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CNN Live Today

U.S. Military Has Launched Investigation into 18 Soldiers Who Refused to Make Fuel Delivery in Iraq; Lawyers for Scott Peterson Due to Open Case Today

Aired October 18, 2004 - 10:30   ET

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

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


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, has jumped to a commanding lead in an early tally of his country's historic election, with just a little more than a million votes counted. That would be about 13 percent of the vote up to now. The Washington-backed candidate has captured more than 62 percent of the vote. His chief rival, however, says that he has proof of organized fraud. He's accusing the United Nations monitors of ignoring his complaints thus far.
Fifteen days until the general election, but beginning today, voters in five states can already cast their ballots. Those states are -- ready -- Florida, Texas, Arkansas, North Dakota and Colorado. You can start voting already, if you're registered, of course. Other states have already begun early voting, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: We are following a developing story out of the Pentagon. The U.S. military has launched an investigation into 18 soldiers who refused to make a fuel delivery in Iraq. They said they were concerned about their safety.

Now CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr joins us with more on this issue.

Good morning to you, Barbara.

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

Well, all of that happened last Wednesday, when that Army unit was scheduled to drive their convoy, but 18 soldiers refused to, saying that they were worried about their safety. An investigation now under way.

And yesterday, a very unusual Sunday press conference in Baghdad. The commanding general of that unit, saying he has ordered all equipment reinspected, some retraining will go on. And then he said he was going a step further.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. CHAMBERS, 13TH CORPS SUPPORT COMMAND: I have directed that the 343rd conduct a maintenance and safety stand-down during which time vehicles will be thoroughly inspected, and the unit will retrain and certify for their mission. We will also assess armor protection for each of their vehicles, and make an assessment to provide additional steel plating if it'S required.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Now General Chambers there underscoring what is a continuing problem for many Army units in Iraq, and that is the lack of armored vehicles. Just consider the Humvees, those jeep-like vehicles that we have seen on television for months now. The Army currently still about 8,000 vehicles short of the armored variety of those humvees. They're making them as fast as they can, but in a lot of places in Iraq, according to the Army's own statistics, they are short of them. The Army still saying this incident with these soldiers was an isolated incident, that they are investigating it, but it's a matter they're taking very seriously -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you.

Well, the U.S. army may also have faced a threat from within. "The Washington Post" reports that the former U.S. commander in Iraq complained to the Pentagon that a poor supply situation potentially imperiled combat operations. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez specifically cited severe shortages for tanks, helicopters and other systems. Senior Army officials say that most of Sanchez's concerns have since been addressed.

SANCHEZ: All right, here we go, two weeks and a day till the national elections, and George Bush and John Kerry are hitting the campaign trails hard in these final 15 days, and we're going to be with them every step of the way. Mr. Bush and Senator Kerry have split the endorsements of several leading papers. Mr. Bush has won the backing of "The Chicago Tribune," Denver's "Rocky Mountain News," the "Omaha World Herald" and the "Current Argus (ph)." That's in Carlsburg (ph), New Mexico.

Mr. Kerry has received the support of "The New York Times," his hometown "Boston Globe," no surprise there, "Minneapolis Star and Tribune," and the "Atlanta Journal Constitution."

All of these papers supported the same parties four years ago, we should mention.

But the "Tampa Tribune," which has endorsed every GOP candidate except one over the past half century, says it would issue no endorsement from this year.

Stay with CNN for all the very latest on the campaign trail. Less than three hours from now, President Bush is due to deliver an address on homeland security, and we will carry that live. It is scheduled for 1:15 Eastern, 10:15 Pacific.

NGUYEN: And a little later in that hour, Kerry will deliver a speech on health care. CNN will carry that live, as well. It is scheduled for 1:45 Eastern and 10:45 Pacific.

SANCHEZ: Let's talk about something the rest of the country is talking about, long lines, short tempers, even shorter supplies. Such are the first symptoms of the flu season has worried Americans scrambling for a flu vaccine.

NGUYEN: And town officials in Bloomfield, New Jersey have scrapped plans for an influenza clinic. Instead, they'll register people for a lottery. That's right, a lottery, with the winners getting the 300 vaccines still available.

SANCHEZ: Here's how this came about. The nation's supply was cut in half this month with the discovery of some contaminated shipments that were due to come over from England.

NGUYEN: So now people are lining up at supermarkets and drug stores for their shot at a vaccine.

And CNN's Sara Dorsey explains it all.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This year's flu shot season, hurry up and wait. Sometimes that means five or six hours in line for a vaccine that many are used to getting easily.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They said they were here like 6:30, 7:00.

DORSEY: Complaints, for the most part are minimal, though. Many of these people just feel lucky to finally have found a dose.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We were at Publix and they didn't have any more shots available. So we came over here and got a number, and hopefully we'll make it.

DORSEY: Some did make it. And others were turned away. Only 130 vaccines were made available to this Eckerd's drugstore in Georgia. And the scene is similar in other states. In the nation's capitol, more lines. In Michigan, people wait in cars. As the shot becomes more scarce, frustrations begin to rise.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not organized properly. You know, the issue -- you should have a time scheduled or get something pre-done early instead of lining cars up.

DORSEY: Peggy Meaney's (ph) daughter-in-law works for the CDC, proving even knowing someone won't get you help this year.

PEGGY MEANEY, SEARCHING FOR FLU SHOT: It seems like no sooner do you find out that there is one than they're all filled up. So I wish there was a better way, a more accurate way.

DORSEY (on camera): Unless the CDC can find a way to stretch the 54 million doses of the vaccine on hand, a better way is probably at least a year away.

Sara Dorsey, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Well let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast today. Police say a Brentwood, California man killed his wife and two daughters, then traveled to Yosemite National Park, where he set fire and committed suicide. Now that fire grew to 2,000 acres before rain dampened it. Authorities say the suspected arsonist apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A tour bus traveling on Interstate 57 went off the road and overturned late last night. Dozens of people were injured. But no deaths were reported. The bus was en route from Chicago to Holy Springs, Mississippi. Now nine days ago, a Chicago-to-Mississippi tour bus crashed. That one killed 14 people.

And on a much lighter note now, you would have thought their team won the World Series. But instead, it was just trying to avoid elimination in the playoffs. Boston Fans celebrated outside Fenway Park early this morning after the Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 6- 4 in 12 innings. Yes, it was a late-night game. The Yankees hold a 3-1 edge in the American League Championship Series, and can clinch it with a win tonight.

SANCHEZ: I guess the Bee Gees would say they're stayin' alive, right.

NGUYEN: Staying alive.

SANCHEZ: Lawyers for Scott Peterson are going to be due to open their case today in his double murder trial. And Peterson himself could even take the stand.

CNN's Rusty Dornin is covering the proceedings and filed this report from Redwood City, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The trial came to a halt last week over the concrete used to make this anchor found at the bottom of Scott Peterson's boat.

Sources tell CNN prosecutors needed more time to counter testimony by a defense witness, an engineer who is an expert in concrete. The defense claims Peterson made the anchor and used the remainder of a 90-pound bag of cement to do a back yard project. The prosecution contends Peterson used the bag of cement to make five anchors, four of them to weight down Laci Peterson's body in San Francisco Bay, anchors that were never found.

A prosecution witness said the concrete in the anchor did not match the concrete in the back yard. The defense expect is expected to say the concrete is the same.

The defense can point to this wire-tapped conversation between Scott Peterson and Laci Peterson's brother, Brent Rocha.

BRENT ROCHA, BROTHER OF LACI PETERSON: They talk about cement in your shop that you used for, I don't know, anchors or something.

SCOTT PETERSON, ACCUSED OF MURDER: Yes, I made a boat anchor with some cement and then I put some in the driveway here.

DORNIN: Analysts foresee a battle of the experts. Key could be a pathologist expected to testify Laci Peterson's fetus survived past December 24. If jurors believe that, it could exonerate Scott Peterson, who was under surveillance after his wife's disappearance.

The defense may also call a witness to cast doubt on prosecution claims that the dog, Trimble (ph), picked up Laci Peterson's scent at the Berkeley marina.

(on camera): Defense attorney Mark Geragos is expected to take six to eight days to present his case. The judge has told the jury he hopes they will begin deliberations November 3.

Rusty Dornin, CNN, Redwood City, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: All right. It is a call for women nationwide.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are the ones who set the tones, because even for our spouses or significant others, we influence what they buy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Yep, the ladies are feeling a bit neglected these days. So tomorrow, they plan to hit them where it hurts.

SANCHEZ: Ouch, then and later from marriage to politics, it's the message behind the artwork. Coming up, celebrating 80 years of laughter.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Now to the purchasing power of American women. They're being urged to keep their pocketbooks closed tomorrow in a nationwide protest called a "buycott."

The message, women deserve a place in the leadership of companies they keep in business.

CNN's Jason Carroll explains.

(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)

SANCHEZ: All right, get ready to tickle your funny bone. Still to come, reading between the lines of some of the most infamous cartoons. Some aren't so infamous, just funny. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: I'm Rick Sanchez.

Just like those people who read "Playboy" magazine and lie about it, and say they don't look at the pictures, they only read the articles. You'll find erudite "New Yorker" readers who say they don't look at the cartoons, they read the incredible articles. Yes, right. It's actually the cartoons that draws them in. There's a new book now. In fact, it's two CDs, as well, bursting with, are you ready with you, 68,647 cartoons from the magazine. It's called "The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker." It's edited by New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff, and he's joining us now this morning to talk about this thing.

I've been having fun with this thing. Give me a shot of this if you could, and let's get the audio guy ready, OK, because I'm going to make a little noise. This thing is like an anvil. Ready for this? Did you hear that?

ROBERT MANKOFF, CARTOON EDITOR, "THE NEW YORKER": It's not just a book; it's a workout.

SANCHEZ: It actually is. This thing is very, very heavy. But, boy, did we have fun.

MANKOFF: Tons of fun.

SANCHEZ: I was the only guy sitting here laughing all by myself.

MANKOFF: Well, you should share the book then.

SANCHEZ: What's that?

MANKOFF: You should share the book then.

SANCHEZ: I will, in fact we're sharing it right now.

Let's go through some of these things. Let's start back in the 1950s, here's one we chose. This is interesting, because it shows that beginning in the 1950s, when it comes to women what's hers is hers and what's his is hers, right?

MANKOFF: That's a perfect captionless cartoon. But you know, I think one of the things the cartoon do, they really did show our attitudes towards gender. There's a great cartoon from the late '40s where there's a woman at a baseball game, apropos the playoffs here saying, now, why didn't they tell us there were going to be extra innings?

SANCHEZ: Now,by the way, in case a viewer can't tell, she's on top of his towel. It says his, in case you can't read it.

MANKOFF: And she has hers.

SANCHEZ: And she has hers on her derriere. MANKOFF: All very clear in the book and on the CD.

SANCHEZ: Excellent. Let's talk about the 1960s. Suddenly we go through what is the anti-establishment era. And one kid looks at a school patrol guard and says, the fuzz.

MANKOFF: Well, absolutely. You know, throughout all the eras from the '20s, the '30s, the '40s, right through to the present, this is sort of funny, intelligent, really social history, you know, of the United States. I can't think of a better way to learn about it.

SANCHEZ: I love this book. Let's go back to the 1960s, as well. Ralph Nader, today a lot of people are critical of him. Back then, he was seen as the consumer advocate. In fact, here, the guy says, "I happen to know Ralph Nader's mother drove this model."

MANKOFF: Right. So we see, you know, we see the changing times. You know, we have one just from this year, where in the cartoon a guy is at a bar saying, "I'm happy Nader is running, I didn't think I was going to get a chance to throw away my vote."

SANCHEZ: Let's stay in the 1960s and try and go as fast as we can. This is interesting. Discovering black America I kind of called this one. "I understand you're a very militant fellow. Sock it to me," says the gentleman to the other African-American.

MANKOFF: I think I remember when Nixon was on "Laugh-In" and said "sock it to me." So I think it was sort of playing off of that.

SANCHEZ: Let's go to the energy crisis in the 1970s. This is 1974, and we're seeing a yacht, but unfortunately it's got oars instead of a motor, huh?

MANKOFF: Absolutely.

SANCHEZ: Poor Jimmy Carter, what he had to deal with.

1989, this is interesting because suddenly as a society we start to discover that we're watching a little too much TV. Check the spelling in the back of the...

MANKOFF: Yes, quality time. One of the early Rog Chas (ph) cartoons. And you're looking at cartoons through the generations, but generations of cartoonists are doing these things. And now, once again, we have people in their 20s and 30s doing "New Yorker" cartoons.

SANCHEZ: All right, this is the one that really made me laugh. Let's go to this one, ready -- "Welcome to California," it says. "You may begin your Schwarzenegger imitation now."

MANKOFF: Well, I think what these cartoons show is what "The New Yorker" tries to be. It's sort of be funny, you know, intelligent, meaningful, using cartoons as a medium of communicating ideas.

SANCHEZ: This is wonderful. Bob Mankoff, thanks so much. We appreciate the information. Looks like a great book. It's going to be a little heavy, but you've got to have a very strong coffee table for it.

MANKOFF: The most trusted name in cartoons.

SANCHEZ: Thank you.

Stay with us. We're going to be back with a check of your morning weather.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: You know we're close to Election Day, because today, Floridians begin their trek to polling stations to cast some early votes.

NGUYEN: Will turmoil again cloud the vote in the Sunshine State? An expert on Florida politics joins us next.

SANCHEZ: Also with the holidays around the corner, isn't in time that you took the family on a little vacations. We've got some tips for your excursions coming up.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, has jumped to a commanding lead in an early tally of his country's historic election, with just a little more than a million votes counted. That would be about 13 percent of the vote up to now. The Washington-backed candidate has captured more than 62 percent of the vote. His chief rival, however, says that he has proof of organized fraud. He's accusing the United Nations monitors of ignoring his complaints thus far.
Fifteen days until the general election, but beginning today, voters in five states can already cast their ballots. Those states are -- ready -- Florida, Texas, Arkansas, North Dakota and Colorado. You can start voting already, if you're registered, of course. Other states have already begun early voting, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: We are following a developing story out of the Pentagon. The U.S. military has launched an investigation into 18 soldiers who refused to make a fuel delivery in Iraq. They said they were concerned about their safety.

Now CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr joins us with more on this issue.

Good morning to you, Barbara.

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

Well, all of that happened last Wednesday, when that Army unit was scheduled to drive their convoy, but 18 soldiers refused to, saying that they were worried about their safety. An investigation now under way.

And yesterday, a very unusual Sunday press conference in Baghdad. The commanding general of that unit, saying he has ordered all equipment reinspected, some retraining will go on. And then he said he was going a step further.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. CHAMBERS, 13TH CORPS SUPPORT COMMAND: I have directed that the 343rd conduct a maintenance and safety stand-down during which time vehicles will be thoroughly inspected, and the unit will retrain and certify for their mission. We will also assess armor protection for each of their vehicles, and make an assessment to provide additional steel plating if it'S required.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Now General Chambers there underscoring what is a continuing problem for many Army units in Iraq, and that is the lack of armored vehicles. Just consider the Humvees, those jeep-like vehicles that we have seen on television for months now. The Army currently still about 8,000 vehicles short of the armored variety of those humvees. They're making them as fast as they can, but in a lot of places in Iraq, according to the Army's own statistics, they are short of them. The Army still saying this incident with these soldiers was an isolated incident, that they are investigating it, but it's a matter they're taking very seriously -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you.

Well, the U.S. army may also have faced a threat from within. "The Washington Post" reports that the former U.S. commander in Iraq complained to the Pentagon that a poor supply situation potentially imperiled combat operations. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez specifically cited severe shortages for tanks, helicopters and other systems. Senior Army officials say that most of Sanchez's concerns have since been addressed.

SANCHEZ: All right, here we go, two weeks and a day till the national elections, and George Bush and John Kerry are hitting the campaign trails hard in these final 15 days, and we're going to be with them every step of the way. Mr. Bush and Senator Kerry have split the endorsements of several leading papers. Mr. Bush has won the backing of "The Chicago Tribune," Denver's "Rocky Mountain News," the "Omaha World Herald" and the "Current Argus (ph)." That's in Carlsburg (ph), New Mexico.

Mr. Kerry has received the support of "The New York Times," his hometown "Boston Globe," no surprise there, "Minneapolis Star and Tribune," and the "Atlanta Journal Constitution."

All of these papers supported the same parties four years ago, we should mention.

But the "Tampa Tribune," which has endorsed every GOP candidate except one over the past half century, says it would issue no endorsement from this year.

Stay with CNN for all the very latest on the campaign trail. Less than three hours from now, President Bush is due to deliver an address on homeland security, and we will carry that live. It is scheduled for 1:15 Eastern, 10:15 Pacific.

NGUYEN: And a little later in that hour, Kerry will deliver a speech on health care. CNN will carry that live, as well. It is scheduled for 1:45 Eastern and 10:45 Pacific.

SANCHEZ: Let's talk about something the rest of the country is talking about, long lines, short tempers, even shorter supplies. Such are the first symptoms of the flu season has worried Americans scrambling for a flu vaccine.

NGUYEN: And town officials in Bloomfield, New Jersey have scrapped plans for an influenza clinic. Instead, they'll register people for a lottery. That's right, a lottery, with the winners getting the 300 vaccines still available.

SANCHEZ: Here's how this came about. The nation's supply was cut in half this month with the discovery of some contaminated shipments that were due to come over from England.

NGUYEN: So now people are lining up at supermarkets and drug stores for their shot at a vaccine.

And CNN's Sara Dorsey explains it all.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This year's flu shot season, hurry up and wait. Sometimes that means five or six hours in line for a vaccine that many are used to getting easily.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They said they were here like 6:30, 7:00.

DORSEY: Complaints, for the most part are minimal, though. Many of these people just feel lucky to finally have found a dose.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We were at Publix and they didn't have any more shots available. So we came over here and got a number, and hopefully we'll make it.

DORSEY: Some did make it. And others were turned away. Only 130 vaccines were made available to this Eckerd's drugstore in Georgia. And the scene is similar in other states. In the nation's capitol, more lines. In Michigan, people wait in cars. As the shot becomes more scarce, frustrations begin to rise.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not organized properly. You know, the issue -- you should have a time scheduled or get something pre-done early instead of lining cars up.

DORSEY: Peggy Meaney's (ph) daughter-in-law works for the CDC, proving even knowing someone won't get you help this year.

PEGGY MEANEY, SEARCHING FOR FLU SHOT: It seems like no sooner do you find out that there is one than they're all filled up. So I wish there was a better way, a more accurate way.

DORSEY (on camera): Unless the CDC can find a way to stretch the 54 million doses of the vaccine on hand, a better way is probably at least a year away.

Sara Dorsey, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Well let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast today. Police say a Brentwood, California man killed his wife and two daughters, then traveled to Yosemite National Park, where he set fire and committed suicide. Now that fire grew to 2,000 acres before rain dampened it. Authorities say the suspected arsonist apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A tour bus traveling on Interstate 57 went off the road and overturned late last night. Dozens of people were injured. But no deaths were reported. The bus was en route from Chicago to Holy Springs, Mississippi. Now nine days ago, a Chicago-to-Mississippi tour bus crashed. That one killed 14 people.

And on a much lighter note now, you would have thought their team won the World Series. But instead, it was just trying to avoid elimination in the playoffs. Boston Fans celebrated outside Fenway Park early this morning after the Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 6- 4 in 12 innings. Yes, it was a late-night game. The Yankees hold a 3-1 edge in the American League Championship Series, and can clinch it with a win tonight.

SANCHEZ: I guess the Bee Gees would say they're stayin' alive, right.

NGUYEN: Staying alive.

SANCHEZ: Lawyers for Scott Peterson are going to be due to open their case today in his double murder trial. And Peterson himself could even take the stand.

CNN's Rusty Dornin is covering the proceedings and filed this report from Redwood City, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The trial came to a halt last week over the concrete used to make this anchor found at the bottom of Scott Peterson's boat.

Sources tell CNN prosecutors needed more time to counter testimony by a defense witness, an engineer who is an expert in concrete. The defense claims Peterson made the anchor and used the remainder of a 90-pound bag of cement to do a back yard project. The prosecution contends Peterson used the bag of cement to make five anchors, four of them to weight down Laci Peterson's body in San Francisco Bay, anchors that were never found.

A prosecution witness said the concrete in the anchor did not match the concrete in the back yard. The defense expect is expected to say the concrete is the same.

The defense can point to this wire-tapped conversation between Scott Peterson and Laci Peterson's brother, Brent Rocha.

BRENT ROCHA, BROTHER OF LACI PETERSON: They talk about cement in your shop that you used for, I don't know, anchors or something.

SCOTT PETERSON, ACCUSED OF MURDER: Yes, I made a boat anchor with some cement and then I put some in the driveway here.

DORNIN: Analysts foresee a battle of the experts. Key could be a pathologist expected to testify Laci Peterson's fetus survived past December 24. If jurors believe that, it could exonerate Scott Peterson, who was under surveillance after his wife's disappearance.

The defense may also call a witness to cast doubt on prosecution claims that the dog, Trimble (ph), picked up Laci Peterson's scent at the Berkeley marina.

(on camera): Defense attorney Mark Geragos is expected to take six to eight days to present his case. The judge has told the jury he hopes they will begin deliberations November 3.

Rusty Dornin, CNN, Redwood City, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: All right. It is a call for women nationwide.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are the ones who set the tones, because even for our spouses or significant others, we influence what they buy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Yep, the ladies are feeling a bit neglected these days. So tomorrow, they plan to hit them where it hurts.

SANCHEZ: Ouch, then and later from marriage to politics, it's the message behind the artwork. Coming up, celebrating 80 years of laughter.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Now to the purchasing power of American women. They're being urged to keep their pocketbooks closed tomorrow in a nationwide protest called a "buycott."

The message, women deserve a place in the leadership of companies they keep in business.

CNN's Jason Carroll explains.

(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)

SANCHEZ: All right, get ready to tickle your funny bone. Still to come, reading between the lines of some of the most infamous cartoons. Some aren't so infamous, just funny. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: I'm Rick Sanchez.

Just like those people who read "Playboy" magazine and lie about it, and say they don't look at the pictures, they only read the articles. You'll find erudite "New Yorker" readers who say they don't look at the cartoons, they read the incredible articles. Yes, right. It's actually the cartoons that draws them in. There's a new book now. In fact, it's two CDs, as well, bursting with, are you ready with you, 68,647 cartoons from the magazine. It's called "The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker." It's edited by New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff, and he's joining us now this morning to talk about this thing.

I've been having fun with this thing. Give me a shot of this if you could, and let's get the audio guy ready, OK, because I'm going to make a little noise. This thing is like an anvil. Ready for this? Did you hear that?

ROBERT MANKOFF, CARTOON EDITOR, "THE NEW YORKER": It's not just a book; it's a workout.

SANCHEZ: It actually is. This thing is very, very heavy. But, boy, did we have fun.

MANKOFF: Tons of fun.

SANCHEZ: I was the only guy sitting here laughing all by myself.

MANKOFF: Well, you should share the book then.

SANCHEZ: What's that?

MANKOFF: You should share the book then.

SANCHEZ: I will, in fact we're sharing it right now.

Let's go through some of these things. Let's start back in the 1950s, here's one we chose. This is interesting, because it shows that beginning in the 1950s, when it comes to women what's hers is hers and what's his is hers, right?

MANKOFF: That's a perfect captionless cartoon. But you know, I think one of the things the cartoon do, they really did show our attitudes towards gender. There's a great cartoon from the late '40s where there's a woman at a baseball game, apropos the playoffs here saying, now, why didn't they tell us there were going to be extra innings?

SANCHEZ: Now,by the way, in case a viewer can't tell, she's on top of his towel. It says his, in case you can't read it.

MANKOFF: And she has hers.

SANCHEZ: And she has hers on her derriere. MANKOFF: All very clear in the book and on the CD.

SANCHEZ: Excellent. Let's talk about the 1960s. Suddenly we go through what is the anti-establishment era. And one kid looks at a school patrol guard and says, the fuzz.

MANKOFF: Well, absolutely. You know, throughout all the eras from the '20s, the '30s, the '40s, right through to the present, this is sort of funny, intelligent, really social history, you know, of the United States. I can't think of a better way to learn about it.

SANCHEZ: I love this book. Let's go back to the 1960s, as well. Ralph Nader, today a lot of people are critical of him. Back then, he was seen as the consumer advocate. In fact, here, the guy says, "I happen to know Ralph Nader's mother drove this model."

MANKOFF: Right. So we see, you know, we see the changing times. You know, we have one just from this year, where in the cartoon a guy is at a bar saying, "I'm happy Nader is running, I didn't think I was going to get a chance to throw away my vote."

SANCHEZ: Let's stay in the 1960s and try and go as fast as we can. This is interesting. Discovering black America I kind of called this one. "I understand you're a very militant fellow. Sock it to me," says the gentleman to the other African-American.

MANKOFF: I think I remember when Nixon was on "Laugh-In" and said "sock it to me." So I think it was sort of playing off of that.

SANCHEZ: Let's go to the energy crisis in the 1970s. This is 1974, and we're seeing a yacht, but unfortunately it's got oars instead of a motor, huh?

MANKOFF: Absolutely.

SANCHEZ: Poor Jimmy Carter, what he had to deal with.

1989, this is interesting because suddenly as a society we start to discover that we're watching a little too much TV. Check the spelling in the back of the...

MANKOFF: Yes, quality time. One of the early Rog Chas (ph) cartoons. And you're looking at cartoons through the generations, but generations of cartoonists are doing these things. And now, once again, we have people in their 20s and 30s doing "New Yorker" cartoons.

SANCHEZ: All right, this is the one that really made me laugh. Let's go to this one, ready -- "Welcome to California," it says. "You may begin your Schwarzenegger imitation now."

MANKOFF: Well, I think what these cartoons show is what "The New Yorker" tries to be. It's sort of be funny, you know, intelligent, meaningful, using cartoons as a medium of communicating ideas.

SANCHEZ: This is wonderful. Bob Mankoff, thanks so much. We appreciate the information. Looks like a great book. It's going to be a little heavy, but you've got to have a very strong coffee table for it.

MANKOFF: The most trusted name in cartoons.

SANCHEZ: Thank you.

Stay with us. We're going to be back with a check of your morning weather.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: You know we're close to Election Day, because today, Floridians begin their trek to polling stations to cast some early votes.

NGUYEN: Will turmoil again cloud the vote in the Sunshine State? An expert on Florida politics joins us next.

SANCHEZ: Also with the holidays around the corner, isn't in time that you took the family on a little vacations. We've got some tips for your excursions coming up.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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