Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

The Female Vote; Lead Detective Returns to the Stand in Peterson Case; Conan O'Brien Named as Leno's Successor on "The Tonight Show"

Aired September 28, 2004 - 07:30   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.


HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Half past the hour now on this AMERICAN MORNING. John Kerry, talking a lot about Iraq and national security on the campaign trail. And a recent poll shows one group he has to reach with that message: women. Kelly Wallace will look at a trend this year that the big campaigns haven't seen in quite some time.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Also, NBC (INAUDIBLE) Conan O'Brien taking over "The Tonight Show" when Jay Leno retires -- be a couple of years before that happens, however.

COLLINS: Yeah, like five years.

HEMMER: Five.

We'll talk to Toure and Andy Borowitz about that decision and why it may be a great strategic move for the network. So, we'll get to that in the next 15 minutes or so.

COLLINS: Big news today, yes.

All right, want to check on the stories now in the news, though, with Rick Sanchez, joining us once again this morning.

Hi, Rick.

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, guys.

The Palestinian prime minister is condemning the abduction of a CNN producer. Riad Ali was taken at gunpoint yesterday at Gaza City. There has been no claim of responsibility up to now. Correspondent Ben Wedeman says that abductors blocked a taxi that was carrying several CNN staff members and ordered Ali out of the car at gunpoint.

We're going to hear more about the abduction. Obviously, we're going to follow the story closely throughout the day. We're going to hear from Wedeman himself. That's coming up in about 30 minutes.

Officials in the United Arab Emirates are trying to find out why a wall collapsed at one of the Middle East's busiest airports. At least five people were killed yesterday at Dubai International Airport. Officials say that a section of the terminal under construction just broke apart. It is not clear if anyone is still trapped inside that rubble. Here in the United States, a Justice Department report says that the FBI continues to collect more information on foreign languages than it can translate. A report released yesterday acknowledges some improvement since 9/11, but finds that hundreds of thousands of hours of backlogged audiotapes concerning intelligence and terrorism. We're going to discuss the reasons for the shortcomings with Congressman Chris Cox. That's coming up in our next hour.

Also, the tug of war continues between the parents and husband of a woman who was brain damaged 14 years ago. The parents of Terri Schiavo are pleading to be allowed to take care of the daughter themselves. Terri's husband wants to remove her feeding tube, saying she didn't want to be kept alive artificially. Her parents will argue their case in a Florida court. That's set for Thursday.

Also, Senator John Kerry has a problem with women voters, and Heidi is standing by to tell you more about that -- Heidi?

COLLINS: That's right, Rick. Thanks so much for that.

There is a problem with women voters, some would say, for John Kerry. Traditionally, Democrats have an edge with the female vote. But according to some recent polls now, the president is the one with the lead. Why? Well, Kelly Wallace is going to talk to us more about that.

This is a little bit different than what we've seen in the past.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is, Heidi. And you remember the Clinton campaign mantra in 1992: It is the economy, stupid. Well, some believe that John Kerry's problem with women in part comes down to this: It is security, stupid.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): Judy Gartman is a mother of two who strongly favors abortion rights and stem-cell research. So, you might assume, then, she's voting for the Democrats, but she tells us she's undecided because of doubts about John Kerry.

JUDITH GARTMAN, UNDECIDED VOTER: I guess I'm kind of swaying from one side to another. It's much more a -- I'm looking for leadership.

WALLACE: Voters like Judy illustrate a problem Democrats don't usually have. After all, in the last election, Al Gore won the women vote 54 to 43 percent. But in the latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, Kerry is actually behind President Bush by two points with women voters, 21 points behind on the question of who can better handle terrorism.

Why? Political analysts point to the Republican convention's emphasis on national security and the Russian school massacre in Beslan.

SUSAN CARROLL, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: The focus recently has been on security issues, and the polls have consistently shown that that's the single area where George W. Bush does best with voters, both men and women.

WALLACE: Kathy Bunta is a mother of three and a solid Kerry supporter.

(on camera): Now, what is your advice that you would give Senator Kerry that he needs to do between now and the election do you think -- or you hope he will do?

KATHY BUNTA, VOTING FOR KERRY: Fight fire with fire, you know? Obviously the Republicans are doing something right about drilling the message home.

WALLACE (voice-over): The senator clearly has gotten that message. He's making the rounds on the daytime talk shows and on the stump, trying to appeal directly to women.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): And the stakes are certainly high. Many women we talked to, Heidi, say they will be looking at these upcoming debates, looking for more from John Kerry when it comes to Iraq and security. So, they could, some say, change their minds based on what they hear...

COLLINS: ... and obviously so many other issues out there. How do women feel about the economy? Where do they rank that in all of this?

WALLACE: Well, they sort of right now are giving Senator Kerry higher marks on the economy than President Bush. And that's been going on in polls over the past few months. And some believe it will be interesting to watch women who might give President Bush higher marks on security, but Senator Kerry higher marks on the economy.

How they make that judgment, how they ultimately decide to vote could end up being decisive in November.

COLLINS: Yes, which box they check.

All right, Kelli Wallace, thanks so much.

WALLACE: Sure.

COLLINS: Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. Now to Scott Peterson's double murder trial, as prosecutors get ready to wrap up their case in California. The lead police detective returns to the stand today for a second day of cross-examination by the defense.

Former San Mateo County Prosecutor Dean Johnson has been in the courtroom. He's with us now live in Redwood City. And Dean, good morning, welcome back here.

DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Good morning, Bill.

HEMMER: The headline from yesterday, the defense introducing Scott Peterson's other affairs as evidence. What's the strategy in putting that label on him on the defense side?

JOHNSON: Well, this has to be one of the most bizarre strategies for a defense lawyer that we have ever seen. Actually, introducing us to the other, other woman and the other, other, other woman. I think the point here is that Amber Frey, the girlfriend that we knew about, could not be the motive for murder.

The defense is going to argue this was something that had happened previously, at least twice in the relationship between Laci and Scott. And that somehow they had learned to live with it. And that, therefore, another affair would not be a reason for either breaking up the relationship or certainly a motive for murder.

HEMMER: But help me understand: What's the difference with this affair?

JOHNSON: The difference with this affair, with the Amber Frey affair, the prosecution will say, is that this is unique in that Laci, for the first time, was eight-and-a-half months pregnant. And they will say that this whole pattern, all of these affairs, constitutes a lifestyle and that Scott Peterson saw that lifestyle coming to an end with the eminent birth of Conner Peterson, and that's why he did what the prosecution claims he did.

HEMMER: Let me talk about the detective, Craig Grogan, on the stand yesterday. Mark Geragos going piece by piece yesterday in his testimony. How effective was Geragos in that?

JOHNSON: Well, he's been quite effective. Remember, Grogan was allowed to testify on direct examination to 41 reasons why he felt that Scott Peterson was suspicious. Geragos has been very effective in knocking down most of those 41 reasons and, in the course of it, bringing out facts that actually help the defense as he's done so many times before.

One remarkable fact: the fact that there was actually a deputy D.A. in the Modesto area, a short, dark-haired woman who was pregnant, who was actually seen walking her dog who was a golden retriever named McKenzie.

HEMMER: Which would just be another one of the theories that have been put forward by the defense.

JOHNSON: Exactly. Yet another theory...

HEMMER: ... about half a dozen, I believe.

JOHNSON: Yes.

HEMMER: Dean, one more point: What are you noticing about jurors? I saw a note in here that suggested that they are not taking notes at this point. What does that suggest to you? JOHNSON: Well, you know, I watched the jurors very closely yesterday, and I see a different attitude on the part of many of them. At least five of them have stopped taking notes, are leaning back in their chairs and have become very stoic. The feeling you get is that they have made up their minds. What you can't tell is which way.

HEMMER: Dean Johnson, thanks, in Redwood City.

JOHNSON: Thank you, Bill.

HEMMER: Legendary music producer Phil Spector now charged with murder. This for the 2003 shooting death of a B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. The 64-year-old remains free on $1 million bail. Clarkson died at Spector's southern California mansion.

And after the hearing, Spector called the D.A. Hitler-like. Spector's angry because prosecutors chose to seek an indictment through a grand jury. He says that in a preliminary hearing, his attorneys would have presented information from three scientists who concluded Clarkson died of self-inflicted wounds -- Heidi?

COLLINS: The Mount St. Helens volcano could be headed for another eruption or it could just be ready to let off some steam. A swarm of small earthquakes since last Thursday have led to safety precautions around the crater in Washington State.

Scientists' best guess is recent heavy rains have led to steam building up inside. That could lead to a small explosion, but nothing has been ruled out. Fifty-seven people have died and a massive cloud of ash affected global whether when Mount St. Helen erupted in 1980.

We are going to be talking to Rob Marciano a little bit more about the weather situation. In fact, he's standing by right now. Rob, are you there?

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right, Rob, thanks.

HEMMER: In a moment here, one of the biggest names in fashion under investigation by federal authorities. Andy's "Minding Your Business." Back with that in a moment here. Let you know what's happening on that story.

Plus, why was it so important for NBC to announce Conan O'Brien's new job five years before he gets it? A look at that, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: He's the king of late, late night, and NBC has tapped Conan O'Brien to replace Jay Leno when "The Tonight Show" host retires in 2009. CNN pop culture correspondent Toure is here to tell us more, along with Andy Borowitz, who has known Conan for actually a pretty long time now. So, we'll get to you in just a moment, Andy.

Toure, this is pretty big news.

TOURE, CNN POP CULTURE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, big news. It's big news. I mean, we're not really sure: Conan coming in; why is it so early; why is Leno going out? Here's a little more on the big announcement.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): Most of the entertainment world was shocked to learn that in 2009 Jay Leno will step down from the most coveted job in the talk show pantheon: hosting NBC's "The Tonight Show."

JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Conan, it's yours. See you in five years, buddy.

TOURE: He'll be replaced by Conan O'Brien. The move was surprising, because Leno has a reputation as a workaholic and was expected to stay at the desk as long as there was breath in his lungs.

LENO: You can do these things until they carry you out on a stretcher, or you can get out when you still -- you know, you're still doing good.

TOURE: "The Tonight Show's" previous host, Johnny Carson, retired in his 60s after 30 years in the job. Leno will step down after 17 years at work just before he turns 60. Leno joked that he would finally get to take his wife to dinner, as NBC portrays the move as Leno's call.

But "New York Times" television writer Bill Carter said it's unlikely it was Leno's decision.

BILL CARTER, "THE NEW YORK TIMES": ... 12 years ago where they had really an embarrassing situation where they couldn't keep Letterman, and Letterman went on to another network and beat their brains in for a while. They decided they better take care of this situation in advance.

TOURE: Back in March when Leno signed a five-year contract extension, many thought that O'Brien would never get the big job. But Conan's edginess has won him a rabid college-age following. He's going to make the leap from 12:30 to "The Tonight Show," a move Letterman never got to make.

Now, the question is: Will Conan beat Dave?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): Well, that may never happen, because Dave is 57 and has heart troubles and a new baby. Some think Comedy Central star Jon Stewart is Dave's heir apparent and that the next big late-night battle could be Conan versus Jon.

COLLINS: Not the first time I've heard that. All right, interesting, Mr. Toure. Thank you so much. And Andy is sitting next to you here. Andy, I know you've known Conan O'Brien for quite a while. You guys went to Harvard together. He actually lent you his tuxedo pants...

ANDY BOROWITZ, BOROWITZREPORT.COM: I'm not at liberty to discuss that.

COLLINS: But what were some of your first impressions of him when you first met him. Did you see him as somebody who was just going to take this comedy and go as far as he has gone?

BOROWITZ: You know what? He's always been a superstar. He was elected president of the "Harvard Lampoon" as a sophomore, which is kind of unusual thing, because that's usually something that a junior gets.

And you know, Conan is one of those guys who always wanted to do this. You know, I mean maybe before I knew him he wanted to be like a fireman at some point, you know, when he was really little. But he always wanted to have his own show.

And you know, when somebody states an ambition like that, you kind of say oh, that's crazy. But it wasn't. I mean, he was well up to the task, and this seems like the culmination of a lifetime dream.

COLLINS: So, describe your friendship with him, though, today. What kind of a man -- has he changed quite a bit since those days back in college?

BOROWITZ: Since, yesterday he actually no longer speaks to me. So, I don't really...

COLLINS: You're estranged.

BOROWITZ: You know, I'm not -- you know, I've known him for a long time. We -- he is really not -- he never let this thing go to his head. Late-night comics are known to be these tortured, unhappy people, and I think Conan of that class is a real exception.

COLLINS: I think viewers see that on the air. I mean, I know personally I like how he makes fun of himself. And he seems to be very much still kind of an average guy.

BOROWITZ: Yes, exactly, which is why I would walk through fire for Conan O'Brien, especially now.

COLLINS: What about this being a good move for him. I mean, of course if someone's going to offer you this job, you're not going to refuse it. I mean, what a great gig, as we say.

But lots of pressure. I mean, his ratings have been great where he is now.

BOROWITZ: Right.

COLLINS: When goes and makes this big jump, isn't that pressure going to be increased, I don't know, tenfold?

BOROWITZ: A couple of things on that. I think nothing could be worse than the pressure that was on Conan when he took David Letterman's job.

COLLINS: Remind people.

BOROWITZ: He was a complete unknown. He was 29 years old. He was ridiculed in the press. He had so much pressure on him. He scored there. I think this move is much less than that. I think he will rock.

COLLINS: Really? He will rock!

BOROWITZ: That's my view.

COLLINS: All right. You heard it here first. Guys, thank you so much.

We also want to mention the books that our gentlemen have written. Toure, you have "Soul City." Yes, there it is -- beautiful cover. And Andy's new book is "The Borowitz Report: The Big Book of Shockers."

BOROWITZ: Operators are standing by.

COLLINS: Yes. Available at fine bookstores only everywhere. All right, guys, thanks again -- Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. The moment you know the clothes and the designer, the feds, though, looking over the shoulder of this particular individual. Andy's "Minding Your Business." We'll explain that as we continue after this, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back everyone. Nine minutes before the hour. Designer Tommy Hilfiger is in trouble, we hear. Andy's "Minding Your Business," back with us here.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Good to see you again.

HEMMER: What kind of trouble?

SERWER: Well, we're talking about a real fashion faux pas here. Tommy Hilfiger stock plunging 22 percent yesterday. Feds here in New York, the U.S Attorney's Office, Southern District in New York -- there's the stock -- investigating the company, basically charging that it's a shell game that's been going on here moving money, income to subsidiaries with lower tax rates.

Tommy is based in Hong Kong. I didn't realize this, though, but I guess everyone has one of these these days. Tommy is doing a reality show August 27? Did you know that? It was announced at CBS. I mean, who doesn't have a reality show? Jack you should get a -- you're on a reality show. One other quick note here: The company says it's responding to the investigation.

Also the other quick note is Dreamworks Animation Studio is filing for an IPO this morning. That just crossed on the tape. We'll be talking about that later, as well.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: That's a pretty good story. They just got that divorce from Disney, and now they're out there going to do their own deal instead of...

SERWER: Oh, no, you're not thinking about Pixar, are you?

CAFFERTY: Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe Pixar, I'm sorry. Excuse me.

SERWER: Dreamworks has "Shrek".

CAFFERTY: My bad. More inaccuracy in reporting. What?

COLLINS: "Shrek."

CAFFERTY: Schmuck. "Shrek" schmuck.

All right. CBS News has suffered a blow to its credibility -- we're here talking about CBS's credibility -- as a result of "Rathergate," that story they did on Bush's National Guard service. The latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, 55 percent of the people questioned say they still have confidence in CBS News' ability to report stories accurately. But 41 percent say they don't. That's not good.

Another question, whether Dan Rather made an honest mistake when he reported the story or whether it was based on a desire to make the president look bad, 56 percent think it was an honest mistake. But more than a third of the people surveyed think it was intentional political bias.

And another ominous note, 26 percent, more than a fourth, think that Dan Rather ought to be fired.

Here's the question: How can CBS restore confidence following the Rather scandal.

Reg, my man in Thunder Bay, Ontario: "Dan Rather should be allowed to keep the position he is obviously qualified for. I'll have mine with double cream and one sugar, Dan." Cruel.

John in Toronto, Canada: "CBS and "60 Minutes" could regain some credibility if they had what they made a household word -- a whistleblower. Alas, no one at CBS seems willing to do what they demand of others, so they're stuck in a downward spiral of bad press."

Mark in Phoenix: "My solution is that each broadcast should be preceded with the phrase 'My name is Dan Rather, and I approve this message.'" Jerileah in Ridgecrest, California: "As long as FOX News is still on the air," -- or as we like to call them here on AMERICAN MORNING, the f-word network -- "CBS doesn't have a glimmer of a chance of being the most biased. Why haven't the masses shouted out in disgust over that? Rather has many years of good reporting behind him and is entitled to make a mistake."

And Paul in Hellertown, PA: "CBS needs to replace Dan Rather with someone who is respected, impartial, has a personality, owns only one tie, and is old and grumpy. I vote for Jack Cafferty."

SERWER: So do I.

CAFFERTY: I would like to have his paycheck. That's what I'd like. I'd like to keep doing this, but make Rather's money.

HEMMER: You wait to see what happens when the new poll numbers come out. They're going to go out and find who do you trust the least: politicians or lawyers or journalists? Watch...

SERWER: What was interesting...

HEMMER: ... stack up.

CAFFERTY: How come you keep putting us in with this...

SERWER: Well, what I want to know is they said 38 percent say he has a political bias. I wonder what those networks would be at other networks, in other news organizations. How would they compare with others?

CAFFERTY: This poll is only about CBS.

HEMMER: I agree with you, but many times we paint with broad brushes in this country.

SERWER: Not Jack. Jack stands alone, Bill.

HEMMER: ... lily-white

CAFFERTY: Remember, Bill, words from my granddaddy: We're all in this alone.

HEMMER: Yes, we are.

COLLINS: ... investigation, though, going on right now. So, we have to wait until that's done before we find out...

CAFFERTY: Oh, yeah, the investigation.

HEMMER: We are only in it for ourselves, Jack.

Let's get a break here. Back in a moment here. We'll ask the question: Who makes the best commander-in-chief. For military moms, there may not be a more important question. We'll talk to one, find out who she is supporting and why when we continue top of the hour here, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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 28, 2004 - 07:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Half past the hour now on this AMERICAN MORNING. John Kerry, talking a lot about Iraq and national security on the campaign trail. And a recent poll shows one group he has to reach with that message: women. Kelly Wallace will look at a trend this year that the big campaigns haven't seen in quite some time.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Also, NBC (INAUDIBLE) Conan O'Brien taking over "The Tonight Show" when Jay Leno retires -- be a couple of years before that happens, however.

COLLINS: Yeah, like five years.

HEMMER: Five.

We'll talk to Toure and Andy Borowitz about that decision and why it may be a great strategic move for the network. So, we'll get to that in the next 15 minutes or so.

COLLINS: Big news today, yes.

All right, want to check on the stories now in the news, though, with Rick Sanchez, joining us once again this morning.

Hi, Rick.

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, guys.

The Palestinian prime minister is condemning the abduction of a CNN producer. Riad Ali was taken at gunpoint yesterday at Gaza City. There has been no claim of responsibility up to now. Correspondent Ben Wedeman says that abductors blocked a taxi that was carrying several CNN staff members and ordered Ali out of the car at gunpoint.

We're going to hear more about the abduction. Obviously, we're going to follow the story closely throughout the day. We're going to hear from Wedeman himself. That's coming up in about 30 minutes.

Officials in the United Arab Emirates are trying to find out why a wall collapsed at one of the Middle East's busiest airports. At least five people were killed yesterday at Dubai International Airport. Officials say that a section of the terminal under construction just broke apart. It is not clear if anyone is still trapped inside that rubble. Here in the United States, a Justice Department report says that the FBI continues to collect more information on foreign languages than it can translate. A report released yesterday acknowledges some improvement since 9/11, but finds that hundreds of thousands of hours of backlogged audiotapes concerning intelligence and terrorism. We're going to discuss the reasons for the shortcomings with Congressman Chris Cox. That's coming up in our next hour.

Also, the tug of war continues between the parents and husband of a woman who was brain damaged 14 years ago. The parents of Terri Schiavo are pleading to be allowed to take care of the daughter themselves. Terri's husband wants to remove her feeding tube, saying she didn't want to be kept alive artificially. Her parents will argue their case in a Florida court. That's set for Thursday.

Also, Senator John Kerry has a problem with women voters, and Heidi is standing by to tell you more about that -- Heidi?

COLLINS: That's right, Rick. Thanks so much for that.

There is a problem with women voters, some would say, for John Kerry. Traditionally, Democrats have an edge with the female vote. But according to some recent polls now, the president is the one with the lead. Why? Well, Kelly Wallace is going to talk to us more about that.

This is a little bit different than what we've seen in the past.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is, Heidi. And you remember the Clinton campaign mantra in 1992: It is the economy, stupid. Well, some believe that John Kerry's problem with women in part comes down to this: It is security, stupid.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): Judy Gartman is a mother of two who strongly favors abortion rights and stem-cell research. So, you might assume, then, she's voting for the Democrats, but she tells us she's undecided because of doubts about John Kerry.

JUDITH GARTMAN, UNDECIDED VOTER: I guess I'm kind of swaying from one side to another. It's much more a -- I'm looking for leadership.

WALLACE: Voters like Judy illustrate a problem Democrats don't usually have. After all, in the last election, Al Gore won the women vote 54 to 43 percent. But in the latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, Kerry is actually behind President Bush by two points with women voters, 21 points behind on the question of who can better handle terrorism.

Why? Political analysts point to the Republican convention's emphasis on national security and the Russian school massacre in Beslan.

SUSAN CARROLL, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: The focus recently has been on security issues, and the polls have consistently shown that that's the single area where George W. Bush does best with voters, both men and women.

WALLACE: Kathy Bunta is a mother of three and a solid Kerry supporter.

(on camera): Now, what is your advice that you would give Senator Kerry that he needs to do between now and the election do you think -- or you hope he will do?

KATHY BUNTA, VOTING FOR KERRY: Fight fire with fire, you know? Obviously the Republicans are doing something right about drilling the message home.

WALLACE (voice-over): The senator clearly has gotten that message. He's making the rounds on the daytime talk shows and on the stump, trying to appeal directly to women.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): And the stakes are certainly high. Many women we talked to, Heidi, say they will be looking at these upcoming debates, looking for more from John Kerry when it comes to Iraq and security. So, they could, some say, change their minds based on what they hear...

COLLINS: ... and obviously so many other issues out there. How do women feel about the economy? Where do they rank that in all of this?

WALLACE: Well, they sort of right now are giving Senator Kerry higher marks on the economy than President Bush. And that's been going on in polls over the past few months. And some believe it will be interesting to watch women who might give President Bush higher marks on security, but Senator Kerry higher marks on the economy.

How they make that judgment, how they ultimately decide to vote could end up being decisive in November.

COLLINS: Yes, which box they check.

All right, Kelli Wallace, thanks so much.

WALLACE: Sure.

COLLINS: Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. Now to Scott Peterson's double murder trial, as prosecutors get ready to wrap up their case in California. The lead police detective returns to the stand today for a second day of cross-examination by the defense.

Former San Mateo County Prosecutor Dean Johnson has been in the courtroom. He's with us now live in Redwood City. And Dean, good morning, welcome back here.

DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Good morning, Bill.

HEMMER: The headline from yesterday, the defense introducing Scott Peterson's other affairs as evidence. What's the strategy in putting that label on him on the defense side?

JOHNSON: Well, this has to be one of the most bizarre strategies for a defense lawyer that we have ever seen. Actually, introducing us to the other, other woman and the other, other, other woman. I think the point here is that Amber Frey, the girlfriend that we knew about, could not be the motive for murder.

The defense is going to argue this was something that had happened previously, at least twice in the relationship between Laci and Scott. And that somehow they had learned to live with it. And that, therefore, another affair would not be a reason for either breaking up the relationship or certainly a motive for murder.

HEMMER: But help me understand: What's the difference with this affair?

JOHNSON: The difference with this affair, with the Amber Frey affair, the prosecution will say, is that this is unique in that Laci, for the first time, was eight-and-a-half months pregnant. And they will say that this whole pattern, all of these affairs, constitutes a lifestyle and that Scott Peterson saw that lifestyle coming to an end with the eminent birth of Conner Peterson, and that's why he did what the prosecution claims he did.

HEMMER: Let me talk about the detective, Craig Grogan, on the stand yesterday. Mark Geragos going piece by piece yesterday in his testimony. How effective was Geragos in that?

JOHNSON: Well, he's been quite effective. Remember, Grogan was allowed to testify on direct examination to 41 reasons why he felt that Scott Peterson was suspicious. Geragos has been very effective in knocking down most of those 41 reasons and, in the course of it, bringing out facts that actually help the defense as he's done so many times before.

One remarkable fact: the fact that there was actually a deputy D.A. in the Modesto area, a short, dark-haired woman who was pregnant, who was actually seen walking her dog who was a golden retriever named McKenzie.

HEMMER: Which would just be another one of the theories that have been put forward by the defense.

JOHNSON: Exactly. Yet another theory...

HEMMER: ... about half a dozen, I believe.

JOHNSON: Yes.

HEMMER: Dean, one more point: What are you noticing about jurors? I saw a note in here that suggested that they are not taking notes at this point. What does that suggest to you? JOHNSON: Well, you know, I watched the jurors very closely yesterday, and I see a different attitude on the part of many of them. At least five of them have stopped taking notes, are leaning back in their chairs and have become very stoic. The feeling you get is that they have made up their minds. What you can't tell is which way.

HEMMER: Dean Johnson, thanks, in Redwood City.

JOHNSON: Thank you, Bill.

HEMMER: Legendary music producer Phil Spector now charged with murder. This for the 2003 shooting death of a B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. The 64-year-old remains free on $1 million bail. Clarkson died at Spector's southern California mansion.

And after the hearing, Spector called the D.A. Hitler-like. Spector's angry because prosecutors chose to seek an indictment through a grand jury. He says that in a preliminary hearing, his attorneys would have presented information from three scientists who concluded Clarkson died of self-inflicted wounds -- Heidi?

COLLINS: The Mount St. Helens volcano could be headed for another eruption or it could just be ready to let off some steam. A swarm of small earthquakes since last Thursday have led to safety precautions around the crater in Washington State.

Scientists' best guess is recent heavy rains have led to steam building up inside. That could lead to a small explosion, but nothing has been ruled out. Fifty-seven people have died and a massive cloud of ash affected global whether when Mount St. Helen erupted in 1980.

We are going to be talking to Rob Marciano a little bit more about the weather situation. In fact, he's standing by right now. Rob, are you there?

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right, Rob, thanks.

HEMMER: In a moment here, one of the biggest names in fashion under investigation by federal authorities. Andy's "Minding Your Business." Back with that in a moment here. Let you know what's happening on that story.

Plus, why was it so important for NBC to announce Conan O'Brien's new job five years before he gets it? A look at that, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: He's the king of late, late night, and NBC has tapped Conan O'Brien to replace Jay Leno when "The Tonight Show" host retires in 2009. CNN pop culture correspondent Toure is here to tell us more, along with Andy Borowitz, who has known Conan for actually a pretty long time now. So, we'll get to you in just a moment, Andy.

Toure, this is pretty big news.

TOURE, CNN POP CULTURE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, big news. It's big news. I mean, we're not really sure: Conan coming in; why is it so early; why is Leno going out? Here's a little more on the big announcement.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): Most of the entertainment world was shocked to learn that in 2009 Jay Leno will step down from the most coveted job in the talk show pantheon: hosting NBC's "The Tonight Show."

JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Conan, it's yours. See you in five years, buddy.

TOURE: He'll be replaced by Conan O'Brien. The move was surprising, because Leno has a reputation as a workaholic and was expected to stay at the desk as long as there was breath in his lungs.

LENO: You can do these things until they carry you out on a stretcher, or you can get out when you still -- you know, you're still doing good.

TOURE: "The Tonight Show's" previous host, Johnny Carson, retired in his 60s after 30 years in the job. Leno will step down after 17 years at work just before he turns 60. Leno joked that he would finally get to take his wife to dinner, as NBC portrays the move as Leno's call.

But "New York Times" television writer Bill Carter said it's unlikely it was Leno's decision.

BILL CARTER, "THE NEW YORK TIMES": ... 12 years ago where they had really an embarrassing situation where they couldn't keep Letterman, and Letterman went on to another network and beat their brains in for a while. They decided they better take care of this situation in advance.

TOURE: Back in March when Leno signed a five-year contract extension, many thought that O'Brien would never get the big job. But Conan's edginess has won him a rabid college-age following. He's going to make the leap from 12:30 to "The Tonight Show," a move Letterman never got to make.

Now, the question is: Will Conan beat Dave?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): Well, that may never happen, because Dave is 57 and has heart troubles and a new baby. Some think Comedy Central star Jon Stewart is Dave's heir apparent and that the next big late-night battle could be Conan versus Jon.

COLLINS: Not the first time I've heard that. All right, interesting, Mr. Toure. Thank you so much. And Andy is sitting next to you here. Andy, I know you've known Conan O'Brien for quite a while. You guys went to Harvard together. He actually lent you his tuxedo pants...

ANDY BOROWITZ, BOROWITZREPORT.COM: I'm not at liberty to discuss that.

COLLINS: But what were some of your first impressions of him when you first met him. Did you see him as somebody who was just going to take this comedy and go as far as he has gone?

BOROWITZ: You know what? He's always been a superstar. He was elected president of the "Harvard Lampoon" as a sophomore, which is kind of unusual thing, because that's usually something that a junior gets.

And you know, Conan is one of those guys who always wanted to do this. You know, I mean maybe before I knew him he wanted to be like a fireman at some point, you know, when he was really little. But he always wanted to have his own show.

And you know, when somebody states an ambition like that, you kind of say oh, that's crazy. But it wasn't. I mean, he was well up to the task, and this seems like the culmination of a lifetime dream.

COLLINS: So, describe your friendship with him, though, today. What kind of a man -- has he changed quite a bit since those days back in college?

BOROWITZ: Since, yesterday he actually no longer speaks to me. So, I don't really...

COLLINS: You're estranged.

BOROWITZ: You know, I'm not -- you know, I've known him for a long time. We -- he is really not -- he never let this thing go to his head. Late-night comics are known to be these tortured, unhappy people, and I think Conan of that class is a real exception.

COLLINS: I think viewers see that on the air. I mean, I know personally I like how he makes fun of himself. And he seems to be very much still kind of an average guy.

BOROWITZ: Yes, exactly, which is why I would walk through fire for Conan O'Brien, especially now.

COLLINS: What about this being a good move for him. I mean, of course if someone's going to offer you this job, you're not going to refuse it. I mean, what a great gig, as we say.

But lots of pressure. I mean, his ratings have been great where he is now.

BOROWITZ: Right.

COLLINS: When goes and makes this big jump, isn't that pressure going to be increased, I don't know, tenfold?

BOROWITZ: A couple of things on that. I think nothing could be worse than the pressure that was on Conan when he took David Letterman's job.

COLLINS: Remind people.

BOROWITZ: He was a complete unknown. He was 29 years old. He was ridiculed in the press. He had so much pressure on him. He scored there. I think this move is much less than that. I think he will rock.

COLLINS: Really? He will rock!

BOROWITZ: That's my view.

COLLINS: All right. You heard it here first. Guys, thank you so much.

We also want to mention the books that our gentlemen have written. Toure, you have "Soul City." Yes, there it is -- beautiful cover. And Andy's new book is "The Borowitz Report: The Big Book of Shockers."

BOROWITZ: Operators are standing by.

COLLINS: Yes. Available at fine bookstores only everywhere. All right, guys, thanks again -- Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. The moment you know the clothes and the designer, the feds, though, looking over the shoulder of this particular individual. Andy's "Minding Your Business." We'll explain that as we continue after this, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back everyone. Nine minutes before the hour. Designer Tommy Hilfiger is in trouble, we hear. Andy's "Minding Your Business," back with us here.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Good to see you again.

HEMMER: What kind of trouble?

SERWER: Well, we're talking about a real fashion faux pas here. Tommy Hilfiger stock plunging 22 percent yesterday. Feds here in New York, the U.S Attorney's Office, Southern District in New York -- there's the stock -- investigating the company, basically charging that it's a shell game that's been going on here moving money, income to subsidiaries with lower tax rates.

Tommy is based in Hong Kong. I didn't realize this, though, but I guess everyone has one of these these days. Tommy is doing a reality show August 27? Did you know that? It was announced at CBS. I mean, who doesn't have a reality show? Jack you should get a -- you're on a reality show. One other quick note here: The company says it's responding to the investigation.

Also the other quick note is Dreamworks Animation Studio is filing for an IPO this morning. That just crossed on the tape. We'll be talking about that later, as well.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: That's a pretty good story. They just got that divorce from Disney, and now they're out there going to do their own deal instead of...

SERWER: Oh, no, you're not thinking about Pixar, are you?

CAFFERTY: Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe Pixar, I'm sorry. Excuse me.

SERWER: Dreamworks has "Shrek".

CAFFERTY: My bad. More inaccuracy in reporting. What?

COLLINS: "Shrek."

CAFFERTY: Schmuck. "Shrek" schmuck.

All right. CBS News has suffered a blow to its credibility -- we're here talking about CBS's credibility -- as a result of "Rathergate," that story they did on Bush's National Guard service. The latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, 55 percent of the people questioned say they still have confidence in CBS News' ability to report stories accurately. But 41 percent say they don't. That's not good.

Another question, whether Dan Rather made an honest mistake when he reported the story or whether it was based on a desire to make the president look bad, 56 percent think it was an honest mistake. But more than a third of the people surveyed think it was intentional political bias.

And another ominous note, 26 percent, more than a fourth, think that Dan Rather ought to be fired.

Here's the question: How can CBS restore confidence following the Rather scandal.

Reg, my man in Thunder Bay, Ontario: "Dan Rather should be allowed to keep the position he is obviously qualified for. I'll have mine with double cream and one sugar, Dan." Cruel.

John in Toronto, Canada: "CBS and "60 Minutes" could regain some credibility if they had what they made a household word -- a whistleblower. Alas, no one at CBS seems willing to do what they demand of others, so they're stuck in a downward spiral of bad press."

Mark in Phoenix: "My solution is that each broadcast should be preceded with the phrase 'My name is Dan Rather, and I approve this message.'" Jerileah in Ridgecrest, California: "As long as FOX News is still on the air," -- or as we like to call them here on AMERICAN MORNING, the f-word network -- "CBS doesn't have a glimmer of a chance of being the most biased. Why haven't the masses shouted out in disgust over that? Rather has many years of good reporting behind him and is entitled to make a mistake."

And Paul in Hellertown, PA: "CBS needs to replace Dan Rather with someone who is respected, impartial, has a personality, owns only one tie, and is old and grumpy. I vote for Jack Cafferty."

SERWER: So do I.

CAFFERTY: I would like to have his paycheck. That's what I'd like. I'd like to keep doing this, but make Rather's money.

HEMMER: You wait to see what happens when the new poll numbers come out. They're going to go out and find who do you trust the least: politicians or lawyers or journalists? Watch...

SERWER: What was interesting...

HEMMER: ... stack up.

CAFFERTY: How come you keep putting us in with this...

SERWER: Well, what I want to know is they said 38 percent say he has a political bias. I wonder what those networks would be at other networks, in other news organizations. How would they compare with others?

CAFFERTY: This poll is only about CBS.

HEMMER: I agree with you, but many times we paint with broad brushes in this country.

SERWER: Not Jack. Jack stands alone, Bill.

HEMMER: ... lily-white

CAFFERTY: Remember, Bill, words from my granddaddy: We're all in this alone.

HEMMER: Yes, we are.

COLLINS: ... investigation, though, going on right now. So, we have to wait until that's done before we find out...

CAFFERTY: Oh, yeah, the investigation.

HEMMER: We are only in it for ourselves, Jack.

Let's get a break here. Back in a moment here. We'll ask the question: Who makes the best commander-in-chief. For military moms, there may not be a more important question. We'll talk to one, find out who she is supporting and why when we continue top of the hour here, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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