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CNN Live At Daybreak

U.S. Forces Say They've Found What Appears to be Abandoned Terrorists Safehouse in Falluja; Bill Clinton's Presidential Library Opens Today

Aired November 18, 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. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. There is a lot going on this morning, so let's check out the latest headlines for you now.
New discoveries in Falluja. Iraqi officials say U.S. troops found two letters, in an apparent terrorist safe house. One letter was from terror leader Abu Musab Al Zaqarwi, the other was written to him.

Troops also found a bomb-making factory. In it, they found an SUV with Texas license plates. They say it was being converted into a car bomb.

Lawmakers want to know more about health problems linked to a popular arthritis drug. In about five hours a Senate panel holds a hearing on drug maker Merck's decision to pull Voixx from the market.

The U.N. Security Council meets in Nairobi today to discuss the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. It will meet with experts working to end the fighting in the Darfur region, as well as those working on a peace deal to end 21 years civil war that has killed 2 million people.

Evangelist Billy Graham comes full circle, 55 years after delivering a powerful message in Los Angeles, Graham returns tonight for a four-day crusade. Organizers say it will be the last in California for the frail 86-year-old minister.

Bill Clinton's presidential library opens today with a star- studded dedication ceremony. The library chronicles every thing from Clinton's peace efforts to Monica Lewinsky to impeachment. And 30,000 guests have been invited.

To the forecast center in Atlanta, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

And that is our DAYBREAK question of the day, what do you think of the library? Actually, a guy from Arkansas actually back.

"So few places in Arkansas have any architectural distinction. It is great to see some for a fresh start and some one take a risk. I my own opinion, it has already paid off."

COSTELLO: Good. That's good to hear.

MYERS: There you go. It's Daybreak@cnn.com. Give us your opinion.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It has already been a deadly day in Iraq, two bombs, two cities, four people dead. The first explosion happened in western Baghdad. Military officials say a car bomb went off outside a police station. Two civilians were killed. In Kirkuk, a roadside bomb explodes, leaving two more civilians dead.

And U.S. forces say they found what appears to be an abandoned terrorists safehouse in Falluja. But as the battle for Falluja winds down, residents are returning to a pulverized city. The American military has a tougher job now, ensuring safety for the citizens of Falluja and in getting humanitarian aid to people in need.

To "The War Room" now, our Senior International Editor David Clinch, live in London this morning, with new information.

Good morning, David.

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.

We have been following, in Falluja, the whole time that this military operation has been going on. The other side of the story, the humanitarian side, you know, war is a very blunt instrument. Even with the precise weaponry that the U.S. has been using, they have acknowledged from the start that in order to achieve their goal of hitting these militant groups in Falluja, and other cities, they need to get the civilian population out of the way.

Now, that happened voluntarily. Other people have left under the pressure of the war all around them. Thousands of people of Falluja, the City of Mosques, as it is known, which is now in ruins, have left the city. Some of them are living in tents and camps nearby the city. Others have literally been taken in trucks, by the Americans, when they walked out into the streets, taken to nearby towns, given some water and food, and told stay there until it is safe to come back.

Some of them are trying to come back. The Americans actually, very interestingly, showing you how awkward and strange this whole situation is, are bringing some Fallujans back to help them pick up the bodies in the streets. So some of the first people coming back have that job to do.

COSTELLO: Oh, that is just unbelievable. Jane Arraf reported a few days ago, they are trying to get power restored in the next few days. Is that possible? And also, is humanitarian aid getting into the city now?

CLINCH: Well, it is complicated answers to both of those questions. The power was, in some areas, deliberately turned off in order to isolate some parts of the city. In other areas it is being restored. There is always, of course, the question of when this is over. We still see some pockets of resistance in Falluja. So, until it is entirely safe, I think, you won't see the power on completely.

And, of course, the question of aid, a lot of that aid is going to the Fallujans who are still out in the camps. But people that are coming back are being offered food when they turn up in Falluja, by the U.S. military there. So, a very sort of -- baby steps situation at the moment. The people that come back are being looked after in as much as possible. But it is still not considered safe for people to come back.

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

We want to stay live in London, for just a bit, to show you again, what it is looking like. You see the honor guard assembling here, in London. Jacques Chirac, I believe has arrived. And you can see him there talking to Tony Blair. I think Tony Blair has his back turned to your right now.

That is not Chirac. I apologize for that.

The two leaders are meeting to discuss, of course, relations between the two countries and some economic issues of interest to both. They are also going to talk about the United States and of course the war in Iraq.

Jacques Chirac made some controversial statements a short time ago, a couple days ago, I would say. Saying that the war in Iraq has made the world a more dangerous place and he is going to discuss that today with Tony Blair.

When we get more, of course, we'll return to Britain. But for now, we're going to throw (sic) to a break. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Part of the Clinton library opening festivities is a tribute to the world's most famous saxophone player. Stephanie Bryant of CNN affiliate KTHV, hits all the high notes in Hot Springs.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEPHANIE BRYANT, REPORTER, KTHV (voice over): With precision and intensity, these students try not to miss a beat.

JOHN JORDAN, BAND DIRECTOR: Let's try that whole section one more time.

BRYANT: The jazz section readies for one of their biggest performances ever, President Clinton's former high school band, Hot Springs High, is one of the opening acts for the presidential library's opening.

JORDAN: They are very proud, very proud to be doing this. Great honor.

BRYANT: And President Bill Clinton won't be the only saxophone player in the crowd.

MICHELLE HAMPTON, SAXOPHONE PLAYTER: I'm really excited, nervous, all at once.

BRYANT (on camera): After an audition, Hot Springs High won. Making it the third time the band has performed for Bill Clinton.

CHRISTY WILSON, BARITONE PLAYER: I'm honored. I think that it was really cool that they choose us to do this, because I get to say I'm proud of Hot Springs. And we're proud that President Clinton went here. And it is just makes me feel really special and it is a big honor.

BRYANT (voice over): Their performance will include some R&B favorites like Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" and the Queen of Soul's "R-E-S- P-E-C-T".

JORDAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) legends of soul. He's got Aretha Franklin, "Respect" in there, of course, which is one of Bill Clinton's favorites. You know, he carried that throughout his term.

BRYANT: And they hoping to make H-I-S-T-O-R-Y as the band who has performed more times for President Clinton than any other.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: That report by Stephanie Bryant of our Hot Springs affiliate KTHV. The Clinton library dedication is set to begin at noon Eastern. And, of course, CNN will bring that to you live.

Hillary Rodham Clinton did her first live prime-time interview since the November 2 election. And she just happened to talk with CNN's own Larry King. We're going "Beyond The Soundbite" this morning with what she had to say about her husband's presidential library.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, (D) NEW YORK: I am so proud, Larry. And you know, my husband has worked on this now for, oh, about six years. And he's been involved in every aspect of the design, and planning, and is exceeded my highest expectations.

LARRY KING, CNN ANCHOR, LARRY KING LIVE: It is beautiful. Hands on, right?

CLINTON: Thank you. Very hands on, you know, what is so important about it is that number one it is a beautiful building, as you saw. And it is a metaphor. It is the bridge to the 21st century, which of course was his, you know, great slogan when he was running. And it also is open and airy and light. It kind of conveys the sense of openness in our government.

And then inside, someone said today, it was the first museum of the 21 century. It is so technologically advanced. Literally, you can go -- as you saw today -- and ...

KING: You can push a button and get everything.

CLINTON: Get everything. I mean, if you want to know what happened on, you know, June 1, 1997, you punch the button. If you want to know if Larry King is somewhere in the library, you...

KING: I'm there. I'm in the library...

CLINTON: You are in, I know.

KING: Yeah, interviews, basic schedules...

CLINTON: Yep. They are all there.

And so, it tells the story. The full comprehensive history of the Clinton administration; and it is both moving and exciting and informative. And I just could not be happier.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You can watch today's dedication ceremony right here on CNN, as I told you just a seconds ago.

Your news, money, weather and sports now, it is 5:42 Eastern. Here's what is all new this morning.

A deadly car bombing this morning near a U.S. military convoy in Baghdad. Iraqi police say two civilians were killed.

Condoleezza Rice will have surgery at a Washington hospital tomorrow. Doctors intend to block arteries supplying blood to a uterine fibroid tumor. A spokeswoman says it is not life threatening and the procedure won't even require anesthesia.

In money news, Kmart plans to team up with Sears in an $11- billion merger. If shareholders and regulators approve, Kmart and Sears will be the same company in four months.

In culture, "The Muppets" are back. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the gang are stars of their own web site. It is the first of a series of new ventures since the Walt Disney Company bought "The Muppets" back in April.

In the world of sports, not guilty, says Cleveland Browns Guard Paul Zukauskas. He was arrested and charged with DUI after refusing to take a breath test. He has a court date tomorrow.

To the forecast center now, and Chad.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: This is the latest headlines for you this morning. In London today, a high-profile summit as British Prime Minister Tony Blair hosts French President Jacques Chirac. His visit commemorates 100 years of peace between Britain and France. Our European Political Editor Robin Oakley live in London with us for today's agenda.

Jacques Chirac has arrived, right, Robin?

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: Well, they are expecting his arrival any moment. There is a guard of honor drawn up at the British Foreign Office. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's husband, waiting there with Tony Blair, prime minister, to welcome Jacques Chirac.

I think he's a little bit late, as presidents sometimes tend to be, to emphasize their importance. But a big program ahead for Jacques Chirac; meetings with Tony Blair; he'll be hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle, tonight; a press conference in the middle of the day; and address to diplomatists and defense experts later on.

And of course, underlying this visit, really is that the fact that the relationship between Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac is overshadowed all the time by the relationship that each of them has with President George Bush. Jacques Chirac wants to turn the European Union into some kind of counterweight to the almighty power of the United States. Tony Blair, as George Bush's closest ally in the Iraq war, wants to see much greater cooperation between the United States and European countries.

So, a basic difference in approach there. But what we'll see is the two of them extenuating the positive on this visit, talking about the things they have in common, Jacques Chirac and Tony Blair.

They both want progress on the Middle East peace process. They want to do what they can to help Africa. They want to talk about climate change and what can be done there, Carol.

COSTELLO: Well, Robin, you know, let's talk a little about the comments that Jacques Chirac made on the BBC. He said that, I am not at all sure that one can say the world is safer. There is no doubt that there has been an increase in terrorism, since the invasion of Iraq, he is referring to.

That is going to have repercussions back here in the States, too, isn't it?

OAKLEY: Well, that is the kind of thing that Jacques Chirac has, to be fair, as been saying for some time, Carol. There is no change there. And British officials are saying, look, the two men, Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac, do differ on Iraq, they both held their opinions, but that doesn't mean that they can't talk about other issues where they do agree.

Certainly, there is this basic tension about relations with the United States. Jacques Chirac has been saying in interviews that Tony Blair hasn't gotten any favors from the United States. That the United States isn't a country which returns favors, even to those like Tony Blair, who have been particularly loyal on the issue of Iraq.

And as Jacques Chirac has suggested Tony Blair should have gotten much more progress out of President George Bush on the Middle East peace process, for example.

So, yes, there is going to be that difference and they are not going to be able to close those gaps. The situation seems to be that Tony Blair wants to draw a line under the Iraq war and improve relations between the U.S. and the E.U. Jacques Chirac doesn't really mind if the wounds stay open for a little while, or so it seems from his comments, Carol.

COSTELLO: So it seems. Robin Oakley, reporting live from London this morning. Thank you.

We're going to take a short break. You are watching DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Oh, I just want to listen to the music this morning.

"Health Headlines" for you this morning: Add one more thing to what an ultrasound can do. Researchers say high frequency sound waves might help doctors get rid of blood clots in the brain. They say it breaks up the clots faster, more efficiently and with less bleeding.

Look out Little Miss Muffet, you are getting a bad rap. Scientists say traditional nursery rhymes contain 10 times more violence than a lot of shows on British television. The study compared the rhymes to programs that air in the early evening. The time when children are most likely to watch television.

And scientists say too much belly fat can bring you down. They found that middle aged people with a portly potbelly have a greater chance of becoming disabled later on in life. They say the problem is not just being obese but where the fat is located.

Some people look for the fountain of youth in the plastic surgeons office, but others are turning to diet. CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen introduces to a man who hopes to stay younger and live longer because of the way he eats.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KENTON MULLINS, CALORIE RESTRICTION SOCIETY: I'd like a papaya salad.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Kenton Mullins is five foot, eight, but weighs only 120 pounds.

MULLINS: Yeah, that sounds good.

COHEN: That is because he eats only 1,800 calories a day.

MULLINS: Oh, it looks great.

COHEN: Down from 4,000 a day, a few years go. He's hoping it will help him live to 90, 100 or even longer.

MULLINS: It was a very deliberate decision that I made to begin calorie restriction. It is backed by very reputable, extensive research.

COHEN: Like the research with these monkeys. Skinny monkeys like the one on the right, live longer, healthier lives.

DR. SUSAN ROBERTS, TUFTS UNIVERSITY: They've actually aged biologically slower. Their fur has gone gray less quickly.

COHEN: Skinny mice live longer, too. On regular diets mice in one study lived 36 months. When they ate 25 percent fewer calories, they lived 42 months. On 65 percent few calories they lived 55 months.

One theory why is that on fewer calories cells throughout the body appear to die more slowly and repair themselves more easily.

MULLINS: This whole piece of lettuce may have, like, four or five calories, you know?

COHEN: Mullins counts his calories religiously. For dinner this night, he had his papaya salad, steamed vegetables and he ate only about a third of his fish, low in calories but high in nutrients.

MULLINS: It is not like I'm living a life of torture.

COHEN: But how many people could have that kind of will power, could lose and keep off 45 pounds like Mullins did?

RICHARD MILLER, AMERICAN FED. AGING RESEARCH: For every 100 people that are able to lose some weight, 95 or 98 of them just gain the weight back.

COHEN: That is why some researchers, like Richard Miller, want to come up with a pill that tricks you body into thinking it is on a very low calorie diet, even when it is not, giving all of the benefits without any of the sacrifice -- Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story head to our web site, CNN.com/health.

Here's what is all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK. Concerns about the arthritis drug Vioxx take center stage at the nation's capitol. CNN Contributor Ali Velshi joins us in the next hour with what went wrong.

And he's a political super-star and today the Clinton dynasty shines in the spotlight. We'll talk to the director of the grand opening activities and the star-studded salute to the former president.

Also, today's history question, are you ready? In 1928, the first successful sound-synchronized cartoon debuted in New York. What was the name of that cartoon?

From New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, our history trivia question of the day: In 1928, the first successful sound-synchronized cartoon debuted in New York. What was the name of that cartoon?

Are you read for the answer? Here it is, "Steamboat Willie", Mickey Mouse, as he looked in when he was born. He looks quite different now.

So that is your history question of the day and kudos to all of you who actually remembered that.

Let's take another live look at the Foreign Office in London. As you can see the honor guard, Jacques Chirac has arrived. Of course, he's the French president. He's walking along with Prince Philip. Tony Blair is in the crowd somewhere in there. Although you probably can't see him in the picture.

I'm trying to see -- yes, you can see Jacques Chirac along with Prince Philip.

Jacques Chirac will be meeting Tony Blair later this morning. And of course, Mr. Blair admitting, "There is an open disagreement between us, and we should be honest enough to acknowledge that."

And of course, they are referring to the war in Iraq and Britain's policy there. We'll have much more on this in the hours to come on CNN.

Let's get to our e-mail question right now, Chad.

And we're asking if you like the architecture of the presidential library. Some people say it looks like mobile home.

MYERS: Right. I have one from Paul in Charlottesville, Virginia. "Perhaps it is fitting that the library rooted in the world of the common man."

COSTELLO: I like that. I do.

This is Carol in Crossville, Tennessee. She says, "The library is appropriate. It shows no class or style, like the person it represents."

I don't think she likes Bill Clinton much.

MYERS: Yes, I had that one, too. So I won't read that again.

"If the Clinton Library was located in New York City it would be heralded as an innovated work of architecture, but because it is in Little Rock it is compared to a double-wide."

COSTELLO: I think that is fair criticism, Linda.

This is from Fred, he says, "Yes, it looks like a double-wide trailer on blocks. I love it. All it needs now is a wax figure of Monica Lewinsky on a couch in the front yard."

Some one with a sense of humor this morning. And one more, Chad.

(CROSS TALK)

COSTELLO: Oh, did you not have anymore?

OK, we're going to have more later.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: The next hour of DAYBREAK starts 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 November 18, 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. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. There is a lot going on this morning, so let's check out the latest headlines for you now.
New discoveries in Falluja. Iraqi officials say U.S. troops found two letters, in an apparent terrorist safe house. One letter was from terror leader Abu Musab Al Zaqarwi, the other was written to him.

Troops also found a bomb-making factory. In it, they found an SUV with Texas license plates. They say it was being converted into a car bomb.

Lawmakers want to know more about health problems linked to a popular arthritis drug. In about five hours a Senate panel holds a hearing on drug maker Merck's decision to pull Voixx from the market.

The U.N. Security Council meets in Nairobi today to discuss the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. It will meet with experts working to end the fighting in the Darfur region, as well as those working on a peace deal to end 21 years civil war that has killed 2 million people.

Evangelist Billy Graham comes full circle, 55 years after delivering a powerful message in Los Angeles, Graham returns tonight for a four-day crusade. Organizers say it will be the last in California for the frail 86-year-old minister.

Bill Clinton's presidential library opens today with a star- studded dedication ceremony. The library chronicles every thing from Clinton's peace efforts to Monica Lewinsky to impeachment. And 30,000 guests have been invited.

To the forecast center in Atlanta, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

And that is our DAYBREAK question of the day, what do you think of the library? Actually, a guy from Arkansas actually back.

"So few places in Arkansas have any architectural distinction. It is great to see some for a fresh start and some one take a risk. I my own opinion, it has already paid off."

COSTELLO: Good. That's good to hear.

MYERS: There you go. It's Daybreak@cnn.com. Give us your opinion.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It has already been a deadly day in Iraq, two bombs, two cities, four people dead. The first explosion happened in western Baghdad. Military officials say a car bomb went off outside a police station. Two civilians were killed. In Kirkuk, a roadside bomb explodes, leaving two more civilians dead.

And U.S. forces say they found what appears to be an abandoned terrorists safehouse in Falluja. But as the battle for Falluja winds down, residents are returning to a pulverized city. The American military has a tougher job now, ensuring safety for the citizens of Falluja and in getting humanitarian aid to people in need.

To "The War Room" now, our Senior International Editor David Clinch, live in London this morning, with new information.

Good morning, David.

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.

We have been following, in Falluja, the whole time that this military operation has been going on. The other side of the story, the humanitarian side, you know, war is a very blunt instrument. Even with the precise weaponry that the U.S. has been using, they have acknowledged from the start that in order to achieve their goal of hitting these militant groups in Falluja, and other cities, they need to get the civilian population out of the way.

Now, that happened voluntarily. Other people have left under the pressure of the war all around them. Thousands of people of Falluja, the City of Mosques, as it is known, which is now in ruins, have left the city. Some of them are living in tents and camps nearby the city. Others have literally been taken in trucks, by the Americans, when they walked out into the streets, taken to nearby towns, given some water and food, and told stay there until it is safe to come back.

Some of them are trying to come back. The Americans actually, very interestingly, showing you how awkward and strange this whole situation is, are bringing some Fallujans back to help them pick up the bodies in the streets. So some of the first people coming back have that job to do.

COSTELLO: Oh, that is just unbelievable. Jane Arraf reported a few days ago, they are trying to get power restored in the next few days. Is that possible? And also, is humanitarian aid getting into the city now?

CLINCH: Well, it is complicated answers to both of those questions. The power was, in some areas, deliberately turned off in order to isolate some parts of the city. In other areas it is being restored. There is always, of course, the question of when this is over. We still see some pockets of resistance in Falluja. So, until it is entirely safe, I think, you won't see the power on completely.

And, of course, the question of aid, a lot of that aid is going to the Fallujans who are still out in the camps. But people that are coming back are being offered food when they turn up in Falluja, by the U.S. military there. So, a very sort of -- baby steps situation at the moment. The people that come back are being looked after in as much as possible. But it is still not considered safe for people to come back.

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

We want to stay live in London, for just a bit, to show you again, what it is looking like. You see the honor guard assembling here, in London. Jacques Chirac, I believe has arrived. And you can see him there talking to Tony Blair. I think Tony Blair has his back turned to your right now.

That is not Chirac. I apologize for that.

The two leaders are meeting to discuss, of course, relations between the two countries and some economic issues of interest to both. They are also going to talk about the United States and of course the war in Iraq.

Jacques Chirac made some controversial statements a short time ago, a couple days ago, I would say. Saying that the war in Iraq has made the world a more dangerous place and he is going to discuss that today with Tony Blair.

When we get more, of course, we'll return to Britain. But for now, we're going to throw (sic) to a break. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Part of the Clinton library opening festivities is a tribute to the world's most famous saxophone player. Stephanie Bryant of CNN affiliate KTHV, hits all the high notes in Hot Springs.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEPHANIE BRYANT, REPORTER, KTHV (voice over): With precision and intensity, these students try not to miss a beat.

JOHN JORDAN, BAND DIRECTOR: Let's try that whole section one more time.

BRYANT: The jazz section readies for one of their biggest performances ever, President Clinton's former high school band, Hot Springs High, is one of the opening acts for the presidential library's opening.

JORDAN: They are very proud, very proud to be doing this. Great honor.

BRYANT: And President Bill Clinton won't be the only saxophone player in the crowd.

MICHELLE HAMPTON, SAXOPHONE PLAYTER: I'm really excited, nervous, all at once.

BRYANT (on camera): After an audition, Hot Springs High won. Making it the third time the band has performed for Bill Clinton.

CHRISTY WILSON, BARITONE PLAYER: I'm honored. I think that it was really cool that they choose us to do this, because I get to say I'm proud of Hot Springs. And we're proud that President Clinton went here. And it is just makes me feel really special and it is a big honor.

BRYANT (voice over): Their performance will include some R&B favorites like Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" and the Queen of Soul's "R-E-S- P-E-C-T".

JORDAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) legends of soul. He's got Aretha Franklin, "Respect" in there, of course, which is one of Bill Clinton's favorites. You know, he carried that throughout his term.

BRYANT: And they hoping to make H-I-S-T-O-R-Y as the band who has performed more times for President Clinton than any other.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: That report by Stephanie Bryant of our Hot Springs affiliate KTHV. The Clinton library dedication is set to begin at noon Eastern. And, of course, CNN will bring that to you live.

Hillary Rodham Clinton did her first live prime-time interview since the November 2 election. And she just happened to talk with CNN's own Larry King. We're going "Beyond The Soundbite" this morning with what she had to say about her husband's presidential library.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, (D) NEW YORK: I am so proud, Larry. And you know, my husband has worked on this now for, oh, about six years. And he's been involved in every aspect of the design, and planning, and is exceeded my highest expectations.

LARRY KING, CNN ANCHOR, LARRY KING LIVE: It is beautiful. Hands on, right?

CLINTON: Thank you. Very hands on, you know, what is so important about it is that number one it is a beautiful building, as you saw. And it is a metaphor. It is the bridge to the 21st century, which of course was his, you know, great slogan when he was running. And it also is open and airy and light. It kind of conveys the sense of openness in our government.

And then inside, someone said today, it was the first museum of the 21 century. It is so technologically advanced. Literally, you can go -- as you saw today -- and ...

KING: You can push a button and get everything.

CLINTON: Get everything. I mean, if you want to know what happened on, you know, June 1, 1997, you punch the button. If you want to know if Larry King is somewhere in the library, you...

KING: I'm there. I'm in the library...

CLINTON: You are in, I know.

KING: Yeah, interviews, basic schedules...

CLINTON: Yep. They are all there.

And so, it tells the story. The full comprehensive history of the Clinton administration; and it is both moving and exciting and informative. And I just could not be happier.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You can watch today's dedication ceremony right here on CNN, as I told you just a seconds ago.

Your news, money, weather and sports now, it is 5:42 Eastern. Here's what is all new this morning.

A deadly car bombing this morning near a U.S. military convoy in Baghdad. Iraqi police say two civilians were killed.

Condoleezza Rice will have surgery at a Washington hospital tomorrow. Doctors intend to block arteries supplying blood to a uterine fibroid tumor. A spokeswoman says it is not life threatening and the procedure won't even require anesthesia.

In money news, Kmart plans to team up with Sears in an $11- billion merger. If shareholders and regulators approve, Kmart and Sears will be the same company in four months.

In culture, "The Muppets" are back. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the gang are stars of their own web site. It is the first of a series of new ventures since the Walt Disney Company bought "The Muppets" back in April.

In the world of sports, not guilty, says Cleveland Browns Guard Paul Zukauskas. He was arrested and charged with DUI after refusing to take a breath test. He has a court date tomorrow.

To the forecast center now, and Chad.

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COSTELLO: This is the latest headlines for you this morning. In London today, a high-profile summit as British Prime Minister Tony Blair hosts French President Jacques Chirac. His visit commemorates 100 years of peace between Britain and France. Our European Political Editor Robin Oakley live in London with us for today's agenda.

Jacques Chirac has arrived, right, Robin?

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: Well, they are expecting his arrival any moment. There is a guard of honor drawn up at the British Foreign Office. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's husband, waiting there with Tony Blair, prime minister, to welcome Jacques Chirac.

I think he's a little bit late, as presidents sometimes tend to be, to emphasize their importance. But a big program ahead for Jacques Chirac; meetings with Tony Blair; he'll be hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle, tonight; a press conference in the middle of the day; and address to diplomatists and defense experts later on.

And of course, underlying this visit, really is that the fact that the relationship between Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac is overshadowed all the time by the relationship that each of them has with President George Bush. Jacques Chirac wants to turn the European Union into some kind of counterweight to the almighty power of the United States. Tony Blair, as George Bush's closest ally in the Iraq war, wants to see much greater cooperation between the United States and European countries.

So, a basic difference in approach there. But what we'll see is the two of them extenuating the positive on this visit, talking about the things they have in common, Jacques Chirac and Tony Blair.

They both want progress on the Middle East peace process. They want to do what they can to help Africa. They want to talk about climate change and what can be done there, Carol.

COSTELLO: Well, Robin, you know, let's talk a little about the comments that Jacques Chirac made on the BBC. He said that, I am not at all sure that one can say the world is safer. There is no doubt that there has been an increase in terrorism, since the invasion of Iraq, he is referring to.

That is going to have repercussions back here in the States, too, isn't it?

OAKLEY: Well, that is the kind of thing that Jacques Chirac has, to be fair, as been saying for some time, Carol. There is no change there. And British officials are saying, look, the two men, Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac, do differ on Iraq, they both held their opinions, but that doesn't mean that they can't talk about other issues where they do agree.

Certainly, there is this basic tension about relations with the United States. Jacques Chirac has been saying in interviews that Tony Blair hasn't gotten any favors from the United States. That the United States isn't a country which returns favors, even to those like Tony Blair, who have been particularly loyal on the issue of Iraq.

And as Jacques Chirac has suggested Tony Blair should have gotten much more progress out of President George Bush on the Middle East peace process, for example.

So, yes, there is going to be that difference and they are not going to be able to close those gaps. The situation seems to be that Tony Blair wants to draw a line under the Iraq war and improve relations between the U.S. and the E.U. Jacques Chirac doesn't really mind if the wounds stay open for a little while, or so it seems from his comments, Carol.

COSTELLO: So it seems. Robin Oakley, reporting live from London this morning. Thank you.

We're going to take a short break. You are watching DAYBREAK.

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COSTELLO: Oh, I just want to listen to the music this morning.

"Health Headlines" for you this morning: Add one more thing to what an ultrasound can do. Researchers say high frequency sound waves might help doctors get rid of blood clots in the brain. They say it breaks up the clots faster, more efficiently and with less bleeding.

Look out Little Miss Muffet, you are getting a bad rap. Scientists say traditional nursery rhymes contain 10 times more violence than a lot of shows on British television. The study compared the rhymes to programs that air in the early evening. The time when children are most likely to watch television.

And scientists say too much belly fat can bring you down. They found that middle aged people with a portly potbelly have a greater chance of becoming disabled later on in life. They say the problem is not just being obese but where the fat is located.

Some people look for the fountain of youth in the plastic surgeons office, but others are turning to diet. CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen introduces to a man who hopes to stay younger and live longer because of the way he eats.

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KENTON MULLINS, CALORIE RESTRICTION SOCIETY: I'd like a papaya salad.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Kenton Mullins is five foot, eight, but weighs only 120 pounds.

MULLINS: Yeah, that sounds good.

COHEN: That is because he eats only 1,800 calories a day.

MULLINS: Oh, it looks great.

COHEN: Down from 4,000 a day, a few years go. He's hoping it will help him live to 90, 100 or even longer.

MULLINS: It was a very deliberate decision that I made to begin calorie restriction. It is backed by very reputable, extensive research.

COHEN: Like the research with these monkeys. Skinny monkeys like the one on the right, live longer, healthier lives.

DR. SUSAN ROBERTS, TUFTS UNIVERSITY: They've actually aged biologically slower. Their fur has gone gray less quickly.

COHEN: Skinny mice live longer, too. On regular diets mice in one study lived 36 months. When they ate 25 percent fewer calories, they lived 42 months. On 65 percent few calories they lived 55 months.

One theory why is that on fewer calories cells throughout the body appear to die more slowly and repair themselves more easily.

MULLINS: This whole piece of lettuce may have, like, four or five calories, you know?

COHEN: Mullins counts his calories religiously. For dinner this night, he had his papaya salad, steamed vegetables and he ate only about a third of his fish, low in calories but high in nutrients.

MULLINS: It is not like I'm living a life of torture.

COHEN: But how many people could have that kind of will power, could lose and keep off 45 pounds like Mullins did?

RICHARD MILLER, AMERICAN FED. AGING RESEARCH: For every 100 people that are able to lose some weight, 95 or 98 of them just gain the weight back.

COHEN: That is why some researchers, like Richard Miller, want to come up with a pill that tricks you body into thinking it is on a very low calorie diet, even when it is not, giving all of the benefits without any of the sacrifice -- Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story head to our web site, CNN.com/health.

Here's what is all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK. Concerns about the arthritis drug Vioxx take center stage at the nation's capitol. CNN Contributor Ali Velshi joins us in the next hour with what went wrong.

And he's a political super-star and today the Clinton dynasty shines in the spotlight. We'll talk to the director of the grand opening activities and the star-studded salute to the former president.

Also, today's history question, are you ready? In 1928, the first successful sound-synchronized cartoon debuted in New York. What was the name of that cartoon?

From New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Thursday.

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COSTELLO: All right, our history trivia question of the day: In 1928, the first successful sound-synchronized cartoon debuted in New York. What was the name of that cartoon?

Are you read for the answer? Here it is, "Steamboat Willie", Mickey Mouse, as he looked in when he was born. He looks quite different now.

So that is your history question of the day and kudos to all of you who actually remembered that.

Let's take another live look at the Foreign Office in London. As you can see the honor guard, Jacques Chirac has arrived. Of course, he's the French president. He's walking along with Prince Philip. Tony Blair is in the crowd somewhere in there. Although you probably can't see him in the picture.

I'm trying to see -- yes, you can see Jacques Chirac along with Prince Philip.

Jacques Chirac will be meeting Tony Blair later this morning. And of course, Mr. Blair admitting, "There is an open disagreement between us, and we should be honest enough to acknowledge that."

And of course, they are referring to the war in Iraq and Britain's policy there. We'll have much more on this in the hours to come on CNN.

Let's get to our e-mail question right now, Chad.

And we're asking if you like the architecture of the presidential library. Some people say it looks like mobile home.

MYERS: Right. I have one from Paul in Charlottesville, Virginia. "Perhaps it is fitting that the library rooted in the world of the common man."

COSTELLO: I like that. I do.

This is Carol in Crossville, Tennessee. She says, "The library is appropriate. It shows no class or style, like the person it represents."

I don't think she likes Bill Clinton much.

MYERS: Yes, I had that one, too. So I won't read that again.

"If the Clinton Library was located in New York City it would be heralded as an innovated work of architecture, but because it is in Little Rock it is compared to a double-wide."

COSTELLO: I think that is fair criticism, Linda.

This is from Fred, he says, "Yes, it looks like a double-wide trailer on blocks. I love it. All it needs now is a wax figure of Monica Lewinsky on a couch in the front yard."

Some one with a sense of humor this morning. And one more, Chad.

(CROSS TALK)

COSTELLO: Oh, did you not have anymore?

OK, we're going to have more later.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: The next hour of DAYBREAK starts right now.

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