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CNN Live At Daybreak

Christopher Reeve Dies of Heart Failure; Former Baseball MVP Ken Caminiti Dies; Campaign Ads Target War on Terror; al-Sadr Fighters Handing in Weapons

Aired October 11, 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.


CAROL COSTELLO, ANCHOR: He soared as Superman in the movies, and he became even more well known as an advocate for the disabled. Christopher Reeve has died.
It's Monday, October 11. This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you. From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news -- Christopher Reeve' publicist tells CNN the actor died of heart failure on Sunday. He was 52. Reeve starred in the "Superman" movies before a near fatal horse riding accident left his paralyzed from the neck down. He became a worldwide activist for spinal chord research.

We'll have a live report for you coming up in just a bit.

And former baseball star Ken Caminiti has died of a heart attack. He was just 41 years old. Caminiti was the 1996 National League MVP. He later admitted to using steroids and faced arrest for cocaine use. We'll have more on Caminiti in just a few minutes.

In Baghdad this morning, laying down their arms. Insurgent militia men are starting to hand over their weapons this morning, under a deal aimed at ending the deadly fighting of the Sadr City neighborhood.

In the meantime, there is new violence in Baghdad. The U.S. military says a rocket attack has killed two soldiers.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate could vote today on a bill giving corporations some big tax breaks. Opponents of the bill had threatened an all-night filibuster to stall the vote, but the two sides ended up reaching a deal.

In Louisiana, waterlogged sandbags are everywhere this morning. Tropical Storm Depression Matthew caused a good deal of flooding with up to a foot of rain falling in some parts of the state. The storm now has weakened, but let's go to the forecast center to talk more about that with Chad.

Good morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. More on our top story now.

Christopher Reeve went into a coma after going into cardiac arrest at his New York home on Saturday. And then he died the next day, Sunday.

In 1979, John Wayne called Reeve Hollywood's next great leading man. But after his near fatal accident in 1995, Reeve took the lead in another direction.

CNN's Sibila Vargas has more on the two careers of Christopher Reeve.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Christopher Reeve disproved the saying, "There are no second acts in American life." His second act could not have been foreseen, becoming a symbol of the will to persevere in the face of devastating injury.

But it was in the first act of his life that he originally came to fame.

Christopher Reeve's show business training came at Julliard. His apprenticeship came in the daytime drama on the CBS soap, "Love of Life."

But Reeve's career really began with the 1978 blockbuster, "Superman."

CHRISTOPHER REEVE, ACTOR/DISABLED ADVOCATE: Easy, Miss. I've got you.

MARGOT KIDDER, ACTRESS: You've got me? Who's got you?

VARGAS: Reeve won the role over a list of better-known actors on the strength of his chiseled good looks. Critics also hailed his comic touch as Clark Kent.

KIDDER: Any more at home like you?

REEVE: Not really, no.

VARGAS: Reeve starred in a total of four "Superman" pictures, but he also sought other challenging roles on stage and in film. One project, 1987's "Street Smart," cast him as a devious magazine writer, swept up in the world of a predatory fib (ph).

He co-starred with Jane Seymour in the fantasy romance, "Somewhere in Time," a film that attracted a cult audience. He did a comic turn in "Switching Channels" and dramatic work in "The Remains of the Day."

REEVE: I don't agree with you.

VARGAS: One of his final roles before his injury came in the remake of "Village of the Damned." His life was to change dramatically the day of May 27, 1995, when he took part in an equestrian tournament in Culpepper, Virginia. Reeve struck a rail head first when he was thrown from his horse. The impact crushed two vertebrae in his neck, damaging his spinal cord.

REEVE: What happened was I had a hemorrhage right in the middle of the cord in a segment at the second vertebrae, which is about the width of your pinky. And it's so, so tiny, just this piece of damage. But it's keeping me in a wheelchair.

VARGAS: Reeve credited his wife, Dana, with rallying his spirits, giving him the will to live.

(INAUDIBLE) rehabilitation, readying his body for the cure he was convinced would come.

REEVE: I'm going to get up (INAUDIBLE) and walk.

And cut it, cut it, cut it. Cut it, cut it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Very good.

REEVE: That was good.

VARGAS: While waiting for the cure, he was determined to go back to work. Despite his physical limitations, Reeve directed the HBO film, "In the Gloaming."

REEVE: Out of a life changing experience has come a new opportunity, and I'm very, very lucky I've been able to move into doing something that I truly love. And I haven't lost anything. I've gained a lot.

Dial 911.

VARGAS: Reeve also starred in a TV remake of "Rear Window," hoping to demonstrate the capacities of people with conditions like his own. And he wrote an autobiography, "Still Me."

But his primary focus became a political and medical one, supporting research into spinal cord injuries. He formed his own foundation and lobbied Congress for increased government funding.

He took an active role in the debate over federal funding of stem cell research.

REEVE: The call it the body's self-repair kit. And here it is, and there's a big fight about using it. That is really hard to take.

VARGAS: (INAUDIBLE) as evidenced in 1997, when he got a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

REEVE: If we keep giving our scientists the funding they need to do the research, (INAUDIBLE) very soon I will take my family by the hand and I will stand here in front of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. VARGAS: At that ceremony, Reeve reflected on a life that took an unexpected turn.

REEVE: I would just like people to look back and to know that I kept at it and through good times and bad times. But they'll look back on the body of work that I did and -- and know that I tried my best all the time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VARGAS: And that he did. One of Reeve's last projects was directing the film, "The Brooke Ellison Story," a true story about a paralyzed girl who overcomes her physical adversities. It airs on A&E later this month.

Christopher Reeve is survived by his wife, Dana, their 12-year- old son and a son and daughter from a previous marriage. No funeral arrangements have been announced -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, Sibila, this comes maybe as a shock because we've always heard he was doing so well. He could move his index finger. His arms and legs were getting stronger. And then suddenly, his death.

VARGAS: Absolutely. It's absolutely a shock, and you know, he -- he was definitely -- it seemed like he was definitely on the road to recovery, like you said. I mean, moving his index finger and -- and making advancements. But it was really a shock to all of us here in Hollywood.

COSTELLO: Yes. We're going to get more into the health aspects of this later on DAYBREAK. Sibila Vargas, thank you very much.

Throughout the morning, we'll also read your e-mails looking back on the life and the career of Christopher Reeve. So, please, just send us your thoughts this morning, daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.

Former National League's most valuable player, Ken Caminiti has died. His agent says Caminiti died of a heart attack.

The last few years have been anything but magical for the former MVP. Just last Tuesday he faced a judge after admitting to using drugs while on probation for a 2001 conviction for cocaine possession.

Caminiti won the MVP award in 1996 as a member of the San Diego Padres but later admitted that he used steroids during that season. He played for four different teams over his 15 years in the majors.

Ken Caminiti was just 41 years old.

Twenty-two days to go until the national election, and the rhetoric is heating up. The Bush and Kerry camps are out with dueling ads this morning.

George Bush's latest ad seizes on some comments John Kerry made during a "New York Times Magazine" interview. The Bush spot says Kerry's comments show he's downplaying the terror threat.

Here's a taste.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A strong military? Now Kerry says we have to get back to the place where terrorists are a nuisance, like gambling and prostitution. We're never going to end them.

Terrorism, a nuisance? How can Kerry protect us when he doesn't understand the threat?

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm George W. Bush, and I approve this message.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: And the Bush camp isn't letting up. George Bush and his top aides are hammering out strategy for the upcoming third and final presidential debate and for what's left of the campaign season.

White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is with President Bush at his Texas ranch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Bush, with his top political advisors, hunkered down at the Crawford ranch to prepare for the critical three-week countdown to election day.

The strategy is three-pronged: one, to convince undecided voters Mr. Bush's opponent, John Kerry, can't be trusted.

Two, to rally the base by reminding them that Kerry is a liberal.

And three, to persuade all voters that the senator is weak in fighting terror.

Sunday, the Bush camp seized on a "New York Times" profile of Kerry to make the case there's a fundamental difference in the way the president and his opponent see the war on terror.

When Kerry was asked what it would take to feel safe again, he is quoted as saying, "We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they're a nuisance. As a former law enforcement person, I know we're never going to end prostitution. We're never going to end illegal gambling.

"But we're going to reduce it, organized crime, to a level where it isn't on the rise. It isn't threatening people's lives every day and fundamentally, it's something that you continue to fight, but it's not threatening the fabric of your life."

Bush advisors say this proves Kerry doesn't understand the terrorist threat. MARC RACICOT, BUSH CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: He equated it to prostitution and gambling, a nuisance activity. You know, quite frankly, I just don't think that he has a right view of the world. That's -- it's a pre-9/11 view of the world.

MALVEAUX: The Kerry (INAUDIBLE) says the senator's comments are taken out of context.

GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D), NEW MEXICO: I think Senator Kerry has said the No. 1 threat to America is international terrorism, al Qaeda.

MALVEAUX (on camera): In a sign that both campaigns are concerned about getting their message out, both are quick releasing competing television ads over the issue.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Crawford, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: John Kerry's new ad doesn't pull any punches, either, though. It says George Bush has failed the American people in the war on terror, responds to some comments President Bush made to NBC back in August.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... chemical plants, Bush says we can't afford it. And on the war on terror, Bush said, "I don't think you can win it."

BUSH: I don't think you can win it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not with his failed leadership. It's time for a new direction.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Join Bill, Wolf, Judy, Candy and the rest of the CNN debate coverage team. They'll be live in Tempe, Arizona, on Wednesday. The third presidential debate starts at 9 Eastern. Our live coverage begins at 7.

Here's what we've got coming up later this hour.

There is new violence in Baghdad this morning, but also new hopes for peace. We'll take you live to the Iraqi capital at 17 minutes past the hour.

In politics, how much do you know about the presidential candidates? You might be surprised to learn how much they know about you. We'll have details at 34 minutes past.

And in Afghanistan, the ballot count is under way, and so is the investigation. We'll take you live to Kabul at 45 minutes after. But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning, the 11th day of October.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, Monday weather and sports. It's 5:15 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Actor and activist Christopher Reeve has died of a heart attack -- heart failure, rather -- at a New York hospital. The 52-year-old Reeve had fallen into a coma on Saturday after going into cardiac arrest.

Reeve had become a leader in the support for stem cell research after he was left paralyzed by a horse riding accident.

Former most valuable player Ken Caminiti has also died. An autopsy will be performed today, although his agent says Caminiti died of a heart attack. Caminiti was in and out of trouble with the law and addiction after leaving baseball in 2001. He was just 41.

In Monday news, the price of gas is just a penny short of two bucks. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded reached $1.99, which is an eight-cent jump in two weeks, in case you've been counting. And I'm sure you have.

In culture, Celine Dion gets a new honor. She is the winner of the 13th annual Ella Award for her contributions to music and the world community. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra are former winners of this award.

In sports, the Washington Redskins filled (ph) a one and four on the season after a dismal performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens, in the meantime, raised their record to three and two with a 17-10 victory.

Poor Coach Gibbs, Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: How about your Lions, Carol?

COSTELLO: I know. Can you believe it?

MYERS: How about them Lions?

COSTELLO: They beat the Florida -- Atlanta Falcons. It's insane, I tell you.

MYERS: Yes, it is. But it is -- it was your birthday, so that was your birthday present.

COSTELLO: That was my big birthday present. Exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. Those are the latest headlines for you this morning. A deadly rocket attack this morning in Baghdad. And American soldiers were the target. The U.S. military says two soldiers have been killed, five others injured.

In the meantime, it does look like some militants in Baghdad are following through on their latest peace deal. Brent Sadler joins us live from Baghdad with the latest.

So, it seems like it's the real deal, Brent?

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the beginnings of a real deal, Carol. Good morning.

What we're seeing so far are supporters of the Mehdi Army -- they're loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, that renegade Shiah cleric, and they've been handing over a number of weapons this morning to police stations in Sadr City. That's a militant stronghold on the outskirts of the capital.

And what's been handed in so far, medium sized machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and some explosives. Not thousands of weapons, as are expected over the next four days, but certainly scores of weapons.

Now, they're supposed to be getting cash payments in compensation for these arms they're laying down. Bit of a hiccup there. The police stations are reporting they have not received cash from the central government so instead are issuing coupons to fighters who are turning in their rockets and their guns.

Now this accord is seen as a really important step for Iraq's interim authorities to negotiate, if you like, a peace deal without having to resort to all-out force to take a key rebel stronghold.

In exchange for the weapons handover, the militants can expect a cessation of hostilities, a release of followers of Muqtada al-Sadr from jail, and also compensation in terms of the rebuilding of embattled parts of Sadr City to the tune of half a billion dollars if this accord goes ahead smoothly for the rest of this week -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, these militants were responsible for so much violence and so much death, it -- it may not seem right to some Americans that they're getting off scot-free, in essence.

SADLER: Well, scot-free in the sense that those that the government loosely terms -- terms as non-criminals cannot expect to face any legal prosecution. But you know, there's a wide area, a wide gray area, as you can see in such a terminology.

What you're getting, though, is an attempt by the Iraqi authorities here to take control, central government control, of a key area of instability without further loss of life, either to Iraqi security forces or, of course, the U.S. troops.

Two more U.S. soldiers died today in a rocket attack and really, since the last 18 months or so, an average one U.S. soldier a day has been dying. So, to stop violence from Sadr City seen as a breakthrough for the governments here -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Brent Sadler live from Baghdad this morning. Thank you.

Coming up on DAYBREAK, is the ink still staining Afghanistan's national elections? Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, joins us live from Kabul at 45 minutes past.

And remembering Christopher Reeve. We'll find out what your fondest memories of him are as we read your e-mail. Daybreak@cnn.com in case you want to send us something about Christopher Reeve. Of course, he died on Sunday. We want to know you thoughts. Daybreak@cnn.com.

And you're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The nation's waking up to the sad news that Christopher Reeve has died. And he worked so hard to overcome his paralysis. He even went to Israel to try to find some new cures, and we had some sound when he visited Israel. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REEVE: As you know, this country, they live every day with urgency. Every day, you never know what can happen here. And so, there have been so many people who have been injured and suffered spinal cord injuries and other -- other kinds of injuries because of the terrorism.

And I've found that, both in the medical research and in the rehabilitation of people who have been injured, they are really trying their hardest to go as quickly as possible. And I think we lack a little bit that sense of urgency in the United States.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Well, he just kept trying and trying to find a cure, and he made so much progress.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: He was able to move his index figure. His arms and legs were getting stronger. He really felt that some day he would stand up and walk.

MYERS: Right. Well, if you remember, back in -- back in the late '90s, literally, he couldn't speak. Right? And then he came through that. And that he got the tube removed from -- and then he got the tube put in here. And so, here he could communicate.

And it's like, "Wow, this guy's really doing pretty good."

And then I walked in this morning, and my producer goes, "Superman is dead." "What?"

COSTELLO: I know. It's such a shock because, you know, you always had such -- because he was so positive. But apparently, he got a very common infection.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: In paralysis victims, and that caused his heart to fail.

MYERS: A pressure wound, it was infected. And then obviously -- obviously, there were internal problems that he couldn't...

COSTELLO: I'd like to read you some quotes. Did you see these quotes?

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: These are off -- these are from Christopher Reeve, personal quotes from him. He said, "Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean." I love that.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure, in spite of overwhelming obstacles." And he certainly lived up to that.

He's talking about Robin Williams here, who visited him in the hospital shortly after his horse riding accident. Christopher Reeve said, "There was this guy wearing a blue scrub hat and a yellow gown with a Russian accent, some insane Russian doctor. I laughed for the first time, and I knew that life was going to be OK."

And just -- he was just such an awesome guy. We're going to have much more on Christopher Reeve all day on CNN.

MYERS: You know, his films had much more to do than just "Superman." I mean, from "Death Trap," which you know, that was like a real turn of events at the end of that movie. He was a great actor.

He was -- he was named -- actually, they wanted him for many more roles than he actually took. There were so -- I think it's on the previous page. He was -- everybody wanted him to do -- he turned down "Body Heat," which ended up being a really good movie. He turned down "Running Man" and "Total Recall."

COSTELLO: Oh, no.

MYERS: And Arnold Schwarzenegger got those. So...

COSTELLO: Well, he had much more important things to do later. He certainly did. We'll have more on Christopher Reeve a little later on DAYBREAK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Do you still think you will walk again?

REEVE: I certainly have the motto that nothing is impossible. I think the question of whether I will walk is going to depend on politics.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired October 11, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, ANCHOR: He soared as Superman in the movies, and he became even more well known as an advocate for the disabled. Christopher Reeve has died.
It's Monday, October 11. This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you. From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Now in the news -- Christopher Reeve' publicist tells CNN the actor died of heart failure on Sunday. He was 52. Reeve starred in the "Superman" movies before a near fatal horse riding accident left his paralyzed from the neck down. He became a worldwide activist for spinal chord research.

We'll have a live report for you coming up in just a bit.

And former baseball star Ken Caminiti has died of a heart attack. He was just 41 years old. Caminiti was the 1996 National League MVP. He later admitted to using steroids and faced arrest for cocaine use. We'll have more on Caminiti in just a few minutes.

In Baghdad this morning, laying down their arms. Insurgent militia men are starting to hand over their weapons this morning, under a deal aimed at ending the deadly fighting of the Sadr City neighborhood.

In the meantime, there is new violence in Baghdad. The U.S. military says a rocket attack has killed two soldiers.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate could vote today on a bill giving corporations some big tax breaks. Opponents of the bill had threatened an all-night filibuster to stall the vote, but the two sides ended up reaching a deal.

In Louisiana, waterlogged sandbags are everywhere this morning. Tropical Storm Depression Matthew caused a good deal of flooding with up to a foot of rain falling in some parts of the state. The storm now has weakened, but let's go to the forecast center to talk more about that with Chad.

Good morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. More on our top story now.

Christopher Reeve went into a coma after going into cardiac arrest at his New York home on Saturday. And then he died the next day, Sunday.

In 1979, John Wayne called Reeve Hollywood's next great leading man. But after his near fatal accident in 1995, Reeve took the lead in another direction.

CNN's Sibila Vargas has more on the two careers of Christopher Reeve.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Christopher Reeve disproved the saying, "There are no second acts in American life." His second act could not have been foreseen, becoming a symbol of the will to persevere in the face of devastating injury.

But it was in the first act of his life that he originally came to fame.

Christopher Reeve's show business training came at Julliard. His apprenticeship came in the daytime drama on the CBS soap, "Love of Life."

But Reeve's career really began with the 1978 blockbuster, "Superman."

CHRISTOPHER REEVE, ACTOR/DISABLED ADVOCATE: Easy, Miss. I've got you.

MARGOT KIDDER, ACTRESS: You've got me? Who's got you?

VARGAS: Reeve won the role over a list of better-known actors on the strength of his chiseled good looks. Critics also hailed his comic touch as Clark Kent.

KIDDER: Any more at home like you?

REEVE: Not really, no.

VARGAS: Reeve starred in a total of four "Superman" pictures, but he also sought other challenging roles on stage and in film. One project, 1987's "Street Smart," cast him as a devious magazine writer, swept up in the world of a predatory fib (ph).

He co-starred with Jane Seymour in the fantasy romance, "Somewhere in Time," a film that attracted a cult audience. He did a comic turn in "Switching Channels" and dramatic work in "The Remains of the Day."

REEVE: I don't agree with you.

VARGAS: One of his final roles before his injury came in the remake of "Village of the Damned." His life was to change dramatically the day of May 27, 1995, when he took part in an equestrian tournament in Culpepper, Virginia. Reeve struck a rail head first when he was thrown from his horse. The impact crushed two vertebrae in his neck, damaging his spinal cord.

REEVE: What happened was I had a hemorrhage right in the middle of the cord in a segment at the second vertebrae, which is about the width of your pinky. And it's so, so tiny, just this piece of damage. But it's keeping me in a wheelchair.

VARGAS: Reeve credited his wife, Dana, with rallying his spirits, giving him the will to live.

(INAUDIBLE) rehabilitation, readying his body for the cure he was convinced would come.

REEVE: I'm going to get up (INAUDIBLE) and walk.

And cut it, cut it, cut it. Cut it, cut it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Very good.

REEVE: That was good.

VARGAS: While waiting for the cure, he was determined to go back to work. Despite his physical limitations, Reeve directed the HBO film, "In the Gloaming."

REEVE: Out of a life changing experience has come a new opportunity, and I'm very, very lucky I've been able to move into doing something that I truly love. And I haven't lost anything. I've gained a lot.

Dial 911.

VARGAS: Reeve also starred in a TV remake of "Rear Window," hoping to demonstrate the capacities of people with conditions like his own. And he wrote an autobiography, "Still Me."

But his primary focus became a political and medical one, supporting research into spinal cord injuries. He formed his own foundation and lobbied Congress for increased government funding.

He took an active role in the debate over federal funding of stem cell research.

REEVE: The call it the body's self-repair kit. And here it is, and there's a big fight about using it. That is really hard to take.

VARGAS: (INAUDIBLE) as evidenced in 1997, when he got a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

REEVE: If we keep giving our scientists the funding they need to do the research, (INAUDIBLE) very soon I will take my family by the hand and I will stand here in front of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. VARGAS: At that ceremony, Reeve reflected on a life that took an unexpected turn.

REEVE: I would just like people to look back and to know that I kept at it and through good times and bad times. But they'll look back on the body of work that I did and -- and know that I tried my best all the time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VARGAS: And that he did. One of Reeve's last projects was directing the film, "The Brooke Ellison Story," a true story about a paralyzed girl who overcomes her physical adversities. It airs on A&E later this month.

Christopher Reeve is survived by his wife, Dana, their 12-year- old son and a son and daughter from a previous marriage. No funeral arrangements have been announced -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, Sibila, this comes maybe as a shock because we've always heard he was doing so well. He could move his index finger. His arms and legs were getting stronger. And then suddenly, his death.

VARGAS: Absolutely. It's absolutely a shock, and you know, he -- he was definitely -- it seemed like he was definitely on the road to recovery, like you said. I mean, moving his index finger and -- and making advancements. But it was really a shock to all of us here in Hollywood.

COSTELLO: Yes. We're going to get more into the health aspects of this later on DAYBREAK. Sibila Vargas, thank you very much.

Throughout the morning, we'll also read your e-mails looking back on the life and the career of Christopher Reeve. So, please, just send us your thoughts this morning, daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.

Former National League's most valuable player, Ken Caminiti has died. His agent says Caminiti died of a heart attack.

The last few years have been anything but magical for the former MVP. Just last Tuesday he faced a judge after admitting to using drugs while on probation for a 2001 conviction for cocaine possession.

Caminiti won the MVP award in 1996 as a member of the San Diego Padres but later admitted that he used steroids during that season. He played for four different teams over his 15 years in the majors.

Ken Caminiti was just 41 years old.

Twenty-two days to go until the national election, and the rhetoric is heating up. The Bush and Kerry camps are out with dueling ads this morning.

George Bush's latest ad seizes on some comments John Kerry made during a "New York Times Magazine" interview. The Bush spot says Kerry's comments show he's downplaying the terror threat.

Here's a taste.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A strong military? Now Kerry says we have to get back to the place where terrorists are a nuisance, like gambling and prostitution. We're never going to end them.

Terrorism, a nuisance? How can Kerry protect us when he doesn't understand the threat?

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm George W. Bush, and I approve this message.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: And the Bush camp isn't letting up. George Bush and his top aides are hammering out strategy for the upcoming third and final presidential debate and for what's left of the campaign season.

White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is with President Bush at his Texas ranch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Bush, with his top political advisors, hunkered down at the Crawford ranch to prepare for the critical three-week countdown to election day.

The strategy is three-pronged: one, to convince undecided voters Mr. Bush's opponent, John Kerry, can't be trusted.

Two, to rally the base by reminding them that Kerry is a liberal.

And three, to persuade all voters that the senator is weak in fighting terror.

Sunday, the Bush camp seized on a "New York Times" profile of Kerry to make the case there's a fundamental difference in the way the president and his opponent see the war on terror.

When Kerry was asked what it would take to feel safe again, he is quoted as saying, "We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they're a nuisance. As a former law enforcement person, I know we're never going to end prostitution. We're never going to end illegal gambling.

"But we're going to reduce it, organized crime, to a level where it isn't on the rise. It isn't threatening people's lives every day and fundamentally, it's something that you continue to fight, but it's not threatening the fabric of your life."

Bush advisors say this proves Kerry doesn't understand the terrorist threat. MARC RACICOT, BUSH CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: He equated it to prostitution and gambling, a nuisance activity. You know, quite frankly, I just don't think that he has a right view of the world. That's -- it's a pre-9/11 view of the world.

MALVEAUX: The Kerry (INAUDIBLE) says the senator's comments are taken out of context.

GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D), NEW MEXICO: I think Senator Kerry has said the No. 1 threat to America is international terrorism, al Qaeda.

MALVEAUX (on camera): In a sign that both campaigns are concerned about getting their message out, both are quick releasing competing television ads over the issue.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Crawford, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: John Kerry's new ad doesn't pull any punches, either, though. It says George Bush has failed the American people in the war on terror, responds to some comments President Bush made to NBC back in August.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... chemical plants, Bush says we can't afford it. And on the war on terror, Bush said, "I don't think you can win it."

BUSH: I don't think you can win it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not with his failed leadership. It's time for a new direction.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Join Bill, Wolf, Judy, Candy and the rest of the CNN debate coverage team. They'll be live in Tempe, Arizona, on Wednesday. The third presidential debate starts at 9 Eastern. Our live coverage begins at 7.

Here's what we've got coming up later this hour.

There is new violence in Baghdad this morning, but also new hopes for peace. We'll take you live to the Iraqi capital at 17 minutes past the hour.

In politics, how much do you know about the presidential candidates? You might be surprised to learn how much they know about you. We'll have details at 34 minutes past.

And in Afghanistan, the ballot count is under way, and so is the investigation. We'll take you live to Kabul at 45 minutes after. But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning, the 11th day of October.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, Monday weather and sports. It's 5:15 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Actor and activist Christopher Reeve has died of a heart attack -- heart failure, rather -- at a New York hospital. The 52-year-old Reeve had fallen into a coma on Saturday after going into cardiac arrest.

Reeve had become a leader in the support for stem cell research after he was left paralyzed by a horse riding accident.

Former most valuable player Ken Caminiti has also died. An autopsy will be performed today, although his agent says Caminiti died of a heart attack. Caminiti was in and out of trouble with the law and addiction after leaving baseball in 2001. He was just 41.

In Monday news, the price of gas is just a penny short of two bucks. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded reached $1.99, which is an eight-cent jump in two weeks, in case you've been counting. And I'm sure you have.

In culture, Celine Dion gets a new honor. She is the winner of the 13th annual Ella Award for her contributions to music and the world community. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra are former winners of this award.

In sports, the Washington Redskins filled (ph) a one and four on the season after a dismal performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens, in the meantime, raised their record to three and two with a 17-10 victory.

Poor Coach Gibbs, Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: How about your Lions, Carol?

COSTELLO: I know. Can you believe it?

MYERS: How about them Lions?

COSTELLO: They beat the Florida -- Atlanta Falcons. It's insane, I tell you.

MYERS: Yes, it is. But it is -- it was your birthday, so that was your birthday present.

COSTELLO: That was my big birthday present. Exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. Those are the latest headlines for you this morning. A deadly rocket attack this morning in Baghdad. And American soldiers were the target. The U.S. military says two soldiers have been killed, five others injured.

In the meantime, it does look like some militants in Baghdad are following through on their latest peace deal. Brent Sadler joins us live from Baghdad with the latest.

So, it seems like it's the real deal, Brent?

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the beginnings of a real deal, Carol. Good morning.

What we're seeing so far are supporters of the Mehdi Army -- they're loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, that renegade Shiah cleric, and they've been handing over a number of weapons this morning to police stations in Sadr City. That's a militant stronghold on the outskirts of the capital.

And what's been handed in so far, medium sized machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and some explosives. Not thousands of weapons, as are expected over the next four days, but certainly scores of weapons.

Now, they're supposed to be getting cash payments in compensation for these arms they're laying down. Bit of a hiccup there. The police stations are reporting they have not received cash from the central government so instead are issuing coupons to fighters who are turning in their rockets and their guns.

Now this accord is seen as a really important step for Iraq's interim authorities to negotiate, if you like, a peace deal without having to resort to all-out force to take a key rebel stronghold.

In exchange for the weapons handover, the militants can expect a cessation of hostilities, a release of followers of Muqtada al-Sadr from jail, and also compensation in terms of the rebuilding of embattled parts of Sadr City to the tune of half a billion dollars if this accord goes ahead smoothly for the rest of this week -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, these militants were responsible for so much violence and so much death, it -- it may not seem right to some Americans that they're getting off scot-free, in essence.

SADLER: Well, scot-free in the sense that those that the government loosely terms -- terms as non-criminals cannot expect to face any legal prosecution. But you know, there's a wide area, a wide gray area, as you can see in such a terminology.

What you're getting, though, is an attempt by the Iraqi authorities here to take control, central government control, of a key area of instability without further loss of life, either to Iraqi security forces or, of course, the U.S. troops.

Two more U.S. soldiers died today in a rocket attack and really, since the last 18 months or so, an average one U.S. soldier a day has been dying. So, to stop violence from Sadr City seen as a breakthrough for the governments here -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Brent Sadler live from Baghdad this morning. Thank you.

Coming up on DAYBREAK, is the ink still staining Afghanistan's national elections? Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, joins us live from Kabul at 45 minutes past.

And remembering Christopher Reeve. We'll find out what your fondest memories of him are as we read your e-mail. Daybreak@cnn.com in case you want to send us something about Christopher Reeve. Of course, he died on Sunday. We want to know you thoughts. Daybreak@cnn.com.

And you're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The nation's waking up to the sad news that Christopher Reeve has died. And he worked so hard to overcome his paralysis. He even went to Israel to try to find some new cures, and we had some sound when he visited Israel. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REEVE: As you know, this country, they live every day with urgency. Every day, you never know what can happen here. And so, there have been so many people who have been injured and suffered spinal cord injuries and other -- other kinds of injuries because of the terrorism.

And I've found that, both in the medical research and in the rehabilitation of people who have been injured, they are really trying their hardest to go as quickly as possible. And I think we lack a little bit that sense of urgency in the United States.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Well, he just kept trying and trying to find a cure, and he made so much progress.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: He was able to move his index figure. His arms and legs were getting stronger. He really felt that some day he would stand up and walk.

MYERS: Right. Well, if you remember, back in -- back in the late '90s, literally, he couldn't speak. Right? And then he came through that. And that he got the tube removed from -- and then he got the tube put in here. And so, here he could communicate.

And it's like, "Wow, this guy's really doing pretty good."

And then I walked in this morning, and my producer goes, "Superman is dead." "What?"

COSTELLO: I know. It's such a shock because, you know, you always had such -- because he was so positive. But apparently, he got a very common infection.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: In paralysis victims, and that caused his heart to fail.

MYERS: A pressure wound, it was infected. And then obviously -- obviously, there were internal problems that he couldn't...

COSTELLO: I'd like to read you some quotes. Did you see these quotes?

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: These are off -- these are from Christopher Reeve, personal quotes from him. He said, "Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean." I love that.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure, in spite of overwhelming obstacles." And he certainly lived up to that.

He's talking about Robin Williams here, who visited him in the hospital shortly after his horse riding accident. Christopher Reeve said, "There was this guy wearing a blue scrub hat and a yellow gown with a Russian accent, some insane Russian doctor. I laughed for the first time, and I knew that life was going to be OK."

And just -- he was just such an awesome guy. We're going to have much more on Christopher Reeve all day on CNN.

MYERS: You know, his films had much more to do than just "Superman." I mean, from "Death Trap," which you know, that was like a real turn of events at the end of that movie. He was a great actor.

He was -- he was named -- actually, they wanted him for many more roles than he actually took. There were so -- I think it's on the previous page. He was -- everybody wanted him to do -- he turned down "Body Heat," which ended up being a really good movie. He turned down "Running Man" and "Total Recall."

COSTELLO: Oh, no.

MYERS: And Arnold Schwarzenegger got those. So...

COSTELLO: Well, he had much more important things to do later. He certainly did. We'll have more on Christopher Reeve a little later on DAYBREAK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Do you still think you will walk again?

REEVE: I certainly have the motto that nothing is impossible. I think the question of whether I will walk is going to depend on politics.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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