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CNN Live At Daybreak
President Bush's Trip to Canada; New Call for U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to Step Down
Aired December 01, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: This morning, a new call for U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to step down in the wake of the Iraq oil for food scandal.
In Baghdad, ballerinas in a battle zone. A way of life changing, perhaps forever.
And middle aged and being HIV positive. Three red ribbon stories for you on this World AIDS Day.
It's Wednesday, the 1st of December, and you're watching DAYBREAK.
Good morning, everybody.
Thanks for waking up with us today.
I'm Heidi Collins in for Carol Costello.
And there is a lot going on this morning. We want to check the headlines now in the news.
President Bush starts the second day of his fence mending mission in Canada with a trip to Halifax later this morning. He's going there to thank the Canadians who welcomed stranded airline passengers into their homes in the hours and days following 9/11.
PFC Lynndie England due in a military courtroom at Fort Bragg, North Carolina today for pre-court martial motions. England faces several charges in connection with the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners.
Pennsylvania Turnpike workers are back on the job. The striking workers and the state's turnpike commission reached a tentative agreement last night to end the strike that went through the Thanksgiving holiday.
It is World AIDS Day. The focus this year primarily on women and girls as new warnings come up. Health officials are now stressing more and more females are being infected.
Meanwhile, Rob Marciano joins me this morning to tell us all about the weather -- Rob, good morning.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Heidi.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: President Bush wakes up this morning in Ottawa, Canada's capital. This is the last day of a two day visit there. He's headed to Halifax later this morning and our John King reports on the president's trip, which did not begin with an especially warm welcome.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The demonstrators numbered in the thousands, voicing opposition to the president and to U.S. foreign policy they complained puts war ahead of diplomacy. Mr. Bush passed within a few feet at one point and was defiant when asked about his many critics.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We just had a poll in our country where people decided that the foreign policy of the Bush administration ought to be -- stay in place for four more years.
KING: This two-day visit is designed to put U.S.-Canada relations on a better track after disputes over Iraq and trade issues, so Mr. Bush humorously noted, he also passed some supporters.
BUSH: I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave with all five fingers, for...
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Mr. Bush briefed Prime Minister Paul Martin on a morning conversation with Poland's president, who is launching a new effort to end the stalemate over Ukraine's disputed election. The Bush administration will not recognize the declared winner because of what it calls widespread fraud. But the president also hopes to avoid a major rift with Moscow, so Mr. Bush was careful when asked about Russian President Putin's call for Western governments to butt out. BUSH: It's very important that violence not break out there. And it's important that the will of the people be heard.
KING: Prime Minister Martin was more direct.
PAUL MARTIN, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: Elections within Ukraine have got to be free from outside influence, and that includes Russia.
KING: The president also made clear he is not satisfied with Iran's promise to suspend its nuclear program.
BUSH: Our position is is that they ought to terminate their nuclear weapon program. And so we've obviously got more work to do.
KING: Mr. Bush also answered critics back home who say he has not leaned hard enough on fellow Republicans blocking passage of the major intelligence reforms recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
BUSH: Well, I, I want a bill. Let's see if I can say it as plainly as I can, I am for the intelligence bill. KING: The president promised to lobby GOP leaders directly when back in Washington later this week.
(on camera): The demonstrations here were another reminder of the difficult challenge facing Mr. Bush. He heads into his second term looking to mend relationships bruised by the Iraq debate. But opposition to the war and opposition to the president himself still runs very deep in many places, including, here, so close to home.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: President Bush is looking for a new anti-terror chief. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is stepping down. After receiving his resignation, the president praised Ridge for his efforts to keep America safe. In a written statement, the president said this: "His efforts have resulted in safer skies, increased border and port security and enhanced measures to safeguard our critical infrastructure and the American public. In the fight against terrorism he has played a vital role in protecting the American people from a real and ongoing threat. Tom has served America for decades, including as a decorated Army soldier, as a United States congressman and as governor of Pennsylvania. He is a long time friend and I thank him for his leadership and dedicated service to our country. America is safer and our government is better able to protect our people because of his hard work. I wish him and Michelle all the best."
As the first secretary of homeland security, Ridge will be remembered for the color-coded security alerts and for tying 22 separate government agencies all into one.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: I think we've accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. As I said to the president, there will always be more work for us to do in homeland security. But if you take a look at many of the innovations, the improvements to security, the enhancements to safety at ports of entry, the partnerships that we've developed with the state and locals and the private sector, just all in all I think it's a reflection of the commitment and the dedication and the energy and the professionalism, really, the combined power of about 180,000 people strong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Among those mentioned as possibly being in line to replace Ridge now, Frances Townsend, the current White House homeland security adviser, EPA administrator and former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, former Virginia governor James Gilmore and Asa Hutchinson, currently an undersecretary at the Homeland Security Department, currently the frontrunner, as well, in that.
President Bush promises to lobby members of Congress to get the national intelligence reform bill passed. Vice President Dick Cheney huddled with former members of the September 11 Commission yesterday. They discussed ways to break an impasse over military intelligence and immigration issues. Leaders of the Commission are urging Congress to act now, not later.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS KEAN, FORMER CHAIR, 9/11 COMMISSION:. The choice is between this bill and the status quo. The basic structure of the intelligence community hasn't changed since 9/11. The status quo failed us. The status quo does not provide our leaders with the information they require to keep the American people safe. Reform is an urgent matter and reform simply must not wait until after the next attack.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The 9/11 Commission issued its reform recommendations last summer, as you know. The centerpiece was the creation of the position of national intelligence director.
The U.S. and the United Nations have had a chilly relationship for quite some time and now things are heating up. A U.S. senator who heads an investigation of the Iraq Oil For Food Program is calling on U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to resign.
CNN senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth explains.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
RICHARD ROTH, CNN SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's almost three years to the day that Kofi Annan and the United Nations won the Nobel Peace Prize. But the secretary general must now be wondering why has everyone declared war on them?
Several American critics, no U.N.-lovers to begin with, have called for Kofi Annan to resign. The main reason -- the corruption- ridden Oil For Food Program the U.N. ran with Iraq. Many investigations have yet to be completed. But some members of the U.S. Congress feel Annan should be held responsible and are threatening to cut U.N. funding.
REP. JEFF FLAKE (R), ARIZONA: I don't know how you can have this level of mismanagement at the U.N., this big of a scandal, and not say to the man at the top that you had nothing to do with it.
ROTH: Of all things, Kofi Annan has been let down by his own son, Kojo. It turns out he was on the payroll of a Swiss company being examined in the Oil For Food saga for years longer than even Kofi Annan knew.
KOFI ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL, UNITED NATIONS: Naturally, I was very disappointed and surprised, yes.
ROTH: Annan understands there is a perception of a conflict of interest, but says his son is his own man.
FRED ECKHARD, U.N. SPOKESMAN: You can't blame the father for the sins of the son if there are sins of the son. ROTH: But that's not the only problem for the U.N. chief. U.N. staff announced support for Annan, yet blasted unnamed senior U.N. management for personnel decisions.
Relations with the Bush administration chilled after Annan called the Iraq war illegal and warned against military offensives in Falluja.
(on camera): Kofi Annan spokesmen said don't be ridiculous when asked about resignation talk. No country here has asked for it. Annan has two years left on his second term.
But the results of investigations by separate U.N. and U.S. groups may determine Annan's legacy.
Richard Roth, CNN, the United Nations.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: And that brings us to our DAYBREAK E-Mail Question of the Day. Now, should Kofi Annan resign? Let us know what you think at daybreak@cnn.com.
News across America now this morning.
A former teacher in Tampa, Florida expected to enter an insanity defense when she goes on trial for allegedly having sex with a student when he was 14. The attorney for 24-year-old Debra Lafave says two doctors have evaluated her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN FITZGIBBONS, DEBRA LAFAVE'S ATTORNEY: Debbie has some profound emotional issues that are not her fault. I think once anyone reads what the doctors have to say, they will understand a lot more about what happened here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The former teacher is set to go on trial in April.
Finally, a new governor in Washington State. Republican Dino Rossi was declared the winner Tuesday based on a machine recount of ballots from the early November general election. His victory margin is a razor thin 42 votes. The Democrats have until Friday to request a recount by hand.
Texas Governor Rick Perry considering today if he'll prevent the execution tonight of convicted murderer Frances Newton. The state's board of pardons and paroles voted 5-1 Tuesday in favor of a four month reprieve. Newton denies killing her husband and two children more than 17 years ago.
Now to California, where there was some very emotional testimony in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial. Jurors are deciding if Peterson will be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.
CNN's Ted Rowlands bring us up to date.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
TED ROWLANDS (voice-over): A number of jurors broke down as Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, testified that the first Mother's Day after the murders, she lay on the floor and cried most of the day. In court, Rocha cried out in a loud voice, saying, "She was taken from me. Divorce is always an option, not murder."
Sharon Rocha was one of four family members to testify. Laci Peterson's stepfather, Ron Grantski, said, "Part of our hearts are gone. Nothing will ever be the same."
Her half-sister, Amy Rocha, broke down and sobbed, saying, "I still can't imagine the rest of my life going on without her."
Brent Rocha said of his sister, "I've never heard her more excited than the day she called me to tell me she was pregnant. She was going to be a great mother."
In his opening statement, prosecutor Dave Harris told jurors they would learn what it was like for the family to wonder what happened to Laci, with husband Scott, the person who killed her, in their midst. Harris told jurors, "The only appropriate and just penalty is death."
Peterson had no visual reaction during the testimony. His lawyer, Mark Geragos, told the court he'll make his opening statement when the defense case begins.
JIM HAMMER, LEGAL ANALYST: That's why I think Mark Geragos was smart to reserve his opening. And I think the challenge for him is he's got to make a connection with this jury. He doesn't -- this jury, in less than six hours, rejected every argument he made.
ROWLANDS (on camera): The defense is scheduled to begin their case when court resumes. It's unclear whether Mark Geragos or Attorney Pat Harris will handle the arguments when their case begins.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Redwood City, California.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: And we're going to be talking more this morning about the penalty phase of the Peterson trial. It's coming up next hour with legal analyst Kendall Coffey.
Here are a few things that we'll be talking about today on DAYBREAK, other things, that is.
It is the symbol you know and the faces you'd never expect. Three very different people living with HIV. They're going to tell us their stories.
We'll also show you music in motion as a country struggles to recover from war. You'll hear about some of the impact all the fighting has had on these little girls.
And this woman beat Ken Jennings in "Jeopardy." Who is she? We'll tell you when DAYBREAK continues.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
COLLINS: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is now 5:17 and here's what's all new this morning.
A Denver television station reports Dick Ebersol's injuries from Sunday's plane crash include broken ribs and a broken sternum. Investigators are studying the plane's voice recorder now. Ebersol's youngest son, the pilot and a flight attendant were killed. Ebersol's oldest son rescued his father. He was also injured.
Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Haiti today. The State Department says he'll meet with that country's president and reaffirm U.S. support for democracy in Haiti. Powell also plans to help commemorate World AIDS Day.
In money, Wal-Mart shoppers can expect better bargains for the holiday shopping season. Wal-Mart signaled it will cut prices through Christmas. It held back after Thanksgiving, and as a result, Wal-Mart reported disappointing sales on black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
In culture, you can own a bit of history. Furniture, art work and knick knacks from the home of President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis will be auctioned off. Sotheby's announced it will hold the auction in mid-February.
And in sports, Notre Dame fires football coach Tyrone Willingham after the Irish go 21 and 15 in three years. Notre Dame is set to play in the inside poll. But players are considering actually skipping it. Huh.
MARCIANO: Players are...
COLLINS: One other thing. I wonder how Lou Holtz feels about all that, huh, Rob?
MARCIANO: Yes, that's -- he can -- well, you know what? He's available.
COLLINS: Yes, I know.
MARCIANO: You know what? He's available.
COLLINS: A good Minnesota man.
MARCIANO: We'll see if he heads back to old South Bend.
COLLINS: Yes, we'll see.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, the winning streak has stopped. We'll hear the question that stumped the million dollar "Jeopardy" man and hear from some sore losers.
And our E-Mail Question of the Day. In light of allegations of corruption surrounding his son, should U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan resign? We will have that here for you. The address, daybreak@cnn.com.
You're watching DAYBREAK for Wednesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: For months, we've watched the dollar signs add up and a software developer from Utah quickly became the greatest quiz show titan in television history. Then last night, a new winner emerged. Can you believe this, Rob?
California realtor Nancy Zerg beat Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy."
MARCIANO: I heard it this morning. I can't believe it.
COLLINS: I know. You...
MARCIANO: I thought he was going to go on forever.
COLLINS: Right. Me, too.
You want to hear the question? This is one that he...
MARCIANO: Was it difficult?
COLLINS: I don't know. You tell me what you think. Here's what it was. Most of this firm's 70,000 seasonal white collar employees work only four months a year. OK, so think about that.
MARCIANO: All right.
COLLINS: Meanwhile, here's what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "JEOPARDY," COURTESY
ALEX TREBEK, HOST: Correct. Let's take a look.
NANCY ZERG: I hope so, too.
TREBEK: What is H&R Block? You're right. Your wager, $4,401, taking you up to $14,401. You have a $1 lead over Ken Jennings right now.
And his final response was FedEx. His wager was $5,601. He winds up in second place with $8,799.
And Nancy Zerg, congratulations. You are, indeed, a giant killer. Our new "Jeopardy" champion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARCIANO: He laid down.
COLLINS: It's almost like...
MARCIANO: He laid down. Are you kidding, me, FedEx? They work 366 days a year.
COLLINS: This is true. How does...
MARCIANO: Somebody paid him off. Something's going on. Heidi, I want you to do a full investigation. There's no way he could have missed that.
COLLINS: We're going behind-the-scenes.
No, did you see how surprised she looked, though?
MARCIANO: Yes.
COLLINS: She couldn't even believe it. In fact, there was probably a collective gasp, too...
MARCIANO: Oh, I think I heard that, yes.
COLLINS: ... in his hometown. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear it, all across the country, in fact.
Jeff Hager now from our Arlington, Virginia affiliate WMAR has more on a very well kept secret.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he just say he quit his job?
JEFF HAGER, WMAR CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They've all come together like a group of lost souls to exorcise their demons.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The third Daily Double, like that $5,000, and I couldn't remember Isaac Walton's last name.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I read the "World Almanac" and I got through the Rs in "Encyclopedia Britannica" before I had to get on the plane.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I remember the whole way home on the plane I'm like Isaac Walton, Isaac Walton, Isaac Walton.
HAGER: They had all traveled to Los Angeles, all seeking their fame and fortune on the game show "Jeopardy." And the same man sent all of them home. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I really want to play somebody other than Ken Jennings.
HAGER: Ken Jennings, the mild mannered software engineer from Salt Lake, whose 74 consecutive victories and more than $2.5 million in winnings cost his opponents, like these, so much more.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you go on national television to show, to kind of showcase your intellect, you have to be prepared to lose. And I guess I was, but I'm still kind of upset about it.
HAGER: Upset enough to produce t-shirts with her KJL Ken Jennings loser number. And now, acting upon more than a hunch that Jennings' time is up, they've gathered for some retribution.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm missing my daughter's high school volleyball banquet, but I couldn't miss this.
HAGER (on camera): Episodes of "Jeopardy" are taped months in advance, but their outcome is a well kept secret. So how, then, did all of these people know to show up for this episode? Well, we're told members of the audience had the news on the Internet within seconds after it happened.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Void.
HAGER (voice-over): And as the fateful game played out...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Minnesota.
HAGER: They played on.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ashcroft.
HAGER: Reliving their moment in the spotlight. They watched their nemesis fall.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Seeing it really happen, knowing there's going to be someone else on tomorrow, I'm ecstatic. Go Nancy! I hope your a five time champ and I hope you're a 10 time champion.
HAGER: As long as it's not 74.
Jeff Hager, ABC-2 News, in Arlington, Virginia.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: It seems like they weren't very supportive of him, you know, right?
MARCIANO: Well, you know, fame is fleeting. They probably...
COLLINS: Hey, you know what? Here's the best part of the whole deal.
MARCIANO: What's that? COLLINS: On "ANDERSON COOPER 360" tonight, who was the celebrity power players' winner on "Jeopardy" when he went on with a couple of other...
MARCIANO: Yes, I think we've heard that three or four times.
COLLINS: Yes, yes, just a couple of times. Well, he's going to challenge them tonight. He's got Ken Jennings. They're going to do a little challenge tonight at 7:00. So that will be fun to watch, don't you think?
MARCIANO: OK. We'll tune in for that.
COLLINS: We will.
All right, well, here's what's all new in the next half hour now.
It was once the city's premier school for dance. But now with the insurgency, bewildered ballerinas find themselves in a dangerous neighborhood.
This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired December 1, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: This morning, a new call for U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to step down in the wake of the Iraq oil for food scandal.
In Baghdad, ballerinas in a battle zone. A way of life changing, perhaps forever.
And middle aged and being HIV positive. Three red ribbon stories for you on this World AIDS Day.
It's Wednesday, the 1st of December, and you're watching DAYBREAK.
Good morning, everybody.
Thanks for waking up with us today.
I'm Heidi Collins in for Carol Costello.
And there is a lot going on this morning. We want to check the headlines now in the news.
President Bush starts the second day of his fence mending mission in Canada with a trip to Halifax later this morning. He's going there to thank the Canadians who welcomed stranded airline passengers into their homes in the hours and days following 9/11.
PFC Lynndie England due in a military courtroom at Fort Bragg, North Carolina today for pre-court martial motions. England faces several charges in connection with the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners.
Pennsylvania Turnpike workers are back on the job. The striking workers and the state's turnpike commission reached a tentative agreement last night to end the strike that went through the Thanksgiving holiday.
It is World AIDS Day. The focus this year primarily on women and girls as new warnings come up. Health officials are now stressing more and more females are being infected.
Meanwhile, Rob Marciano joins me this morning to tell us all about the weather -- Rob, good morning.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Heidi.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: President Bush wakes up this morning in Ottawa, Canada's capital. This is the last day of a two day visit there. He's headed to Halifax later this morning and our John King reports on the president's trip, which did not begin with an especially warm welcome.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The demonstrators numbered in the thousands, voicing opposition to the president and to U.S. foreign policy they complained puts war ahead of diplomacy. Mr. Bush passed within a few feet at one point and was defiant when asked about his many critics.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We just had a poll in our country where people decided that the foreign policy of the Bush administration ought to be -- stay in place for four more years.
KING: This two-day visit is designed to put U.S.-Canada relations on a better track after disputes over Iraq and trade issues, so Mr. Bush humorously noted, he also passed some supporters.
BUSH: I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave with all five fingers, for...
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Mr. Bush briefed Prime Minister Paul Martin on a morning conversation with Poland's president, who is launching a new effort to end the stalemate over Ukraine's disputed election. The Bush administration will not recognize the declared winner because of what it calls widespread fraud. But the president also hopes to avoid a major rift with Moscow, so Mr. Bush was careful when asked about Russian President Putin's call for Western governments to butt out. BUSH: It's very important that violence not break out there. And it's important that the will of the people be heard.
KING: Prime Minister Martin was more direct.
PAUL MARTIN, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: Elections within Ukraine have got to be free from outside influence, and that includes Russia.
KING: The president also made clear he is not satisfied with Iran's promise to suspend its nuclear program.
BUSH: Our position is is that they ought to terminate their nuclear weapon program. And so we've obviously got more work to do.
KING: Mr. Bush also answered critics back home who say he has not leaned hard enough on fellow Republicans blocking passage of the major intelligence reforms recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
BUSH: Well, I, I want a bill. Let's see if I can say it as plainly as I can, I am for the intelligence bill. KING: The president promised to lobby GOP leaders directly when back in Washington later this week.
(on camera): The demonstrations here were another reminder of the difficult challenge facing Mr. Bush. He heads into his second term looking to mend relationships bruised by the Iraq debate. But opposition to the war and opposition to the president himself still runs very deep in many places, including, here, so close to home.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: President Bush is looking for a new anti-terror chief. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is stepping down. After receiving his resignation, the president praised Ridge for his efforts to keep America safe. In a written statement, the president said this: "His efforts have resulted in safer skies, increased border and port security and enhanced measures to safeguard our critical infrastructure and the American public. In the fight against terrorism he has played a vital role in protecting the American people from a real and ongoing threat. Tom has served America for decades, including as a decorated Army soldier, as a United States congressman and as governor of Pennsylvania. He is a long time friend and I thank him for his leadership and dedicated service to our country. America is safer and our government is better able to protect our people because of his hard work. I wish him and Michelle all the best."
As the first secretary of homeland security, Ridge will be remembered for the color-coded security alerts and for tying 22 separate government agencies all into one.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: I think we've accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. As I said to the president, there will always be more work for us to do in homeland security. But if you take a look at many of the innovations, the improvements to security, the enhancements to safety at ports of entry, the partnerships that we've developed with the state and locals and the private sector, just all in all I think it's a reflection of the commitment and the dedication and the energy and the professionalism, really, the combined power of about 180,000 people strong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Among those mentioned as possibly being in line to replace Ridge now, Frances Townsend, the current White House homeland security adviser, EPA administrator and former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, former Virginia governor James Gilmore and Asa Hutchinson, currently an undersecretary at the Homeland Security Department, currently the frontrunner, as well, in that.
President Bush promises to lobby members of Congress to get the national intelligence reform bill passed. Vice President Dick Cheney huddled with former members of the September 11 Commission yesterday. They discussed ways to break an impasse over military intelligence and immigration issues. Leaders of the Commission are urging Congress to act now, not later.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS KEAN, FORMER CHAIR, 9/11 COMMISSION:. The choice is between this bill and the status quo. The basic structure of the intelligence community hasn't changed since 9/11. The status quo failed us. The status quo does not provide our leaders with the information they require to keep the American people safe. Reform is an urgent matter and reform simply must not wait until after the next attack.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The 9/11 Commission issued its reform recommendations last summer, as you know. The centerpiece was the creation of the position of national intelligence director.
The U.S. and the United Nations have had a chilly relationship for quite some time and now things are heating up. A U.S. senator who heads an investigation of the Iraq Oil For Food Program is calling on U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to resign.
CNN senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth explains.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
RICHARD ROTH, CNN SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's almost three years to the day that Kofi Annan and the United Nations won the Nobel Peace Prize. But the secretary general must now be wondering why has everyone declared war on them?
Several American critics, no U.N.-lovers to begin with, have called for Kofi Annan to resign. The main reason -- the corruption- ridden Oil For Food Program the U.N. ran with Iraq. Many investigations have yet to be completed. But some members of the U.S. Congress feel Annan should be held responsible and are threatening to cut U.N. funding.
REP. JEFF FLAKE (R), ARIZONA: I don't know how you can have this level of mismanagement at the U.N., this big of a scandal, and not say to the man at the top that you had nothing to do with it.
ROTH: Of all things, Kofi Annan has been let down by his own son, Kojo. It turns out he was on the payroll of a Swiss company being examined in the Oil For Food saga for years longer than even Kofi Annan knew.
KOFI ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL, UNITED NATIONS: Naturally, I was very disappointed and surprised, yes.
ROTH: Annan understands there is a perception of a conflict of interest, but says his son is his own man.
FRED ECKHARD, U.N. SPOKESMAN: You can't blame the father for the sins of the son if there are sins of the son. ROTH: But that's not the only problem for the U.N. chief. U.N. staff announced support for Annan, yet blasted unnamed senior U.N. management for personnel decisions.
Relations with the Bush administration chilled after Annan called the Iraq war illegal and warned against military offensives in Falluja.
(on camera): Kofi Annan spokesmen said don't be ridiculous when asked about resignation talk. No country here has asked for it. Annan has two years left on his second term.
But the results of investigations by separate U.N. and U.S. groups may determine Annan's legacy.
Richard Roth, CNN, the United Nations.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: And that brings us to our DAYBREAK E-Mail Question of the Day. Now, should Kofi Annan resign? Let us know what you think at daybreak@cnn.com.
News across America now this morning.
A former teacher in Tampa, Florida expected to enter an insanity defense when she goes on trial for allegedly having sex with a student when he was 14. The attorney for 24-year-old Debra Lafave says two doctors have evaluated her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN FITZGIBBONS, DEBRA LAFAVE'S ATTORNEY: Debbie has some profound emotional issues that are not her fault. I think once anyone reads what the doctors have to say, they will understand a lot more about what happened here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: The former teacher is set to go on trial in April.
Finally, a new governor in Washington State. Republican Dino Rossi was declared the winner Tuesday based on a machine recount of ballots from the early November general election. His victory margin is a razor thin 42 votes. The Democrats have until Friday to request a recount by hand.
Texas Governor Rick Perry considering today if he'll prevent the execution tonight of convicted murderer Frances Newton. The state's board of pardons and paroles voted 5-1 Tuesday in favor of a four month reprieve. Newton denies killing her husband and two children more than 17 years ago.
Now to California, where there was some very emotional testimony in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial. Jurors are deciding if Peterson will be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.
CNN's Ted Rowlands bring us up to date.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
TED ROWLANDS (voice-over): A number of jurors broke down as Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, testified that the first Mother's Day after the murders, she lay on the floor and cried most of the day. In court, Rocha cried out in a loud voice, saying, "She was taken from me. Divorce is always an option, not murder."
Sharon Rocha was one of four family members to testify. Laci Peterson's stepfather, Ron Grantski, said, "Part of our hearts are gone. Nothing will ever be the same."
Her half-sister, Amy Rocha, broke down and sobbed, saying, "I still can't imagine the rest of my life going on without her."
Brent Rocha said of his sister, "I've never heard her more excited than the day she called me to tell me she was pregnant. She was going to be a great mother."
In his opening statement, prosecutor Dave Harris told jurors they would learn what it was like for the family to wonder what happened to Laci, with husband Scott, the person who killed her, in their midst. Harris told jurors, "The only appropriate and just penalty is death."
Peterson had no visual reaction during the testimony. His lawyer, Mark Geragos, told the court he'll make his opening statement when the defense case begins.
JIM HAMMER, LEGAL ANALYST: That's why I think Mark Geragos was smart to reserve his opening. And I think the challenge for him is he's got to make a connection with this jury. He doesn't -- this jury, in less than six hours, rejected every argument he made.
ROWLANDS (on camera): The defense is scheduled to begin their case when court resumes. It's unclear whether Mark Geragos or Attorney Pat Harris will handle the arguments when their case begins.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Redwood City, California.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: And we're going to be talking more this morning about the penalty phase of the Peterson trial. It's coming up next hour with legal analyst Kendall Coffey.
Here are a few things that we'll be talking about today on DAYBREAK, other things, that is.
It is the symbol you know and the faces you'd never expect. Three very different people living with HIV. They're going to tell us their stories.
We'll also show you music in motion as a country struggles to recover from war. You'll hear about some of the impact all the fighting has had on these little girls.
And this woman beat Ken Jennings in "Jeopardy." Who is she? We'll tell you when DAYBREAK continues.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
COLLINS: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is now 5:17 and here's what's all new this morning.
A Denver television station reports Dick Ebersol's injuries from Sunday's plane crash include broken ribs and a broken sternum. Investigators are studying the plane's voice recorder now. Ebersol's youngest son, the pilot and a flight attendant were killed. Ebersol's oldest son rescued his father. He was also injured.
Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Haiti today. The State Department says he'll meet with that country's president and reaffirm U.S. support for democracy in Haiti. Powell also plans to help commemorate World AIDS Day.
In money, Wal-Mart shoppers can expect better bargains for the holiday shopping season. Wal-Mart signaled it will cut prices through Christmas. It held back after Thanksgiving, and as a result, Wal-Mart reported disappointing sales on black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
In culture, you can own a bit of history. Furniture, art work and knick knacks from the home of President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis will be auctioned off. Sotheby's announced it will hold the auction in mid-February.
And in sports, Notre Dame fires football coach Tyrone Willingham after the Irish go 21 and 15 in three years. Notre Dame is set to play in the inside poll. But players are considering actually skipping it. Huh.
MARCIANO: Players are...
COLLINS: One other thing. I wonder how Lou Holtz feels about all that, huh, Rob?
MARCIANO: Yes, that's -- he can -- well, you know what? He's available.
COLLINS: Yes, I know.
MARCIANO: You know what? He's available.
COLLINS: A good Minnesota man.
MARCIANO: We'll see if he heads back to old South Bend.
COLLINS: Yes, we'll see.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, the winning streak has stopped. We'll hear the question that stumped the million dollar "Jeopardy" man and hear from some sore losers.
And our E-Mail Question of the Day. In light of allegations of corruption surrounding his son, should U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan resign? We will have that here for you. The address, daybreak@cnn.com.
You're watching DAYBREAK for Wednesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: For months, we've watched the dollar signs add up and a software developer from Utah quickly became the greatest quiz show titan in television history. Then last night, a new winner emerged. Can you believe this, Rob?
California realtor Nancy Zerg beat Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy."
MARCIANO: I heard it this morning. I can't believe it.
COLLINS: I know. You...
MARCIANO: I thought he was going to go on forever.
COLLINS: Right. Me, too.
You want to hear the question? This is one that he...
MARCIANO: Was it difficult?
COLLINS: I don't know. You tell me what you think. Here's what it was. Most of this firm's 70,000 seasonal white collar employees work only four months a year. OK, so think about that.
MARCIANO: All right.
COLLINS: Meanwhile, here's what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "JEOPARDY," COURTESY
ALEX TREBEK, HOST: Correct. Let's take a look.
NANCY ZERG: I hope so, too.
TREBEK: What is H&R Block? You're right. Your wager, $4,401, taking you up to $14,401. You have a $1 lead over Ken Jennings right now.
And his final response was FedEx. His wager was $5,601. He winds up in second place with $8,799.
And Nancy Zerg, congratulations. You are, indeed, a giant killer. Our new "Jeopardy" champion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARCIANO: He laid down.
COLLINS: It's almost like...
MARCIANO: He laid down. Are you kidding, me, FedEx? They work 366 days a year.
COLLINS: This is true. How does...
MARCIANO: Somebody paid him off. Something's going on. Heidi, I want you to do a full investigation. There's no way he could have missed that.
COLLINS: We're going behind-the-scenes.
No, did you see how surprised she looked, though?
MARCIANO: Yes.
COLLINS: She couldn't even believe it. In fact, there was probably a collective gasp, too...
MARCIANO: Oh, I think I heard that, yes.
COLLINS: ... in his hometown. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear it, all across the country, in fact.
Jeff Hager now from our Arlington, Virginia affiliate WMAR has more on a very well kept secret.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he just say he quit his job?
JEFF HAGER, WMAR CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They've all come together like a group of lost souls to exorcise their demons.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The third Daily Double, like that $5,000, and I couldn't remember Isaac Walton's last name.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I read the "World Almanac" and I got through the Rs in "Encyclopedia Britannica" before I had to get on the plane.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I remember the whole way home on the plane I'm like Isaac Walton, Isaac Walton, Isaac Walton.
HAGER: They had all traveled to Los Angeles, all seeking their fame and fortune on the game show "Jeopardy." And the same man sent all of them home. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I really want to play somebody other than Ken Jennings.
HAGER: Ken Jennings, the mild mannered software engineer from Salt Lake, whose 74 consecutive victories and more than $2.5 million in winnings cost his opponents, like these, so much more.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you go on national television to show, to kind of showcase your intellect, you have to be prepared to lose. And I guess I was, but I'm still kind of upset about it.
HAGER: Upset enough to produce t-shirts with her KJL Ken Jennings loser number. And now, acting upon more than a hunch that Jennings' time is up, they've gathered for some retribution.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm missing my daughter's high school volleyball banquet, but I couldn't miss this.
HAGER (on camera): Episodes of "Jeopardy" are taped months in advance, but their outcome is a well kept secret. So how, then, did all of these people know to show up for this episode? Well, we're told members of the audience had the news on the Internet within seconds after it happened.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Void.
HAGER (voice-over): And as the fateful game played out...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Minnesota.
HAGER: They played on.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ashcroft.
HAGER: Reliving their moment in the spotlight. They watched their nemesis fall.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Seeing it really happen, knowing there's going to be someone else on tomorrow, I'm ecstatic. Go Nancy! I hope your a five time champ and I hope you're a 10 time champion.
HAGER: As long as it's not 74.
Jeff Hager, ABC-2 News, in Arlington, Virginia.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COLLINS: It seems like they weren't very supportive of him, you know, right?
MARCIANO: Well, you know, fame is fleeting. They probably...
COLLINS: Hey, you know what? Here's the best part of the whole deal.
MARCIANO: What's that? COLLINS: On "ANDERSON COOPER 360" tonight, who was the celebrity power players' winner on "Jeopardy" when he went on with a couple of other...
MARCIANO: Yes, I think we've heard that three or four times.
COLLINS: Yes, yes, just a couple of times. Well, he's going to challenge them tonight. He's got Ken Jennings. They're going to do a little challenge tonight at 7:00. So that will be fun to watch, don't you think?
MARCIANO: OK. We'll tune in for that.
COLLINS: We will.
All right, well, here's what's all new in the next half hour now.
It was once the city's premier school for dance. But now with the insurgency, bewildered ballerinas find themselves in a dangerous neighborhood.
This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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