ryan, what do you know particularly about those explosions?
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sure, the people from the headquarters here are saying that, that was just some of the hostage- takers inside the school shooting from inside the school out with a grenade launcher. They say those were not large explosions. They were just explosions caused by a grenade launcher.
COLLINS: Ryan, tell us a little bit more about what you're seeing there outside of the area. We talked earlier, with a "Time" magazine reporter who tells us there are so many people that are gathered outside of the school. It is a small town that has been completely turned upside down by this?
CHILCOTE: Sure, this is a town of 30,000 people, to be exact. And I am in a crowd of several hundred people right now that are all standing around waiting for information.
The last information they got came from the regional leader here in northern Ossetia. He said that they are going to try and resume negotiations with the hostage-takers as soon as they can.
Russian authorities believe that there are 350, or more than 350 hostages inside, many of them, as you know, children between the ages of seven and 17. So, right now we're waiting for a possible resumption of the negotiations.
Dr. Leonid Roshal, who is a famous pediatrician in Russia and that has negotiated with hostage-takers before, is supposed to talk to them -- talk to them. He was supposed to go in earlier. But apparently there were some kind of problems, and the hostage-takers said that they will not reprieve him yet.
So, right now, everybody here waiting for what is to come next. A lot of people with very, very worried looks on their faces.
COLLINS: Quickly, rush -- Ryan I want to ask you about deaths and injuries. What is the latest that you are hearing right there, now that you are there?
CHILCOTE: Sure, well, the latest that I have heard is that four people have been killed and 10 wounded so far in some of the fighting. There was a firefight immediately -- this was about 31 hours ago -- when the hostage-takers seized the school. And then there were some intermittent fighting after that. But that's the latest. And I should also mention that the Russian president just met with king of Jordan. He said that this was a very dire situation, and that the most important thing is the safety of the children and the children's lives.
The king of Jordan told him, I can understand the people, the parents that are outside that school. I have three children myself, and I can imagine their situation.
So a very, very dire situation here in Southern Russia, more than 350 people's lives hanging in the balance.
COLLINS: Cannot help but be reminded of the Moscow theater, October 2002 and the absolute tragic end to that as well.
Ryan Chilcote on the scene for us now in Beslan. We'll be checking back with him throughout the morning, keeping you up-to-date on this story.
Other stories now in the news this morning, Israeli's foreign minister blaming Syria for twin suicide bus blasts. Tuesday's attacks killed 16 people, wounded almost 100 others.
The radical Islamic group Hamas has claimed responsibility, but the Israeli officials said this morning Syria also shares the blame because a number of high-ranking Hamas officials reside in that country. He hinted at possible military response against Syria.
U.S. military officials have launched an air strike in Fallujah. Officials say they are targeting safe houses used by followers of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. Sources cited by the Associated Press say 17 people were killed, including children. CNN has not yet confirmed that report.
A diet rich in soy and fish may help ward off Alzheimer's disease. That according to a new study led by a California researcher. In tests on mice, a fatty acid, in dose, has appeared to protect the brain from memory loss and cell damage caused by the disease. The study appears in the journal "Neuron."
And beachgoers are on notice after nearly 100 sharks spotted along the Alabama coast. Marine biologists believe the sharks are feeding on bait fish near state beaches. Despite the sightings, swimmers have not been warned to completely avoid the water.
Hopefully, though, they have heard this and they are going to take that under advisement. All right, Bill, back over to you.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
We'll get to Chad in a moment here, find out what's happening on Frances with the new numbers coming out at this hour, in fact.
But in the meantime, highlights now from last night here in New York: the vice president, Dick Cheney, the star of the party and the featured speaker after Zell Miller finished. Dick Cheney pointing to differences of opinion between the Bush- Cheney ticket and the opponent, John Kerry, when it comes to handling the war, the war on terror.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Even in this post-9/11 period, Senator Kerry doesn't appear to understand how the world has changed. He talks about leading a more sensitive war on terror as though al Qaeda will be impressed with our softer side.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: During that address, a protester started shouting -- quickly carried away from the convention hall. Earlier in the night, though, Democratic senator, Zell Miller, of Georgia gave the keynote address listing defense projects he says John Kerry has voted against.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. ZELL MILLER (D), GEORGIA: Against, against, against. This is -- this is the man who wants to be the commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces?
U.S. forces armed with what? Spitballs?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: The Democratic National Committee releasing a statement immediately after that. In fact, they were firing out e-mails during the course of Zell Miller's address.
At one point they said his address, Miller, sounded like "an angry, rabid elephant."
That word from the Democrats last night.
Now we go to the main event later tonight, President Bush on the floor behind me here at Madison Square Garden. What can we expect? Our senior White House correspondent, John King with us now here in New York City.
Good morning to you.
JOHN KING, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you.
HEMMER: What have you heard about the address tonight?
KING: Well, we've had a lot of what you might call "bad cop" attacks on Senator John Kerry throughout this program, unrelenting assaults on his credentials as commander in chief. We'll get a little of that from the president tonight.
He will contrast his leadership in the war on terrorism and suggest Senator Kerry is not up to the task. But you'll have much more "good cop" tonight. This president learned a lesson from his father in 1992. He thinks his father failed to outline what he would do in a second term.
So, we will get a long list from the president tonight of things he wants to do in a second term. But much like this whole convention, the defining issues will be terrorism.
HEMMER: You mentioned the word unrelenting. What are you suggesting with the tone so far here in New York?
KING: Well, the president came in here with a little momentum. The Republicans feel better than they did a month ago, no question about that. But the fundamentals are still not good for an incumbent president.
His approval rating is just around 50 percent; that's the danger zone. More than a majority, somewhere near 55 percent of the American people, think the country's heading in the wrong direction. They tend to blame incumbents when they feel that way.
And we've had a tepid economy -- more unemployment numbers out this Friday -- most think modest job growth, not great job growth. Incumbents tend to get punished for that.
This president's fundamentals are, they're not horrible, but they're not good. So, what do you do if your case is not so great? You make sure the other guy's is even worse.
HEMMER: It's that right track, wrong track approach that you watch quite closely every election cycle for the White House.
On the floor behind us, Dan Bartlett, an hour ago explained that, he says, in the past, conventions have fallen to a certain formula that they wanted to get away from this time around.
What have you heard about the address tonight and the way it's being set up now in Madison Square Garden?
KING: Well, if you look at it, the president's very comfortable in these setting. He does these ask President Bush events all the time where he's in the round like this.
Most of his speech tonight will be focused straight ahead when he delivers his comments. But they wanted to make it cozy. They wanted to make it comfortable. They believe their candidate is more approachable and more likable than John Kerry, and they want to emphasize that with this tonight.
They think this is much more comfortable. Plus, we'll probably have a presidential debate in this format, town hall format. And why not get him a little more experience?
HEMMER: Have fun tonight.
KING: It's going to be a great night.
HEMMER: Good work this week, John. Thanks for getting up with us.
KING: My pleasure.
HEMMER: John King, our senior White House correspondent.
Ringside seats starts later tonight: 7:00 Eastern Anderson kicks it off; Wolf is after that; two issues -- two editions, rather -- of "LARRY KING", one at 9:00, one at midnight; in between that, you have the president and Aaron Brown at 11:00 here Eastern time -- all times Eastern on CNN in primetime.
Now back to the storm in Florida and Heidi across town.
COLLINS: That's right. They are bracing for quite a storm. Frances is the name. Just weeks after Hurricane Charley left parts of the state in ruin, the governor has declared a state of emergency in Florida and half a million people being told to evacuate coastal areas now.
Ed Rappaport tracking Frances at the National Hurricane Center in Miami for us this morning. Ed, give us the latest. Where is Frances?
ED RAPPAPORT, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER: Frances is located near the southeastern Bahamas. Right here you see the eye pretty clearly. It's located about 470 miles off the Florida east coast, and with a general motion towards Florida.
We have a hurricane watch up for most of the Florida east coast and a portion of the Florida Keys, meaning that hurricane conditions are possible there within about 36 hours.
COLLINS: And we had actually heard a little bit about the possibility of that hurricane watch turning into a warning? Is that true?
RAPPAPORT: That's right. As the hurricane draws closer to the coast, the time to prepare diminishes. We like to give at least 24 hours time for preparation. So, what that means is we'll likely issue a hurricane warning for a portion of the East Coast at 11:00 a.m. this morning.
COLLINS: All right, does that give enough people enough time to get out? I mean, they've already started these evacuations. But it's a huge amount of people trying to get out of that area?
RAPPAPORT: You'd think so. And hurricanes -- people in Florida have become very hurricane savvy over the years, and they have actually been doing some preparations now for the last several days. That's good news because anywhere in this area along the Florida east coast could experience hurricane-force winds.
This is a much bigger storm than Charley was, maybe two to three times the size. Hurricane force winds extend outward 75 miles on either side of the hurricane. So, it'll be a large area of damage when this comes ashore. COLLINS: Speaking of coming ashore, I know it's very difficult to track these things, but you're the expert. Where do you expect landfall to be?
RAPPAPORT: Well, at the moment, we have a hurricane watch, as I said, up for the Florida east coast. That's the area that's in pink on the right, here. And we expect that the hurricane will come ashore in that area, perhaps taking a turn, just as it does, up the coast.
And it's very critical where that turn would occur because of the orientation of the coast. So, we can't pinpoint to the nearest county or two or three where the greatest impact is going to be. Everyone in the watch area needs to be prepared for hurricane conditions.
COLLINS: But how unbelievable is this, Ed? I mean, I'm understanding that this never actually happened before, that two category four storms have happened in the same year. Is that true, too?
RAPPAPORT: Yes, it's very interesting that's the case. But focusing on Frances, what we want to remind people is that a category four hurricane for any given location is about a once in a generation, once in a lifetime experience; so you have to prepare as if this is the strongest storm you're ever going to see on the Florida east coast.
COLLINS: Well, I'm sure that people are listening very carefully to you and all of their local officials telling them exactly what to do. We're hoping everyone stays safe there.
Ed Rappaport at National Hurricane Center, thanks so much for the update on that.
Meanwhile, after teetering on the brink for weeks, the criminal case against Kobe Bryant is now history. Prosecutors say they were forced to drop the sexual assault charge. Chris Lawrence has the very latest now from Eagle, Colorado.
Chris, wow!
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Heidi. Wow is the right word. You know, potential jurors were expected to start showing up here in just a few hours for the last few days of jury selection. Instead, just like that the criminal case is finished in what prosecutors are calling interrupted justice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE (voice-over): The criminal case against Kobe Bryant collapsed less than a week before opening arguments, when his accuser told prosecutors she would no longer cooperate.
MARK HURLBERT, EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: For this reason, and this reason only, I am dismissing this case.
LAWRENCE: The woman's attorney said she is disturbed by courthouse mistakes, including the repeated release of her name and medical history.
HURLBERT: Today justice is sadly interrupted, and the casualty in this interruption has been a brave, young woman who is grievously hurt.
LAWRENCE: The decision came down after Bryant had already flown out. But in a written statement, he apologized to the young woman and her family and said, "I now understand how she sincerely feels that she did not consent to this encounter."
The woman has also filed a civil suit against the basketball star seeking damages.
But back in Los Angeles, Bryant's teammates were supportive.
UNIDENTIFIED L.A. LAKERS PLAYER: I just, you know, for something like this, you know, to finally be over with, I'm happy for him and his family.
LAWRENCE: Bryant is married and the father of a little girl -- his accuser, a college student and single. Their two worlds might never have collided if not for a knee injury.
Bryant developed tendinitis last year and came to Colorado for surgery, putting him at this lodge on a night his accuser was working there. Both agreed they had sex. She said it was rape. Bryant insisted it was consensual.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE: So, after 14 months and some 700 motions, the entire process ended in just 15 minutes.
Now, prosecutors cannot re-file these criminal charges down the road, but the civil suit has not yet been settled -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Fifteen minutes, after all of that. All right. Chris Lawrence, live from Eagle, Colorado this morning.
Thanks, Chris.
Bill, back to Madison Square Garden.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks.
In a moment here, much more on Zell Miller's speech from last night, the senator blasting his fellow Democrats -- now folks in Georgia have a new idea. We'll fill you in on what they're talking about.
And the Republican gender gap, how do you bring more women into the tent this year? We'll talk to someone working that issue. How about the president's younger sister?
And some experts think we'll see the softer side of the president tonight. One paper says it's, "making over Mr. Macho." We'll explain, or try, anyway, ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "AMERICA VOTES 1988")
ANNOUNCER: On the last night of the 1988 Republican convention in New Orleans, George Bush accepted the nomination with words that put haunting throughout this presidency.
GEORGE H. W. BUSH, 41ST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Read my lips, no new taxes.
ANNOUNCER: It was a promise he couldn't keep.
(END VIDEO CLIP, "AMERICA VOTES 1988")
HEMMER: That was in 1988, President Bush number 41; the focus later tonight, President Bush 43.
And the convention's closing night will be something of a first family affair. Several generations of Bushes will be on hand to see the president address the party faithful and the country.
Doro Bush Koch is the president's younger sister, also a delegate from the state of Maryland. She is my guest now here at Madison Square Garden.
Good morning.
DORO BUSH KOCH, PRESIDENT BUSH'S SISTER: Good morning.
HEMMER: Good to see you again.
BUSH KOCH: Thanks.
HEMMER: It's been four years since we have spoken, the last time in Philadelphia.
BUSH KOCH: Yes, that's right.
HEMMER: When you reflect back on the year 2000 now in 2004, how is your brother approaching this race differently than he did four years ago?
BUSH KOCH: Well, it's a different time, really. You know, he's a president in very difficult times, and so the issues are different; the focus is different,
But he, himself, is the same person. That's one of the things I love about this president. He's the same person that he was yesterday and that we see as a family. He's the same person that you all know.
HEMMER: Do you see, perhaps, a greater intensity in him at all? Do you see the importance of the issues out there and how close this race appears to be in the polling? BUSH KOCH: Well, I think so. I mean, I think he knows this is going to be a close race, and so that's why one of my jobs here at the convention is to make sure that every single person is inclined to vote for the president, who wants to work for the president does absolutely everything they can because as we learned in 2000, which was also a close race, that everything you do makes an enormous difference.
HEMMER: A lot of people are wondering on the Democratic side, where the brother is, Jeb Bush, the governor of Florida.
BUSH KOCH: Well...
HEMMER: What will be his role in his election, knowing we're two months away starting today?
BUSH KOCH: Well, if the Democrats are watching the news, they'll know where my brother is. He's down there. He's being a very reassuring voice to the people of Florida during an incredible hurricane that's come and about to come. And so, that's why he's not here, but his son is here representing him and helping him be with the Florida delegation and travel around the convention.
HEMMER: I know as the delegate from Maryland one of your primary focuses is getting out the female vote. On the screen, we can show our viewers here.
The polling still suggests that Senator Kerry has a slight edge, but lately it appears that gap is slowly getting closer and closer with your brother. What can you do and what can your brother do now, two months away, to make those numbers better?
BUSH KOCH: Well, one of the things that I'm involved with in this campaign is the "W" stands for women coalition. And it's a grass roots effort to mobilize women voters. And we talk about issues that women care about like the safety of our children, and education, affordable health care for our parents.
And it's a grassroots effort that -- and we write letters to the editor, and we knock on doors, and we do absolutely everything we can to get women to join us because this president is a natural leader for women.
HEMMER: What do you expect from him tonight?
BUSH KOCH: I think he'll talk about his vision. I think we've had a night crescendo up until tonight of learning every aspect about this president. I thought Laura was great giving the personal side.
And tonight, he'll tell us -- I hope he talks about his many, many accomplishments. And then I hope he -- and I know he'll talk about what he's going to do in these next four years.
HEMMER: Doro Bush Koch, thank you for your time this morning.
BUSH KOCH: Thanks for having me. HEMMER: Appreciate talking to you.
Much more in a moment here, back to Heidi now with more -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Thanks, Bill.
About 500 Democrats from Senator Zell Miller's home state of Georgia are filing divorce papers. They want to separate from Miller, who gave the keynote address last night at the Republican National Convention.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The court calls the case of the Democratic citizens of Georgia versus Zell Miller, a.k.a. "zig zag Zell."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Miller says Democratic nominee John Kerry has waffled more than any other national figure on defense issues.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNKNOWN FEMALE: The order of this court, that a total divorce be granted between the Democratic citizens of the state of Georgia and Senator Zell Miller.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: During his speech, delegates on the convention floor carried flip flops with them and shouted flip-flop when Miller mentioned John Kerry's name.
Still to come this morning, strokes are one of the biggest killers in the United States, but doctors may now have a powerful weapon when it comes to preventing them.
We're paging Dr. Gupta on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Busy day yet again. Back to the diner and Jack on one story that rattled newsrooms across the country late yesterday afternoon.
How are you, Jack. Good morning, again.
CAFFERTY: I'm good, William, thanks. Yes, that Kobe Bryant thing -- suddenly out of nowhere they drop all the criminal charges against him yesterday. And if you look at it, it's probably a win-win for both sides.
He gets to keep his career as a basketball player. He doesn't have to go to prison, where he'd wind up as the point guard on some Sing Sing all-star team. And she probably will stand to make millions of dollars in the civil lawsuit that she's filed against him. The only loser, perhaps, in all of this is lady justice. I'm not sure there was any justice done anywhere.
Anyway, we're asking this morning, what's your reaction to the dropping of the criminal charges?
Shaun in Roanoke, Virginia writes, "Both of these sorry souls will end up getting what they want. Kobe gets off on another indiscretion; and the accuser will end up getting paid. I'm sure if Mrs. Bryant gave the accuser that multimillion dollar ring she got from Kobe, all would be forgiven."
Donna in Slidell, Louisiana, "I never believed Kobe committed rape, however, he should never have put himself in this position. He's a married man. And I'm sure that his accuser knew that."
Weldon in New Brunswick, Canada, I think, gets it, "My understanding of the judicial system is that you cannot be proven guilty of any crime if your salary is above that of the middle class."
And Ken in Prescott, Arizona, "Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. Now all we have to put up with instead of news is the Laci Peterson case, Jack, the two clowns running for president and Jack."
Hey, Kim, what can I tell you, you know? I got kids in college. I need the money.
Back to you, Heidi.
COLLINS: All right, Jack. You're always getting hammered, at least at one point during the show.
Thanks so much, we'll check back a little bit later on.
Still to come, Florida is bracing for yet another hurricane. We'll tell you who's in the path of Frances.
Plus, Senator Zell Miller launched a furious attack on John Kerry last night, but did he turn off more voters than he swayed?
Jeff Greenfield has his opinion on that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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