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CNN Live Today

Porter Goss Sworn in as New Director of Central Intelligence; Coalition Warplanes Strike at Insurgents in Fallujah

Aired September 24, 2004 - 10:00   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning from the CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Betty Nguyen in for Daryn Kagan. Here are stories now in the news.
Just within the past hour, President Bush took part in a swearing-in ceremony of his new Director of Central Intelligence. Porter Goss took the oath in the Oval Office just two days after winning Senate confirmation. Some Democrats have voiced concerns the former Republican congressman may be too partisan for the job.

Smoke has billowed above the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah this morning. Police there tell CNN that U.S. warplanes pounded targets in the city. There is no account yet on damage or casualties. Now in the past weeks, the U.S. has hit targets linked to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terror network.

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has been meeting this morning with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon. They're expected to answer reporters' questions at any moment. Now earlier, Mr. Allawi honored the sacrifice of the U.S. military in Iraq by laying a wreath at an Arlington -- or at Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns.

And it may well be an uneasy weekend for Floridians, yet again, living along the East Coast. Many are already starting to make preparations for Hurricane Jeanne. It is inching closer to what could be the state's fourth hurricane this season. Jeanne is now packing winds of more than 100 miles per hour. And some projections show it hitting central Florida Sunday, then churning up the coast.

Well, live this hour, John Kerry delivers a seven-point plan to win the war on terror. Kerry will be joined for his speech at Philadelphia's Temple University by two widows of the 9/11 attacks.

And CNN's Bob Franken is covering Kerry's speech and he joins us now from Philadelphia with the latest.

Hi there, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. And we can characterize the seven-point plan because Kerry is saying do everything better in the war on terror. This also represents a last- minute change in emphasis. The campaign added this event on because there's now a de-emphasis of the emphasis on domestic matters, a new heavy emphasis on matters international.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): It didn't take long for Bush-Allawi mutual admiration society had begun its upbeat Iraq assessment for John Kerry to regain his voice.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The prime minister and the president are here obviously to put their best face on the policy.

FRANKEN: Well, Vice President Cheney was shocked at that.

DICK CHENEY (R), UNITED STATES VICE PRESIDENT: I was appalled at the complete lack of respect Senator Kerry showed for this man of courage...

(BOOING)

CHENEY: ... when he rushed out to hold a press conference and attacked the prime minister. The man America must stand beside to defeat the terrorists.

FRANKEN: The candidates are fanning out to get in some last blitz before they start cramming for the first debate. But we're already getting nonstop previews of the coming attraction.

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I believe a leader must be consistent and clear. And not change positions when times get tough.

KERRY: I think that a president who fails to admit his mistakes is a president who proves that he doesn't know how to make the course correct.

BUSH: To retreat now would betray our mission, our word and our friends. Mr. Prime Minister, America will keep its commitments.

KERRY: I want victory. I want to win. And I have a better plan to win than George Bush does.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: So by now, we've pretty much heard all the lines. Next the candidates are in for some intense training. And first up will be the cardinal rule of presidential debates, Betty. First, do no harm to yourself -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Kerry has come out lately really strong in this war on terror. Does this have anything to do with what's been going on in Iraq as of late, with all the violence, and of course, the beheadings this week?

FRANKEN: Well, all of that has factored in to a decision by this campaign that the emphasis at the moment, contrary to the way things usually work, particularly with Democrats, the emphasis needs to be on Iraq. That is going to be the issue, a decision the candidate believes and the campaign believes. That will be the issue that really decides to a large degree how this election is going to go.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken, thank you so much. We'll be checking in with you later.

Well, if the election were held today, CNN analysis shows President Bush would win 301 electoral votes. That's compared to 237 for John Kerry. A candidate needs just 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. Two more states, Iowa and New Hampshire move into the president's column this week. Our analysis is based on public and private polling, interviews with campaign and party strategists, turnout trends and the latest ad spinning in contested states.

President Bush leaves the White House next hour for campaigning in Wisconsin. But earlier this morning, he took type to swear in the new CIA chief.

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux has the story from the White House and she joins us now. Hi there, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello. Betty, it's been a very busy day already for the president. The president is attending that ceremony, the swearing-in of Representative Porter Goss. He is the new CIA director. Now we are told that it was actually the White House chief of staff who officially swore him in, and that Goss' family and friends were there. That he got a tour of the Oval Office.

Following that ceremony, now as you may know, of course, he takes on a considerably different role than his predecessor George Tenet. This is really a much more powerful, enhanced role when it comes to the budget and personnel matters decisions. We are told, of course, that that is an interim position before the National Intelligence Director, which of course, is being negotiated by the White House and Congress, before they come to an agreement on exactly what kind of powers that individual will have.

I should also let you know, as well, of course, the president is going to be heading to Wisconsin later today. But before that we are told that he is going to be with a group of local schoolchildren, teachers, the head of the Red Cross, as well as the Russian ambassador. All of them to thank them essentially for the relief efforts that have been provided to the children in Beslan, Russia. Of course those victims of that massacre that occurred just a couple of weeks ago.

The president will say that they have received some $680,000 worth of contributions to the International Red Cross. That he is very appreciative of those efforts. It was just yesterday that the president got a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk about their joint efforts in fighting the war on terror.

And Betty, as I mentioned before, of course, President Bush will be campaigning today in Wisconsin. It is traditionally a Democratic state. But they feel that they have a shot at perhaps getting some of those swing votes. They'll be in areas where the unemployment is dramatically higher than the national average. But still they believe that they'll be able to make some inroads there.

And finally, he will go to the Crawford ranch at the end of the day, and that is where he's going to spend the weekend. He's going to be preparing for his debates, that face-off with Senator Kerry on Thursday in Miami -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Coming up very soon. Now, Suzanne, as we mentioned at the top of this show, John Kerry will be speaking about the war on terror and his plan. Do you expect the president to really focus on Iraq during his speeches today?

MALVEAUX: Well, the theme is education. But we understand that the president is going to go ahead, and in all likelihood address some of Kerry's criticism. Remarks that he made yesterday. Very much like we heard from the vice president, who essentially slammed Kerry for making statements he said were disrespectful to the prime minister of Iraq, Iyad Allawi. We expect the president is going to go ahead and emphasize the war on terror, as he does with every stump speech, but he's also going to focus on his domestic agenda, as well -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, thank you so much.

Well, it looks like President Bush has taken a slight lead in Florida. But the race there is still too close to call. Our latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows Bush's lead among both likely and registered voters is within the margin of error. The same poll found Republicans in Florida were more enthusiastic about voting this year than Democrats. Experts suggest the president's quick hurricane aid response has helped him with Florida voters.

And we do want to remind you that we are still waiting for Senator John Kerry to speak today. He's going to be speaking at Philadelphia's Temple University, where he will be laying out a seven- point plan to win the war on terror. As soon as that begins we will bring it to you live.

As always you can follow the candidates at cnn.com/allpolitics. Our web site today, senior analyst Jeff Greenfield has a piece on Iraq and voters. Plus campus vibe, a look at voter registration at colleges and universities.

Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi continues to make the rounds in Washington. Right now, he's meeting with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. We have a live report from the Pentagon. That is ahead.

And preparing for Jeanne. But not all Florida residents plan to evacuate, even if ordered to do so.

And this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JULIANNE MOORE, ACTRESS: Remember me?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have never met. I do not know you.

MOORE: Lauren and Sam were friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Julianne Moore's new film opens today and Mr. Moviefone joins me for a preview. Will we won't to forget "The Forgotten?" Find out next on CNN's LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, what a long, strange trip it's been for Ivan. The first advisory for the storm came out about three weeks ago. And today, two U.S. landfalls later, Ivan is still chugging along spreading rain into Texas and Louisiana. The schizophrenic storm hit the Gulf Coast last week as a hurricane, then was downgraded to a tropical storm and a tropical depression as it moves northward. Ivan lost his name status for a while but not his wandering. Part of Ivan looped down and back around across Florida, was re-christened after strengthening to a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico and became a tropical depression yet again.

And you got it? Or are you just as confused as Ivan appears to be?

Well, in Haiti, the death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne is surging with no immediate end in sight. More than 1100 people are now confirmed dead. And Haitian officials say even more deaths are expected as disease spreads. One of the primary concerns now is a lack of safe drinking water in the Caribbean nation.

Jeanne has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, and is expected to grow even stronger as it churns toward Florida. It would be the state's fourth hurricane in five weeks.

Reporter Amanda Ober of CNN Orlando affiliate WESH files this report from Barefoot Bay, which is just one of the areas bearing the physical and psychological scars of the hurricane season.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARY MUSSER, HURRICANE SURVIVOR: Now the roof was all off, the carport net. And the back shed.

AMANDA OBER, WESH-TV CORRESPONDENT: Mary Musser just moved to Barefoot Bay from Michigan. She says evacuating for Hurricane Frances took such a toll on her ill health, if Jeanne comes, she's staying put.

MUSSER: I mean I can take a lot because I've been through a lot.

OBER (on camera): But this has pushed you over the edge?

MUSSER: This has really pushed me. I'm not going to evacuate. If they say come and you have to go, take me to jail then. Go ahead and take me to jail because I can't take another trip. OBER (voice-over): Adding to Mary's stress, her daughter, son- in-law and three grandkids are now living in her mobile home. Frances left them homeless.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we just weren't prepared. Not even close. And that kills me.

OBER (on camera): Mary's daughter and grandkids lived in this house, but it was condemned after Hurricane Frances. Not only have they had to bunk in with their mother, but a note on the door begs for a visit from an insurance adjuster.

(voice-over): This stress, Hurricane Frances and now Jeanne, have put on this one family is tremendous. And the fact that grandma is refusing to evacuate is another worry.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She makes her own decisions. I mean I stand by them.

MUSSER: If my heart goes and gets me evacuating again, the hurricane will get me. So be it.

OBER: hopefully the rest of Barefoot Bay won't feel that way if Jeanne threatens a visit.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And that was reporter Amanda Ober of CNN Orlando affiliate WESH.

Well, there's nothing like being first. But will Mr. Moviefone think "First Daughter" should come in last at the box office? Stay with us for a preview.

And if you think knowing how to choose good wine is only for the rich, well, you better think again.

Isn't that right -- Gerri?

GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: That's right, Betty. If you want to find a great wine for a great occasion we'll give you the tips coming up next on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here's another live look at Philadelphia's Temple University, where Senator John Kerry will be speaking within the hour, hopefully, at this group. He's going to be talking about his seven- point plan to win the war on terror. He's also going to be joined by two widows of the 9/11 attacks. And as soon as the senator comes up to the podium we'll take that speech live right here on CNN.

Well, you don't have to break the bank to buy a great bottle of wine. And you don't need to fly to France to take a course. You can be an expert and be on a budget with our Gerri Willis' Top 5 picks on picking wine. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS (voice-over): Ever walked into a wine store and felt bewildered? The choices can be overwhelming. But the right wine can set the mood for a perfect evening. So, where to begin? Joshua Wesson spent much of his career as a New York sommelier, who helped wealthy restaurant customers pick the right wine for the occasion. These days though, he runs a wine store chain called Best Cellars, where most bottles go for less than $15.

JOSHUA WESSON, CO-CEO, BEST CELLARS: Ninety percent of the world's wines are priced at $15 or less if you buy them in a wine shop. And 90 percent of the world's wines are meant to be consumed within a few years of their vintage. So you don't have to worry about vintage. You don't have to worry about price. It's just a matter of picking something that's going to be fun.

WILLIS: Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or getting ready for a night on the town, there are plenty of great wines to fit even the most frugal budget.

WESSON: If you're doing a dinner party, you want to show off that you know something about wine. But you don't want to go over the tops of the heads of your guests. Prosecco is the perfect glass of bubbles. Champagnes start at about $25 and go all the way up to $125 or more. This is all of 11, $12.

WILLIS: Some occasions might be more stressful. What should you buy for a co-worker if you're on a budget but need to impress?

WESSON: You want to pick a wine that no one knows the price of. This happens to be a wonderful Red Zinfandel from California from Rosenblum. It's all of 11, $12 a bottle.

WILLIS (on camera): Wow!

WESSON: And anybody who likes red wine would enjoy it.

WILLIS (voice-over): Some parties are spontaneous. For that reason you want to have some wine chilling in the fridge just in case. But what to pick?

WESSON: Sparkling wine that's pink and dry is a great way to entertain at home when you have unexpected guests, because it automatically makes you seem like you are someone who is the consummate host. The consummate entertainer. You could serve this wine at an opening of an envelope and it would make it into a festive occasion.

(LAUGHTER)

WILLIS: Who doesn't want to look good on a date? The right bottle can really help you make a great impression. Josh recommends a light Alsatian Pinot Blanc because it's not too sickly sweet and not bone-dry either. Here's one more tip for those looking to appear suave and sophisticated. WESSON: Don't do this, by the way, on a date.

(GARGLING)

(LAUGHTER)

WESSON: Very bad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: So the most important thing to remember when you're shopping, besides not gargling the wine, forget the snob appeal, find a wine you enjoy and don't overpay for it -- Betty.

NGUYEN: I like the sound of that. But I think a lot of people also will be happy to hear that screw cap wine is now socially acceptable. Is that right?

WILLIS: You know, that's what Josh told us. I found it hard to believe. But yes, you can buy wine with a screw cap, perfectly good wine available that way. But you know, my thinking is, you won't take it to a friend's house for dinner. Maybe in your own home -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Exactly. Not a gift item.

All right. Gerri Willis, thank you so much.

WILLIS: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Well, we do want to let you know that Senator John Kerry has arrived in Philadelphia, there at Temple University. He will be speaking momentarily, and we will have that when we come back.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here are stories now in the news. In a Philadelphia speech this hour, John Kerry will lay out a seven-point plan to win the effective war against terrorism. Right now Senator Joe Biden is speaking. Among Kerry's proposals: strengthen the military and intelligence, deny terrorists weapons and funding, and promote freedom and democracy in the Muslim world. And when Kerry begins speaking, we'll bring that to you live.

Meanwhile, President Bush makes two campaign stops today in Wisconsin, focusing on education and other matters. This marks the president's 16-visit to Wisconsin, which will hand out 10 electoral votes. Ronald Reagan was the last GOP presidential candidate to carry the state 20 years ago. But Bush aides point to the state's job gains as one arrow in their quiver.

And a hearing is under way on Capitol Hill this hour, on money for Iraq's rebuilding. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is appearing before the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. The State Department wants to shift $3.5 billion in Iraq reconstruction funds.

And a grueling hurricane season, well, it just goes on and on. A hurricane watch is now posted for most of Florida's Atlantic coast. Forecasters say Jeanne could become a Category 3 storm and possibly make landfall on Florida Sunday. Some residents are boarding up their homes again for what could be the state's fourth hurricane in just over a month.

Now to our situation report from Iraq. At least three Iraqi civilians are being treated for shrapnel wounds from a mortar attack in eastern Baghdad. Iraqi police tell CNN that insurgents fired at least three mortar rounds into a street in a major thoroughfare in the capital.

We're also chasing down details of an apparent U.S. air strike on Fallujah this morning. Police there tell CNN that U.S. warplanes pounded targets in the city, a reported stronghold for insurgents. There are no details on damage or casualties at this hour. In past weeks, the U.S. has hit targets linked to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terror network.

Meanwhile, two more international workers have been kidnapped in Baghdad. Late last night, insurgents snatched up two Egyptian engineers from their office.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired September 24, 2004 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning from the CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Betty Nguyen in for Daryn Kagan. Here are stories now in the news.
Just within the past hour, President Bush took part in a swearing-in ceremony of his new Director of Central Intelligence. Porter Goss took the oath in the Oval Office just two days after winning Senate confirmation. Some Democrats have voiced concerns the former Republican congressman may be too partisan for the job.

Smoke has billowed above the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah this morning. Police there tell CNN that U.S. warplanes pounded targets in the city. There is no account yet on damage or casualties. Now in the past weeks, the U.S. has hit targets linked to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terror network.

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has been meeting this morning with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon. They're expected to answer reporters' questions at any moment. Now earlier, Mr. Allawi honored the sacrifice of the U.S. military in Iraq by laying a wreath at an Arlington -- or at Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns.

And it may well be an uneasy weekend for Floridians, yet again, living along the East Coast. Many are already starting to make preparations for Hurricane Jeanne. It is inching closer to what could be the state's fourth hurricane this season. Jeanne is now packing winds of more than 100 miles per hour. And some projections show it hitting central Florida Sunday, then churning up the coast.

Well, live this hour, John Kerry delivers a seven-point plan to win the war on terror. Kerry will be joined for his speech at Philadelphia's Temple University by two widows of the 9/11 attacks.

And CNN's Bob Franken is covering Kerry's speech and he joins us now from Philadelphia with the latest.

Hi there, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. And we can characterize the seven-point plan because Kerry is saying do everything better in the war on terror. This also represents a last- minute change in emphasis. The campaign added this event on because there's now a de-emphasis of the emphasis on domestic matters, a new heavy emphasis on matters international.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): It didn't take long for Bush-Allawi mutual admiration society had begun its upbeat Iraq assessment for John Kerry to regain his voice.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The prime minister and the president are here obviously to put their best face on the policy.

FRANKEN: Well, Vice President Cheney was shocked at that.

DICK CHENEY (R), UNITED STATES VICE PRESIDENT: I was appalled at the complete lack of respect Senator Kerry showed for this man of courage...

(BOOING)

CHENEY: ... when he rushed out to hold a press conference and attacked the prime minister. The man America must stand beside to defeat the terrorists.

FRANKEN: The candidates are fanning out to get in some last blitz before they start cramming for the first debate. But we're already getting nonstop previews of the coming attraction.

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I believe a leader must be consistent and clear. And not change positions when times get tough.

KERRY: I think that a president who fails to admit his mistakes is a president who proves that he doesn't know how to make the course correct.

BUSH: To retreat now would betray our mission, our word and our friends. Mr. Prime Minister, America will keep its commitments.

KERRY: I want victory. I want to win. And I have a better plan to win than George Bush does.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: So by now, we've pretty much heard all the lines. Next the candidates are in for some intense training. And first up will be the cardinal rule of presidential debates, Betty. First, do no harm to yourself -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Kerry has come out lately really strong in this war on terror. Does this have anything to do with what's been going on in Iraq as of late, with all the violence, and of course, the beheadings this week?

FRANKEN: Well, all of that has factored in to a decision by this campaign that the emphasis at the moment, contrary to the way things usually work, particularly with Democrats, the emphasis needs to be on Iraq. That is going to be the issue, a decision the candidate believes and the campaign believes. That will be the issue that really decides to a large degree how this election is going to go.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken, thank you so much. We'll be checking in with you later.

Well, if the election were held today, CNN analysis shows President Bush would win 301 electoral votes. That's compared to 237 for John Kerry. A candidate needs just 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. Two more states, Iowa and New Hampshire move into the president's column this week. Our analysis is based on public and private polling, interviews with campaign and party strategists, turnout trends and the latest ad spinning in contested states.

President Bush leaves the White House next hour for campaigning in Wisconsin. But earlier this morning, he took type to swear in the new CIA chief.

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux has the story from the White House and she joins us now. Hi there, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello. Betty, it's been a very busy day already for the president. The president is attending that ceremony, the swearing-in of Representative Porter Goss. He is the new CIA director. Now we are told that it was actually the White House chief of staff who officially swore him in, and that Goss' family and friends were there. That he got a tour of the Oval Office.

Following that ceremony, now as you may know, of course, he takes on a considerably different role than his predecessor George Tenet. This is really a much more powerful, enhanced role when it comes to the budget and personnel matters decisions. We are told, of course, that that is an interim position before the National Intelligence Director, which of course, is being negotiated by the White House and Congress, before they come to an agreement on exactly what kind of powers that individual will have.

I should also let you know, as well, of course, the president is going to be heading to Wisconsin later today. But before that we are told that he is going to be with a group of local schoolchildren, teachers, the head of the Red Cross, as well as the Russian ambassador. All of them to thank them essentially for the relief efforts that have been provided to the children in Beslan, Russia. Of course those victims of that massacre that occurred just a couple of weeks ago.

The president will say that they have received some $680,000 worth of contributions to the International Red Cross. That he is very appreciative of those efforts. It was just yesterday that the president got a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk about their joint efforts in fighting the war on terror.

And Betty, as I mentioned before, of course, President Bush will be campaigning today in Wisconsin. It is traditionally a Democratic state. But they feel that they have a shot at perhaps getting some of those swing votes. They'll be in areas where the unemployment is dramatically higher than the national average. But still they believe that they'll be able to make some inroads there.

And finally, he will go to the Crawford ranch at the end of the day, and that is where he's going to spend the weekend. He's going to be preparing for his debates, that face-off with Senator Kerry on Thursday in Miami -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Coming up very soon. Now, Suzanne, as we mentioned at the top of this show, John Kerry will be speaking about the war on terror and his plan. Do you expect the president to really focus on Iraq during his speeches today?

MALVEAUX: Well, the theme is education. But we understand that the president is going to go ahead, and in all likelihood address some of Kerry's criticism. Remarks that he made yesterday. Very much like we heard from the vice president, who essentially slammed Kerry for making statements he said were disrespectful to the prime minister of Iraq, Iyad Allawi. We expect the president is going to go ahead and emphasize the war on terror, as he does with every stump speech, but he's also going to focus on his domestic agenda, as well -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, thank you so much.

Well, it looks like President Bush has taken a slight lead in Florida. But the race there is still too close to call. Our latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows Bush's lead among both likely and registered voters is within the margin of error. The same poll found Republicans in Florida were more enthusiastic about voting this year than Democrats. Experts suggest the president's quick hurricane aid response has helped him with Florida voters.

And we do want to remind you that we are still waiting for Senator John Kerry to speak today. He's going to be speaking at Philadelphia's Temple University, where he will be laying out a seven- point plan to win the war on terror. As soon as that begins we will bring it to you live.

As always you can follow the candidates at cnn.com/allpolitics. Our web site today, senior analyst Jeff Greenfield has a piece on Iraq and voters. Plus campus vibe, a look at voter registration at colleges and universities.

Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi continues to make the rounds in Washington. Right now, he's meeting with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. We have a live report from the Pentagon. That is ahead.

And preparing for Jeanne. But not all Florida residents plan to evacuate, even if ordered to do so.

And this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JULIANNE MOORE, ACTRESS: Remember me?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have never met. I do not know you.

MOORE: Lauren and Sam were friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Julianne Moore's new film opens today and Mr. Moviefone joins me for a preview. Will we won't to forget "The Forgotten?" Find out next on CNN's LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, what a long, strange trip it's been for Ivan. The first advisory for the storm came out about three weeks ago. And today, two U.S. landfalls later, Ivan is still chugging along spreading rain into Texas and Louisiana. The schizophrenic storm hit the Gulf Coast last week as a hurricane, then was downgraded to a tropical storm and a tropical depression as it moves northward. Ivan lost his name status for a while but not his wandering. Part of Ivan looped down and back around across Florida, was re-christened after strengthening to a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico and became a tropical depression yet again.

And you got it? Or are you just as confused as Ivan appears to be?

Well, in Haiti, the death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne is surging with no immediate end in sight. More than 1100 people are now confirmed dead. And Haitian officials say even more deaths are expected as disease spreads. One of the primary concerns now is a lack of safe drinking water in the Caribbean nation.

Jeanne has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, and is expected to grow even stronger as it churns toward Florida. It would be the state's fourth hurricane in five weeks.

Reporter Amanda Ober of CNN Orlando affiliate WESH files this report from Barefoot Bay, which is just one of the areas bearing the physical and psychological scars of the hurricane season.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARY MUSSER, HURRICANE SURVIVOR: Now the roof was all off, the carport net. And the back shed.

AMANDA OBER, WESH-TV CORRESPONDENT: Mary Musser just moved to Barefoot Bay from Michigan. She says evacuating for Hurricane Frances took such a toll on her ill health, if Jeanne comes, she's staying put.

MUSSER: I mean I can take a lot because I've been through a lot.

OBER (on camera): But this has pushed you over the edge?

MUSSER: This has really pushed me. I'm not going to evacuate. If they say come and you have to go, take me to jail then. Go ahead and take me to jail because I can't take another trip. OBER (voice-over): Adding to Mary's stress, her daughter, son- in-law and three grandkids are now living in her mobile home. Frances left them homeless.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we just weren't prepared. Not even close. And that kills me.

OBER (on camera): Mary's daughter and grandkids lived in this house, but it was condemned after Hurricane Frances. Not only have they had to bunk in with their mother, but a note on the door begs for a visit from an insurance adjuster.

(voice-over): This stress, Hurricane Frances and now Jeanne, have put on this one family is tremendous. And the fact that grandma is refusing to evacuate is another worry.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She makes her own decisions. I mean I stand by them.

MUSSER: If my heart goes and gets me evacuating again, the hurricane will get me. So be it.

OBER: hopefully the rest of Barefoot Bay won't feel that way if Jeanne threatens a visit.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And that was reporter Amanda Ober of CNN Orlando affiliate WESH.

Well, there's nothing like being first. But will Mr. Moviefone think "First Daughter" should come in last at the box office? Stay with us for a preview.

And if you think knowing how to choose good wine is only for the rich, well, you better think again.

Isn't that right -- Gerri?

GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: That's right, Betty. If you want to find a great wine for a great occasion we'll give you the tips coming up next on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here's another live look at Philadelphia's Temple University, where Senator John Kerry will be speaking within the hour, hopefully, at this group. He's going to be talking about his seven- point plan to win the war on terror. He's also going to be joined by two widows of the 9/11 attacks. And as soon as the senator comes up to the podium we'll take that speech live right here on CNN.

Well, you don't have to break the bank to buy a great bottle of wine. And you don't need to fly to France to take a course. You can be an expert and be on a budget with our Gerri Willis' Top 5 picks on picking wine. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS (voice-over): Ever walked into a wine store and felt bewildered? The choices can be overwhelming. But the right wine can set the mood for a perfect evening. So, where to begin? Joshua Wesson spent much of his career as a New York sommelier, who helped wealthy restaurant customers pick the right wine for the occasion. These days though, he runs a wine store chain called Best Cellars, where most bottles go for less than $15.

JOSHUA WESSON, CO-CEO, BEST CELLARS: Ninety percent of the world's wines are priced at $15 or less if you buy them in a wine shop. And 90 percent of the world's wines are meant to be consumed within a few years of their vintage. So you don't have to worry about vintage. You don't have to worry about price. It's just a matter of picking something that's going to be fun.

WILLIS: Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or getting ready for a night on the town, there are plenty of great wines to fit even the most frugal budget.

WESSON: If you're doing a dinner party, you want to show off that you know something about wine. But you don't want to go over the tops of the heads of your guests. Prosecco is the perfect glass of bubbles. Champagnes start at about $25 and go all the way up to $125 or more. This is all of 11, $12.

WILLIS: Some occasions might be more stressful. What should you buy for a co-worker if you're on a budget but need to impress?

WESSON: You want to pick a wine that no one knows the price of. This happens to be a wonderful Red Zinfandel from California from Rosenblum. It's all of 11, $12 a bottle.

WILLIS (on camera): Wow!

WESSON: And anybody who likes red wine would enjoy it.

WILLIS (voice-over): Some parties are spontaneous. For that reason you want to have some wine chilling in the fridge just in case. But what to pick?

WESSON: Sparkling wine that's pink and dry is a great way to entertain at home when you have unexpected guests, because it automatically makes you seem like you are someone who is the consummate host. The consummate entertainer. You could serve this wine at an opening of an envelope and it would make it into a festive occasion.

(LAUGHTER)

WILLIS: Who doesn't want to look good on a date? The right bottle can really help you make a great impression. Josh recommends a light Alsatian Pinot Blanc because it's not too sickly sweet and not bone-dry either. Here's one more tip for those looking to appear suave and sophisticated. WESSON: Don't do this, by the way, on a date.

(GARGLING)

(LAUGHTER)

WESSON: Very bad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: So the most important thing to remember when you're shopping, besides not gargling the wine, forget the snob appeal, find a wine you enjoy and don't overpay for it -- Betty.

NGUYEN: I like the sound of that. But I think a lot of people also will be happy to hear that screw cap wine is now socially acceptable. Is that right?

WILLIS: You know, that's what Josh told us. I found it hard to believe. But yes, you can buy wine with a screw cap, perfectly good wine available that way. But you know, my thinking is, you won't take it to a friend's house for dinner. Maybe in your own home -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Exactly. Not a gift item.

All right. Gerri Willis, thank you so much.

WILLIS: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Well, we do want to let you know that Senator John Kerry has arrived in Philadelphia, there at Temple University. He will be speaking momentarily, and we will have that when we come back.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here are stories now in the news. In a Philadelphia speech this hour, John Kerry will lay out a seven-point plan to win the effective war against terrorism. Right now Senator Joe Biden is speaking. Among Kerry's proposals: strengthen the military and intelligence, deny terrorists weapons and funding, and promote freedom and democracy in the Muslim world. And when Kerry begins speaking, we'll bring that to you live.

Meanwhile, President Bush makes two campaign stops today in Wisconsin, focusing on education and other matters. This marks the president's 16-visit to Wisconsin, which will hand out 10 electoral votes. Ronald Reagan was the last GOP presidential candidate to carry the state 20 years ago. But Bush aides point to the state's job gains as one arrow in their quiver.

And a hearing is under way on Capitol Hill this hour, on money for Iraq's rebuilding. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is appearing before the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. The State Department wants to shift $3.5 billion in Iraq reconstruction funds.

And a grueling hurricane season, well, it just goes on and on. A hurricane watch is now posted for most of Florida's Atlantic coast. Forecasters say Jeanne could become a Category 3 storm and possibly make landfall on Florida Sunday. Some residents are boarding up their homes again for what could be the state's fourth hurricane in just over a month.

Now to our situation report from Iraq. At least three Iraqi civilians are being treated for shrapnel wounds from a mortar attack in eastern Baghdad. Iraqi police tell CNN that insurgents fired at least three mortar rounds into a street in a major thoroughfare in the capital.

We're also chasing down details of an apparent U.S. air strike on Fallujah this morning. Police there tell CNN that U.S. warplanes pounded targets in the city, a reported stronghold for insurgents. There are no details on damage or casualties at this hour. In past weeks, the U.S. has hit targets linked to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terror network.

Meanwhile, two more international workers have been kidnapped in Baghdad. Late last night, insurgents snatched up two Egyptian engineers from their office.

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