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CNN Live At Daybreak

Latest Track of What is Now Tropical Depression Frances

Aired September 07, 2004 - 05:00   ET

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


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


CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
From the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Catherine Callaway.

I'm in for Carol Costello this morning.

Thanks for being with us.

It has been a bloody 24 hours in Iraq. The death toll grows among U.S. troops, insurgents and civilians. U.S. forces and insurgents have been battling each other in Baghdad's Sadr City.

So let's get right to it.

Our Walter Rodgers standing by in Baghdad with the very latest on this -- Walter.

WALTER RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Catherine.

The latest casualties and fatality statistics here in Iraq leave one numb. These are fathers, sons, brothers, husbands. Iraqis killed in the last 24 hours, 25 in Baghdad alone; 18 of them in Sadr City. Many of those where Mehdi Army fighters battling with the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Calvary Division.

Yesterday in Fallujah and in the Baghdad environs, the bloodiest day for American soldiers since last spring. The worst incident was on a highway just north of Fallujah. A group of Marines traveling in a transport vehicle. Seven of them killed instantly with a huge car bomb explosion. A vehicle with an Iraqi driving pulled up aside the Marines' transport vehicle, detonated this huge suicide car bomb there.

This morning in Baghdad, there was an assassination attempt against the governor of Baghdad. About 9:00 a.m., his convoy was moving down a road here. Suddenly there was a roadside bomb designed to kill him, those in his convoy. The roadside bomb, of course, stopped the convoy. There was a firefight. Again, the governor of Baghdad was not killed.

But the U.S. Army has now released its latest combat fatality list for the past several months. Hear these numbers. In August, 52 Americans killed. In July, 39. In June, 36. In May, 56 Americans killed. Nine hundred ninety-seven American combat fatalities in this war in Iraq since President Bush launched it a year ago -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: All right, Walter. Walter Rodgers with the latest from Baghdad.

And now other news this morning.

Frances has moved into Georgia now after a two day assault on the south Florida. The former hurricane is now a tropical depression. But it is still packing heavy rains and some gusty wind. Frances is blamed for at least 10 deaths now.

And overseas, there's mourning and anger over that deadly terrorist siege at a Russian school. Thousands of people plan to march in Moscow today in what organizers are calling a protest against terror.

In Redwood City, California, Scott Peterson's murder trial moves into its 15th week. Some of today's testimony is expected to focus on DNA evidence that prosecutors say back up their case.

And in New York, former President Bill Clinton still in the hospital this morning, but he could get out soon. Clinton underwent a quadruple heart bypass surgery. Doctors say he could be home by the week's end.

Let's check in now with Rob to get an update on that nasty system which I drove through this morning.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, it's in downtown Atlanta, isn't it, Catherine?

CALLAWAY: It sure is.

MARCIANO: Heavy rain and gusty winds. We're getting a piece of the action from Frances, as is South Carolina, as well North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, all the way up the Appalachian Mountain chain, as well. Heavy rains and flood watches are out for much of the State of Georgia and this latest band moving through the metro area with gusty winds.

It is a tropical depression, no longer a tropical storm or a hurricane, thankfully. It has lost its moisture source. But it's got a lot of moisture up there in the clouds, so we're getting it now.

A red watch box out for the eastern part of this storm. We did have a tornado touch down around Savannah yesterday and now this area is still suspect for seeing that sort of action throughout the afternoon. That watch is up till 2:00 p.m.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Hurricane Ivan still out there, Catherine. That is now on our not so much radar screens, but our tracking maps. And we'll let you know what's going on with that throughout the morning, too.

CALLAWAY: All right. And I know those people in Florida -- no air conditioning and 90 degree weather. MARCIANO: No, not fun.

CALLAWAY: Not getting a break.

OK, Rob, thanks.

MARCIANO: You bet.

CALLAWAY: Back to Frances now and the damage left in its wake. Florida officials blaming at least nine deaths on the storm. It's also blamed for one death in Georgia. Frances knocked out power to more than three million homes and businesses in Florida. A lot of people haven't been able to go back home yet. More than 75,000 people remain in shelters.

And President Bush will get a close-up look at the damage in Florida. He plans to visit some of the hard hit areas tomorrow.

And people in Florida certainly have a long cleanup ahead of them. In Palm Beach County alone, debris from wrecked buildings is littering many of the streets there. Heavy winds and rain lashed nearby Hutchinson Island. Officials say the storm, however, didn't damage two key nuclear reactors that are located there.

And in the meantime, cars filled with storm weary residents are lining up for just the basic supplies. The lines for ice, water and gas sometimes stretch for miles. People say they're willing to wait.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

QUESTION: How long have you been waiting in line?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four hours.

QUESTION: Yes? Is it worth it?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, for ice? You bet your life it is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, we've got a couple of thousand people here at least coming through. And the line, as you see, people want their ice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's very profound that this happened and it shows you just how vulnerable we are.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLAWAY: And the financial blow dealt by Frances is being tallied. Thousands of insurance industry representatives are assessing the damage.

And CNN's Mary Snow has more on that.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Hurricane Frances didn't pack the winds many feared, but her slow churn through Florida dumped up to several feet of water in some regions. From homes to boats to businesses, Frances' fury was widely felt.

TONI JENNINGS (D), LT. GOVERNOR: It is probably the largest storm we've ever had. It's engulfed the entire state. Fifty-seven of our 67 counties have been impacted by a loss of power alone.

SNOW: Frances dealt a blow not only to Florida's residents, but to its economy, already reeling from Hurricane Charley just a few weeks ago. Some economists estimate the double fisted punch of both hurricanes could cost up to $40 billion in total economic damages. Estimated insured losses, however, are much less. While still being tallied, the range of insured losses for Frances are from $2 billion to $10 billion. Hurricane Charley's insured damages were estimated to be roughly $7 billion.

Frances, though, did damage in areas even where she didn't hit.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The primary reason for that is the record evacuations ordered along the east coast of Florida, from Miami Beach to Jacksonville. That means tens of thousands of empty hotel rooms, restaurants and businesses.

SNOW: Florida's three main theme parks, including Disney World, had to close over the weekend, costing an estimated $41 million. And then there are small businesses that depend on tourism that lost income when forced to close over the Labor Day weekend.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've lost at least a week. My servers haven't been making any tips. My cooks haven't been making any wages. We're going to be hurting for a while. We probably won't make the rent this month.

SNOW: Florida's $9 billion citrus crop is also feeling the sting. Damages from Charley a few weeks ago, and now Frances, are expected to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. While all losses can't be recovered, businesses and residents will find some relief. The insurance industry set up a catastrophe fund in the wake of hurricane Andrew in 1992 to protect businesses and residents from huge losses. That may prevent insurance rates from skyrocketing and leave some money left in case the next one, hurricane Ivan, hits Florida.

Mary Snow, CNN Financial News, New York.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And you can do your part to help ease Florida's financial woes. You can make some donations. Call 1-800-HELP-NOW.

And to contact the Red Cross Response Center, call 1-866-GET-INFO

In the race for the White House, President Bush is waking up in Missouri this morning. He's got three more campaign stops in that battleground state. The president will appear in Lee's Summit, Sedalia and Columbia.

And his challenger, John Kerry, is also on the campaign trail. Kerry has got a rally this morning in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Democratic presidential candidate then heads on to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows that the two candidates are running neck and neck. Forty-nine percent of registered voters pick President Bush as their choice for president; 48 percent picked Kerry.

But on the issue of health care, 40 percent of those questioned say President Bush would do a better job and 53 percent say Kerry would.

On the question on the economy, 46 percent say the president would do a better job and 49 percent say Kerry would do better.

President Bush has a secret weapon working for him in his bid to win reelection. It's something President Clinton had, as well.

And our senior political correspondent Bill Schneider explains what it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): Bill Clinton and George W. Bush share one important quality. It saved President Clinton's political career and it may save President Bush's. Legions of Clinton haters dogged the former president throughout his years in office.

EUGENE DELGAUDIL, PROTESTER: His obvious whole scale lawlessness rampant in the Clinton administration.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Friend of Bill, go to jail! Friend of Bill, go to jail!

SCHNEIDER: Clinton haters thought they'd hit pay dirt when the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke. The talking heads in Washington were ready to declare his presidency over. Then Clinton gave a State of the Union speech and saw his job ratings soar.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We have to address the real reason for the explosion in campaign costs -- the high cost of media advertising. To the folks watching at home. Those were the groans of pain in the audience.

SCHNEIDER: Clinton's secret weapon? He was likable, especially in comparison with adversaries like Newt Gingrich. Viewers wondered how can people hate a man who had so much, well, heart?

CLINTON: Yitzhak Rabin was my partner and my friend. I admired him and I loved him very much. Because words cannot express my true feelings, let me just say "shalom havayr," goodbye friend.

SCHNEIDER: These days, Bush hatred is a huge political force. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George Bush people (UNINTELLIGIBLE)!

SCHNEIDER: Like his predecessor, Bush is a divisive figure. But also like his predecessor, Bush knows how to turn on the charm, as he did last week in New York.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called walking.

SCHNEIDER: Bush's secret weapon? He's likable. Americans listen to Bush and wonder how can people hate a man who has so much charm?

BUSH: Maybe it's because I talked too much last night, you know? I enjoyed giving that speech last night.

SCHNEIDER (on camera): The vote for president is the most personal vote Americans cast. After all, they've got to live with this guy in their living rooms for the next four years.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: President Clinton should be home by the end of the week. That's what his doctors are saying after the former president underwent successful heart bypass surgery. It was clear to doctors that a heart attack would have been near certainty if the surgery had not been done.

Appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live," the surgeons said they expect a steady recovery, but warn a change in lifestyle also may be necessary.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")

DR. ALLAN SCHWARTZ, NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL: I think the target going forward is to prevent the recurrence of this problem. Now that Dr. Smith has taken care of the effects of the blockage that he has, we have to make sure that he doesn't develop new blockages in his own blood vessels or that he doesn't clog up the bypass grafts that were done. And that will involve some changes in his medical regimen, some changes in his diet and a continuation of his very vigorous exercise program.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLAWAY: After the operation, the president's wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, released this statement. She said, "The president's optimism and faith will carry him through the difficult weeks and months ahead. Of that we have no doubt. But we welcome your contained prayers and we are also deeply thankful for the good news that we have received today."

Well, we are just getting started here in DAYBREAK.

Here's what's coming up.

For some trial watchers, the Scott Peterson case is not just a headline on CNN. At 18 after, we're going to introduce you to some people with a real fascination and maybe just a bit too much time on their hands.

Just after the half hour, taking a stand against terrorism. We go live to Moscow as Russians gather to show solidarity after that tragic school hostage taking.

And at 39 after, new worries about Iran and its nuclear programs and a growing sense of urgency about dealing with the potential threat.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CALLAWAY: Investors are returning to Wall Street today after a long weekend. The markets were closed, of course, on Monday for Labor Day.

The Dow closed down just over 30 points, though, on Friday.

The Nasdaq fell almost 29 points.

And the S&P 500 fell by more than 4 1/2 points.

Overseas, Japan's Nikkei closed up 54 1/2 points today.

Britain's FTSE 100 trading down nearly 15 points.

And France's CAC down 6 points.

Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is now 16 minutes after the hour.

And here's what's all new this morning.

At least 15 people were killed after Israeli helicopters fired on a camp in Gaza City. Israeli Defense Forces say the camp was used for training Palestinian militants. As many as 50 people may have been injured in that attack.

And a massive anti-terrorism rally in Moscow should get under way in just a few hours. That demonstration being led by the country's trade unions to protest the growing number of terrorist attacks in Russia. And, of course, that includes the school siege in Beslan.

In money, unions at Al Italia Airlines meet today in Rome to decide whether to accept a restructuring plan. The Italian government supported air carrier plans to lay off 5,000 workers, or nearly a fourth of its workforce. And in culture, a very special birthday this week for Michelangelo's "David." The city of Florence planning a nine month celebration to mark Wednesday's 500th birthday of that masterpiece. Of course, "David" doesn't look a day over 400.

And in sports, Lindsay Davenport advances to the U.S. Open quarter finals after a straight set victory over Venus Williams. Also on the women's side, defending champion and number one seed Justine Henin-Hardenne lost her match.

MARCIANO: Hey Catherine, a little Labor Day...

CALLAWAY: Hey, Chad.

MARCIANO: A little Labor Day tradition there, the U.S. Open tennis up there in New York. They had some good weather and they'll get another nice day today.

This is hurricane Ivan. Winds to 110 miles an hour and getting better organized. This is what's left of Frances, a tropical depression, and getting less organized, but certainly a ton of rain expected across Georgia, the Carolinas and then up the Eastern Seaboard as we go through tomorrow.

(WEATHER REPORT)

CALLAWAY: In other news this morning, testimony set to resume today in the Scott Peterson trial. That trial entering its 15th week now. And as CNN's Ted Rowlands reports, for some, it's become as much of an event as it is a legal proceeding.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Twenty-eight seats.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the first day mistress Amber Frey testified in the Scott Peterson murder trial, more than 250 people showed up hoping to win one of the 30 open spots in the seat lottery. This trial has attracted locals and people from across the country. Some come for a day or two. Others who are here every day have taken up specific roles.

Marlene Newell updates those who think Peterson is not guilty through her Web site, scottisinnocent.com. Marlene, who lives nearby, spends her days trying to get into the courtroom and her nights updating the Web site.

Then there is Phil Devan. A mechanical engineer from New England, Phil moved to the Bay Area to watch the trial. He thinks Peterson is guilty and he wants to prove it.

PHIL DEVAN, TRIAL WATCHER: We're going to take a left beyond this breakwater here.

ROWLANDS: Phil pays a local boat owner $40 an hour to help him drag his homemade rake and weighted hooks around the San Francisco Bay. Phil says he's trying to find cement anchors prosecutors believe Peterson used to weigh down his wife's body.

DEVAN: I just think it would really be critical to the case if we could find it.

ROWLANDS: While Phil posted this flier hoping others would join him, so far he is on his own and hasn't found much.

DEVAN: Just a little bit of seaweed.

ROWLANDS: Phil says he plans to keep spending his time and money until this trial is over, spending weekends looking for evidence and trial days doing his best to get into the courtroom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 3107.

ROWLANDS: Ted Rowlands, CNN, San Francisco.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And in news across America this morning, a near tragedy was averted in Oceanside, California after swimmers were pulled too close to a pier. Lifeguards jumped in to rescue at least 50 people that were carried away by the strong surf. Now, the swimmers were taking part in the city's 75th annual Labor Day Pier Swim.

FBI agents are assisting police in Kansas City, Missouri after six bodies were found in an 18-block area. Police say they believe that the killings were all connected to a single person, though they wouldn't say what evidence led them to that conclusion. Five of the six bodies have been found since last Thursday.

And firefighters are having a tough time with a 12,000 acre blaze in California's wine country. The Sonoma County fire has destroyed four homes and caused dozens of families to leave the area. Fire crews are hoping to get the upper hand on that blaze by Wednesday morning.

Well, she lives life to the hilt. But when you are the heiress to a billion dollar fortune, what's a girl to do? We'll tell you what happens when Paris puts pen to paper.

Heart bypass patients come from all walks of life and some are even household names. But people you wouldn't expect could be at risk. And we'll tell you why it matters, to pardon the pun, most.

You're watching DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

Stay with us everyone.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CALLAWAY: Time this morning for our DAYBREAK "Eye Opener."

Would you be surprised to find a bar code inside your banana? Well, that's the hope of South Korean scientists, who say they have perfected an invisible DNA bar code to be used on items like fresh produce. In fact, the bar code and the crop can be planted at the same time. The system could help detect contaminated produce or meats.

And it may only be September, but it is already snowing in Colorado. Skiers hit the slopes on Silverton Mountain after a weekend of snowfall there. Runners in the annual Labor Day Breckenridge Marathon had to deal with up to eight inches of snow on the course. Wow!

When will Paris Hilton's 15 minutes come to an end? Well, now she's hoping to add best-selling author to her resume. Her memoirs, "Confessions of An Heiress," go on sale today. Hilton is in the process of also launching a line of jewelry, filming a movie and recording an album.

Well, Paris Hilton's book is just 198 pages long. That is a pamphlet compared to President Clinton's 957 page book. And now the former president may want to add another chapter after having successful heart bypass surgery.

But he isn't the only celebrity to have heart surgery.

CNN's Jeanne Moos has more.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One day you're the life of the party. Next thing you know, you're on the operating table and doctors are using a plastic heart to describe your clogged arteries. The waiting room consists of the world press exhibiting some not exactly heart healthy behavior while waiting for the former president's arteries to be bypassed. But there's one thought that's hard to bypass.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That could be us.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It does make you stop and think.

MOOS: It's kind of sad because Clinton had just changed his ways. Suddenly he was being --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, you can't change your arteries overnight.

MOOS: Even if your arteries are famous.

DAVID LETTERMAN: While I was gone, I had quintuple bypass surgery on my heart. Plus, I got a haircut.

MOOS: It's the kind of operation that makes even a funny man choke up.

LETTERMAN: These men and women right here saved my life.

MOOS: Why, even age-defying David Bowie had to undergo balloon angioplasty recently to unclog an artery.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That makes me feel old.

MOOS: And if it can happen to Bowie, why not the terminator himself? Arnold Schwarzenegger, did you even know he had a valve replaced?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't know he had a heart.

MOOS: Bill Clinton's well-wishers included this flock of roller skating nuns.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We wish him the best.

MOOS: What kind of nuns are these?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sisters of life.

MOOS: And when the comeback kid comes back to life, he can expect a Letterman like return.

JERRY SEINFELD: I thought you were dead.

LETTERMAN: I am just happy to be wearing clothing that opens in the front.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And here's what's all new coming up in the next half hour.

For every drink there's probably a hangover remedy to go with it. But it's not easy knowing what works and what people wish would work. We'll sort out the facts from hangover fiction, coming up ahead.

Also, Russians mourn and the world mourns with them. More funerals for victims of the Beslan school siege. Meanwhile, a planned protest against terror is expected to bring thousands there and we will have a live report from Moscow ahead.

This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired September 7, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
From the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Catherine Callaway.

I'm in for Carol Costello this morning.

Thanks for being with us.

It has been a bloody 24 hours in Iraq. The death toll grows among U.S. troops, insurgents and civilians. U.S. forces and insurgents have been battling each other in Baghdad's Sadr City.

So let's get right to it.

Our Walter Rodgers standing by in Baghdad with the very latest on this -- Walter.

WALTER RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Catherine.

The latest casualties and fatality statistics here in Iraq leave one numb. These are fathers, sons, brothers, husbands. Iraqis killed in the last 24 hours, 25 in Baghdad alone; 18 of them in Sadr City. Many of those where Mehdi Army fighters battling with the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Calvary Division.

Yesterday in Fallujah and in the Baghdad environs, the bloodiest day for American soldiers since last spring. The worst incident was on a highway just north of Fallujah. A group of Marines traveling in a transport vehicle. Seven of them killed instantly with a huge car bomb explosion. A vehicle with an Iraqi driving pulled up aside the Marines' transport vehicle, detonated this huge suicide car bomb there.

This morning in Baghdad, there was an assassination attempt against the governor of Baghdad. About 9:00 a.m., his convoy was moving down a road here. Suddenly there was a roadside bomb designed to kill him, those in his convoy. The roadside bomb, of course, stopped the convoy. There was a firefight. Again, the governor of Baghdad was not killed.

But the U.S. Army has now released its latest combat fatality list for the past several months. Hear these numbers. In August, 52 Americans killed. In July, 39. In June, 36. In May, 56 Americans killed. Nine hundred ninety-seven American combat fatalities in this war in Iraq since President Bush launched it a year ago -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: All right, Walter. Walter Rodgers with the latest from Baghdad.

And now other news this morning.

Frances has moved into Georgia now after a two day assault on the south Florida. The former hurricane is now a tropical depression. But it is still packing heavy rains and some gusty wind. Frances is blamed for at least 10 deaths now.

And overseas, there's mourning and anger over that deadly terrorist siege at a Russian school. Thousands of people plan to march in Moscow today in what organizers are calling a protest against terror.

In Redwood City, California, Scott Peterson's murder trial moves into its 15th week. Some of today's testimony is expected to focus on DNA evidence that prosecutors say back up their case.

And in New York, former President Bill Clinton still in the hospital this morning, but he could get out soon. Clinton underwent a quadruple heart bypass surgery. Doctors say he could be home by the week's end.

Let's check in now with Rob to get an update on that nasty system which I drove through this morning.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, it's in downtown Atlanta, isn't it, Catherine?

CALLAWAY: It sure is.

MARCIANO: Heavy rain and gusty winds. We're getting a piece of the action from Frances, as is South Carolina, as well North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, all the way up the Appalachian Mountain chain, as well. Heavy rains and flood watches are out for much of the State of Georgia and this latest band moving through the metro area with gusty winds.

It is a tropical depression, no longer a tropical storm or a hurricane, thankfully. It has lost its moisture source. But it's got a lot of moisture up there in the clouds, so we're getting it now.

A red watch box out for the eastern part of this storm. We did have a tornado touch down around Savannah yesterday and now this area is still suspect for seeing that sort of action throughout the afternoon. That watch is up till 2:00 p.m.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Hurricane Ivan still out there, Catherine. That is now on our not so much radar screens, but our tracking maps. And we'll let you know what's going on with that throughout the morning, too.

CALLAWAY: All right. And I know those people in Florida -- no air conditioning and 90 degree weather. MARCIANO: No, not fun.

CALLAWAY: Not getting a break.

OK, Rob, thanks.

MARCIANO: You bet.

CALLAWAY: Back to Frances now and the damage left in its wake. Florida officials blaming at least nine deaths on the storm. It's also blamed for one death in Georgia. Frances knocked out power to more than three million homes and businesses in Florida. A lot of people haven't been able to go back home yet. More than 75,000 people remain in shelters.

And President Bush will get a close-up look at the damage in Florida. He plans to visit some of the hard hit areas tomorrow.

And people in Florida certainly have a long cleanup ahead of them. In Palm Beach County alone, debris from wrecked buildings is littering many of the streets there. Heavy winds and rain lashed nearby Hutchinson Island. Officials say the storm, however, didn't damage two key nuclear reactors that are located there.

And in the meantime, cars filled with storm weary residents are lining up for just the basic supplies. The lines for ice, water and gas sometimes stretch for miles. People say they're willing to wait.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

QUESTION: How long have you been waiting in line?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four hours.

QUESTION: Yes? Is it worth it?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, for ice? You bet your life it is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, we've got a couple of thousand people here at least coming through. And the line, as you see, people want their ice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's very profound that this happened and it shows you just how vulnerable we are.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLAWAY: And the financial blow dealt by Frances is being tallied. Thousands of insurance industry representatives are assessing the damage.

And CNN's Mary Snow has more on that.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Hurricane Frances didn't pack the winds many feared, but her slow churn through Florida dumped up to several feet of water in some regions. From homes to boats to businesses, Frances' fury was widely felt.

TONI JENNINGS (D), LT. GOVERNOR: It is probably the largest storm we've ever had. It's engulfed the entire state. Fifty-seven of our 67 counties have been impacted by a loss of power alone.

SNOW: Frances dealt a blow not only to Florida's residents, but to its economy, already reeling from Hurricane Charley just a few weeks ago. Some economists estimate the double fisted punch of both hurricanes could cost up to $40 billion in total economic damages. Estimated insured losses, however, are much less. While still being tallied, the range of insured losses for Frances are from $2 billion to $10 billion. Hurricane Charley's insured damages were estimated to be roughly $7 billion.

Frances, though, did damage in areas even where she didn't hit.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The primary reason for that is the record evacuations ordered along the east coast of Florida, from Miami Beach to Jacksonville. That means tens of thousands of empty hotel rooms, restaurants and businesses.

SNOW: Florida's three main theme parks, including Disney World, had to close over the weekend, costing an estimated $41 million. And then there are small businesses that depend on tourism that lost income when forced to close over the Labor Day weekend.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've lost at least a week. My servers haven't been making any tips. My cooks haven't been making any wages. We're going to be hurting for a while. We probably won't make the rent this month.

SNOW: Florida's $9 billion citrus crop is also feeling the sting. Damages from Charley a few weeks ago, and now Frances, are expected to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. While all losses can't be recovered, businesses and residents will find some relief. The insurance industry set up a catastrophe fund in the wake of hurricane Andrew in 1992 to protect businesses and residents from huge losses. That may prevent insurance rates from skyrocketing and leave some money left in case the next one, hurricane Ivan, hits Florida.

Mary Snow, CNN Financial News, New York.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And you can do your part to help ease Florida's financial woes. You can make some donations. Call 1-800-HELP-NOW.

And to contact the Red Cross Response Center, call 1-866-GET-INFO

In the race for the White House, President Bush is waking up in Missouri this morning. He's got three more campaign stops in that battleground state. The president will appear in Lee's Summit, Sedalia and Columbia.

And his challenger, John Kerry, is also on the campaign trail. Kerry has got a rally this morning in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Democratic presidential candidate then heads on to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows that the two candidates are running neck and neck. Forty-nine percent of registered voters pick President Bush as their choice for president; 48 percent picked Kerry.

But on the issue of health care, 40 percent of those questioned say President Bush would do a better job and 53 percent say Kerry would.

On the question on the economy, 46 percent say the president would do a better job and 49 percent say Kerry would do better.

President Bush has a secret weapon working for him in his bid to win reelection. It's something President Clinton had, as well.

And our senior political correspondent Bill Schneider explains what it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): Bill Clinton and George W. Bush share one important quality. It saved President Clinton's political career and it may save President Bush's. Legions of Clinton haters dogged the former president throughout his years in office.

EUGENE DELGAUDIL, PROTESTER: His obvious whole scale lawlessness rampant in the Clinton administration.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Friend of Bill, go to jail! Friend of Bill, go to jail!

SCHNEIDER: Clinton haters thought they'd hit pay dirt when the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke. The talking heads in Washington were ready to declare his presidency over. Then Clinton gave a State of the Union speech and saw his job ratings soar.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We have to address the real reason for the explosion in campaign costs -- the high cost of media advertising. To the folks watching at home. Those were the groans of pain in the audience.

SCHNEIDER: Clinton's secret weapon? He was likable, especially in comparison with adversaries like Newt Gingrich. Viewers wondered how can people hate a man who had so much, well, heart?

CLINTON: Yitzhak Rabin was my partner and my friend. I admired him and I loved him very much. Because words cannot express my true feelings, let me just say "shalom havayr," goodbye friend.

SCHNEIDER: These days, Bush hatred is a huge political force. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George Bush people (UNINTELLIGIBLE)!

SCHNEIDER: Like his predecessor, Bush is a divisive figure. But also like his predecessor, Bush knows how to turn on the charm, as he did last week in New York.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called walking.

SCHNEIDER: Bush's secret weapon? He's likable. Americans listen to Bush and wonder how can people hate a man who has so much charm?

BUSH: Maybe it's because I talked too much last night, you know? I enjoyed giving that speech last night.

SCHNEIDER (on camera): The vote for president is the most personal vote Americans cast. After all, they've got to live with this guy in their living rooms for the next four years.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: President Clinton should be home by the end of the week. That's what his doctors are saying after the former president underwent successful heart bypass surgery. It was clear to doctors that a heart attack would have been near certainty if the surgery had not been done.

Appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live," the surgeons said they expect a steady recovery, but warn a change in lifestyle also may be necessary.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")

DR. ALLAN SCHWARTZ, NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL: I think the target going forward is to prevent the recurrence of this problem. Now that Dr. Smith has taken care of the effects of the blockage that he has, we have to make sure that he doesn't develop new blockages in his own blood vessels or that he doesn't clog up the bypass grafts that were done. And that will involve some changes in his medical regimen, some changes in his diet and a continuation of his very vigorous exercise program.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLAWAY: After the operation, the president's wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, released this statement. She said, "The president's optimism and faith will carry him through the difficult weeks and months ahead. Of that we have no doubt. But we welcome your contained prayers and we are also deeply thankful for the good news that we have received today."

Well, we are just getting started here in DAYBREAK.

Here's what's coming up.

For some trial watchers, the Scott Peterson case is not just a headline on CNN. At 18 after, we're going to introduce you to some people with a real fascination and maybe just a bit too much time on their hands.

Just after the half hour, taking a stand against terrorism. We go live to Moscow as Russians gather to show solidarity after that tragic school hostage taking.

And at 39 after, new worries about Iran and its nuclear programs and a growing sense of urgency about dealing with the potential threat.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CALLAWAY: Investors are returning to Wall Street today after a long weekend. The markets were closed, of course, on Monday for Labor Day.

The Dow closed down just over 30 points, though, on Friday.

The Nasdaq fell almost 29 points.

And the S&P 500 fell by more than 4 1/2 points.

Overseas, Japan's Nikkei closed up 54 1/2 points today.

Britain's FTSE 100 trading down nearly 15 points.

And France's CAC down 6 points.

Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is now 16 minutes after the hour.

And here's what's all new this morning.

At least 15 people were killed after Israeli helicopters fired on a camp in Gaza City. Israeli Defense Forces say the camp was used for training Palestinian militants. As many as 50 people may have been injured in that attack.

And a massive anti-terrorism rally in Moscow should get under way in just a few hours. That demonstration being led by the country's trade unions to protest the growing number of terrorist attacks in Russia. And, of course, that includes the school siege in Beslan.

In money, unions at Al Italia Airlines meet today in Rome to decide whether to accept a restructuring plan. The Italian government supported air carrier plans to lay off 5,000 workers, or nearly a fourth of its workforce. And in culture, a very special birthday this week for Michelangelo's "David." The city of Florence planning a nine month celebration to mark Wednesday's 500th birthday of that masterpiece. Of course, "David" doesn't look a day over 400.

And in sports, Lindsay Davenport advances to the U.S. Open quarter finals after a straight set victory over Venus Williams. Also on the women's side, defending champion and number one seed Justine Henin-Hardenne lost her match.

MARCIANO: Hey Catherine, a little Labor Day...

CALLAWAY: Hey, Chad.

MARCIANO: A little Labor Day tradition there, the U.S. Open tennis up there in New York. They had some good weather and they'll get another nice day today.

This is hurricane Ivan. Winds to 110 miles an hour and getting better organized. This is what's left of Frances, a tropical depression, and getting less organized, but certainly a ton of rain expected across Georgia, the Carolinas and then up the Eastern Seaboard as we go through tomorrow.

(WEATHER REPORT)

CALLAWAY: In other news this morning, testimony set to resume today in the Scott Peterson trial. That trial entering its 15th week now. And as CNN's Ted Rowlands reports, for some, it's become as much of an event as it is a legal proceeding.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Twenty-eight seats.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the first day mistress Amber Frey testified in the Scott Peterson murder trial, more than 250 people showed up hoping to win one of the 30 open spots in the seat lottery. This trial has attracted locals and people from across the country. Some come for a day or two. Others who are here every day have taken up specific roles.

Marlene Newell updates those who think Peterson is not guilty through her Web site, scottisinnocent.com. Marlene, who lives nearby, spends her days trying to get into the courtroom and her nights updating the Web site.

Then there is Phil Devan. A mechanical engineer from New England, Phil moved to the Bay Area to watch the trial. He thinks Peterson is guilty and he wants to prove it.

PHIL DEVAN, TRIAL WATCHER: We're going to take a left beyond this breakwater here.

ROWLANDS: Phil pays a local boat owner $40 an hour to help him drag his homemade rake and weighted hooks around the San Francisco Bay. Phil says he's trying to find cement anchors prosecutors believe Peterson used to weigh down his wife's body.

DEVAN: I just think it would really be critical to the case if we could find it.

ROWLANDS: While Phil posted this flier hoping others would join him, so far he is on his own and hasn't found much.

DEVAN: Just a little bit of seaweed.

ROWLANDS: Phil says he plans to keep spending his time and money until this trial is over, spending weekends looking for evidence and trial days doing his best to get into the courtroom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 3107.

ROWLANDS: Ted Rowlands, CNN, San Francisco.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And in news across America this morning, a near tragedy was averted in Oceanside, California after swimmers were pulled too close to a pier. Lifeguards jumped in to rescue at least 50 people that were carried away by the strong surf. Now, the swimmers were taking part in the city's 75th annual Labor Day Pier Swim.

FBI agents are assisting police in Kansas City, Missouri after six bodies were found in an 18-block area. Police say they believe that the killings were all connected to a single person, though they wouldn't say what evidence led them to that conclusion. Five of the six bodies have been found since last Thursday.

And firefighters are having a tough time with a 12,000 acre blaze in California's wine country. The Sonoma County fire has destroyed four homes and caused dozens of families to leave the area. Fire crews are hoping to get the upper hand on that blaze by Wednesday morning.

Well, she lives life to the hilt. But when you are the heiress to a billion dollar fortune, what's a girl to do? We'll tell you what happens when Paris puts pen to paper.

Heart bypass patients come from all walks of life and some are even household names. But people you wouldn't expect could be at risk. And we'll tell you why it matters, to pardon the pun, most.

You're watching DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

Stay with us everyone.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CALLAWAY: Time this morning for our DAYBREAK "Eye Opener."

Would you be surprised to find a bar code inside your banana? Well, that's the hope of South Korean scientists, who say they have perfected an invisible DNA bar code to be used on items like fresh produce. In fact, the bar code and the crop can be planted at the same time. The system could help detect contaminated produce or meats.

And it may only be September, but it is already snowing in Colorado. Skiers hit the slopes on Silverton Mountain after a weekend of snowfall there. Runners in the annual Labor Day Breckenridge Marathon had to deal with up to eight inches of snow on the course. Wow!

When will Paris Hilton's 15 minutes come to an end? Well, now she's hoping to add best-selling author to her resume. Her memoirs, "Confessions of An Heiress," go on sale today. Hilton is in the process of also launching a line of jewelry, filming a movie and recording an album.

Well, Paris Hilton's book is just 198 pages long. That is a pamphlet compared to President Clinton's 957 page book. And now the former president may want to add another chapter after having successful heart bypass surgery.

But he isn't the only celebrity to have heart surgery.

CNN's Jeanne Moos has more.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One day you're the life of the party. Next thing you know, you're on the operating table and doctors are using a plastic heart to describe your clogged arteries. The waiting room consists of the world press exhibiting some not exactly heart healthy behavior while waiting for the former president's arteries to be bypassed. But there's one thought that's hard to bypass.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That could be us.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It does make you stop and think.

MOOS: It's kind of sad because Clinton had just changed his ways. Suddenly he was being --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, you can't change your arteries overnight.

MOOS: Even if your arteries are famous.

DAVID LETTERMAN: While I was gone, I had quintuple bypass surgery on my heart. Plus, I got a haircut.

MOOS: It's the kind of operation that makes even a funny man choke up.

LETTERMAN: These men and women right here saved my life.

MOOS: Why, even age-defying David Bowie had to undergo balloon angioplasty recently to unclog an artery.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That makes me feel old.

MOOS: And if it can happen to Bowie, why not the terminator himself? Arnold Schwarzenegger, did you even know he had a valve replaced?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't know he had a heart.

MOOS: Bill Clinton's well-wishers included this flock of roller skating nuns.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We wish him the best.

MOOS: What kind of nuns are these?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sisters of life.

MOOS: And when the comeback kid comes back to life, he can expect a Letterman like return.

JERRY SEINFELD: I thought you were dead.

LETTERMAN: I am just happy to be wearing clothing that opens in the front.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

CALLAWAY: And here's what's all new coming up in the next half hour.

For every drink there's probably a hangover remedy to go with it. But it's not easy knowing what works and what people wish would work. We'll sort out the facts from hangover fiction, coming up ahead.

Also, Russians mourn and the world mourns with them. More funerals for victims of the Beslan school siege. Meanwhile, a planned protest against terror is expected to bring thousands there and we will have a live report from Moscow ahead.

This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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