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American Morning
President Bush Nominates Kerik for Homeland Security Secretary
Aired December 03, 2004 - 09:32 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.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everybody. Just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.
Miles O'Brien has been filling in for Bill Hemmer, who's been out all week. It's been nice to have you as we wrap up our last half hour this morning. Thank you.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Literally the home stretch.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes, it is.
M. O'BRIEN: Yes.
S. O'BRIEN: Thank you.
We expect to see President Bush in our next half hour, as well. He's going to announce that Bernard Kerik will be his nominee for homeland security secretary. Plenty of logic to the appointment, but it also breaks the pattern of political insiders entering the inner circle. We'll talk about that in a little bit.
M. O'BRIEN: Also, we'll meet two young men who saw someone in trouble and did not hesitate. They'll tell us how they stopped a carjacking that could have been a bad kidnapping. That's this week's "Extra Effort" segment.
S. O'BRIEN: It's a pretty remarkable story.
M. O'BRIEN: It is. It is. They're good kids.
S. O'BRIEN: Carol Costello has the headlines. Hello.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I certainly do.
Thank you. Here are the headlines now. Baseball's Barry Bonds reportedly saying he unknowingly used substances laced with steroids. According to "The San Francisco Chronicle," bonds says he used a cream and a clear substance given to him by a trainer, but he thought they were arthritis balm and flax seed oil. The statement was apparently given at a grand jury investigation. Bonds' trainer has since been indicted for distributing steroids.
Less than three hours from now, more defense testimony in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson trial. Family members trying to convince the jury to spare Peterson's life. His sister-in-law told jurors yesterday the entire family would give everything they had to keep Peterson from getting the death penalty. Peterson's mother is expected to take the stand either today or Monday.
A round of storms in the Philippines forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. A major bridge collapsing earlier today because of this severe weather. Look at that. Stranded dozens of people. Amazing pictures of the devastation you're seeing now. Some 600 people have reportedly been killed in landslides and floods triggered by these storms. There's the picture I was waiting to see. Isn't that sad? Disaster officials are still assessing the damage.
And retail giant Target facing a backlash after saying bah humbug to the Salvation Army. Several national Christian groups are denouncing Target's decision to ban traditional Salvation Army bell ringers from its store entrances. Target says it's just not fair to other charities. The Salvation Army says it understands Target's policy. You know, usually they just prohibit them from ringing the bell. It's a silent bell. But to ban, altogether ban.
S. O'BRIEN: How understanding is the Salvation Army? Like, we understand.
COSTELLO: They have other people protesting.
S. O'BRIEN: Exactly. All right, Carol, thanks.
M. O'BRIEN: Turn the other cheek. Nice move.
All right, it appears New York City's former police commissioner getting a new job. Bernard Kerik was in charge of the city's police force during the September 11th attacks. He is expected to be nominated in just about 15 minutes by President Bush as director of homeland security. You'll see it here live on CNN, of course.
Jeanne Meserve joining us from Washington. She's our homeland security correspondent. She has more.
Good morning, Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Miles, a senior administration official calls Bernard Kerik a proven crisis manager. Because he was New York City's police commissioner on 9/11, Kerik has, this official says, firsthand knowledge of the war on terror. Even Democrats in New York's congressional delegation are cheering the choice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: Bernie's a straight shooter. He's a vintage New Yorker. And I think that's refreshing in a cabinet. He won't be terribly political. But he'll try to do the right thing. And I believe he'll fight hard to make homeland security a higher priority, and the nation needs it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: As police commissioner in New York, Kerik was in charge of a 37,000 officer force. But some sources on Capitol Hill and in the homeland security community wonder if he is ready to manage the sprawling Department of Homeland Security with its 180,000 employees in many disparate missions.
Some are also questioning whether his very blunt style will be effective in Washington. One congressional source even speculates that the choice of Kerik could signal that the administration wants to diminish the role of homeland security.
Kerik has a compelling life story. He was raised in tough neighborhoods in New Jersey and Ohio. Was abandoned by his mother, who he later learned was a prostitute. He went into the military, serving with the U.S. Army in Korea. Then worked as a street cop and undercover narcotics detective in New York. He became close to the city's former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, becoming commissioner of New York's Corrections Department, then commissioner of the NYPD. He worked on training a police force in Iraq, and is a senior vice president of Giuliani Partners, a security firm.
Despite questions about whether this resume is the right one for the homeland security post, the betting is that Kerik will be easily confirmed by the Senate.
Back to you.
M. O'BRIEN: CNN's Jeanne Meserve in Washington, thank you very much. We'll have live coverage of President Bush's announcement in just a few moments. That's set for 9:50 Eastern. Stay tuned for that -- Soledad.
S. O'BRIEN: The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Danforth, is stepping down after less than seven months on the job. Danforth's name had come up as a possible replacement for outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell.
But as senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth tells us, Danforth now plans to go home to Missouri to be with his ailing wife.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN DANFORTH, U.S. AMB. TO UNITED NATIONS: I'll be back.
RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: But soon he won't be. Just six months after former Senator John Danforth presented his diplomatic credentials to the U.N. secretary-general, he resigned.
DIRK JAN VAN DEN BERG, DUTCH ABM. TO U.N.: Although John Danforth has been with us for a very short time. We really liked him as a very open and accessible colleague, and we are very sorry to see him go.
ROTH: Danforth was listed as a possible replacement for Colin Powell. But the job went to Condoleezza Rice. Six days later, Danforth sent President Bush a letter of resignation. Danforth's aides say he is not leaving due to politics, but because of his wife's health problems. Danforth's main priority while at the U.N. was not Iraq, but Sudan.
DANFORTH: I think that there is plenty of blame to go around, and there is plenty of room for improvement.
ROTH: So Danforth took the Security Council on a rare road trip to Kenya, encouraging parties to sign fragile peace agreements.
GUNTER PLEUGER, GERMAN AMB. TO U.N.: I think the outcome of the meeting in Nairobi was very good, and corresponded to the expectations. And Ambassador Danforth did a great job as president of the council.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROTH: Danforth says he'll stay on until Inauguration Day, January 20th. His replacement will have a tough job ahead with divisions on Iraq and Sudan, and congressional calls for a cut in U.N. funding in this whole oil-for-food scandal -- Soledad.
S. O'BRIEN: Do we know what kind of an illness Mrs. Danforth is suffering from?
ROTH: Well, she had a fall last year. It's a difficult recovery. There's a lot of speculation, is Danforth really quitting because of that, or because he didn't get the Rice job, or just frustration with the slow pace of U.N., quote, consensus on issues.
S. O'BRIEN: What do you think it is?
ROTH: I think it could be a combination of both. I mean, he wrote his letter to President Bush just after he came back from the Sudan trip, and just after Condoleezza Rice was named, but I also believe him that I think he felt it was time to go home to the Midwest.
S. O'BRIEN: Richard, thanks, as always -- Miles.
(WEATHER REPORT)
M. O'BRIEN: Every week in our "Extra Effort" segment, we highlight those who go the extra mile to help others. This morning, a story of two teenage cousins who helped stop a carjacking in Tucson, Arizona. Talk about the extra mile, though. Wait till you hear this story. A woman stopped at a convenience store, screamed for help as a man drove away with her car, and her children were inside. Joining us are Chris Martinez and Roy Madril Jr., who followed the driver until he was stopped by police.
Good to have you both with us. Let's start with you, Chris.
What did you see? What did you do?
CHRIS MARTINEZ, FOILED CARJACKING: When we came up, I decided to go pay and Roy would pump, and all of a sudden I see kind of like a couple fighting, but I wasn't really sure. I stayed back until all of a sudden I saw the car just slowly started turning out and she was going hysterical. And that's the point where she was just screaming and crying, and she was holding onto the door. As then she was holding onto the door, she kept saying the car is stolen, my kids are in the car. So when I heard that, I looked at Roy, and I said let's go.
M. O'BRIEN: So off you went. Chris, you were driving. And, Roy, you got on the phone. Tell me, you called 911. What happened as you were driving along?
ROY MADRIL JR., FOILED CARJACKING: Well, when I called the dispatcher, we told them that we were chasing a car, we were chasing the guy who stole it, and I was basically telling him everywhere we're going, you know northbound, eastbound.
M. O'BRIEN: Did the person know that he was being pursued?
MADRIL: Yes, he did, because the whole time Chris was honking, and we just kept going until the police had the road blocked.
MARTINEZ: They had him surrounded. He looked back at us, and he just smiled. He shook his head, and he smiled at us, and the cops got him.
M. O'BRIEN: All right. Have you talked to the mother since then? What has she said to you?
MARTINEZ: She was thankful. So was the father of the kids. He was really choked up about it, meeting us and stuff.
M. O'BRIEN: Do you consider yourselves heroes?
MADRIL: You know what?
MARTINEZ: Yes. Yes, I do.
M. O'BRIEN: Chris Martinez, Roy Madril Jr. Our "Extra Effort" gentlemen of the day, who did a good deed in Tucson, Arizona.
Thanks for your time.
MADRIL: Thank you.
S. O'BRIEN: A very good deed. A reminder now, the president making the cabinet nomination for his secretary of homeland security. That's coming up in this hour at 9:50 a.m. Eastern Time, really just about seven minutes away.
Also, this, put out an APB. The star of "Spongebob Squarepants" movie is missing. We want to know who's behind this kidnapping caper. "90-Second Pop" coming up next. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
S. O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. It is "90-Second Pop" for a Friday. The gang is all here. Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine. B.J. Sigesmund, staff editor for "US Weekly." And Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly."
Good morning.
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Good morning.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Good morning.
B.J. SIGESMUND, STAFF EDITOR, "US WEEKLY": Good morning.
S. O'BRIEN: We've been talking about it all morning. Who's stealing SpongeBob?
SIGESMUND: Well, I'll tell you a little bit of batch of information. Last month...
SHAW: It could have been (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
SIGESMUND: Yes. Last month, Burger King restaurants across the country received these 9-foot high and 9-foot wide, 50-pound inflatable balloons of SpongeBob SquarePants tied to a promotional campaign for the movie, which came out a couple of weeks ago. Now, as the movie has done really well, it's made about $60 million, almost 50 of these balloons have been stolen across the country from Florida to Utah.
S. O'BRIEN: So who is stealing them?
SIGESMUND: Kids probably are getting up in the middle of the night, getting on to the roofs of these Burger Kings. Well, one of them -- I say "kids" figuratively. One of them turned up at an off- campus party at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I would have loved to have one.
BERNARD: OK.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: That's my question.
SIGESMUND: Exactly. And then another one turned up on eBay, but eBay was very quick to point out that they....
S. O'BRIEN: It was stolen property?
SIGESMUND: Yes, stolen property, and you can't sell that on eBay. So if anyone watching...
S. O'BRIEN: You can't sell it.
SIGESMUND: ... if you see on eBay, report it to authorities immediately.
S. O'BRIEN: You can sell a 10-year-old grilled cheese sandwich, not the stolen SpongeBob.
BERNARD: The story is absolutely ridiculous. I honestly think it is people from Nickelodeon and Paramount who are stealing the balloon...
SHAW: Absolutely.
BERNARD: ... just so that we can keep talking about the movie, because "Closer" is coming out this weekend.
S. O'BRIEN: Sure.
BERNARD: And a lot of other things that are going to push it off.
S. O'BRIEN: So this is just a spin on a PR thing.
SHAW: Absolutely. This movie has been out for two weeks. And they're, like, oh, we need some help. Let's send our marketing executives out and steal some balloons.
S. O'BRIEN: Could you imagine a marketing executive in her little high heels and a suit...
SHAW: Right.
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: You know, 50 pounds, that's a big balloon.
SIGESMUND: Yes.
BERNARD: I don't know.
(CROSSTALK)
S. O'BRIEN: It's a whodunit. I'm not sure we've solved it this morning. Let's talk about Barry Manilow.
SHAW: Yes!
S. O'BRIEN: By the way, I was in Barry Manilow's fan club when I was little.
BERNARD: Oh!
S. O'BRIEN: I love him.
SIGESMUND: Cool!
S. O'BRIEN: I am so getting...
SHAW: Maybe you'll get a ticket on Valentine's Day opening night.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes, I love him. SHAW: He is getting $60 million for one year at the Las Vegas Hilton.
S. O'BRIEN: Worth every dime.
SHAW: Which is worth every dime, I totally agree, as opposed to Celine Dion, who got 100 million for three. So he's getting pretty much double what she is. I say perfect marriage. Barry Manilow in Las Vegas. He's cheesy. He likes the jazz hands.
S. O'BRIEN: OK...
SIGESMUND: And, you know...
S. O'BRIEN: Where do you go with this?
SIGESMUND: Barry Manilow has done...
SHAW: I say that in only in a good way.
S. O'BRIEN: OK.
SIGESMUND: Yes, I mean, he has done really, really well. His last album, "Ultimate Manilow," which came out in 2002.
S. O'BRIEN: I have it.
SIGESMUND: Soledad owns it! I'm sure it's going to sell many, many more copies today. But, yes...
S. O'BRIEN: Right, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
BERNARD: Oh!
SIGESMUND: And his last tour made, like, $25 million.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes.
BERNARD: I think this is more about what's happened to Vegas, though. I mean, it used to be kind of the place where people went when they had no career anymore. But now it's the ultimate gig.
S. O'BRIEN: You guys, as always, thanks.
Miles, back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
M. O'BRIEN: All right. Any moment now, we're expecting the president's announcement that he's picked Bernard Kerik to head up homeland security. We're going to bring it to you live, of course.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) S. O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. Any moment now, we're expecting to hear from President Bush from the White House where it is expected that he will announce that he is picking Bernard Kerik to be his nominee for the secretary of homeland security. They're getting setup at the White House now. We're going to bring that to you live as soon as it happens.
Before that, though, let's get right to Jack for a final look at the Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Right, and before we do that. Watch "IN THE MONEY" Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00. I've got a feeling the president's going to preempt me. I won't have a chance to mention that at the end.
S. O'BRIEN: Glad you got that out.
CAFFERTY: Well, I need the money. I have a kid in college.
Do you care whether professional athletes use steroids? It's the question.
Jill in a town in New York I'm not even going to try to pronounce, Canonvega (ph), doesn't matter. Jill: "I think the guys who play professional sports should take a year off and fight Iraq for military pay. Let the troops come home and play sports, on the pro sports salaries. The pro players need a reality check."
Carol in Boston writes, let's see, Barry Bonds already guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame when he began using a substance that would seriously impair his life expectancy and forever taint his legacy. Give him an I.Q. test, not a steroid test."
And James in Glenview, Illinois, "Forget about testing the athletes. Test the fans I.Q.'s. Anyone thinking these athletes aren't using steroids is a dim bulb. Pro sports continues to decay in a self-serving money machine. Forget about the athlete's health. Forget about the fans. Just collect the money."
S. O'BRIEN: Good e-mails today, Jack. Well done.
Let's take it right back to Washington D.C., where we're expecting any moment now President Bush to announce his nominee as the head of homeland security. They're set up there at the podium. Obviously, we're expecting it any minute.
Jeanne Meserve is in Washington D.C. This morning with more on all of this.
He's a little bit of a controversial pick, isn't he, Jeanne?
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: He is. He's a hard-nosed fellow, and some people are saying he may be just the ticket for homeland security at this point in time. He might be able to come in and knock some heads together, and stop the infighting that has plagued this department during its first two years. But there's some other people in the homeland security community who have some misgivings about him. They say he may not have the sort of management skills that are required for this enormous department that's got 180,000 people in it; 22 different agencies were brought together under one roof. They're not sure that managing the police department in New York, as big as it was and is, is enough experience.
Also some questions, too, about his political savvy and skill. Clearly, this is a guy who's used to coming in and speaking his mind, and to some degree, getting exactly what he wants. Whether that's the technique that's going to work here in Washington, both when you're dealing with Congress, when you're dealing with interagency turf wars, which are, again, very pronounced, is an unknown at this point in time. Some people feeling he isn't the man.
S. O'BRIEN: Well, Jeanne, the president's at the podium. Let's listen in.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders of law enforcement in America. In his career, he has served as an enlisted military police officer in Korea, a jail warden in New Jersey, a beat cop in Manhattan, New York City corrections commissioner and as New York's 40th police commissioner, an office once held by Teddy Roosevelt.
In every position, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, a heart for the innocent and a record of great success.
I'm grateful he has agreed to bring his lifetime of security experience and skill to one of the most important positions in the federal government.
Bernie is a dedicated, innovative reformer who insists on getting results. As the head of New York City jails, he cut inmate violence by more than 90 percent. As Mayor Rudy Giuliani's police commissioner, he had great success in reducing crime in New York City. His broad, practical, hands-on experience makes Bernie superbly qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
When confirmed by the Senate, Bernie Kerik will build on the historic accomplishments of Secretary Tom Ridge.
BUSH: As the department's first leader, Tom oversaw the largest reorganization of the government in nearly a half century. He met urgent challenges with patience and purpose, and because of this service our country is safer.
Tom also carried out his duties with skill and honesty and decency.
He has been my friend for more than 20 years. He is one of the great public servants of our generation.
Tom Ridge has our nation's gratitude. He's got my gratitude. And I wish he and Michele all the best.
My nominee to succeed Secretary Ridge has the background and the passion that are needed to protect our citizens.
As police commissioner on September the 11th, 2001, Bernie Kerik arrived at the World Trade Center minutes after the first plane hit. He was there when the twin towers collapsed. He knew the faces of the rescuers who rushed toward danger. He attended the funeral of the officers who didn't come back.
Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September the 11th.
BUSH: The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on his job. And every first responder defending our homeland will have a faithful ally in Bernie Kerik.
As he prepares for new responsibilities, Bernie Kerik has the love and support of his family, his wife Hala, his children, Joseph, Celine and Angeline and Lisa. He will always be inspired by his father and hero, Donald Kerik Sr. and his caring stepmother Clara.
Bernard Kerik has devoted his life to protecting his fellow citizens and his example has led many others to take up that calling. He loves his country. He has gained the trust and admiration of millions.
I call on the Senate to promptly confirm his nomination as the secretary of homeland security.
Thank you for serving, Bernie, and congratulations.
BERNARD KERIK, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY NOMINEE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve you and this great country. You have been a strong, effective and inspirational leader in the war for freedom and against terror.
Should I receive the consent of the Senate, I will devote every power I possess toward fulfilling the vital mission you have set before me in the Department of Homeland Security.
KERIK: I will be particularly honored, if confirmed, to accept the torch passed from Secretary Tom Ridge, a decorated veteran, faithful public servant and courageous trailblazer, who stood at the helm of the largest reorganization of our federal government in 50 years. Our nation is truly safer because of Secretary Ridge and his tireless efforts.
To all the men and women for the Department of Homeland Security, and to their partners in the federal, state and local government, especially the police officers, the firefighters, the emergency medical technicians, and all of the first responders, it is your skilled sacrifice and dedication that has made the lives of all Americans more secure. You have my respect, my admiration. And I look forward to the opportunity to join with you in protecting the nation we all love. Mr. President, I understand, as you do, the tremendous challenge that faces America in securing our nation and its citizens from the threat of terrorism, and I know what is at stake.
On September 11th, 2001, I witnessed firsthand the very worst of humanity and its very best. I saw hatred claim the lives of 2,400 innocent people. And I saw the bravest men and women I will ever know rescue more than 20,000 others.
There isn't a day that has passed since the morning of September 11th that I haven't thought of the sacrifices of those heroes and the losses we all suffered.
KERIK: I promise you, Mr. President, that both the memory of those courageous souls and the horrors I saw inflicted upon our proud nation will serve as permanent reminders of the awesome responsibility you place in my charge.
I pledge to work tirelessly to honor them and your trust in me.
I would like to thank and recognize those whose love, support and sacrifice have brought me to this day, most particularly my wife, Halah, my children, Celine, Angeline, Joseph and Lisa, and my friend and mentor Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the New York City Police and Correction Departments and the many other law enforcement agencies with whom it was my honor and privilege to serve. It is you and our great country that made it possible for a young boy raised on the modest streets of Patterson, New Jersey, whose dream was to become a cop, to stand today at the side of the president of the United States and accept this extraordinary nomination.
Mr. President, thank you again for this tremendous opportunity and your confidence in me.
BUSH: Good job.
KERIK: Thank you.
S. O'BRIEN: And that is it, the press conference wrapping up. We heard former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik saying his dream was to become a cop. Now saying that he is deeply honored to serve the president and this great country, as he accepts the nomination as the president's secretary of homeland security. This, of course, is going to be the topic this morning on CNN LIVE TODAY. We're going to take you right down to Daryn and Rick in Atlanta.
From all of us here at AMERICAN MORNING, we'll see you back here on Monday. Have a great weekend.
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 December 3, 2004 - 09:32 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everybody. Just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.
Miles O'Brien has been filling in for Bill Hemmer, who's been out all week. It's been nice to have you as we wrap up our last half hour this morning. Thank you.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Literally the home stretch.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes, it is.
M. O'BRIEN: Yes.
S. O'BRIEN: Thank you.
We expect to see President Bush in our next half hour, as well. He's going to announce that Bernard Kerik will be his nominee for homeland security secretary. Plenty of logic to the appointment, but it also breaks the pattern of political insiders entering the inner circle. We'll talk about that in a little bit.
M. O'BRIEN: Also, we'll meet two young men who saw someone in trouble and did not hesitate. They'll tell us how they stopped a carjacking that could have been a bad kidnapping. That's this week's "Extra Effort" segment.
S. O'BRIEN: It's a pretty remarkable story.
M. O'BRIEN: It is. It is. They're good kids.
S. O'BRIEN: Carol Costello has the headlines. Hello.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I certainly do.
Thank you. Here are the headlines now. Baseball's Barry Bonds reportedly saying he unknowingly used substances laced with steroids. According to "The San Francisco Chronicle," bonds says he used a cream and a clear substance given to him by a trainer, but he thought they were arthritis balm and flax seed oil. The statement was apparently given at a grand jury investigation. Bonds' trainer has since been indicted for distributing steroids.
Less than three hours from now, more defense testimony in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson trial. Family members trying to convince the jury to spare Peterson's life. His sister-in-law told jurors yesterday the entire family would give everything they had to keep Peterson from getting the death penalty. Peterson's mother is expected to take the stand either today or Monday.
A round of storms in the Philippines forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. A major bridge collapsing earlier today because of this severe weather. Look at that. Stranded dozens of people. Amazing pictures of the devastation you're seeing now. Some 600 people have reportedly been killed in landslides and floods triggered by these storms. There's the picture I was waiting to see. Isn't that sad? Disaster officials are still assessing the damage.
And retail giant Target facing a backlash after saying bah humbug to the Salvation Army. Several national Christian groups are denouncing Target's decision to ban traditional Salvation Army bell ringers from its store entrances. Target says it's just not fair to other charities. The Salvation Army says it understands Target's policy. You know, usually they just prohibit them from ringing the bell. It's a silent bell. But to ban, altogether ban.
S. O'BRIEN: How understanding is the Salvation Army? Like, we understand.
COSTELLO: They have other people protesting.
S. O'BRIEN: Exactly. All right, Carol, thanks.
M. O'BRIEN: Turn the other cheek. Nice move.
All right, it appears New York City's former police commissioner getting a new job. Bernard Kerik was in charge of the city's police force during the September 11th attacks. He is expected to be nominated in just about 15 minutes by President Bush as director of homeland security. You'll see it here live on CNN, of course.
Jeanne Meserve joining us from Washington. She's our homeland security correspondent. She has more.
Good morning, Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Miles, a senior administration official calls Bernard Kerik a proven crisis manager. Because he was New York City's police commissioner on 9/11, Kerik has, this official says, firsthand knowledge of the war on terror. Even Democrats in New York's congressional delegation are cheering the choice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: Bernie's a straight shooter. He's a vintage New Yorker. And I think that's refreshing in a cabinet. He won't be terribly political. But he'll try to do the right thing. And I believe he'll fight hard to make homeland security a higher priority, and the nation needs it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: As police commissioner in New York, Kerik was in charge of a 37,000 officer force. But some sources on Capitol Hill and in the homeland security community wonder if he is ready to manage the sprawling Department of Homeland Security with its 180,000 employees in many disparate missions.
Some are also questioning whether his very blunt style will be effective in Washington. One congressional source even speculates that the choice of Kerik could signal that the administration wants to diminish the role of homeland security.
Kerik has a compelling life story. He was raised in tough neighborhoods in New Jersey and Ohio. Was abandoned by his mother, who he later learned was a prostitute. He went into the military, serving with the U.S. Army in Korea. Then worked as a street cop and undercover narcotics detective in New York. He became close to the city's former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, becoming commissioner of New York's Corrections Department, then commissioner of the NYPD. He worked on training a police force in Iraq, and is a senior vice president of Giuliani Partners, a security firm.
Despite questions about whether this resume is the right one for the homeland security post, the betting is that Kerik will be easily confirmed by the Senate.
Back to you.
M. O'BRIEN: CNN's Jeanne Meserve in Washington, thank you very much. We'll have live coverage of President Bush's announcement in just a few moments. That's set for 9:50 Eastern. Stay tuned for that -- Soledad.
S. O'BRIEN: The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Danforth, is stepping down after less than seven months on the job. Danforth's name had come up as a possible replacement for outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell.
But as senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth tells us, Danforth now plans to go home to Missouri to be with his ailing wife.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN DANFORTH, U.S. AMB. TO UNITED NATIONS: I'll be back.
RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: But soon he won't be. Just six months after former Senator John Danforth presented his diplomatic credentials to the U.N. secretary-general, he resigned.
DIRK JAN VAN DEN BERG, DUTCH ABM. TO U.N.: Although John Danforth has been with us for a very short time. We really liked him as a very open and accessible colleague, and we are very sorry to see him go.
ROTH: Danforth was listed as a possible replacement for Colin Powell. But the job went to Condoleezza Rice. Six days later, Danforth sent President Bush a letter of resignation. Danforth's aides say he is not leaving due to politics, but because of his wife's health problems. Danforth's main priority while at the U.N. was not Iraq, but Sudan.
DANFORTH: I think that there is plenty of blame to go around, and there is plenty of room for improvement.
ROTH: So Danforth took the Security Council on a rare road trip to Kenya, encouraging parties to sign fragile peace agreements.
GUNTER PLEUGER, GERMAN AMB. TO U.N.: I think the outcome of the meeting in Nairobi was very good, and corresponded to the expectations. And Ambassador Danforth did a great job as president of the council.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROTH: Danforth says he'll stay on until Inauguration Day, January 20th. His replacement will have a tough job ahead with divisions on Iraq and Sudan, and congressional calls for a cut in U.N. funding in this whole oil-for-food scandal -- Soledad.
S. O'BRIEN: Do we know what kind of an illness Mrs. Danforth is suffering from?
ROTH: Well, she had a fall last year. It's a difficult recovery. There's a lot of speculation, is Danforth really quitting because of that, or because he didn't get the Rice job, or just frustration with the slow pace of U.N., quote, consensus on issues.
S. O'BRIEN: What do you think it is?
ROTH: I think it could be a combination of both. I mean, he wrote his letter to President Bush just after he came back from the Sudan trip, and just after Condoleezza Rice was named, but I also believe him that I think he felt it was time to go home to the Midwest.
S. O'BRIEN: Richard, thanks, as always -- Miles.
(WEATHER REPORT)
M. O'BRIEN: Every week in our "Extra Effort" segment, we highlight those who go the extra mile to help others. This morning, a story of two teenage cousins who helped stop a carjacking in Tucson, Arizona. Talk about the extra mile, though. Wait till you hear this story. A woman stopped at a convenience store, screamed for help as a man drove away with her car, and her children were inside. Joining us are Chris Martinez and Roy Madril Jr., who followed the driver until he was stopped by police.
Good to have you both with us. Let's start with you, Chris.
What did you see? What did you do?
CHRIS MARTINEZ, FOILED CARJACKING: When we came up, I decided to go pay and Roy would pump, and all of a sudden I see kind of like a couple fighting, but I wasn't really sure. I stayed back until all of a sudden I saw the car just slowly started turning out and she was going hysterical. And that's the point where she was just screaming and crying, and she was holding onto the door. As then she was holding onto the door, she kept saying the car is stolen, my kids are in the car. So when I heard that, I looked at Roy, and I said let's go.
M. O'BRIEN: So off you went. Chris, you were driving. And, Roy, you got on the phone. Tell me, you called 911. What happened as you were driving along?
ROY MADRIL JR., FOILED CARJACKING: Well, when I called the dispatcher, we told them that we were chasing a car, we were chasing the guy who stole it, and I was basically telling him everywhere we're going, you know northbound, eastbound.
M. O'BRIEN: Did the person know that he was being pursued?
MADRIL: Yes, he did, because the whole time Chris was honking, and we just kept going until the police had the road blocked.
MARTINEZ: They had him surrounded. He looked back at us, and he just smiled. He shook his head, and he smiled at us, and the cops got him.
M. O'BRIEN: All right. Have you talked to the mother since then? What has she said to you?
MARTINEZ: She was thankful. So was the father of the kids. He was really choked up about it, meeting us and stuff.
M. O'BRIEN: Do you consider yourselves heroes?
MADRIL: You know what?
MARTINEZ: Yes. Yes, I do.
M. O'BRIEN: Chris Martinez, Roy Madril Jr. Our "Extra Effort" gentlemen of the day, who did a good deed in Tucson, Arizona.
Thanks for your time.
MADRIL: Thank you.
S. O'BRIEN: A very good deed. A reminder now, the president making the cabinet nomination for his secretary of homeland security. That's coming up in this hour at 9:50 a.m. Eastern Time, really just about seven minutes away.
Also, this, put out an APB. The star of "Spongebob Squarepants" movie is missing. We want to know who's behind this kidnapping caper. "90-Second Pop" coming up next. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
S. O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. It is "90-Second Pop" for a Friday. The gang is all here. Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine. B.J. Sigesmund, staff editor for "US Weekly." And Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly."
Good morning.
SARAH BERNARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Good morning.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Good morning.
B.J. SIGESMUND, STAFF EDITOR, "US WEEKLY": Good morning.
S. O'BRIEN: We've been talking about it all morning. Who's stealing SpongeBob?
SIGESMUND: Well, I'll tell you a little bit of batch of information. Last month...
SHAW: It could have been (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
SIGESMUND: Yes. Last month, Burger King restaurants across the country received these 9-foot high and 9-foot wide, 50-pound inflatable balloons of SpongeBob SquarePants tied to a promotional campaign for the movie, which came out a couple of weeks ago. Now, as the movie has done really well, it's made about $60 million, almost 50 of these balloons have been stolen across the country from Florida to Utah.
S. O'BRIEN: So who is stealing them?
SIGESMUND: Kids probably are getting up in the middle of the night, getting on to the roofs of these Burger Kings. Well, one of them -- I say "kids" figuratively. One of them turned up at an off- campus party at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I would have loved to have one.
BERNARD: OK.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: That's my question.
SIGESMUND: Exactly. And then another one turned up on eBay, but eBay was very quick to point out that they....
S. O'BRIEN: It was stolen property?
SIGESMUND: Yes, stolen property, and you can't sell that on eBay. So if anyone watching...
S. O'BRIEN: You can't sell it.
SIGESMUND: ... if you see on eBay, report it to authorities immediately.
S. O'BRIEN: You can sell a 10-year-old grilled cheese sandwich, not the stolen SpongeBob.
BERNARD: The story is absolutely ridiculous. I honestly think it is people from Nickelodeon and Paramount who are stealing the balloon...
SHAW: Absolutely.
BERNARD: ... just so that we can keep talking about the movie, because "Closer" is coming out this weekend.
S. O'BRIEN: Sure.
BERNARD: And a lot of other things that are going to push it off.
S. O'BRIEN: So this is just a spin on a PR thing.
SHAW: Absolutely. This movie has been out for two weeks. And they're, like, oh, we need some help. Let's send our marketing executives out and steal some balloons.
S. O'BRIEN: Could you imagine a marketing executive in her little high heels and a suit...
SHAW: Right.
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: You know, 50 pounds, that's a big balloon.
SIGESMUND: Yes.
BERNARD: I don't know.
(CROSSTALK)
S. O'BRIEN: It's a whodunit. I'm not sure we've solved it this morning. Let's talk about Barry Manilow.
SHAW: Yes!
S. O'BRIEN: By the way, I was in Barry Manilow's fan club when I was little.
BERNARD: Oh!
S. O'BRIEN: I love him.
SIGESMUND: Cool!
S. O'BRIEN: I am so getting...
SHAW: Maybe you'll get a ticket on Valentine's Day opening night.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes, I love him. SHAW: He is getting $60 million for one year at the Las Vegas Hilton.
S. O'BRIEN: Worth every dime.
SHAW: Which is worth every dime, I totally agree, as opposed to Celine Dion, who got 100 million for three. So he's getting pretty much double what she is. I say perfect marriage. Barry Manilow in Las Vegas. He's cheesy. He likes the jazz hands.
S. O'BRIEN: OK...
SIGESMUND: And, you know...
S. O'BRIEN: Where do you go with this?
SIGESMUND: Barry Manilow has done...
SHAW: I say that in only in a good way.
S. O'BRIEN: OK.
SIGESMUND: Yes, I mean, he has done really, really well. His last album, "Ultimate Manilow," which came out in 2002.
S. O'BRIEN: I have it.
SIGESMUND: Soledad owns it! I'm sure it's going to sell many, many more copies today. But, yes...
S. O'BRIEN: Right, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
BERNARD: Oh!
SIGESMUND: And his last tour made, like, $25 million.
S. O'BRIEN: Yes.
BERNARD: I think this is more about what's happened to Vegas, though. I mean, it used to be kind of the place where people went when they had no career anymore. But now it's the ultimate gig.
S. O'BRIEN: You guys, as always, thanks.
Miles, back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
M. O'BRIEN: All right. Any moment now, we're expecting the president's announcement that he's picked Bernard Kerik to head up homeland security. We're going to bring it to you live, of course.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) S. O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. Any moment now, we're expecting to hear from President Bush from the White House where it is expected that he will announce that he is picking Bernard Kerik to be his nominee for the secretary of homeland security. They're getting setup at the White House now. We're going to bring that to you live as soon as it happens.
Before that, though, let's get right to Jack for a final look at the Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Right, and before we do that. Watch "IN THE MONEY" Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00. I've got a feeling the president's going to preempt me. I won't have a chance to mention that at the end.
S. O'BRIEN: Glad you got that out.
CAFFERTY: Well, I need the money. I have a kid in college.
Do you care whether professional athletes use steroids? It's the question.
Jill in a town in New York I'm not even going to try to pronounce, Canonvega (ph), doesn't matter. Jill: "I think the guys who play professional sports should take a year off and fight Iraq for military pay. Let the troops come home and play sports, on the pro sports salaries. The pro players need a reality check."
Carol in Boston writes, let's see, Barry Bonds already guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame when he began using a substance that would seriously impair his life expectancy and forever taint his legacy. Give him an I.Q. test, not a steroid test."
And James in Glenview, Illinois, "Forget about testing the athletes. Test the fans I.Q.'s. Anyone thinking these athletes aren't using steroids is a dim bulb. Pro sports continues to decay in a self-serving money machine. Forget about the athlete's health. Forget about the fans. Just collect the money."
S. O'BRIEN: Good e-mails today, Jack. Well done.
Let's take it right back to Washington D.C., where we're expecting any moment now President Bush to announce his nominee as the head of homeland security. They're set up there at the podium. Obviously, we're expecting it any minute.
Jeanne Meserve is in Washington D.C. This morning with more on all of this.
He's a little bit of a controversial pick, isn't he, Jeanne?
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: He is. He's a hard-nosed fellow, and some people are saying he may be just the ticket for homeland security at this point in time. He might be able to come in and knock some heads together, and stop the infighting that has plagued this department during its first two years. But there's some other people in the homeland security community who have some misgivings about him. They say he may not have the sort of management skills that are required for this enormous department that's got 180,000 people in it; 22 different agencies were brought together under one roof. They're not sure that managing the police department in New York, as big as it was and is, is enough experience.
Also some questions, too, about his political savvy and skill. Clearly, this is a guy who's used to coming in and speaking his mind, and to some degree, getting exactly what he wants. Whether that's the technique that's going to work here in Washington, both when you're dealing with Congress, when you're dealing with interagency turf wars, which are, again, very pronounced, is an unknown at this point in time. Some people feeling he isn't the man.
S. O'BRIEN: Well, Jeanne, the president's at the podium. Let's listen in.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders of law enforcement in America. In his career, he has served as an enlisted military police officer in Korea, a jail warden in New Jersey, a beat cop in Manhattan, New York City corrections commissioner and as New York's 40th police commissioner, an office once held by Teddy Roosevelt.
In every position, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, a heart for the innocent and a record of great success.
I'm grateful he has agreed to bring his lifetime of security experience and skill to one of the most important positions in the federal government.
Bernie is a dedicated, innovative reformer who insists on getting results. As the head of New York City jails, he cut inmate violence by more than 90 percent. As Mayor Rudy Giuliani's police commissioner, he had great success in reducing crime in New York City. His broad, practical, hands-on experience makes Bernie superbly qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
When confirmed by the Senate, Bernie Kerik will build on the historic accomplishments of Secretary Tom Ridge.
BUSH: As the department's first leader, Tom oversaw the largest reorganization of the government in nearly a half century. He met urgent challenges with patience and purpose, and because of this service our country is safer.
Tom also carried out his duties with skill and honesty and decency.
He has been my friend for more than 20 years. He is one of the great public servants of our generation.
Tom Ridge has our nation's gratitude. He's got my gratitude. And I wish he and Michele all the best.
My nominee to succeed Secretary Ridge has the background and the passion that are needed to protect our citizens.
As police commissioner on September the 11th, 2001, Bernie Kerik arrived at the World Trade Center minutes after the first plane hit. He was there when the twin towers collapsed. He knew the faces of the rescuers who rushed toward danger. He attended the funeral of the officers who didn't come back.
Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September the 11th.
BUSH: The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on his job. And every first responder defending our homeland will have a faithful ally in Bernie Kerik.
As he prepares for new responsibilities, Bernie Kerik has the love and support of his family, his wife Hala, his children, Joseph, Celine and Angeline and Lisa. He will always be inspired by his father and hero, Donald Kerik Sr. and his caring stepmother Clara.
Bernard Kerik has devoted his life to protecting his fellow citizens and his example has led many others to take up that calling. He loves his country. He has gained the trust and admiration of millions.
I call on the Senate to promptly confirm his nomination as the secretary of homeland security.
Thank you for serving, Bernie, and congratulations.
BERNARD KERIK, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY NOMINEE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve you and this great country. You have been a strong, effective and inspirational leader in the war for freedom and against terror.
Should I receive the consent of the Senate, I will devote every power I possess toward fulfilling the vital mission you have set before me in the Department of Homeland Security.
KERIK: I will be particularly honored, if confirmed, to accept the torch passed from Secretary Tom Ridge, a decorated veteran, faithful public servant and courageous trailblazer, who stood at the helm of the largest reorganization of our federal government in 50 years. Our nation is truly safer because of Secretary Ridge and his tireless efforts.
To all the men and women for the Department of Homeland Security, and to their partners in the federal, state and local government, especially the police officers, the firefighters, the emergency medical technicians, and all of the first responders, it is your skilled sacrifice and dedication that has made the lives of all Americans more secure. You have my respect, my admiration. And I look forward to the opportunity to join with you in protecting the nation we all love. Mr. President, I understand, as you do, the tremendous challenge that faces America in securing our nation and its citizens from the threat of terrorism, and I know what is at stake.
On September 11th, 2001, I witnessed firsthand the very worst of humanity and its very best. I saw hatred claim the lives of 2,400 innocent people. And I saw the bravest men and women I will ever know rescue more than 20,000 others.
There isn't a day that has passed since the morning of September 11th that I haven't thought of the sacrifices of those heroes and the losses we all suffered.
KERIK: I promise you, Mr. President, that both the memory of those courageous souls and the horrors I saw inflicted upon our proud nation will serve as permanent reminders of the awesome responsibility you place in my charge.
I pledge to work tirelessly to honor them and your trust in me.
I would like to thank and recognize those whose love, support and sacrifice have brought me to this day, most particularly my wife, Halah, my children, Celine, Angeline, Joseph and Lisa, and my friend and mentor Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the New York City Police and Correction Departments and the many other law enforcement agencies with whom it was my honor and privilege to serve. It is you and our great country that made it possible for a young boy raised on the modest streets of Patterson, New Jersey, whose dream was to become a cop, to stand today at the side of the president of the United States and accept this extraordinary nomination.
Mr. President, thank you again for this tremendous opportunity and your confidence in me.
BUSH: Good job.
KERIK: Thank you.
S. O'BRIEN: And that is it, the press conference wrapping up. We heard former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik saying his dream was to become a cop. Now saying that he is deeply honored to serve the president and this great country, as he accepts the nomination as the president's secretary of homeland security. This, of course, is going to be the topic this morning on CNN LIVE TODAY. We're going to take you right down to Daryn and Rick in Atlanta.
From all of us here at AMERICAN MORNING, we'll see you back here on Monday. Have a great weekend.
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