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U.S. Military Investigating Whether to Bring Charges Against Marine; Powell's Departure a Loss to Moderate Voices in Administration

Aired November 16, 2004 - 05:30   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.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. I'm Carol Costello. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. There is a lot going on this morning. So let's get right to it, shall we?
"Now In The News": Recess is over. Congress returns to work today in a lame duck session. Still to get done: Recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, as well as spending bills for most agencies.

Senator Arlen Specter will argue today that he should be the next chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He goes before the Republican members of the panel. Anti-abortion conservatives plan to protest against Specter.

Chicago's Midway Airport is back to normal, this morning. Hundreds of passengers were evacuated after someone apparently walked away with a bag flagged for additional screening. The bag was found, false alarm.

NASA will try again today. It had to scrub yesterday's final test of the ScramJet technology. NASA hopes the ScramJet will hit 7,000 miles an hour in the test off the coast of California.

To the forecast center in Atlanta, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

No one in that; that's an unmanned thing.

COSTELLO: Exactly.

MYERS: That's the good news. That thing is going 7,000 miles per hour, you don't want the wings falling off.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: In Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched an offensive against insurgents in the northern city of Mosul. They are trying to put down an uprising that began last week, where insurgents took over nine police stations.

In the meantime, U.S. war planes dropped bombs on insurgent positions in Falluja over night. The military says its campaign to retake the city and wipe out insurgents has been successful, but there is still some mopping up to do.

Here's an update now on the number of Americans killed or injured in the Iraq war. According to the Pentagon and CentCom, 1,196 troops have now been killed, 930 of them from combat wounds, 266 from non- hostile injuries.

Of those casualties 341U.S. troops were killed after the U.S. transferred power to Iraq on June 28.

The U.S. military is investigating whether to bring charges against a Marine who apparently shot and killed an unarmed, wounded insurgent in that Iraqi city of Falluja. And embedded reporter caught the dramatic incident on videotape.

The events on that tape begin as Marines return to a mosque that was stormed a day earlier by a different unit. Marines found wounded men who had been left behind. Here's how it unfolded from there. A warning, the pictures you are about to see are chilling.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are the ones from yesterday.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are the wounded that they never picked up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's dead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's (expletive) faking he's dead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, he's breathing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dead now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Investigators are trying to figure out if the Marine violated the rules of war.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LT. COL. BOB MILLER, U.S. MARINE CORPS: They would have to be using force in self defense, yes. Enemy wounded, in this case insurgents, who don't pose a threat, would not be considered hostile, generally. I think that is a fair statement.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: For more on how this shooting incident played out, we go to the war room, with our Senior International Editor David Clinch. He joins us live from London.

Good morning, David. So what did you find out?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INT'L. EDITOR: Well, good morning, Carol.

You know, sometimes in our coverage of this war in Iraq it is not about the politics, it is not about elections, it is not about anything, except war. It is just this cold-blooded, man-to-man, war. And that is what this incident really reminds us, sometimes we don't see this.

And this is, of course, in some ways what you could call the advantage of being embedded with the troops. Right here, in the heart of Falluja, with the U.S. troops, we see everything; the good, the bad, and the ugly, so apparently very ugly in this particular instance. But you know, it's one thing, I mean, I'm sitting here in London and looking at some of the press here.

Front-page news on one of the papers, "The Independent", "He's faking, he's dead now." A still photograph of the soldier, of the Iraqi lying dead, and the soldier right over him.

But in some ways, of course, it is easy for the press to crucify, if you want to, this individual Marine, the others that were there. The exact, the precise circumstances of what happened are being investigated. And, of course, it is very important that we remain cool and calm in our coverage of this. We do not know precisely every piece of detail that lead up to this incident.

We do know that that Marine had been injured the day before. We do know that he had come back into combat. There are questions about that.

We do know that those wounded, or apparently those same wounded, were in the building the day before. The Marines came into the building again, the wounded were still there. And that is when this incident happened.

So, apparently horrific, but see, the details still to come out. And we will watch those details. We're not going to just concentrate on the horror of the incident and forget about it. We'll come back and look as that investigation proceeds.

Of course, it also brings up all of these questions in very real terms for us of how we, as journalists, relate to the Marines that we're embedded with; very dangerous situation, and a very interesting one for journalists.

COSTELLO: Well, I was just going to ask you a few questions about the journalist who took this videotape. Do we know who he or she is?

CLINCH: Well, we know that the reporter, an old friend of ours, Kevin Sikes (ph), works for another network now, but that, of course, is the way these pool systems work. Other reporters, working for other networks, are pooling their information, our information and our video also pooled and available to everyone.

So in some ways, of course, we at CNN and others have access to this information and to this video that we would not otherwise have. But as you can see, from the cameraman and the reporting that was done by that pool reporter, it's dangerous. It is dangerous for everyone. That's why we do the pooling, in some ways, because the less people that can be in there, the less networks are running around with cameras all over the place, the better. The more safe it is.

But, of course, doing that within the rules of what the U.S. military -- what rules the military sets for us. Those can, on occasion, be very restricting. They can't, of course, prevent us from showing this video. Although, it is an interesting point, there was a request from the Marines for us to obscure anything that might reveal the identity of those Marines. And we have to be clear, as far as we understand, that is because there is an investigation in progress. And any investigation, under any circumstances, like this, they -- like everybody else, should not want to incriminate before the investigation is finished. That is separate from an imbed rule.

But you can't resist, when the U.S. military comes and says, be here at the front line with us. We want to be there, everybody wants to be there, but it has its complications. And, of course, it is dangerous, a lot braver people than me out there on the front line.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live from London this morning. Thank you.

Secretary of State Colin Powell is leaving the State Department after four, sometimes rocky, years. Germany's defense minister calls his decision regrettable. While New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson says, Powell's departure is a loss to the moderate voices in the administration. CNN State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel takes a closer look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice over): With the passing of Yasser Arafat, and elections in Iraq just weeks away, administration officials say Secretary Powell would have liked to stick around a little longer, but the president didn't ask.

COLIN POWELL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: We had pretty much come to our mutual agreement without anybody having to make any offer, counteroffer, or anything like that. We knew where we were heading.

KOPPEL: From the outset is seems, Powell was often out of sync with the president and his rivals in the Bush Cabinet. Within weeks of the inauguration of 2001, Powell declared the Bush administration would resume direct talks with North Korea, picking up where the Clinton administration had left off.

But the White House disagreed and Powell was forced to backtrack.

POWELL: I got a little too far forward on my skis.

KOPPEL: Always the loyal soldier, Powell worked to put the best face on policies with which he often disagreed.

POWELL: Saddam Hussein, and his regime .... KOPPEL: His now infamous presentation to the United Nations in February 2003, on Iraq's alleged program of weapons of mass destruction, was later discredited, one of the lowest points of his tenure.

While he did persuade President Bush to work through the U.N. to get inspectors back in, he failed to convince Mr. Bush to stay the diplomatic course.

JAMES RUBIN, FMR. ASSIST. SECRETARY OF STATE: Clearly, Colin Powell was the only voice in the Bush administration who recognized the need to go slowly and carefully when it came to invading Iraq.

KOPPEL: At the State Department Powell is credited with boosting morale and enrollment in the foreign service, as well as securing more money for the department from Capitol Hill. Overseas, Powell was warmly welcomed by allies who believed he was the lone voice of moderation. But asked whether his departure would slow down a new opportunity to jump start Middle East peace, Powell was ever the diplomat.

POWELL: It is the president's policies that are being pursued and implemented, not Colin Powell's.

KOPPEL (on camera): Powell said he'll be working hard on those policies until the very, very end. And said he believes he can continue to be, quote, "quite effective" in his remaining weeks, perhaps a couple of months, until a successor is named and confirmed -- Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Administration officials tell CNN that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be nominated to replace Powell as secretary of State. That announcement could come as early as today.

The FDA is going after thieves and counterfeit drugs, at 51 minutes past we'll crack the code on how that could affect your prescriptions. And pocket-size or super-size, which gadgets to you prefer.

We're going to read some of your e-mails and we want some more at Daybreak@cnn.com. But first, here is a look at what else is making news this Tuesday, November 16.

(GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports, it is 5:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush is moving quickly to fill some top-level openings. Administration officials tell CNN President Bush will likely pick National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice to replace Colin Powell. The Secretary of State announced his resignation yesterday. Forty-three members of a Cuban dance troupe, performing in Las Vegas, have asked for asylum in the United States. The entertainers say they are afraid they will be forced to quite performing if they return to Cuba.

In money news, Abercrombie & Fitch reached a reported multi- million dollar settlement in an employee lawsuit. The suit alleges the clothing retailer promoted whites ahead of minority employees. Equal Employment officials say the settlement will have far reaching effects on the clothing industry.

In culture, it looks like Tom Hanks will take the lead role of the film adaptation of "The Da Vinci Code". The best-selling book is being made into a movie by director Ron Howard. Shooting is expected to begin next year.

And in sports, the Philadelphia Eagles pound the Dallas Cowboys, 49/21, in Monday Night Football. Get this, Donovan McNabb threw for 345 yards, oh, man, and four touchdowns. The Eagles are now 8 in 1.

He's amazing, Chad. Donavan McNabb.

MYERS: I'm afraid that close wasn't close -- ever. Maybe before it started.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. But you are going to stick around because we need to laugh this morning.

MYERS: I'm right here.

COSTELLO: You're right here. The big story, you know, today, is Colin Powell's resignation.

MYERS: Sure.

COSTELLO: Well, David Letterman's show last night? He says the secretary of State is stepping down because ticked off and fed up. And of course, he laid out Powell's complaints in his top 10 list.

MYERS: Oh, right.

COSTELLO: Here's a sample.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, THE LATE SHOW: Number 5, tired of Dr. Heart Attack getting all the attention.

Number 4, thought the commissary's "Secretary of Steak", was in poor taste.

Number 3, CIA jokesters who say "I found weapons of mass destruction in my pants."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My pants?!

LETTERMAN: My pants.

Number 2, Bush constantly asking, "So which state are you secretary of?"

And, Colin Powell, number 1 reason complaint, too many old white guys!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Oh, and there you have it. But David Letterman was not the only one getting in on the act, Chad.

(PAUSE)

You're standing there going -- huh?

MYERS: I'm waiting for the tape. Is there somebody else?

COSTELLO: OK, it's coming up right now.

(LAUGHTER)

It seems like almost everyone has a theory about why Colin Powell is stepping down, that prompted CNN's Jeanne Moos to go out and look for the voice of reason.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The surprise would have been if Colin Powell stayed. To those who missed the flashes, the alerts, the breaking news...

MOOS (on camera): Colin Powell resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wow.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, wow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He quit?

MOOS: He resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my god.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is this for real?

MOOS: It wasn't that unexpected.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was for me. I admire him tremendously.

MOOS (voice over): She's a Republican, but many Democrats who likewise admire Powell, had one question.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why didn't he do it a long time ago? They treated him so poorly.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's too much of a honest person to be mixed up with this bunch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think he fit to begin with. I think he was too intelligent for this administration.

MOOS: And then there were those who used to admire Colin Powell.

(on camera): Colin Powell resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah!

MOOS (voice over): She says she can't forgive him for this. The secretary of States' U.N. presentation of proof against Iraq that proved to be inaccurate.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm embarrassed to admit that I fell for that.

COLIN POWELL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: Every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd like to see him one day get up and apologize for it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When he went to the U.N. they made a fool out of him.

MOOS: As for Colin Powell's future...

POWELL: What am I going to do next? Well, I don't know.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he should retire, and go get him one of those RV's and travel.

MOOS: Some would prefer that he get in an RV and start campaigning.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think he'd make a good president.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You kidding me? They wouldn't let him to get to first base.

MOOS (on camera): Really?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

MOOS: You think because he's a black guy?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think he should run for president.

MOOS (on camera): As a Republican or a Democrat, or...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes! (LAUGHTER)

MOOS (voice over): And then there were those who seemed more depressed about the state of affairs than the secretary of State.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't care what happens anymore. It is such a disaster.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Wow, those comments were really telling. We're going to debate this issue in the next hour of DAYBREAK, from the Left and the Right. This is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Just reading some of your e-mails this morning. They're pretty darn good.

The prescription drug black market is being targeted by the Food and Drug Administration and some drug makers. New efforts to keep drugs from falling into the wrong hands start with very tiny transmitters. It sort of goes with our e-mail question of the morning. Our Julie Vallese takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CONSUMER CORRESPONDENT (voice over): From production plant to pharmacy, some of the most sought after drugs will be tracked by the technology in tiny chips like these. It is already getting the green light from law enforcement.

JOHN MCGOWAN, PRESIDENT, FBI-LEEDA (PH): Besides the portable breathalyzer, this is one of the neatest things I've seen.

VALLESE: The FDA has concluded radio frequency identification, or RFID, embedded in the labels of prescription drugs is the best way to deter theft and counterfeiting. And something the makers of the powerful painkiller Oxi-cotten (ph), have already put on every bottle they produce.

J. AARON GRAHAM, PERDUE PHARMA: By scanning the RFID chip, we can tell you specifically where in the supply chain that product left the supply chain, and if it in fact left from a pharmacy that was robbed, we can advise law enforcement that suspect is in possession of stolen goods.

VALLESE: Another layer of security is something Perdue Pharma calls a covert counterfeiting measure.

(on camera): This label uses color shifting ink, similar to the technology used to deter currency counterfeiting. And this device reads its authenticity.

(voice over): Green means authentic, red means fake. And if the reading device ends up in the wrong hands or is tapered with it self destructs.

Oxi-cotton (ph) is not the only drug that will carry RFID technology, the makers of Viagra have announced it will as well. The FDA expects the majority of pharmaceutical manufacturers will implement the new RFID initiative by 2007 -- Julie Vallese, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK. We'll have more on the FDA efforts against black market drugs. Our own Ali Velshi joins us with the consumer side to this story and answers questions about your right to privacy.

And bullying, or just business? A retail giant with global appeal, in the next hour of DAYBREAK we'll enter the world of Wal- Mart.

And today's history question: In 1952, what famous comic strip duo kicked off a decades long football prank?

We'll have the answer for you ahead, from New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, our history trivia question for the day is, and I repeat: In 1952, what famous comic strip duo kicked off a decades long football prank?

This was so easy it was unfair. Yes, it would be Charlie Brown and Lucy.

If you didn't get that right, you're still asleep. Time to read some e-mails now.

Chad, did you get the question right? The history trivia question?

MYERS: I did. I knew that one. I was thinking, the doctor is in. Remember they had the little nickel sign on the bottom, as well?

COSTELLO: Very cute.

MYERS: Actually about the size thing, big size, super size, little size? I got a good one from Newberg (ph).

He says, "For me, smaller is always better, but the limiting factor turns into battery life. Because when it gets too small it only lasts a day or a few hours. The big phones can last for weeks."

COSTELLO: Exactly. I have a similar one from "Gadget Freak" from Newberg, New York. And by the way, our DAYBREAK e-mail question of the day: Pocket-size or super-size, which gadgets do you prefer?

We asked this question because some manufacturers are making humongous cell phones now, because not every body likes little teenie, tiny gadgets. But anyway, this is from "Gadget Freak" from Newberg, New York.

He says, "For me smaller is always better. My notebook PC is tiny. My PDA is tiny, my GPS is tiny, my digital camera is tiny. Even my telescope is tiny. My philosophy is simple. One can never have too many gadgets and those gadgets can never be too small. The only limiting factor, battery life."

MYERS: There you go.

COSTELLO: "There a sacrifice in size is necessary."

MYERS: John says, "With toys like this it is not the size, it is the quantity."

(LAUGHTER)

COSTELLO: I love that. Our viewers are so clever.

This is from Mark, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, "I'm waiting for the day I can get a small implant and just think of someone and instantly be connected, sort of like ESP with a phone number."

MYERS: Yes, watch what you wish for. Because it is probably coming around.

"I prefer my old bag (ph) phone," says Sam, in North Carolina, "I can take it in my car. I can take it to my hotel room. I can take it hunting and camping."

(LAUGHTER)

MYERS: But you know what, Sam? You can take that with a little phone, too.

He still has his ...

COSTELLO: It's so sad that you have to take a phone with you to hunt and camp, because that is really roughing it.

MYERS: Unless you wouldn't want to get lost.

COSTELLO: Right.

MYERS: If you did, you'd want to call out.

COSTELLO: The next hour of DAYBREAK begins right now.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired November 16, 2004 - 05:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. I'm Carol Costello. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. There is a lot going on this morning. So let's get right to it, shall we?
"Now In The News": Recess is over. Congress returns to work today in a lame duck session. Still to get done: Recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, as well as spending bills for most agencies.

Senator Arlen Specter will argue today that he should be the next chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He goes before the Republican members of the panel. Anti-abortion conservatives plan to protest against Specter.

Chicago's Midway Airport is back to normal, this morning. Hundreds of passengers were evacuated after someone apparently walked away with a bag flagged for additional screening. The bag was found, false alarm.

NASA will try again today. It had to scrub yesterday's final test of the ScramJet technology. NASA hopes the ScramJet will hit 7,000 miles an hour in the test off the coast of California.

To the forecast center in Atlanta, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

No one in that; that's an unmanned thing.

COSTELLO: Exactly.

MYERS: That's the good news. That thing is going 7,000 miles per hour, you don't want the wings falling off.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: In Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched an offensive against insurgents in the northern city of Mosul. They are trying to put down an uprising that began last week, where insurgents took over nine police stations.

In the meantime, U.S. war planes dropped bombs on insurgent positions in Falluja over night. The military says its campaign to retake the city and wipe out insurgents has been successful, but there is still some mopping up to do.

Here's an update now on the number of Americans killed or injured in the Iraq war. According to the Pentagon and CentCom, 1,196 troops have now been killed, 930 of them from combat wounds, 266 from non- hostile injuries.

Of those casualties 341U.S. troops were killed after the U.S. transferred power to Iraq on June 28.

The U.S. military is investigating whether to bring charges against a Marine who apparently shot and killed an unarmed, wounded insurgent in that Iraqi city of Falluja. And embedded reporter caught the dramatic incident on videotape.

The events on that tape begin as Marines return to a mosque that was stormed a day earlier by a different unit. Marines found wounded men who had been left behind. Here's how it unfolded from there. A warning, the pictures you are about to see are chilling.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are the ones from yesterday.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are the wounded that they never picked up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's dead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's (expletive) faking he's dead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, he's breathing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dead now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Investigators are trying to figure out if the Marine violated the rules of war.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LT. COL. BOB MILLER, U.S. MARINE CORPS: They would have to be using force in self defense, yes. Enemy wounded, in this case insurgents, who don't pose a threat, would not be considered hostile, generally. I think that is a fair statement.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: For more on how this shooting incident played out, we go to the war room, with our Senior International Editor David Clinch. He joins us live from London.

Good morning, David. So what did you find out?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INT'L. EDITOR: Well, good morning, Carol.

You know, sometimes in our coverage of this war in Iraq it is not about the politics, it is not about elections, it is not about anything, except war. It is just this cold-blooded, man-to-man, war. And that is what this incident really reminds us, sometimes we don't see this.

And this is, of course, in some ways what you could call the advantage of being embedded with the troops. Right here, in the heart of Falluja, with the U.S. troops, we see everything; the good, the bad, and the ugly, so apparently very ugly in this particular instance. But you know, it's one thing, I mean, I'm sitting here in London and looking at some of the press here.

Front-page news on one of the papers, "The Independent", "He's faking, he's dead now." A still photograph of the soldier, of the Iraqi lying dead, and the soldier right over him.

But in some ways, of course, it is easy for the press to crucify, if you want to, this individual Marine, the others that were there. The exact, the precise circumstances of what happened are being investigated. And, of course, it is very important that we remain cool and calm in our coverage of this. We do not know precisely every piece of detail that lead up to this incident.

We do know that that Marine had been injured the day before. We do know that he had come back into combat. There are questions about that.

We do know that those wounded, or apparently those same wounded, were in the building the day before. The Marines came into the building again, the wounded were still there. And that is when this incident happened.

So, apparently horrific, but see, the details still to come out. And we will watch those details. We're not going to just concentrate on the horror of the incident and forget about it. We'll come back and look as that investigation proceeds.

Of course, it also brings up all of these questions in very real terms for us of how we, as journalists, relate to the Marines that we're embedded with; very dangerous situation, and a very interesting one for journalists.

COSTELLO: Well, I was just going to ask you a few questions about the journalist who took this videotape. Do we know who he or she is?

CLINCH: Well, we know that the reporter, an old friend of ours, Kevin Sikes (ph), works for another network now, but that, of course, is the way these pool systems work. Other reporters, working for other networks, are pooling their information, our information and our video also pooled and available to everyone.

So in some ways, of course, we at CNN and others have access to this information and to this video that we would not otherwise have. But as you can see, from the cameraman and the reporting that was done by that pool reporter, it's dangerous. It is dangerous for everyone. That's why we do the pooling, in some ways, because the less people that can be in there, the less networks are running around with cameras all over the place, the better. The more safe it is.

But, of course, doing that within the rules of what the U.S. military -- what rules the military sets for us. Those can, on occasion, be very restricting. They can't, of course, prevent us from showing this video. Although, it is an interesting point, there was a request from the Marines for us to obscure anything that might reveal the identity of those Marines. And we have to be clear, as far as we understand, that is because there is an investigation in progress. And any investigation, under any circumstances, like this, they -- like everybody else, should not want to incriminate before the investigation is finished. That is separate from an imbed rule.

But you can't resist, when the U.S. military comes and says, be here at the front line with us. We want to be there, everybody wants to be there, but it has its complications. And, of course, it is dangerous, a lot braver people than me out there on the front line.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live from London this morning. Thank you.

Secretary of State Colin Powell is leaving the State Department after four, sometimes rocky, years. Germany's defense minister calls his decision regrettable. While New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson says, Powell's departure is a loss to the moderate voices in the administration. CNN State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel takes a closer look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice over): With the passing of Yasser Arafat, and elections in Iraq just weeks away, administration officials say Secretary Powell would have liked to stick around a little longer, but the president didn't ask.

COLIN POWELL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: We had pretty much come to our mutual agreement without anybody having to make any offer, counteroffer, or anything like that. We knew where we were heading.

KOPPEL: From the outset is seems, Powell was often out of sync with the president and his rivals in the Bush Cabinet. Within weeks of the inauguration of 2001, Powell declared the Bush administration would resume direct talks with North Korea, picking up where the Clinton administration had left off.

But the White House disagreed and Powell was forced to backtrack.

POWELL: I got a little too far forward on my skis.

KOPPEL: Always the loyal soldier, Powell worked to put the best face on policies with which he often disagreed.

POWELL: Saddam Hussein, and his regime .... KOPPEL: His now infamous presentation to the United Nations in February 2003, on Iraq's alleged program of weapons of mass destruction, was later discredited, one of the lowest points of his tenure.

While he did persuade President Bush to work through the U.N. to get inspectors back in, he failed to convince Mr. Bush to stay the diplomatic course.

JAMES RUBIN, FMR. ASSIST. SECRETARY OF STATE: Clearly, Colin Powell was the only voice in the Bush administration who recognized the need to go slowly and carefully when it came to invading Iraq.

KOPPEL: At the State Department Powell is credited with boosting morale and enrollment in the foreign service, as well as securing more money for the department from Capitol Hill. Overseas, Powell was warmly welcomed by allies who believed he was the lone voice of moderation. But asked whether his departure would slow down a new opportunity to jump start Middle East peace, Powell was ever the diplomat.

POWELL: It is the president's policies that are being pursued and implemented, not Colin Powell's.

KOPPEL (on camera): Powell said he'll be working hard on those policies until the very, very end. And said he believes he can continue to be, quote, "quite effective" in his remaining weeks, perhaps a couple of months, until a successor is named and confirmed -- Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Administration officials tell CNN that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be nominated to replace Powell as secretary of State. That announcement could come as early as today.

The FDA is going after thieves and counterfeit drugs, at 51 minutes past we'll crack the code on how that could affect your prescriptions. And pocket-size or super-size, which gadgets to you prefer.

We're going to read some of your e-mails and we want some more at Daybreak@cnn.com. But first, here is a look at what else is making news this Tuesday, November 16.

(GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports, it is 5:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush is moving quickly to fill some top-level openings. Administration officials tell CNN President Bush will likely pick National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice to replace Colin Powell. The Secretary of State announced his resignation yesterday. Forty-three members of a Cuban dance troupe, performing in Las Vegas, have asked for asylum in the United States. The entertainers say they are afraid they will be forced to quite performing if they return to Cuba.

In money news, Abercrombie & Fitch reached a reported multi- million dollar settlement in an employee lawsuit. The suit alleges the clothing retailer promoted whites ahead of minority employees. Equal Employment officials say the settlement will have far reaching effects on the clothing industry.

In culture, it looks like Tom Hanks will take the lead role of the film adaptation of "The Da Vinci Code". The best-selling book is being made into a movie by director Ron Howard. Shooting is expected to begin next year.

And in sports, the Philadelphia Eagles pound the Dallas Cowboys, 49/21, in Monday Night Football. Get this, Donovan McNabb threw for 345 yards, oh, man, and four touchdowns. The Eagles are now 8 in 1.

He's amazing, Chad. Donavan McNabb.

MYERS: I'm afraid that close wasn't close -- ever. Maybe before it started.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. But you are going to stick around because we need to laugh this morning.

MYERS: I'm right here.

COSTELLO: You're right here. The big story, you know, today, is Colin Powell's resignation.

MYERS: Sure.

COSTELLO: Well, David Letterman's show last night? He says the secretary of State is stepping down because ticked off and fed up. And of course, he laid out Powell's complaints in his top 10 list.

MYERS: Oh, right.

COSTELLO: Here's a sample.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, THE LATE SHOW: Number 5, tired of Dr. Heart Attack getting all the attention.

Number 4, thought the commissary's "Secretary of Steak", was in poor taste.

Number 3, CIA jokesters who say "I found weapons of mass destruction in my pants."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My pants?!

LETTERMAN: My pants.

Number 2, Bush constantly asking, "So which state are you secretary of?"

And, Colin Powell, number 1 reason complaint, too many old white guys!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Oh, and there you have it. But David Letterman was not the only one getting in on the act, Chad.

(PAUSE)

You're standing there going -- huh?

MYERS: I'm waiting for the tape. Is there somebody else?

COSTELLO: OK, it's coming up right now.

(LAUGHTER)

It seems like almost everyone has a theory about why Colin Powell is stepping down, that prompted CNN's Jeanne Moos to go out and look for the voice of reason.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The surprise would have been if Colin Powell stayed. To those who missed the flashes, the alerts, the breaking news...

MOOS (on camera): Colin Powell resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wow.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, wow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He quit?

MOOS: He resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my god.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is this for real?

MOOS: It wasn't that unexpected.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was for me. I admire him tremendously.

MOOS (voice over): She's a Republican, but many Democrats who likewise admire Powell, had one question.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why didn't he do it a long time ago? They treated him so poorly.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's too much of a honest person to be mixed up with this bunch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think he fit to begin with. I think he was too intelligent for this administration.

MOOS: And then there were those who used to admire Colin Powell.

(on camera): Colin Powell resigned.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah!

MOOS (voice over): She says she can't forgive him for this. The secretary of States' U.N. presentation of proof against Iraq that proved to be inaccurate.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm embarrassed to admit that I fell for that.

COLIN POWELL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: Every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd like to see him one day get up and apologize for it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When he went to the U.N. they made a fool out of him.

MOOS: As for Colin Powell's future...

POWELL: What am I going to do next? Well, I don't know.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he should retire, and go get him one of those RV's and travel.

MOOS: Some would prefer that he get in an RV and start campaigning.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think he'd make a good president.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You kidding me? They wouldn't let him to get to first base.

MOOS (on camera): Really?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

MOOS: You think because he's a black guy?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think he should run for president.

MOOS (on camera): As a Republican or a Democrat, or...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes! (LAUGHTER)

MOOS (voice over): And then there were those who seemed more depressed about the state of affairs than the secretary of State.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't care what happens anymore. It is such a disaster.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Wow, those comments were really telling. We're going to debate this issue in the next hour of DAYBREAK, from the Left and the Right. This is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Just reading some of your e-mails this morning. They're pretty darn good.

The prescription drug black market is being targeted by the Food and Drug Administration and some drug makers. New efforts to keep drugs from falling into the wrong hands start with very tiny transmitters. It sort of goes with our e-mail question of the morning. Our Julie Vallese takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CONSUMER CORRESPONDENT (voice over): From production plant to pharmacy, some of the most sought after drugs will be tracked by the technology in tiny chips like these. It is already getting the green light from law enforcement.

JOHN MCGOWAN, PRESIDENT, FBI-LEEDA (PH): Besides the portable breathalyzer, this is one of the neatest things I've seen.

VALLESE: The FDA has concluded radio frequency identification, or RFID, embedded in the labels of prescription drugs is the best way to deter theft and counterfeiting. And something the makers of the powerful painkiller Oxi-cotten (ph), have already put on every bottle they produce.

J. AARON GRAHAM, PERDUE PHARMA: By scanning the RFID chip, we can tell you specifically where in the supply chain that product left the supply chain, and if it in fact left from a pharmacy that was robbed, we can advise law enforcement that suspect is in possession of stolen goods.

VALLESE: Another layer of security is something Perdue Pharma calls a covert counterfeiting measure.

(on camera): This label uses color shifting ink, similar to the technology used to deter currency counterfeiting. And this device reads its authenticity.

(voice over): Green means authentic, red means fake. And if the reading device ends up in the wrong hands or is tapered with it self destructs.

Oxi-cotton (ph) is not the only drug that will carry RFID technology, the makers of Viagra have announced it will as well. The FDA expects the majority of pharmaceutical manufacturers will implement the new RFID initiative by 2007 -- Julie Vallese, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK. We'll have more on the FDA efforts against black market drugs. Our own Ali Velshi joins us with the consumer side to this story and answers questions about your right to privacy.

And bullying, or just business? A retail giant with global appeal, in the next hour of DAYBREAK we'll enter the world of Wal- Mart.

And today's history question: In 1952, what famous comic strip duo kicked off a decades long football prank?

We'll have the answer for you ahead, from New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, our history trivia question for the day is, and I repeat: In 1952, what famous comic strip duo kicked off a decades long football prank?

This was so easy it was unfair. Yes, it would be Charlie Brown and Lucy.

If you didn't get that right, you're still asleep. Time to read some e-mails now.

Chad, did you get the question right? The history trivia question?

MYERS: I did. I knew that one. I was thinking, the doctor is in. Remember they had the little nickel sign on the bottom, as well?

COSTELLO: Very cute.

MYERS: Actually about the size thing, big size, super size, little size? I got a good one from Newberg (ph).

He says, "For me, smaller is always better, but the limiting factor turns into battery life. Because when it gets too small it only lasts a day or a few hours. The big phones can last for weeks."

COSTELLO: Exactly. I have a similar one from "Gadget Freak" from Newberg, New York. And by the way, our DAYBREAK e-mail question of the day: Pocket-size or super-size, which gadgets do you prefer?

We asked this question because some manufacturers are making humongous cell phones now, because not every body likes little teenie, tiny gadgets. But anyway, this is from "Gadget Freak" from Newberg, New York.

He says, "For me smaller is always better. My notebook PC is tiny. My PDA is tiny, my GPS is tiny, my digital camera is tiny. Even my telescope is tiny. My philosophy is simple. One can never have too many gadgets and those gadgets can never be too small. The only limiting factor, battery life."

MYERS: There you go.

COSTELLO: "There a sacrifice in size is necessary."

MYERS: John says, "With toys like this it is not the size, it is the quantity."

(LAUGHTER)

COSTELLO: I love that. Our viewers are so clever.

This is from Mark, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, "I'm waiting for the day I can get a small implant and just think of someone and instantly be connected, sort of like ESP with a phone number."

MYERS: Yes, watch what you wish for. Because it is probably coming around.

"I prefer my old bag (ph) phone," says Sam, in North Carolina, "I can take it in my car. I can take it to my hotel room. I can take it hunting and camping."

(LAUGHTER)

MYERS: But you know what, Sam? You can take that with a little phone, too.

He still has his ...

COSTELLO: It's so sad that you have to take a phone with you to hunt and camp, because that is really roughing it.

MYERS: Unless you wouldn't want to get lost.

COSTELLO: Right.

MYERS: If you did, you'd want to call out.

COSTELLO: The next hour of DAYBREAK begins right now.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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