Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live At Daybreak
Look at the 'Buycott' Movement; Latest on Rising Price of Oil
Aired October 18, 2004 - 06:00 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, CNN ANCHOR: COSTELLO: And good morning to you. From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, in Iraq, insurgents ambush a group of Iraqi police officers north of Baghdad this morning. Seven officers hurt in Ba'qubah. Iraqi sources tell CNN the insurgents laid a trap by calling in a false accident report.
A deadly gunfight, too, this morning on the Israeli-Gaza border. An Israeli source says two Palestinian gunmen crossed into Israel and traded shots with Israeli troops. The gunmen were killed. There was also an explosion. One gunman apparently had bombs on him.
Back here in the States, it's time for the early birds to cast their votes in Florida. Election offices across the state are opening up this morning, giving people the option of voting for president early.
And the Red Sox are not done yet. In a 12 inning thrilling battle, Boston managed to beat New York 6-4 in the A.L. championship series. Still, the Yankees are up three games to one. We'll have more when CNN sports contributor Chris Cotter joins us later this hour.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Registered to vote yet? Well, you might be out of luck. Just 15 days to go until the presidential election and George Bush and John Kerry are hitting the campaign trail hard in the final two weeks. Which candidate can better handle domestic issues? Well, we have some new numbers for you this morning. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll survey says John Kerry. And as you can see, by a pretty good margin, on domestic issues, that is. George Bush gets the nod when it comes to having a handle on terrorism, taxes, Iraq and education.
Both candidates, of course, as I said, will hit the ground running this morning. They're gearing up for whirlwind campaign tours in battleground states across the country.
Live now to Washington and CNN's Claire Leka -- good morning, Claire.
CLAIRE LEKA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.
How many times have you heard that this campaign is neck and neck? Well, we've only got 15 days to go, as you said, and it is neck and neck. We've got John Kerry and President George Bush really gearing up to hit all of these key battleground states as we come into the home stretch. And one of those states is Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
LEKA (voice-over): At a rally north of Miami on Sunday, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry blasted President Bush on Social Security.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: He said, and I quote him, "We're going to move quickly to privatize Social Security."
LEKA: The Bush team says the "New York Times" magazine report inaccurately quoted Bush and that he never used the word "privatize." This afternoon, the president heads to New Jersey, a traditionally Democratic state, to deliver an anti-terrorism speech.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The commander- in-chief must stand on principle, not the shifting sands of political convenience.
LEKA: Bush is counting on his anti-terrorism message to resonate with voters in New Jersey, a state that lost nearly 700 residents in the September 11 attacks.
Tomorrow, the president heads to the Sunshine State and its crucial 27 electoral votes, where most polls show the race is still too close to call.
And he'll be in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota later this week.
Senator Kerry will speak about health care in an afternoon speech in Tampa today.
A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll puts President Bush slightly ahead among registered voters, 49 to 46 percent ahead of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. But narrow that poll from registered voters to likely voters and President Bush widens his lead to eight points.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
LEKA: But both the Bush and Kerry camps say anything can happen and the only real poll that matters is the one on November 2 -- Carol.
COSTELLO: That is true.
Claire Leka reporting live from Washington this morning.
Thank you.
The flu vaccine, the shortage, that is, is becoming a campaign issue this year. More and more seniors and high risk people are lining up across the country for a shot at getting the vaccine.
John Kerry accuses George Bush of ignoring signs of the flu shot crisis. But the Bush administration denies it was warned and they're playing down the seriousness of the situation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOMMY THOMPSON, HHS SECRETARY: It is not a health crisis. In fact, I would like to tell individuals just be calm. And don't stand in line, because we have approximately 24 million doses of vaccine that have not been shipped yet. We're reallocating those vaccine shipments to regions that have a shortage.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The director of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention will have more to say on this.
Dr. Julie Gerberding joins AMERICAN MORNING at 7:00 a.m. Eastern time.
Here's a quick glance at some other stories we'll be covering this week.
Tomorrow, an extradition hearing is scheduled in London for Abu Hamza al-Masri. He's a radical Muslim cleric sought by the U.S. on terrorist charges.
On Wednesday, an asylum hearing is planned for former U.S. soldier Jeremy Hinzman. After serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he refused to be deployed to Iraq. Instead, he fled to Canada.
And on Thursday, the spotlight is on the AIDS epidemic. Thousands of health care workers will converge on Philadelphia for the eighth annual conference on AIDS.
Attention ladies: tomorrow keep your purses and your checkbooks closed. That's right, it's a one day buycott aimed at highlighting women's purchasing power and calling for changes in the workplace.
Jason Carroll has all the details for you.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Prada, Dior, Burberry -- Joan Salar gives new credence to the term "shop 'til you drop."
JOAN SALAR, SHOPPER: I love to shop.
CARROLL: But this Tuesday, she's giving the credit cards a break in order to help prove a point -- that in more ways than one, women are a critical part of the economy.
SALAR: Anything for, you know, the strength of women. And I think we are the ones who set the tones, because even for our spouses or significant others, we influence what they buy. So definitely, I'd be willing to do it.
CARROLL: Salar is joining other women in support of Buycott, a day in which its creator, Janet Hansen, hopes women nationwide won't buy anything.
JANET HANSEN, CEO, 85 BROADS: We are hoping that on October 19 women will choose that day to not buy any non-essential goods, so that they can reflect on their enormous purchasing power, which so far has not translated into economic power in the workplace.
CARROLL: Statistics show more than 80 percent of all purchases are either made or influenced by women, but less than 15 percent of top executives in Fortune 500 companies are women.
KRISTIE KANG, OWNER, LOTUS SPA: That's beautiful.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Actually, that looks really nice on the fingernails, too.
CARROLL: Kristie Kang grew frustrated with the corporate world and left. Now Kang runs her own business.
KANG: Good morning, Lotus Spa.
CARROLL: She thinks Buycott is a good idea.
KANG: That is a powerful way of just demonstrating to the world that, you know what, we are neglected, but we are powerful consumers.
CARROLL: Buycott's critics worry that some of the businesses that could be hurt by the demonstration are owned by women. So come Tuesday, Deepha Goella will not buycott.
DEEPHA GOELLA, SHOPPER: I don't think that's going to make a difference for women and their position in the world just by shopping.
CARROLL (on camera): Hansen says Buycott is not about being economically hostile. It's about companies finding ways of thanking women who buy by promoting women who work for them.
Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, $55 a barrel this morning. How high can these oil prices soar? That's just ahead in our "Business Buzz" at 6:13 Eastern.
And then, Scott Peterson back in court -- could he take the stand? Our legal analyst will join us at 6:15 Eastern.
And then, the soldiers who refused to carry out a command. Hear what one of those soldiers has to say when she called home from Iraq. That will come your way at 6:30 Eastern.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Time for a little "Business Buzz" now.
The price of oil just keeps rising as the temperatures continue to fall. Oh, is there any end in sight?
Carrie Lee, live from the NASDAQ market site, can you look into your crystal ball for us this morning?
CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It doesn't look like there's any end in sight right now, Carol.
In fact, crude oil prices continue to rise, passing the $55 a barrel mark, $55.02 this morning, on lingering supply fears in trading in Asia. Now, that level was up $0.09 from Friday's closing price, at $54.93. Even though oil prices are up about 70 percent from a year ago, though, they're still around $25 below the peak inflation adjusted price reached in 1981.
Still, Fed Chief Alan Greenspan recently saying that a rise in oil prices has cut into economic growth this year. He essentially likens this as a tax on U.S. residents. And as the heating oil season picks up, as the winter months come rolling closer and closer, there could not be much of an end in sight for this, Carol.
The futures are looking quite weak this morning, mainly because of these rising oil prices.
So it looks like we could see some selling for stocks overall today.
COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the NASDAQ market site.
Thank you.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 6:12 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
An Internet statement from the group linked to terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is claiming allegiance to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. The message said the group will follow orders from bin Laden.
Two deadly car bomb blasts in Iraq on Sunday. One happened on a bridge in the northern city of Mosul. Five Iraqis were killed. Another car bomb went off in central Baghdad, killing six people.
In money news, "Shark Tale" has really sunk its teeth into movie fans. The animated fish story has led the box office for a third straight weekend, taking in just over $22 million. In culture, actor Kirk Douglas now has a street named after him. It's in Palm Springs, California, where he has lived for more than 40 years.
And in sports, Dante Culpepper, oh, was he hot last night, he threw five, count 'em, five -- there he is -- five touchdown passes. He had 425 yards and leading the Minnesota Vikings over New Orleans 38-31. Now, star Vikings receiver Randy Moss had to leave at halftime due to a pulled hamstring. Ooh. That doesn't sound good -- Chad.
MYERS: No. 38-31, though. Not much of a defensive game there, huh, man?
COSTELLO: Oh.
MYERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Hey, did you see that...
COSTELLO: Pretty exciting, though.
MYERS: Did you go to see that puppet movie over the weekend?
COSTELLO: No, I didn't because I was in New Orleans.
MYERS: Oh, all right. Oh, for the game, I assume. No, I know...
COSTELLO: No, not.
MYERS: I know.
Miami 85...
COSTELLO: No, actually, it was for, what are those things called you told me to get at the Cafe Monde?
MYERS: The bindiers (ph) at Cafe du Monde.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes. I was there for those.
MYERS: Did you bring any back?
COSTELLO: No. Sorry. Ate 'em.
MYERS: Oh, thanks. Thanks. Appreciate that. I'll remember that.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
On to legal matters now.
Scott Peterson's double murder trial has been going on now for more than four months. Today, the defense will finally begin laying out its case. Defense attorneys claim Peterson's wife Laci was abducted and someone framed him for her murder. The defense's case is expected to take six to eight days, pretty short considering all the time taken by the prosecution.
But, you know, consider this. The witness stand can be a dangerous place for any defendant. But perhaps more so for Scott Peterson. Still, there are signs this morning Peterson may testify at some point when his trial starts up again today.
Our legal analyst Kendall Coffey in Miami this morning to enlighten us -- good morning, Kendall.
KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Hey, good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: Well, let's start with Peterson's defense strategy. It's going to begin this week.
So what will that strategy be?
COFFEY: Well, apparently, like anything else, the best defense can be an offense that presents an alternative theory of how the murder was committed by someone else. Here they're going to content that Laci Peterson was abducted, presumably held for weeks, until Conner was born alive. Then they were both murdered, their bodies dumped in San Francisco Bay, to frame Scott Peterson in light of his well publicized fishing alibi.
Not an easy sell, Carol, although obviously they think they've got some evidence to support it.
COSTELLO: But all the defense has to do is create doubt, right?
COFFEY: That's right. I mean even if, in effect, the defense theory doesn't really fit, you can still acquit if you don't feel that the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. But you always want to say, if something this terrible is committed, if it wasn't your guy, you want to point that jury to how it was done by someone else if you possibly can.
COSTELLO: All right, Kendall, let's get to the really interesting part of this story. We understand Attorney Michael Cardoza has held mock question and answer sessions with Scott Peterson. This certainly means they're thinking of putting him on the stand, doesn't it?
COFFEY: Thinking and they should have that in reserve if they really feel that they're in enough trouble that they've got to do it. But, Carol, that is a high, high risk strategy. And let's face it, for whatever it's worth, the jury has already heard Scott Peterson's denial of any involvement with Laci's disappearance through tape recordings of the Amber Frey conversations, through the playing of TV interviews before the jury.
So whether or not the jury was convinced, it may be better to leave it there rather than subject Scott Peterson to cross-examination concerning his many, many inconsistencies and downright lies.
COSTELLO: I was just going to ask, because we're seeing Amber Frey right now, jurors heard him on the tapes with his mistress. He lied repeatedly to her.
If he does take the stand, how does he convince jurors that he only lies sometimes?
COFFEY: Yes, the whole key to putting him on the stand is what are they going to say that helps you and what is their exposure for maybe making things worse. And that's why I think since they've seen him actually cry on TV interviews, they've heard his voice, for whatever it's worth, saying I didn't do it, I missed them, I want them back, it's not going to get any better to put it on the stand, then, with all the lies that he could be exposed to through cross- examination. It could get a whole lot worse for Scott Peterson.
COSTELLO: Kendall Coffey live in Miami this morning.
Thank you.
COFFEY: OK, thank you.
COSTELLO: One key voting bloc in this tightly contested presidential election, members of America's minority communities. But who will they choose? The answer to that question is as buried as the melting pot itself. Or is it? We'll talk to a "Time" magazine reporter who's tracking the Hispanic vote.
And did the top U.S. commander in Iraq foresee a problem, with equipment, that is? Hear what he had to say months ago.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Do we need to remind you once again it's just weeks to the election now? The candidates are now in a sprint, turning out campaign ads like mad. Many are targeting Hispanic voters.
"Time" magazine correspondent Viveca Novak tackles the topic in this week's issue.
So let's head live to New York and talk with her this morning.
Good morning, Viveca.
Viveca, are you with us?
VIVECA NOVAK, "TIME" MAGAZINE: Yes, I'm there.
COSTELLO: All right.
You have an interesting article in "Time" this week.
Who's ahead when it comes to the Hispanic vote?
NOVAK: Well, generally, the Democrat is ahead, except in Florida. In most states, the Hispanic vote tends to favor the Democrat historically. But the key question is by how much. And last time George Bush got a historic 35 percent of the Hispanic vote, which is the most any Republican candidate for president has ever gotten. This time he's targeting 40 percent.
COSTELLO: So what's happening in Florida?
NOVAK: Well, in Florida, typically you have the Cuban-American vote, which is strongly anti-Castro and generally tends to go Republican. But in Florida, you have more and more Hispanics who are not Cuban-American, who are Dominican and Colombian and other nationalities. And you also have a younger generation of Cuban- Americans who aren't as hard line as their parents, who actually came over from Cuba.
So there are more opportunities for the Democrats. And they are, indeed, targeting the Cuban-American community like never before.
COSTELLO: Fascinating.
You also say this group of people usually votes on family values. Kerry has come out with an ad saying he's a man of faith.
But with his stance on abortion and stem cell research, is that really effective?
NOVAK: Well, the thing about family values with Hispanics is that they tend more to be -- even though they are strongly religious, family values for them tend to be more about putting food on the table and getting their kids into college. And those are the issues that they vote on, even though they're very anti-abortion, they oppose same-sex marriage, all the sort of wedge social issues that you think about and would tend -- they would tend to favor Republican stances on, perhaps.
But for the issues that really matter to them, which are education and jobs and the economy and health care, they tend to be more Democratic.
COSTELLO: You know, since -- I thought since they're so strongly Catholic that religion would play a big part in it, because actually this weekend in the "New York Times" magazine, there was an article about George Bush. And it paints him this way, and this is a quote from the article. It says, "This evangelical group, the core of the energetic base that may well usher Bush to victory, believes their leader is a messenger from god."
Of course, this seems extreme. But is the same underlying sentiment there with Bush and Hispanic voters?
NOVAK: I don't think so. At least not at this point. Because when you are, you know, economically still struggling, as these voters are -- I hear from pollsters who have studied the Hispanic community for a long time that they don't tend to vote based on those more moral issues. They tend to vote based on their pocketbook issues. And, you know, education is their number one issue, which cannot be said of the rest of the American people.
COSTELLO: Fascinating. Viveca Novak.
Your article appears in "Time" magazine this week.
Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
NOVAK: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Who is your hometown newspaper supporting in the presidential election and should they be endorsing anyone? Coming up, the tangled Web of politics and the papers.
And more on that platoon of soldiers who said no to a mission in Iraq they considered too dangerous.
You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, George Bush will tell New Jersey voters today that he can fight terrorists more effectively than John Kerry can. The president will speak in Marlton, in southern New Jersey. CNN will carry the Bush campaign speech live at 1:15 Eastern.
Early voting begins today in Florida and Senator Kerry is zigzagging the state, seeking votes. Kerry is focusing on health care. Among his expected comments, what he would do to avert a shortage of the flu vaccine.
As many as two dozen people have been taken to hospitals after a tour bus overturns on I-57 near Marion, Illinois. The bus from Chicago was taking 42 passengers to Mississippi.
The national Civil Rights Museum presents its Freedom Awards today to Bono, the U2 singer and activist in the fight against poverty and AIDS in America, and Congressman John Lewis, the veteran civil rights leader from Georgia.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
MYERS: And good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: The U.S. military has released the top negotiator in Falluja's peace talks. He'd been detained for three days following the breakdown of negotiations with the Iraqi government. The city has been the scene several strikes by U.S. troops.
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 October 18, 2004 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: COSTELLO: And good morning to you. From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, in Iraq, insurgents ambush a group of Iraqi police officers north of Baghdad this morning. Seven officers hurt in Ba'qubah. Iraqi sources tell CNN the insurgents laid a trap by calling in a false accident report.
A deadly gunfight, too, this morning on the Israeli-Gaza border. An Israeli source says two Palestinian gunmen crossed into Israel and traded shots with Israeli troops. The gunmen were killed. There was also an explosion. One gunman apparently had bombs on him.
Back here in the States, it's time for the early birds to cast their votes in Florida. Election offices across the state are opening up this morning, giving people the option of voting for president early.
And the Red Sox are not done yet. In a 12 inning thrilling battle, Boston managed to beat New York 6-4 in the A.L. championship series. Still, the Yankees are up three games to one. We'll have more when CNN sports contributor Chris Cotter joins us later this hour.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Registered to vote yet? Well, you might be out of luck. Just 15 days to go until the presidential election and George Bush and John Kerry are hitting the campaign trail hard in the final two weeks. Which candidate can better handle domestic issues? Well, we have some new numbers for you this morning. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll survey says John Kerry. And as you can see, by a pretty good margin, on domestic issues, that is. George Bush gets the nod when it comes to having a handle on terrorism, taxes, Iraq and education.
Both candidates, of course, as I said, will hit the ground running this morning. They're gearing up for whirlwind campaign tours in battleground states across the country.
Live now to Washington and CNN's Claire Leka -- good morning, Claire.
CLAIRE LEKA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.
How many times have you heard that this campaign is neck and neck? Well, we've only got 15 days to go, as you said, and it is neck and neck. We've got John Kerry and President George Bush really gearing up to hit all of these key battleground states as we come into the home stretch. And one of those states is Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
LEKA (voice-over): At a rally north of Miami on Sunday, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry blasted President Bush on Social Security.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: He said, and I quote him, "We're going to move quickly to privatize Social Security."
LEKA: The Bush team says the "New York Times" magazine report inaccurately quoted Bush and that he never used the word "privatize." This afternoon, the president heads to New Jersey, a traditionally Democratic state, to deliver an anti-terrorism speech.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The commander- in-chief must stand on principle, not the shifting sands of political convenience.
LEKA: Bush is counting on his anti-terrorism message to resonate with voters in New Jersey, a state that lost nearly 700 residents in the September 11 attacks.
Tomorrow, the president heads to the Sunshine State and its crucial 27 electoral votes, where most polls show the race is still too close to call.
And he'll be in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota later this week.
Senator Kerry will speak about health care in an afternoon speech in Tampa today.
A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll puts President Bush slightly ahead among registered voters, 49 to 46 percent ahead of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. But narrow that poll from registered voters to likely voters and President Bush widens his lead to eight points.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
LEKA: But both the Bush and Kerry camps say anything can happen and the only real poll that matters is the one on November 2 -- Carol.
COSTELLO: That is true.
Claire Leka reporting live from Washington this morning.
Thank you.
The flu vaccine, the shortage, that is, is becoming a campaign issue this year. More and more seniors and high risk people are lining up across the country for a shot at getting the vaccine.
John Kerry accuses George Bush of ignoring signs of the flu shot crisis. But the Bush administration denies it was warned and they're playing down the seriousness of the situation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOMMY THOMPSON, HHS SECRETARY: It is not a health crisis. In fact, I would like to tell individuals just be calm. And don't stand in line, because we have approximately 24 million doses of vaccine that have not been shipped yet. We're reallocating those vaccine shipments to regions that have a shortage.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The director of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention will have more to say on this.
Dr. Julie Gerberding joins AMERICAN MORNING at 7:00 a.m. Eastern time.
Here's a quick glance at some other stories we'll be covering this week.
Tomorrow, an extradition hearing is scheduled in London for Abu Hamza al-Masri. He's a radical Muslim cleric sought by the U.S. on terrorist charges.
On Wednesday, an asylum hearing is planned for former U.S. soldier Jeremy Hinzman. After serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he refused to be deployed to Iraq. Instead, he fled to Canada.
And on Thursday, the spotlight is on the AIDS epidemic. Thousands of health care workers will converge on Philadelphia for the eighth annual conference on AIDS.
Attention ladies: tomorrow keep your purses and your checkbooks closed. That's right, it's a one day buycott aimed at highlighting women's purchasing power and calling for changes in the workplace.
Jason Carroll has all the details for you.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Prada, Dior, Burberry -- Joan Salar gives new credence to the term "shop 'til you drop."
JOAN SALAR, SHOPPER: I love to shop.
CARROLL: But this Tuesday, she's giving the credit cards a break in order to help prove a point -- that in more ways than one, women are a critical part of the economy.
SALAR: Anything for, you know, the strength of women. And I think we are the ones who set the tones, because even for our spouses or significant others, we influence what they buy. So definitely, I'd be willing to do it.
CARROLL: Salar is joining other women in support of Buycott, a day in which its creator, Janet Hansen, hopes women nationwide won't buy anything.
JANET HANSEN, CEO, 85 BROADS: We are hoping that on October 19 women will choose that day to not buy any non-essential goods, so that they can reflect on their enormous purchasing power, which so far has not translated into economic power in the workplace.
CARROLL: Statistics show more than 80 percent of all purchases are either made or influenced by women, but less than 15 percent of top executives in Fortune 500 companies are women.
KRISTIE KANG, OWNER, LOTUS SPA: That's beautiful.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Actually, that looks really nice on the fingernails, too.
CARROLL: Kristie Kang grew frustrated with the corporate world and left. Now Kang runs her own business.
KANG: Good morning, Lotus Spa.
CARROLL: She thinks Buycott is a good idea.
KANG: That is a powerful way of just demonstrating to the world that, you know what, we are neglected, but we are powerful consumers.
CARROLL: Buycott's critics worry that some of the businesses that could be hurt by the demonstration are owned by women. So come Tuesday, Deepha Goella will not buycott.
DEEPHA GOELLA, SHOPPER: I don't think that's going to make a difference for women and their position in the world just by shopping.
CARROLL (on camera): Hansen says Buycott is not about being economically hostile. It's about companies finding ways of thanking women who buy by promoting women who work for them.
Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, $55 a barrel this morning. How high can these oil prices soar? That's just ahead in our "Business Buzz" at 6:13 Eastern.
And then, Scott Peterson back in court -- could he take the stand? Our legal analyst will join us at 6:15 Eastern.
And then, the soldiers who refused to carry out a command. Hear what one of those soldiers has to say when she called home from Iraq. That will come your way at 6:30 Eastern.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Time for a little "Business Buzz" now.
The price of oil just keeps rising as the temperatures continue to fall. Oh, is there any end in sight?
Carrie Lee, live from the NASDAQ market site, can you look into your crystal ball for us this morning?
CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It doesn't look like there's any end in sight right now, Carol.
In fact, crude oil prices continue to rise, passing the $55 a barrel mark, $55.02 this morning, on lingering supply fears in trading in Asia. Now, that level was up $0.09 from Friday's closing price, at $54.93. Even though oil prices are up about 70 percent from a year ago, though, they're still around $25 below the peak inflation adjusted price reached in 1981.
Still, Fed Chief Alan Greenspan recently saying that a rise in oil prices has cut into economic growth this year. He essentially likens this as a tax on U.S. residents. And as the heating oil season picks up, as the winter months come rolling closer and closer, there could not be much of an end in sight for this, Carol.
The futures are looking quite weak this morning, mainly because of these rising oil prices.
So it looks like we could see some selling for stocks overall today.
COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the NASDAQ market site.
Thank you.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 6:12 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
An Internet statement from the group linked to terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is claiming allegiance to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. The message said the group will follow orders from bin Laden.
Two deadly car bomb blasts in Iraq on Sunday. One happened on a bridge in the northern city of Mosul. Five Iraqis were killed. Another car bomb went off in central Baghdad, killing six people.
In money news, "Shark Tale" has really sunk its teeth into movie fans. The animated fish story has led the box office for a third straight weekend, taking in just over $22 million. In culture, actor Kirk Douglas now has a street named after him. It's in Palm Springs, California, where he has lived for more than 40 years.
And in sports, Dante Culpepper, oh, was he hot last night, he threw five, count 'em, five -- there he is -- five touchdown passes. He had 425 yards and leading the Minnesota Vikings over New Orleans 38-31. Now, star Vikings receiver Randy Moss had to leave at halftime due to a pulled hamstring. Ooh. That doesn't sound good -- Chad.
MYERS: No. 38-31, though. Not much of a defensive game there, huh, man?
COSTELLO: Oh.
MYERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Hey, did you see that...
COSTELLO: Pretty exciting, though.
MYERS: Did you go to see that puppet movie over the weekend?
COSTELLO: No, I didn't because I was in New Orleans.
MYERS: Oh, all right. Oh, for the game, I assume. No, I know...
COSTELLO: No, not.
MYERS: I know.
Miami 85...
COSTELLO: No, actually, it was for, what are those things called you told me to get at the Cafe Monde?
MYERS: The bindiers (ph) at Cafe du Monde.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes. I was there for those.
MYERS: Did you bring any back?
COSTELLO: No. Sorry. Ate 'em.
MYERS: Oh, thanks. Thanks. Appreciate that. I'll remember that.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
On to legal matters now.
Scott Peterson's double murder trial has been going on now for more than four months. Today, the defense will finally begin laying out its case. Defense attorneys claim Peterson's wife Laci was abducted and someone framed him for her murder. The defense's case is expected to take six to eight days, pretty short considering all the time taken by the prosecution.
But, you know, consider this. The witness stand can be a dangerous place for any defendant. But perhaps more so for Scott Peterson. Still, there are signs this morning Peterson may testify at some point when his trial starts up again today.
Our legal analyst Kendall Coffey in Miami this morning to enlighten us -- good morning, Kendall.
KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Hey, good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: Well, let's start with Peterson's defense strategy. It's going to begin this week.
So what will that strategy be?
COFFEY: Well, apparently, like anything else, the best defense can be an offense that presents an alternative theory of how the murder was committed by someone else. Here they're going to content that Laci Peterson was abducted, presumably held for weeks, until Conner was born alive. Then they were both murdered, their bodies dumped in San Francisco Bay, to frame Scott Peterson in light of his well publicized fishing alibi.
Not an easy sell, Carol, although obviously they think they've got some evidence to support it.
COSTELLO: But all the defense has to do is create doubt, right?
COFFEY: That's right. I mean even if, in effect, the defense theory doesn't really fit, you can still acquit if you don't feel that the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. But you always want to say, if something this terrible is committed, if it wasn't your guy, you want to point that jury to how it was done by someone else if you possibly can.
COSTELLO: All right, Kendall, let's get to the really interesting part of this story. We understand Attorney Michael Cardoza has held mock question and answer sessions with Scott Peterson. This certainly means they're thinking of putting him on the stand, doesn't it?
COFFEY: Thinking and they should have that in reserve if they really feel that they're in enough trouble that they've got to do it. But, Carol, that is a high, high risk strategy. And let's face it, for whatever it's worth, the jury has already heard Scott Peterson's denial of any involvement with Laci's disappearance through tape recordings of the Amber Frey conversations, through the playing of TV interviews before the jury.
So whether or not the jury was convinced, it may be better to leave it there rather than subject Scott Peterson to cross-examination concerning his many, many inconsistencies and downright lies.
COSTELLO: I was just going to ask, because we're seeing Amber Frey right now, jurors heard him on the tapes with his mistress. He lied repeatedly to her.
If he does take the stand, how does he convince jurors that he only lies sometimes?
COFFEY: Yes, the whole key to putting him on the stand is what are they going to say that helps you and what is their exposure for maybe making things worse. And that's why I think since they've seen him actually cry on TV interviews, they've heard his voice, for whatever it's worth, saying I didn't do it, I missed them, I want them back, it's not going to get any better to put it on the stand, then, with all the lies that he could be exposed to through cross- examination. It could get a whole lot worse for Scott Peterson.
COSTELLO: Kendall Coffey live in Miami this morning.
Thank you.
COFFEY: OK, thank you.
COSTELLO: One key voting bloc in this tightly contested presidential election, members of America's minority communities. But who will they choose? The answer to that question is as buried as the melting pot itself. Or is it? We'll talk to a "Time" magazine reporter who's tracking the Hispanic vote.
And did the top U.S. commander in Iraq foresee a problem, with equipment, that is? Hear what he had to say months ago.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Do we need to remind you once again it's just weeks to the election now? The candidates are now in a sprint, turning out campaign ads like mad. Many are targeting Hispanic voters.
"Time" magazine correspondent Viveca Novak tackles the topic in this week's issue.
So let's head live to New York and talk with her this morning.
Good morning, Viveca.
Viveca, are you with us?
VIVECA NOVAK, "TIME" MAGAZINE: Yes, I'm there.
COSTELLO: All right.
You have an interesting article in "Time" this week.
Who's ahead when it comes to the Hispanic vote?
NOVAK: Well, generally, the Democrat is ahead, except in Florida. In most states, the Hispanic vote tends to favor the Democrat historically. But the key question is by how much. And last time George Bush got a historic 35 percent of the Hispanic vote, which is the most any Republican candidate for president has ever gotten. This time he's targeting 40 percent.
COSTELLO: So what's happening in Florida?
NOVAK: Well, in Florida, typically you have the Cuban-American vote, which is strongly anti-Castro and generally tends to go Republican. But in Florida, you have more and more Hispanics who are not Cuban-American, who are Dominican and Colombian and other nationalities. And you also have a younger generation of Cuban- Americans who aren't as hard line as their parents, who actually came over from Cuba.
So there are more opportunities for the Democrats. And they are, indeed, targeting the Cuban-American community like never before.
COSTELLO: Fascinating.
You also say this group of people usually votes on family values. Kerry has come out with an ad saying he's a man of faith.
But with his stance on abortion and stem cell research, is that really effective?
NOVAK: Well, the thing about family values with Hispanics is that they tend more to be -- even though they are strongly religious, family values for them tend to be more about putting food on the table and getting their kids into college. And those are the issues that they vote on, even though they're very anti-abortion, they oppose same-sex marriage, all the sort of wedge social issues that you think about and would tend -- they would tend to favor Republican stances on, perhaps.
But for the issues that really matter to them, which are education and jobs and the economy and health care, they tend to be more Democratic.
COSTELLO: You know, since -- I thought since they're so strongly Catholic that religion would play a big part in it, because actually this weekend in the "New York Times" magazine, there was an article about George Bush. And it paints him this way, and this is a quote from the article. It says, "This evangelical group, the core of the energetic base that may well usher Bush to victory, believes their leader is a messenger from god."
Of course, this seems extreme. But is the same underlying sentiment there with Bush and Hispanic voters?
NOVAK: I don't think so. At least not at this point. Because when you are, you know, economically still struggling, as these voters are -- I hear from pollsters who have studied the Hispanic community for a long time that they don't tend to vote based on those more moral issues. They tend to vote based on their pocketbook issues. And, you know, education is their number one issue, which cannot be said of the rest of the American people.
COSTELLO: Fascinating. Viveca Novak.
Your article appears in "Time" magazine this week.
Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
NOVAK: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Who is your hometown newspaper supporting in the presidential election and should they be endorsing anyone? Coming up, the tangled Web of politics and the papers.
And more on that platoon of soldiers who said no to a mission in Iraq they considered too dangerous.
You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, George Bush will tell New Jersey voters today that he can fight terrorists more effectively than John Kerry can. The president will speak in Marlton, in southern New Jersey. CNN will carry the Bush campaign speech live at 1:15 Eastern.
Early voting begins today in Florida and Senator Kerry is zigzagging the state, seeking votes. Kerry is focusing on health care. Among his expected comments, what he would do to avert a shortage of the flu vaccine.
As many as two dozen people have been taken to hospitals after a tour bus overturns on I-57 near Marion, Illinois. The bus from Chicago was taking 42 passengers to Mississippi.
The national Civil Rights Museum presents its Freedom Awards today to Bono, the U2 singer and activist in the fight against poverty and AIDS in America, and Congressman John Lewis, the veteran civil rights leader from Georgia.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
MYERS: And good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: The U.S. military has released the top negotiator in Falluja's peace talks. He'd been detained for three days following the breakdown of negotiations with the Iraqi government. The city has been the scene several strikes by U.S. troops.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
