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American Morning

Bush Back on the Stump; Interview With Governor Jennifer Granholm; Falluja Assault

Aired October 15, 2004 - 9:00   ET

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

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


BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Eighteen days to go. Both candidates making every day count. A fierce campaign and the push now through the swing states.
What's the military's objective in Falluja? New details on the assault against insurgents there today.

And the hero who followed the little ones on Russia's darkest day. The story of a 16-year-old who saved his schoolmates on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

HEMMER: On a Friday, 9:00 here in New York, good morning. Good to have you with us today. And I'm Bill Hemmer.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Heidi Collins, in for Soledad.

Politics starts us off once again this morning. You will hear a lot about the swing states in these final 18 days. Yes, 18 days. In a few minutes, we're going to talk about what's going to make a difference in Michigan with the state's governor there, Jennifer Granholm.

HEMMER: Also in a moment here, the house that built -- that was built, rather, for jazz. Toure stops by, introduces us to a $128 million facility here in New York built only for the golden sound. Good story, too. Love the sounds.

COLLINS: Sounds great.

Want to check in with Jack, though, first. Pardon me. I guess we're -- yes, we are checking in -- OK.

Jack Cafferty, good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.

I won't be here long. I'll get right out of your way.

(LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: Telling me something a little different.

CAFFERTY: The largest number of e-mails ever since we've been doing this program in response to this question: Is it appropriate for Senator John Kerry and Senator John Edwards to be discussing the sexual orientation of Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter as a part of the campaign? Something in the neighborhood of 1,700 e-mails, and there's an hour to go.

AM@CNN.com. I'm reading my buns off down there. So, you know -- but if you have a thought, mail it in.

I'm done now.

(LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: I don't want to say anymore.

HEMMER: Let's get to Kelly Wallace now, top of the hour, top stories, too.

Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you all. Good morning again, everyone.

We begin in Iraq, where U.S. warplanes are battering the Iraqi city of Falluja this hour. It is part of a significant assault aimed at suspected terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his terrorist network. The action began last night after peace talks stalled between the Iraqi government and representatives of the city.

There are signs the United States may be trying to soften its hard-line stance on Iran's nuclear program. Officials from the group of eight industrialized countries are meeting at the State Department this morning. They are discussing different economic incentives to persuade Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful means only.

In Oregon, no major injuries after police used pepper to break up a crowd of presidential protesters. The chanting crowd gathered outside an inn where President Bush was staying lasts night. Police dressed in riot gear fired paintballs filled with cayenne pepper to disperse the protesters. We are told two people were arrested.

And for the first time ever, no more golden arches. Starting today in Britain, McDonald's logo will be replaced with a golden question mark. The two-week campaign is an attempt to link the fast food chain with healthier foods, like salad and fruit, instead of burgers and fries. The slogan, "McDonald's, but not as you know it."

A question mark as opposed to the golden arches. Sorry, but I can only think of French fries when I think of McDonald's. Sorry about that.

COLLINS: Also, it won't just confuse people with the big old question mark?

WALLACE: Right, exactly.

COLLINS: All right. Kelly Wallace, thank you.

WALLACE: Sure.

COLLINS: Eighteen days and counting, and the campaign is entering the home stretch. President Bush wakes up in Oregon this morning. Then he's off to Iowa and Wisconsin.

Suzanne Malveaux is covering the Bush campaign. She's live now this morning in Medford, Oregon.

Suzanne, hello.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning, Heidi.

Of course, as the campaign heats up, so do those protests, as well. It was last night in Jacksonville, Oregon, that is where there was a group of protesters blocking the street along the motorcade route. And a group of local police hit them with pepper.

This is fires from paintball guns. A couple of people were arrested during that scuffle. But for the most part, things were rather peaceful.

There were also a lot of Bush supporters that were along that route. And for the most part, President Bush, of course, projecting optimism along the campaign trail.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX (voice-over): The president went into the debates with more momentum than when he came out. Bush aides concede in an effort to do damage control and turn the focus away from talk of a 3-0 Kerry debate win, President Bush, with Senator John McCain in tow, paid a rare visit to the press cabin aboard Air Force One.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Nineteen days to go. And I'm looking forward to it. It's -- I enjoyed myself last night. The debate phase of the campaign is over, and now it's a sprint to the finish.

MALVEAUX: The Bush campaign chairman says it will have to be a strong one if the president is going to recapture the White House.

SCOTT REED, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Performing on the stump now is crucial. Performing every news cycle is crucial. Because you can't afford to let one go to the opponent.

BUSH: Thank you all for coming. I'm here to ask for the vote.

MALVEAUX: The Bush camp strategy going into the final two weeks is to highlight the president's strengths, play down his shortcomings, and put the debates behind.

BUSH: You know my blunt way of speaking.

(CHEERING)

BUSH: I get that from mom. They know I sometimes mangle the English language. I get that from dad. Americans also know I tell you exactly what I'm going to do, and I keep my word.

MALVEAUX: Mr. Bush hit two critical states Thursday: Nevada and Oregon Thursday. Polls show both states leaning for Kerry but still very much in play.

LEE MIHINGOFF, POLITICAL ANALYST: And now we move into the final phase, which is really to turn out the supporters, try to appeal to the few remaining undecided voters.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Now expect, of course, for Bush campaign ads -- aides, rather, to emphasize the qualities of leadership, likability, trustworthiness. These are the type of things that they are going to be talking about the next couple of weeks.

The president later today traveling to Iowa and Wisconsin. And over the weekend, of course, Heidi, it is ground zero of election 2000. Back to West Palm Beach, Florida -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Suzanne Malveaux, live this morning from Oregon.

Suzanne, thanks.

HEMMER: Now, the vice president, Dick Cheney, meanwhile, is in Michigan today. Michigan, 17 electoral votes.

In the 2000 election, Al Gore won that state by a margin of about 5 percent. That state is 80 percent white, 14 percent African- American, and 3 percent Hispanic. The important issue is unemployment and jobs. And earlier today I talked with the governor there today, Jennifer Granholm, about what's happening in her state politically. And also, with the amount of interest we're getting today on this Mary Cheney story, that was a topic, as well, for the governor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Good morning. Good to have you back here with us on AMERICAN MORNING.

I want to talk about issues in your state in a moment here. But first, I want to get your reaction to what continues to be a hot story. And that's the reaction to Mary Cheney being in the news today. Do you have an opinion as to why Senator Kerry would bring her into the debate the other night?

GOV. JENNIFER GRANHOLM (D), MICHIGAN: You know, I think that it was a sincere effort to -- to really put a face on homosexuality. I think that people need to understand that gay people are in everyone's families or friends, colleagues. I certainly don't think it was an effort to politicize or anything like that. I think it was done in a sensitive way, and I think he meant it to be done in a sensitive way. HEMMER: She is not on the ticket. Mary Beth Cahill said she is fair game, essentially. Do you see it the same way?

GRANHOLM: Well, I don't know that I'd call anybody fair game. But I do think what is fair game is the -- is the question about how we use the Constitution of the United States, whether we use it as a sword or as a shield, and how we use the whole political process to energize certain parts of the electorate.

And I think that part of this, the reason why this was called out to be a constitutional amendment, when every state in the country already has a law that bans gay marriage, is because it was an effort to politicize the electorate. So, you know, I really don't think -- especially, you know, John Kerry is very sensitive to this issue, and he certainly didn't intend to cause a rift or to make it a painful family experience.

HEMMER: We will talk more about this throughout the day, depending on where the story goes. Specifically, now in your state, Michigan listed for a long time as one of the many battleground states in this country. Where do you see it now, the race in your state, shaping up between John Kerry and George Bush?

GRANHOLM: It's still close. But I think Kerry has -- is ahead by three or four points. But it is still close.

I tell you, though, Bill, every day, when you pick up the papers, though, and see the headlines, I mean, just today alone, record deficits, Dow under 10000, unemployment claims higher, home heating oil at the highest level it's ever been. In Michigan, we care about the middle class and that middle class squeeze. So when gas prices are up, and wages are down, that really affects us.

And so John Kerry's speaking to that. John Kerry's speaking to the issue of jobs. That really impacts us.

HEMMER: However, Governor, if I could interject here, Senator Kerry does not have Michigan on his travel plans now, is that right? And, if so, what does that say about Democratic hold on your state of Michigan?

GRANHOLM: Well, I think that, you know, he's focusing on the states where the margin is very, very close. It's close in Michigan. We are having a lot of visits by every surrogate imaginable, especially a lot of visits by John Edwards.

It certainly doesn't mean that the Kerry campaign has written us off. I think it's an acknowledgment that we've got a great ground campaign and that we're working very hard. But, you know, at any moment in the next three weeks things could change, these travel plans change at the drop of a hat.

HEMMER: Sure. "Detroit Free Press," end of September, puts George Bush up two points in one poll, 50 to 48 among likely voters. Registered voters put John Kerry up. In the short time we have left, one interesting note about your state. Women are registered at a rate that is higher than the national average. Who are they supporting at this point?

GRANHOLM: I think they're supporting John Kerry. They care -- he's -- his plans really speak to women and to the concerns that they have. And I think that's why women will support him in droves.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm in the great state of Michigan -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Well, California is not a swing state. And California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is offering both presidential candidates some candid criticism.

In a radio interview yesterday, the Republican governor expressed his disappointment with John Kerry and President Bush in their final debate. Governor Schwarzenegger said, "Both of them did not answer some of the questions, which I think is upsetting to me. I think it is much better to be straightforward with the people."

Want to check on the weather now. Chad Myers standing by at the CNN Center for that.

Chad, be straight with us. How does it look?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Depends on where you are.

COLLINS: Yes? Yes?

MYERS: That's as straight as I can get.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right.

HEMMER: That plane is parked in my hangar. Did you know that, Chad?

MYERS: Yes. Yes.

HEMMER: All right. Thanks. See you later.

In a moment here, this war of words over Dick Cheney's daughter. A lot of Republicans say the comments from John Kerry were crass. What does the nation's most prominent group of gay Republicans have to say? We'll talk about that with a spokesperson.

COLLINS: Also, a hero out of tragedy. What a Russian teen did in the midst of the Beslan school massacre and how he's being honored now.

HEMMER: Also, their father was the inspiration for "Goodfellas." His children say their life was even darker than what you saw on screen. We'll talk to them about that.

COLLINS: And don't forget, AMERICAN MORNING hits the road. We're in Chicago all next week.

Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING. We'll tell you we're going there again in a few minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: The U.S. continuing its assault on insurgents in Falluja. U.S. forces pounded the city again earlier this morning. Barbara Starr has the latest now from the Pentagon on this.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Heidi.

Well, by all accounts, from officials we've talked to here at the Pentagon, this is not the long-awaited ground assault into Falluja. But the limited airstrikes, the limited ground action that we are seeing intensify will have military consequence, we are told, essentially prepping the battlefield if it comes to an assault into the city.

The airstrikes we are seeing are aimed at specific opposition targets. Safe houses, weapons storage sites, meeting places the U.S. and Iraqi coalition believes are being used by the network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Now, two sites in Falluja that were struck by air earlier today are even being called command and control sites, ground action. There has been an intense Marine artillery bombardment on insurgent targets outside of the center of Falluja. Ground combat units also advancing on several objectives, but again we are told these are outside the city of Falluja. For example, vehicle checkpoints being set up again outside the city, trying to control movement around the town.

The strategy, Heidi, by all accounts, that appears to be emerging is to eliminate the opposition now, as it exists. So if they go into the city, they will have reduced the opposition ahead of time.

Of course, what the ultimate objective is, is to have Iraqi security forces retake control of Falluja. The question on the table is going to be whether the insurgents are really defeated, whether they have simply run away once again to fight another day, and whether those Iraqi security forces are going to be able to maintain control of the city over the long haul -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Of course, and how they do it. And, you know, Barbara, we had the attacks yesterday inside the Green Zone. Now we've got this in Falluja. Concerns about beefing up security, it seems like an obvious question.

STARR: Absolutely, Heidi. Of course they are watching very closely. This is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. There is current intelligence, officials say, about the possibility of more violence, more attacks. All U.S. military units in Iraq have been warned. They have beefed up their security. And in this Green Zone, where we saw these attacks yesterday, a number of additional security measures.

More patrols, more combat air patrols over the capital. More security at the airport. Very cautious over this coming holy month of Ramadan -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Saw the same thing last year at this time, as well. Barbara Starr from the Pentagon this morning.

Thank you.

HEMMER: About 18 minutes passed the hour now. Three hundred and thirty people, most of them children, were killed last month in Russia when the terrorist siege in Beslan ended in absolute chaos. One of the survivors was a young man by the name of Soslan Gusiev, and without his "Extra Effort," more children would have died that day. Our Deb Feyerick has this heroic teenager's story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the third and final day of the Beslan hostage standoff, 16-year-old student Soslan Gusiev had a gut feeling really bad things were about to happen. So he rolled on top of his younger brother, protecting him from explosions that rocked the school gym moments later.

Chaos broke out. And the brothers ran to escape through a shattered window. Gusiev hoisting his brother to safety.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And he picked him up and threw him out of the window.

FEYERICK: Covered in someone's blood, Gusiev heard the terrified voices of first-graders, too small to escape through the window. And so he stayed, risking his life, saving eight children.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: "Actually, I was thinking that every one of us would die." He was certain that they would die.

FEYERICK: Gusiev says he doesn't feel like a hero. He just did what many of the bigger students did, helping those too young and too small to get out on their own. The real hero, he says, is his friend, Oxana (ph), shot dead in cold blood.

(on camera): You mean she could have escaped and yet she still came back to help others or...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: "Yes, she could escape, absolutely."

FEYERICK: Russian officials recognized Gusiev's bravery. They sent him to New York City, to Lincoln Center, to a concert raising money for all the victims. And though Gusiev says Beslan will never feel whole again, for eight families, at least, their grief today is a little less because Soslan Gusiev saved their children, in the process beating down terror by a simple act of humanity.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Also here in New York, Gusiev was an honored guest Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium for game two of the Yankees-Red Sox playoff series -- Heidi.

COLLINS: And what a thrill for him.

Still to come this morning, the house that Wynton Marsalis built. A new home for jazz, and it's probably unlike anything you've seen before. Or heard before. We'll give you a tour next on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: We like this story. A man in Detroit has a brand-new heart to give his new bride. Listen to this.

Steven Dulka (ph) received a transplant on his wedding day. Doctors called him two hours before the ceremony, said they had a heart, but he needed to get to the hospital right away. The couple accelerated their vows, sped to the hospital for a truly unique honeymoon, too.

The surgery went well. The groom was released on Wednesday. What a way to start.

COLLINS: A honeymoon of all honeymoons. Wow, good for them.

Want to check on Jack now. "Question of the Day" once again.

Just a humongous response.

CAFFERTY: You get all warm and tingly listening to a story like that.

COLLINS: Yes, it's a great story.

CAFFERTY: Yes.

A huge firestorm over John Kerry's reference to Dick Cheney's daughter during Wednesday's final debate. Cheney called himself an angry father, saying that John Kerry is not a man of strong character. Kerry said the remark about Cheney's daughter was meant to be "positive" about families with gay children. Edwards' wife Elizabeth yesterday suggested Lynne Cheney is ashamed of her daughter.

The question, which has drawn an overwhelming response, is it appropriate for Kerry and Edwards to be discussing the sexuality of Dick Cheney's daughter? Seventeen hundred of you responded to this so far. Kimberly in Manassas, Virginia, "It's not like Kerry outed their daughter. It's not a secret. Like stem cell research, he put a face on the subject of homosexuality. Kerry was respectful, didn't say anything we haven't all said or heard before. The fake outrage by the Republicans is laughable."

Laura in Pine Bush, New York, "I was undecided before the debate. That remark changed my status. I'm voting for Bush."

Dan in Dubuque, Iowa, "Jack, was one thing for the vice president to bring up his daughter. It's something different when brought up time and again by Kerry and Edwards. And now remarks from Mrs. Edwards, that was shame shameful. That young lady deserves more respect than to be used in dirty politics."

Lorie in Chicago writes: "There are far more pressing issues in this election. This is simply a decoy for Bush. He needs something to keep people from looking at the real issues."

And then Lorie adds -- she lives in Chicago -- "Can't wait to have you guys here next week."

Be careful what you wish for, Lorie. You know what I'm saying? Because you might get it.

And Vincent wrote us and said we've got to go to a joint called the Chicago Rib House on Chicago Avenue just west of the water tower. He said it's the best barbecue in Chicago.

HEMMER: Oh, I like that.

COLLINS: Yes.

CAFFERTY: So we'll be checking that out.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: And you're buying.

COLLINS: Yes.

HEMMER: We'll just keep on eating. That's fine with me.

CAFFERTY: The guy with the short arms and the deep pockets over there is going to buy.

HEMMER: They call me alligator arms.

CAFFERTY: Alligator hands, that's right.

This weekend on "IN THE MONEY," -- on "IN THE MONEY," Saturdays at 1:00, Sundays at 3:00, just watch it. It will be a fascinating show. We don't have time to go into it.

COLLINS: All right, Jack. Thank you. We will watch, no question about it. Scare tactics. Still to come, your Friday edition of "90-Second Pop."

(MUSIC)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS (voice-over): Her sister lives "The Simple Life" on TV, but Nicky Hilton's marriage proved to be a little more complicated.

Plus, want to know what's happening to Martha Stewart behind bars? The domestic diva may tell all ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired October 15, 2004 - 9:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Eighteen days to go. Both candidates making every day count. A fierce campaign and the push now through the swing states.
What's the military's objective in Falluja? New details on the assault against insurgents there today.

And the hero who followed the little ones on Russia's darkest day. The story of a 16-year-old who saved his schoolmates on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

HEMMER: On a Friday, 9:00 here in New York, good morning. Good to have you with us today. And I'm Bill Hemmer.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Heidi Collins, in for Soledad.

Politics starts us off once again this morning. You will hear a lot about the swing states in these final 18 days. Yes, 18 days. In a few minutes, we're going to talk about what's going to make a difference in Michigan with the state's governor there, Jennifer Granholm.

HEMMER: Also in a moment here, the house that built -- that was built, rather, for jazz. Toure stops by, introduces us to a $128 million facility here in New York built only for the golden sound. Good story, too. Love the sounds.

COLLINS: Sounds great.

Want to check in with Jack, though, first. Pardon me. I guess we're -- yes, we are checking in -- OK.

Jack Cafferty, good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.

I won't be here long. I'll get right out of your way.

(LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: Telling me something a little different.

CAFFERTY: The largest number of e-mails ever since we've been doing this program in response to this question: Is it appropriate for Senator John Kerry and Senator John Edwards to be discussing the sexual orientation of Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter as a part of the campaign? Something in the neighborhood of 1,700 e-mails, and there's an hour to go.

AM@CNN.com. I'm reading my buns off down there. So, you know -- but if you have a thought, mail it in.

I'm done now.

(LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: I don't want to say anymore.

HEMMER: Let's get to Kelly Wallace now, top of the hour, top stories, too.

Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you all. Good morning again, everyone.

We begin in Iraq, where U.S. warplanes are battering the Iraqi city of Falluja this hour. It is part of a significant assault aimed at suspected terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his terrorist network. The action began last night after peace talks stalled between the Iraqi government and representatives of the city.

There are signs the United States may be trying to soften its hard-line stance on Iran's nuclear program. Officials from the group of eight industrialized countries are meeting at the State Department this morning. They are discussing different economic incentives to persuade Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful means only.

In Oregon, no major injuries after police used pepper to break up a crowd of presidential protesters. The chanting crowd gathered outside an inn where President Bush was staying lasts night. Police dressed in riot gear fired paintballs filled with cayenne pepper to disperse the protesters. We are told two people were arrested.

And for the first time ever, no more golden arches. Starting today in Britain, McDonald's logo will be replaced with a golden question mark. The two-week campaign is an attempt to link the fast food chain with healthier foods, like salad and fruit, instead of burgers and fries. The slogan, "McDonald's, but not as you know it."

A question mark as opposed to the golden arches. Sorry, but I can only think of French fries when I think of McDonald's. Sorry about that.

COLLINS: Also, it won't just confuse people with the big old question mark?

WALLACE: Right, exactly.

COLLINS: All right. Kelly Wallace, thank you.

WALLACE: Sure.

COLLINS: Eighteen days and counting, and the campaign is entering the home stretch. President Bush wakes up in Oregon this morning. Then he's off to Iowa and Wisconsin.

Suzanne Malveaux is covering the Bush campaign. She's live now this morning in Medford, Oregon.

Suzanne, hello.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning, Heidi.

Of course, as the campaign heats up, so do those protests, as well. It was last night in Jacksonville, Oregon, that is where there was a group of protesters blocking the street along the motorcade route. And a group of local police hit them with pepper.

This is fires from paintball guns. A couple of people were arrested during that scuffle. But for the most part, things were rather peaceful.

There were also a lot of Bush supporters that were along that route. And for the most part, President Bush, of course, projecting optimism along the campaign trail.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX (voice-over): The president went into the debates with more momentum than when he came out. Bush aides concede in an effort to do damage control and turn the focus away from talk of a 3-0 Kerry debate win, President Bush, with Senator John McCain in tow, paid a rare visit to the press cabin aboard Air Force One.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Nineteen days to go. And I'm looking forward to it. It's -- I enjoyed myself last night. The debate phase of the campaign is over, and now it's a sprint to the finish.

MALVEAUX: The Bush campaign chairman says it will have to be a strong one if the president is going to recapture the White House.

SCOTT REED, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Performing on the stump now is crucial. Performing every news cycle is crucial. Because you can't afford to let one go to the opponent.

BUSH: Thank you all for coming. I'm here to ask for the vote.

MALVEAUX: The Bush camp strategy going into the final two weeks is to highlight the president's strengths, play down his shortcomings, and put the debates behind.

BUSH: You know my blunt way of speaking.

(CHEERING)

BUSH: I get that from mom. They know I sometimes mangle the English language. I get that from dad. Americans also know I tell you exactly what I'm going to do, and I keep my word.

MALVEAUX: Mr. Bush hit two critical states Thursday: Nevada and Oregon Thursday. Polls show both states leaning for Kerry but still very much in play.

LEE MIHINGOFF, POLITICAL ANALYST: And now we move into the final phase, which is really to turn out the supporters, try to appeal to the few remaining undecided voters.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Now expect, of course, for Bush campaign ads -- aides, rather, to emphasize the qualities of leadership, likability, trustworthiness. These are the type of things that they are going to be talking about the next couple of weeks.

The president later today traveling to Iowa and Wisconsin. And over the weekend, of course, Heidi, it is ground zero of election 2000. Back to West Palm Beach, Florida -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Suzanne Malveaux, live this morning from Oregon.

Suzanne, thanks.

HEMMER: Now, the vice president, Dick Cheney, meanwhile, is in Michigan today. Michigan, 17 electoral votes.

In the 2000 election, Al Gore won that state by a margin of about 5 percent. That state is 80 percent white, 14 percent African- American, and 3 percent Hispanic. The important issue is unemployment and jobs. And earlier today I talked with the governor there today, Jennifer Granholm, about what's happening in her state politically. And also, with the amount of interest we're getting today on this Mary Cheney story, that was a topic, as well, for the governor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Good morning. Good to have you back here with us on AMERICAN MORNING.

I want to talk about issues in your state in a moment here. But first, I want to get your reaction to what continues to be a hot story. And that's the reaction to Mary Cheney being in the news today. Do you have an opinion as to why Senator Kerry would bring her into the debate the other night?

GOV. JENNIFER GRANHOLM (D), MICHIGAN: You know, I think that it was a sincere effort to -- to really put a face on homosexuality. I think that people need to understand that gay people are in everyone's families or friends, colleagues. I certainly don't think it was an effort to politicize or anything like that. I think it was done in a sensitive way, and I think he meant it to be done in a sensitive way. HEMMER: She is not on the ticket. Mary Beth Cahill said she is fair game, essentially. Do you see it the same way?

GRANHOLM: Well, I don't know that I'd call anybody fair game. But I do think what is fair game is the -- is the question about how we use the Constitution of the United States, whether we use it as a sword or as a shield, and how we use the whole political process to energize certain parts of the electorate.

And I think that part of this, the reason why this was called out to be a constitutional amendment, when every state in the country already has a law that bans gay marriage, is because it was an effort to politicize the electorate. So, you know, I really don't think -- especially, you know, John Kerry is very sensitive to this issue, and he certainly didn't intend to cause a rift or to make it a painful family experience.

HEMMER: We will talk more about this throughout the day, depending on where the story goes. Specifically, now in your state, Michigan listed for a long time as one of the many battleground states in this country. Where do you see it now, the race in your state, shaping up between John Kerry and George Bush?

GRANHOLM: It's still close. But I think Kerry has -- is ahead by three or four points. But it is still close.

I tell you, though, Bill, every day, when you pick up the papers, though, and see the headlines, I mean, just today alone, record deficits, Dow under 10000, unemployment claims higher, home heating oil at the highest level it's ever been. In Michigan, we care about the middle class and that middle class squeeze. So when gas prices are up, and wages are down, that really affects us.

And so John Kerry's speaking to that. John Kerry's speaking to the issue of jobs. That really impacts us.

HEMMER: However, Governor, if I could interject here, Senator Kerry does not have Michigan on his travel plans now, is that right? And, if so, what does that say about Democratic hold on your state of Michigan?

GRANHOLM: Well, I think that, you know, he's focusing on the states where the margin is very, very close. It's close in Michigan. We are having a lot of visits by every surrogate imaginable, especially a lot of visits by John Edwards.

It certainly doesn't mean that the Kerry campaign has written us off. I think it's an acknowledgment that we've got a great ground campaign and that we're working very hard. But, you know, at any moment in the next three weeks things could change, these travel plans change at the drop of a hat.

HEMMER: Sure. "Detroit Free Press," end of September, puts George Bush up two points in one poll, 50 to 48 among likely voters. Registered voters put John Kerry up. In the short time we have left, one interesting note about your state. Women are registered at a rate that is higher than the national average. Who are they supporting at this point?

GRANHOLM: I think they're supporting John Kerry. They care -- he's -- his plans really speak to women and to the concerns that they have. And I think that's why women will support him in droves.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm in the great state of Michigan -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Well, California is not a swing state. And California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is offering both presidential candidates some candid criticism.

In a radio interview yesterday, the Republican governor expressed his disappointment with John Kerry and President Bush in their final debate. Governor Schwarzenegger said, "Both of them did not answer some of the questions, which I think is upsetting to me. I think it is much better to be straightforward with the people."

Want to check on the weather now. Chad Myers standing by at the CNN Center for that.

Chad, be straight with us. How does it look?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Depends on where you are.

COLLINS: Yes? Yes?

MYERS: That's as straight as I can get.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right.

HEMMER: That plane is parked in my hangar. Did you know that, Chad?

MYERS: Yes. Yes.

HEMMER: All right. Thanks. See you later.

In a moment here, this war of words over Dick Cheney's daughter. A lot of Republicans say the comments from John Kerry were crass. What does the nation's most prominent group of gay Republicans have to say? We'll talk about that with a spokesperson.

COLLINS: Also, a hero out of tragedy. What a Russian teen did in the midst of the Beslan school massacre and how he's being honored now.

HEMMER: Also, their father was the inspiration for "Goodfellas." His children say their life was even darker than what you saw on screen. We'll talk to them about that.

COLLINS: And don't forget, AMERICAN MORNING hits the road. We're in Chicago all next week.

Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING. We'll tell you we're going there again in a few minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: The U.S. continuing its assault on insurgents in Falluja. U.S. forces pounded the city again earlier this morning. Barbara Starr has the latest now from the Pentagon on this.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Heidi.

Well, by all accounts, from officials we've talked to here at the Pentagon, this is not the long-awaited ground assault into Falluja. But the limited airstrikes, the limited ground action that we are seeing intensify will have military consequence, we are told, essentially prepping the battlefield if it comes to an assault into the city.

The airstrikes we are seeing are aimed at specific opposition targets. Safe houses, weapons storage sites, meeting places the U.S. and Iraqi coalition believes are being used by the network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Now, two sites in Falluja that were struck by air earlier today are even being called command and control sites, ground action. There has been an intense Marine artillery bombardment on insurgent targets outside of the center of Falluja. Ground combat units also advancing on several objectives, but again we are told these are outside the city of Falluja. For example, vehicle checkpoints being set up again outside the city, trying to control movement around the town.

The strategy, Heidi, by all accounts, that appears to be emerging is to eliminate the opposition now, as it exists. So if they go into the city, they will have reduced the opposition ahead of time.

Of course, what the ultimate objective is, is to have Iraqi security forces retake control of Falluja. The question on the table is going to be whether the insurgents are really defeated, whether they have simply run away once again to fight another day, and whether those Iraqi security forces are going to be able to maintain control of the city over the long haul -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Of course, and how they do it. And, you know, Barbara, we had the attacks yesterday inside the Green Zone. Now we've got this in Falluja. Concerns about beefing up security, it seems like an obvious question.

STARR: Absolutely, Heidi. Of course they are watching very closely. This is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. There is current intelligence, officials say, about the possibility of more violence, more attacks. All U.S. military units in Iraq have been warned. They have beefed up their security. And in this Green Zone, where we saw these attacks yesterday, a number of additional security measures.

More patrols, more combat air patrols over the capital. More security at the airport. Very cautious over this coming holy month of Ramadan -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Saw the same thing last year at this time, as well. Barbara Starr from the Pentagon this morning.

Thank you.

HEMMER: About 18 minutes passed the hour now. Three hundred and thirty people, most of them children, were killed last month in Russia when the terrorist siege in Beslan ended in absolute chaos. One of the survivors was a young man by the name of Soslan Gusiev, and without his "Extra Effort," more children would have died that day. Our Deb Feyerick has this heroic teenager's story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the third and final day of the Beslan hostage standoff, 16-year-old student Soslan Gusiev had a gut feeling really bad things were about to happen. So he rolled on top of his younger brother, protecting him from explosions that rocked the school gym moments later.

Chaos broke out. And the brothers ran to escape through a shattered window. Gusiev hoisting his brother to safety.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And he picked him up and threw him out of the window.

FEYERICK: Covered in someone's blood, Gusiev heard the terrified voices of first-graders, too small to escape through the window. And so he stayed, risking his life, saving eight children.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: "Actually, I was thinking that every one of us would die." He was certain that they would die.

FEYERICK: Gusiev says he doesn't feel like a hero. He just did what many of the bigger students did, helping those too young and too small to get out on their own. The real hero, he says, is his friend, Oxana (ph), shot dead in cold blood.

(on camera): You mean she could have escaped and yet she still came back to help others or...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: "Yes, she could escape, absolutely."

FEYERICK: Russian officials recognized Gusiev's bravery. They sent him to New York City, to Lincoln Center, to a concert raising money for all the victims. And though Gusiev says Beslan will never feel whole again, for eight families, at least, their grief today is a little less because Soslan Gusiev saved their children, in the process beating down terror by a simple act of humanity.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Also here in New York, Gusiev was an honored guest Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium for game two of the Yankees-Red Sox playoff series -- Heidi.

COLLINS: And what a thrill for him.

Still to come this morning, the house that Wynton Marsalis built. A new home for jazz, and it's probably unlike anything you've seen before. Or heard before. We'll give you a tour next on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: We like this story. A man in Detroit has a brand-new heart to give his new bride. Listen to this.

Steven Dulka (ph) received a transplant on his wedding day. Doctors called him two hours before the ceremony, said they had a heart, but he needed to get to the hospital right away. The couple accelerated their vows, sped to the hospital for a truly unique honeymoon, too.

The surgery went well. The groom was released on Wednesday. What a way to start.

COLLINS: A honeymoon of all honeymoons. Wow, good for them.

Want to check on Jack now. "Question of the Day" once again.

Just a humongous response.

CAFFERTY: You get all warm and tingly listening to a story like that.

COLLINS: Yes, it's a great story.

CAFFERTY: Yes.

A huge firestorm over John Kerry's reference to Dick Cheney's daughter during Wednesday's final debate. Cheney called himself an angry father, saying that John Kerry is not a man of strong character. Kerry said the remark about Cheney's daughter was meant to be "positive" about families with gay children. Edwards' wife Elizabeth yesterday suggested Lynne Cheney is ashamed of her daughter.

The question, which has drawn an overwhelming response, is it appropriate for Kerry and Edwards to be discussing the sexuality of Dick Cheney's daughter? Seventeen hundred of you responded to this so far. Kimberly in Manassas, Virginia, "It's not like Kerry outed their daughter. It's not a secret. Like stem cell research, he put a face on the subject of homosexuality. Kerry was respectful, didn't say anything we haven't all said or heard before. The fake outrage by the Republicans is laughable."

Laura in Pine Bush, New York, "I was undecided before the debate. That remark changed my status. I'm voting for Bush."

Dan in Dubuque, Iowa, "Jack, was one thing for the vice president to bring up his daughter. It's something different when brought up time and again by Kerry and Edwards. And now remarks from Mrs. Edwards, that was shame shameful. That young lady deserves more respect than to be used in dirty politics."

Lorie in Chicago writes: "There are far more pressing issues in this election. This is simply a decoy for Bush. He needs something to keep people from looking at the real issues."

And then Lorie adds -- she lives in Chicago -- "Can't wait to have you guys here next week."

Be careful what you wish for, Lorie. You know what I'm saying? Because you might get it.

And Vincent wrote us and said we've got to go to a joint called the Chicago Rib House on Chicago Avenue just west of the water tower. He said it's the best barbecue in Chicago.

HEMMER: Oh, I like that.

COLLINS: Yes.

CAFFERTY: So we'll be checking that out.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: And you're buying.

COLLINS: Yes.

HEMMER: We'll just keep on eating. That's fine with me.

CAFFERTY: The guy with the short arms and the deep pockets over there is going to buy.

HEMMER: They call me alligator arms.

CAFFERTY: Alligator hands, that's right.

This weekend on "IN THE MONEY," -- on "IN THE MONEY," Saturdays at 1:00, Sundays at 3:00, just watch it. It will be a fascinating show. We don't have time to go into it.

COLLINS: All right, Jack. Thank you. We will watch, no question about it. Scare tactics. Still to come, your Friday edition of "90-Second Pop."

(MUSIC)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS (voice-over): Her sister lives "The Simple Life" on TV, but Nicky Hilton's marriage proved to be a little more complicated.

Plus, want to know what's happening to Martha Stewart behind bars? The domestic diva may tell all ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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