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Peterson Jury Expected to Begin Deliberating Today; Nine Months After 101st Airborne Returned, Babies Being Born in Record Numbers

Aired December 09, 2004 - 09:30   ET

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

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


SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everybody. It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. Bill Hemmer on his way to Japan.
An announcement from the president is what we are expecting in just a few minutes. We're going to bring that to you live. Also we're talking this morning about the Peterson trial, the second of two mothers now testifying in the penalty phase. And even as Jackie Peterson pleaded for her son's life, court watchers say there is still a big hole in the defense's presentation. We're going to hear about that from former prosecutor Dean Johnson, just ahead.

But first, the headlines with Heidi Collins.

Good morning.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

And just as you said, we're going to hear from the president. I was handed this note, but it's not from the president. We do have more news to tell you about though this morning.

In the next 15 minutes, an announcement, from President Bush in the Roosevelt Room, he's expected to name a replacement for veteran Secretary Anthony Principi, who is stepping down.

CNN also just learning from the White House, Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta will stay in his position. The secretaries of labor, interior and housing departments have also all agreed to stay.

Police in Columbus, Ohio still trying to figure out the motive behind a deadly shooting at a nightclub there. Authorities say a man opened fire on band members and fans during a heavy metal concert last night. Police confirming a guitarist for the band, Damage Plan, is among the five people killed. The gunman was also shot dead.

A Coast Guard rescue helicopter downed in the Bering Sea off Alaska. Six of 10 people on board the chopper still apparently missing. In the rough and frigid waters, the chopper had been ferrying crew members from a disabled freighter that was drifting toward the shore. The fuel-laden ship later ran aground in southwestern Alaska and broke in half.

From a basketball court to the courtroom. Assault charges pending now against five Indiana Pacers and five of their fans following that basket brawl almost three weeks ago. All the charges are misdemeanors, except for one fan charged with felony assault for throwing a chair. The fight between fans and players broke out at the November 19th game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. And I am sure you've seen that video many times before.

O'BRIEN: We're going to talk about it much more, because it's all the civil charges start rolling in.

COLLINS: Interesting what Dick Enberg was saying, too.

O'BRIEN: A new day. All right, Heidi, thanks.

The Scott Peterson jury expected to begin deliberating today after closing arguments in the trial's penalty phase. Yesterday, Peterson's mother pleaded with jurors to spare her son's life. Earlier, Bill asked former San Mateo County prosecutor Dean Johnson if Mrs. Peterson was able to stir the jury.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Dean, thanks for your time again, and good morning to you.

DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Good morning.

HEMMER: This is part of what Jackie said yesterday, "If you were to take Scott away from us, we would lose a whole family." She continued a bit later. "He's an exceptional young man and he's my son. I know he's not perfect, but he is genuinely a loving, caring, nurturing, kind, gentle person."

Was her testimony successful, Dean?

JOHNSON: I don't think so. In fact it read more like just more of the same. We have heard from the Peterson family over and over again about Scott Peterson, the perfect little boy, the perfect son, the rescuer of dogs, the person who helps the elderly. Jackie Peterson did turn to this jury and say please consider that in your decision. But unfortunately, there were many, many dry eyes in the house. We saw one juror briefly wipe her eyes, but the other jurors were stone faced.

HEMMER: What was Scott's reaction during this, Dean?

JOHNSON: Scott has been reacting essentially all the same all the way through. Occasionally when a poignant memory is mentioned on the stand, he will dab his eyes. But he generally sits there rather impassive, looking sad, as you might expect, but not very emotional.

HEMMER: And you allude to this in your first person -- you gave our producers last night an indication that you felt there was a sense of lack of completion when Mark Geragos finished. Explain that to us this morning.

JOHNSON: Well, you know, after Sharon Rocha's emotional testimony, we expected something similar from Jackie Peterson, begging this jury to spare her son's life. She turned and she did say, in so many words, please spare my son's life, and that was the end. And everyone in the courtroom sort of turned to their neighbor and said, is that it? and I think the reason for that is, that we have a huge hole in the defense case. There really is no explanation of what Scott became after he married Laci, after he moved to Modesto, and we know he became something very different from what the Petersons are telling us about.

HEMMER: So your answer goes back to your point throughout this entire trial, that the evidence was weak to defend Scott Peterson?

JOHNSON: That's correct. And there's a huge hole. You know the Peterson strategy has been deny, deny, deny, mislead, and blame somebody else. At some point, they were even blaming the jury. But this jury knows that they're not going to take the blame. The losses that Jackie Peterson, Lee Peterson and all the other people talk about are Scott's fault, and they're going to hold him responsible.

HEMMER: Answer the impossible now. Do you believe the jurors have already made up their minds about Scott Peterson?

JOHNSON: You know, we lawyers always like to pretend that we can read jurors' body language. If I were reading this jury's body language, I would say that they have made up their mind and it's not going to be good news for the defense, but it's very, very hard to tell. You know, this is a difficult case. At times, we've seen the jurors lean forward and sort of soften their attitude. This jury now faces a difficult decision. It's going to come down to closing arguments, and the jurors will have to decide whether they are going to imprison Dr. Jekyll or execute Mr. Hyde.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Former San Mateo County prosecutor Dean Johnson speaking with bill a little bit earlier from Redwood City, California this morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: In just the next few minutes we are expecting an announcement from the president regarding the latest comings and going in his cabinet. We're going to bring that to you when it happens. Also, a tender moment that could bring even the most stoic soldier to tears. It's happening in record numbers, thanks to a big homecoming just nine months ago. You do the math. We'll explain just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: We've got this just in to CNN to tell you about. They have now identified the suspect in that nightclub shooting that we've been talking about all morning. The suspect, 25-year-old Mason Gale of Marysville, Ohio. You'll recall that in this shooting five people were killed, including the gunman. The guitarist from the band, called Damaged Play, was also killed. He was shot several times. Questions remain, of course, about any kind of motivation. And as we were told earlier by investigators, their investigation is just only now getting under way. You might say, on a much different note, Fort Campbell Kentucky is in the family way. Nine months after the army's 101st Airborne returned from Iraq, babies are being born in record numbers.

Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When he's not swaddling his new baby girl, 33-year-old Jeff Lamprecht flies an Apache helicopter for the Army's 101st Airborne Division. Jeff came home from Iraq last winter, along with thousands of other soldiers from Fort Campbell, and a little more than nine months later, a full-fledged baby boom is under way.

(on camera): Usually in one month, they deliver about 130 babies here. But this month they're expecting to deliver 220 babies.

(voice-over): Jeff says being in the delivery room for the birth of baby Victoria was more intense than being on the battlefield.

JEFF LAMPRECHT, APACHE PILOT 101ST AIRBORNE: People shooting at me, you know, that's all right, but seeing my wife helpless on that table, that brought a tear to my eye.

COHEN: It's a tinder moment for the new family, all the more sentimental knowing Jeff will be shipping out again sometime soon.

DONNA LAMPRECHT, JEFF LAMPRECHT'S WIFE: You know, he's going to do what he has to get done, Tori and I will be back here rooting him right along.

COHEN: Victoria was delivered by an obstetrician called in from another state to help handle the overload.

DR. LORRAINE MARTINEZ, RELOCATED OBSTETRICIAN: A few weeks ago I had a call saying, could you be here by November 1st? So I packed everything up, and here I am.

COHEN: Several babies were born the day we visited. In each case, the father was on hand. But in today's military, it's not just fathers who serve...

TRACEY BAILEY, BLACK HAWK PILOT, U.S. ARMY: I am a spouse, but I'm also a soldier.

COHEN: Tracy Bailey pilots a Black Hawk helicopter. So does her husband. They both served in Iraq, and when they returned, they didn't waste any time.

BAILEY: We've been married for three years, and the Army just hasn't allowed us to stop and have babies. So this has been planned.

COHEN: The twins make theirs a family of six, a family looking forward to an extra-special holiday season. BAILEY: This is the first Christmas we're together in the United States with our daughters and our sons, and everybody's together. And looking at the future, we don't know if there will be one we're all going to be together. This is going to be the one to remember.

COHEN: Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: One to remember in so many ways. Reportedly, the increase in births has been happening everywhere that soldiers are coming home. It just so happens that the 101st came home a little more than nine months ago, so the biggest boom is that Fort Campbell.

Still to come this morning, any moment now, we're expecting to hear from the president. Mr. Bush is going to round out his cabinet nominations, announcing his choice for Veterans Affairs. We'll bring that to you when it happens.

Stay with us. You're watching AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back. A quick reminder, we're waiting on the president to announce cabinet changes, just ahead.

But first, the Salvation Army now taking plastic over the holidays. Plus, is Sirius Satellite Radio overvalued. Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business."

Hello.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Hello, let's talk about the markets first of all. Stocks are trading down. And I'm sure of it this time, I really, really am. What's going on? Jobless claims are up. OPEC meeting tomorrow, probably going to be cutting back on production to boost prices.

And chip stocks under pressure. A couple stocks active today. As Soledad mentioned, Sirius got killed yesterday, bouncing back a little bit this morning. Yesterday, Smith Barney but a sell on the stock. You don't see that very often. McDonald's very active. And Costco active. Salvation Army been in the news a lot this season. Of course Target, that would be the Target company, banned Salvation Army. You remember that. Then they put the cardboard cutouts out. Now they're accepting credit cards? Seems people just don't have enough dollar bills and change jingling around in their pockets anymore.

O'BRIEN: All right, Andy, thank you very much. As you mentioned, the president's making some changes to his cabinet. Let's take you right to Washington, D.C. and listen.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Ambassador Jim Nicholson to be the secretary of veterans affairs. Jim Nicholson is a patriot, a man of deep conviction, who has answered his country's call many times.

As a young man from Iowa, raised in modest circumstances, he became a cadet at West Point in the late 1950s, and went on to become an Army ranger and paratrooper.

As a ranger, he fought in Vietnam, where he won multiple decorations for bravery in combat, including the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After eight years on active duty he joined the Army Reserves, where he served for 22 more years before retiring as a full colonel.

Throughout his career, Jim has shown the same honor, integrity and commitment to service that defined his life as a military officer. He and his wife Suzanne have given back generously to their community, and have been leaders in numerous volunteer causes in their home state of Colorado.

He was a respected chairman of the Republican National Committee. And for the past three years he has served as the United States ambassador to the Vatican.

BUSH: Jim has worked with the Vatican to advance many vital foreign policy goals, including fighting poverty, hunger, AIDS, expanding religious liberty around the world, and ending the brutal practice of human trafficking.

I'm grateful to Jim for his superb work as our ambassador, and I now have asked him to accept a new assignment to serve his country and his fellow veterans.

As secretary of veterans affairs, he will lead a department of more than 230,000 employees responsible for ensuring that our nations veterans receive the health care and other benefits our country has promised them.

Twenty-five million Americans are military veterans who stepped forward to serve when the nation needed them. The nation owes them in return a V.A. that is dedicated to effective, prompt attention to their needs. That has been a commitment of my administration for the last four years and it will remain a commitment for the next four years.

When confirmed by the Senate, Jim Nicholson will succeed Tony Principi, who has been a fine member of my Cabinet.

Secretary Principi is a man who insists on results, and he has gotten results. Thanks to his leadership, veterans and their families have seen many improvements in V.A. services. They're receiving better care and their claims are processed more quickly.

Tony Principi has made it the department's highest priority to assist veterans with service-related disabilities, low incomes and other special needs. He's also launched a program to help homeless veterans find permanent housing.

In all his work as secretary of veterans affairs, Tony Principi has shown himself to be an outstanding executive, a friend to his fellow veterans and a good-hearted man.

BUSH: I'm proud of his service. And I wish him and Liz all the very best.

Jim Nicholson will build on Tony Principi's achievements in continuing to modernize the V.A., especially the V.A. health care system.

Jim has the judgment and the character and the management expertise to do this job well.

I thank him for agreeing to serve.

I also thank Suzanne and other members of their family. I want to thank their son Nick (ph) and his wife Charlotte (ph), daughter Katie (ph) and son-in-law Bo (ph).

I hope the Senate will confirm Jim Nicholson very soon. I look forward to welcoming him to my Cabinet.

Congratulations.

JIM NICHOLSON, NOMINEE, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Thank you, Mr. President.

It's a real honor to be here in the White House with you and members of my family.

I'm joined here today, as the president said, by my wonderful wife of 37 years, Suzanne, and by our son Nick (ph) and his wife Charlotte (ph), our daughter Katie (ph) and her husband Bo (ph). Our son R.J. is unable to be with us today.

Mr. President, I am grateful to have represented our country at the Vatican, and we will really miss Rome and our wonderful team at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

If confirmed by the Senate, it would be a singular honor for me to serve in your Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

At times like this, one tends to ponder their past.

NICHOLSON: And when I think of growing up dirt poor in a tenant house without plumbing and sometimes without food, I marvel at America. A boy from Strubbel, Iowa, may serve in the president's Cabinet; how could this happen?

For me, it is because of the opportunities that my country gave me...

O'BRIEN: That's jim nicholson, retired colonel and the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. He's with the president in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Just been named as the president's pick as the secretary for Veterans Affairs. He replaces outgoing secretary, Anthony Principi, who retired, or announced his resignation rather, on November 16th -- Heidi.

COLLINS: And before we go, we want to make sure we check in with jack one more time, Question of the Day.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.

Should journalists be compelled to reveal sources to a grand jury? Two reporters, one for "The New York Times," one for "Time" magazine, being threatened with 18-month jail sentences for failing to reveal sources to a grand jury that were used to compile stories on the outing of a CIA agent. So that was the question. That's a little of the background.

Terry writes from Richmond, Virginia, "The investigation stems from the actions of a reporter who is on CNN's payroll," that's Bob Novak. "The government has yet to charge him with the crime he committed. Bob was the one who eventually identified this agent in his column, and diverts attention by going after other reporters who aren't so friendly to the administration. It reeks."

Kelly in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, "The case is different this time. The media was being used to out a CIA agent, thereby compromising her contacts and past activities. Revealing the identity of agents is a serious offense that threatens national security. If it takes 18 months in jail to see how important this matter, so be it."

And John writes from Wisconsin, "No privilege is absolute. This may be one of those cases. While we all have freedom of speech, we also know that that freedom does not extend to yelling 'fire Jack' in a crowded studio." Oh, I'm glad of that.

Join me this weekend for "IN THE MONEY," Andy and I, Susan Lisovicz. Tidy little business program. Now that Congress has finally passed this intelligence reform bill and sent it to the president, we're going to take a look at what kinds of things the new national intelligence director might be able to do to keep us all safer. We'll talk about that Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00 on "IN THE MONEY." We invite you to join us.

We take roll, so be on time.

SERWER: Yes, it's a seven-day job, not just five days.

CAFFERTY: I work myself to death for this company.

O'BRIEN: OK, violins are playing I think.

SERWER: Yes, indeed.

O'BRIEN: A short break. But coming up on CNN, the latest on that Ohio nightclub shooting. Police in Columbus now identifying the suspect in that shooting. What do we know about him? That's in the next hour with Daryn and Rick on "CNN LIVE TODAY." AMERICAN MORNING back in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: A quick reminder. We're coming to you live from Japan starting on Monday morning. Bill's making his way there right now. It's primetime in Japan. Before we leave, somebody's birthday tomorrow I believe. And I've got the day off.

CAFFERTY: This is it.

O'BRIEN: I believe it's your birthday. How old are you, Jack?

CAFFERTY: It's not my birthday. What are you doing? My birthday is December 14th.

SERWER: We'll celebrate it twice, Jack.

O'BRIEN: I baked you cookies last night.

It's really not your birthday?

SERWER: Slaved.

CAFFERTY: Next Wednesday -- or Tuesday, whenever the 14th is.

O'BRIEN: Well, this is. Put them in the freezer so they stay. This is for you.

CAFFERTY: Thank you for that.

O'BRIEN: I have no time to bake cookies.

CAFFERTY: Did you really bake these?

O'BRIEN: Open them up. These are handmade cookies. I made them, but they're to celebrate your 35th birthday, which is not anytime soon.

CAFFERTY: Yes, no, it's a long time. I'm 62, but thank you very much.

O'BRIEN: My pleasure, Jack.

CAFFERTY: That's very sweet of you.

O'BRIEN: Let's go right to Daryn and Rick, because out of time here this morning.

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 9, 2004 - 09:30   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. It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. Bill Hemmer on his way to Japan.
An announcement from the president is what we are expecting in just a few minutes. We're going to bring that to you live. Also we're talking this morning about the Peterson trial, the second of two mothers now testifying in the penalty phase. And even as Jackie Peterson pleaded for her son's life, court watchers say there is still a big hole in the defense's presentation. We're going to hear about that from former prosecutor Dean Johnson, just ahead.

But first, the headlines with Heidi Collins.

Good morning.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

And just as you said, we're going to hear from the president. I was handed this note, but it's not from the president. We do have more news to tell you about though this morning.

In the next 15 minutes, an announcement, from President Bush in the Roosevelt Room, he's expected to name a replacement for veteran Secretary Anthony Principi, who is stepping down.

CNN also just learning from the White House, Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta will stay in his position. The secretaries of labor, interior and housing departments have also all agreed to stay.

Police in Columbus, Ohio still trying to figure out the motive behind a deadly shooting at a nightclub there. Authorities say a man opened fire on band members and fans during a heavy metal concert last night. Police confirming a guitarist for the band, Damage Plan, is among the five people killed. The gunman was also shot dead.

A Coast Guard rescue helicopter downed in the Bering Sea off Alaska. Six of 10 people on board the chopper still apparently missing. In the rough and frigid waters, the chopper had been ferrying crew members from a disabled freighter that was drifting toward the shore. The fuel-laden ship later ran aground in southwestern Alaska and broke in half.

From a basketball court to the courtroom. Assault charges pending now against five Indiana Pacers and five of their fans following that basket brawl almost three weeks ago. All the charges are misdemeanors, except for one fan charged with felony assault for throwing a chair. The fight between fans and players broke out at the November 19th game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. And I am sure you've seen that video many times before.

O'BRIEN: We're going to talk about it much more, because it's all the civil charges start rolling in.

COLLINS: Interesting what Dick Enberg was saying, too.

O'BRIEN: A new day. All right, Heidi, thanks.

The Scott Peterson jury expected to begin deliberating today after closing arguments in the trial's penalty phase. Yesterday, Peterson's mother pleaded with jurors to spare her son's life. Earlier, Bill asked former San Mateo County prosecutor Dean Johnson if Mrs. Peterson was able to stir the jury.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Dean, thanks for your time again, and good morning to you.

DEAN JOHNSON, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: Good morning.

HEMMER: This is part of what Jackie said yesterday, "If you were to take Scott away from us, we would lose a whole family." She continued a bit later. "He's an exceptional young man and he's my son. I know he's not perfect, but he is genuinely a loving, caring, nurturing, kind, gentle person."

Was her testimony successful, Dean?

JOHNSON: I don't think so. In fact it read more like just more of the same. We have heard from the Peterson family over and over again about Scott Peterson, the perfect little boy, the perfect son, the rescuer of dogs, the person who helps the elderly. Jackie Peterson did turn to this jury and say please consider that in your decision. But unfortunately, there were many, many dry eyes in the house. We saw one juror briefly wipe her eyes, but the other jurors were stone faced.

HEMMER: What was Scott's reaction during this, Dean?

JOHNSON: Scott has been reacting essentially all the same all the way through. Occasionally when a poignant memory is mentioned on the stand, he will dab his eyes. But he generally sits there rather impassive, looking sad, as you might expect, but not very emotional.

HEMMER: And you allude to this in your first person -- you gave our producers last night an indication that you felt there was a sense of lack of completion when Mark Geragos finished. Explain that to us this morning.

JOHNSON: Well, you know, after Sharon Rocha's emotional testimony, we expected something similar from Jackie Peterson, begging this jury to spare her son's life. She turned and she did say, in so many words, please spare my son's life, and that was the end. And everyone in the courtroom sort of turned to their neighbor and said, is that it? and I think the reason for that is, that we have a huge hole in the defense case. There really is no explanation of what Scott became after he married Laci, after he moved to Modesto, and we know he became something very different from what the Petersons are telling us about.

HEMMER: So your answer goes back to your point throughout this entire trial, that the evidence was weak to defend Scott Peterson?

JOHNSON: That's correct. And there's a huge hole. You know the Peterson strategy has been deny, deny, deny, mislead, and blame somebody else. At some point, they were even blaming the jury. But this jury knows that they're not going to take the blame. The losses that Jackie Peterson, Lee Peterson and all the other people talk about are Scott's fault, and they're going to hold him responsible.

HEMMER: Answer the impossible now. Do you believe the jurors have already made up their minds about Scott Peterson?

JOHNSON: You know, we lawyers always like to pretend that we can read jurors' body language. If I were reading this jury's body language, I would say that they have made up their mind and it's not going to be good news for the defense, but it's very, very hard to tell. You know, this is a difficult case. At times, we've seen the jurors lean forward and sort of soften their attitude. This jury now faces a difficult decision. It's going to come down to closing arguments, and the jurors will have to decide whether they are going to imprison Dr. Jekyll or execute Mr. Hyde.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Former San Mateo County prosecutor Dean Johnson speaking with bill a little bit earlier from Redwood City, California this morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: In just the next few minutes we are expecting an announcement from the president regarding the latest comings and going in his cabinet. We're going to bring that to you when it happens. Also, a tender moment that could bring even the most stoic soldier to tears. It's happening in record numbers, thanks to a big homecoming just nine months ago. You do the math. We'll explain just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: We've got this just in to CNN to tell you about. They have now identified the suspect in that nightclub shooting that we've been talking about all morning. The suspect, 25-year-old Mason Gale of Marysville, Ohio. You'll recall that in this shooting five people were killed, including the gunman. The guitarist from the band, called Damaged Play, was also killed. He was shot several times. Questions remain, of course, about any kind of motivation. And as we were told earlier by investigators, their investigation is just only now getting under way. You might say, on a much different note, Fort Campbell Kentucky is in the family way. Nine months after the army's 101st Airborne returned from Iraq, babies are being born in record numbers.

Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When he's not swaddling his new baby girl, 33-year-old Jeff Lamprecht flies an Apache helicopter for the Army's 101st Airborne Division. Jeff came home from Iraq last winter, along with thousands of other soldiers from Fort Campbell, and a little more than nine months later, a full-fledged baby boom is under way.

(on camera): Usually in one month, they deliver about 130 babies here. But this month they're expecting to deliver 220 babies.

(voice-over): Jeff says being in the delivery room for the birth of baby Victoria was more intense than being on the battlefield.

JEFF LAMPRECHT, APACHE PILOT 101ST AIRBORNE: People shooting at me, you know, that's all right, but seeing my wife helpless on that table, that brought a tear to my eye.

COHEN: It's a tinder moment for the new family, all the more sentimental knowing Jeff will be shipping out again sometime soon.

DONNA LAMPRECHT, JEFF LAMPRECHT'S WIFE: You know, he's going to do what he has to get done, Tori and I will be back here rooting him right along.

COHEN: Victoria was delivered by an obstetrician called in from another state to help handle the overload.

DR. LORRAINE MARTINEZ, RELOCATED OBSTETRICIAN: A few weeks ago I had a call saying, could you be here by November 1st? So I packed everything up, and here I am.

COHEN: Several babies were born the day we visited. In each case, the father was on hand. But in today's military, it's not just fathers who serve...

TRACEY BAILEY, BLACK HAWK PILOT, U.S. ARMY: I am a spouse, but I'm also a soldier.

COHEN: Tracy Bailey pilots a Black Hawk helicopter. So does her husband. They both served in Iraq, and when they returned, they didn't waste any time.

BAILEY: We've been married for three years, and the Army just hasn't allowed us to stop and have babies. So this has been planned.

COHEN: The twins make theirs a family of six, a family looking forward to an extra-special holiday season. BAILEY: This is the first Christmas we're together in the United States with our daughters and our sons, and everybody's together. And looking at the future, we don't know if there will be one we're all going to be together. This is going to be the one to remember.

COHEN: Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: One to remember in so many ways. Reportedly, the increase in births has been happening everywhere that soldiers are coming home. It just so happens that the 101st came home a little more than nine months ago, so the biggest boom is that Fort Campbell.

Still to come this morning, any moment now, we're expecting to hear from the president. Mr. Bush is going to round out his cabinet nominations, announcing his choice for Veterans Affairs. We'll bring that to you when it happens.

Stay with us. You're watching AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back. A quick reminder, we're waiting on the president to announce cabinet changes, just ahead.

But first, the Salvation Army now taking plastic over the holidays. Plus, is Sirius Satellite Radio overvalued. Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business."

Hello.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Hello, let's talk about the markets first of all. Stocks are trading down. And I'm sure of it this time, I really, really am. What's going on? Jobless claims are up. OPEC meeting tomorrow, probably going to be cutting back on production to boost prices.

And chip stocks under pressure. A couple stocks active today. As Soledad mentioned, Sirius got killed yesterday, bouncing back a little bit this morning. Yesterday, Smith Barney but a sell on the stock. You don't see that very often. McDonald's very active. And Costco active. Salvation Army been in the news a lot this season. Of course Target, that would be the Target company, banned Salvation Army. You remember that. Then they put the cardboard cutouts out. Now they're accepting credit cards? Seems people just don't have enough dollar bills and change jingling around in their pockets anymore.

O'BRIEN: All right, Andy, thank you very much. As you mentioned, the president's making some changes to his cabinet. Let's take you right to Washington, D.C. and listen.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Ambassador Jim Nicholson to be the secretary of veterans affairs. Jim Nicholson is a patriot, a man of deep conviction, who has answered his country's call many times.

As a young man from Iowa, raised in modest circumstances, he became a cadet at West Point in the late 1950s, and went on to become an Army ranger and paratrooper.

As a ranger, he fought in Vietnam, where he won multiple decorations for bravery in combat, including the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After eight years on active duty he joined the Army Reserves, where he served for 22 more years before retiring as a full colonel.

Throughout his career, Jim has shown the same honor, integrity and commitment to service that defined his life as a military officer. He and his wife Suzanne have given back generously to their community, and have been leaders in numerous volunteer causes in their home state of Colorado.

He was a respected chairman of the Republican National Committee. And for the past three years he has served as the United States ambassador to the Vatican.

BUSH: Jim has worked with the Vatican to advance many vital foreign policy goals, including fighting poverty, hunger, AIDS, expanding religious liberty around the world, and ending the brutal practice of human trafficking.

I'm grateful to Jim for his superb work as our ambassador, and I now have asked him to accept a new assignment to serve his country and his fellow veterans.

As secretary of veterans affairs, he will lead a department of more than 230,000 employees responsible for ensuring that our nations veterans receive the health care and other benefits our country has promised them.

Twenty-five million Americans are military veterans who stepped forward to serve when the nation needed them. The nation owes them in return a V.A. that is dedicated to effective, prompt attention to their needs. That has been a commitment of my administration for the last four years and it will remain a commitment for the next four years.

When confirmed by the Senate, Jim Nicholson will succeed Tony Principi, who has been a fine member of my Cabinet.

Secretary Principi is a man who insists on results, and he has gotten results. Thanks to his leadership, veterans and their families have seen many improvements in V.A. services. They're receiving better care and their claims are processed more quickly.

Tony Principi has made it the department's highest priority to assist veterans with service-related disabilities, low incomes and other special needs. He's also launched a program to help homeless veterans find permanent housing.

In all his work as secretary of veterans affairs, Tony Principi has shown himself to be an outstanding executive, a friend to his fellow veterans and a good-hearted man.

BUSH: I'm proud of his service. And I wish him and Liz all the very best.

Jim Nicholson will build on Tony Principi's achievements in continuing to modernize the V.A., especially the V.A. health care system.

Jim has the judgment and the character and the management expertise to do this job well.

I thank him for agreeing to serve.

I also thank Suzanne and other members of their family. I want to thank their son Nick (ph) and his wife Charlotte (ph), daughter Katie (ph) and son-in-law Bo (ph).

I hope the Senate will confirm Jim Nicholson very soon. I look forward to welcoming him to my Cabinet.

Congratulations.

JIM NICHOLSON, NOMINEE, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Thank you, Mr. President.

It's a real honor to be here in the White House with you and members of my family.

I'm joined here today, as the president said, by my wonderful wife of 37 years, Suzanne, and by our son Nick (ph) and his wife Charlotte (ph), our daughter Katie (ph) and her husband Bo (ph). Our son R.J. is unable to be with us today.

Mr. President, I am grateful to have represented our country at the Vatican, and we will really miss Rome and our wonderful team at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

If confirmed by the Senate, it would be a singular honor for me to serve in your Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

At times like this, one tends to ponder their past.

NICHOLSON: And when I think of growing up dirt poor in a tenant house without plumbing and sometimes without food, I marvel at America. A boy from Strubbel, Iowa, may serve in the president's Cabinet; how could this happen?

For me, it is because of the opportunities that my country gave me...

O'BRIEN: That's jim nicholson, retired colonel and the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. He's with the president in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Just been named as the president's pick as the secretary for Veterans Affairs. He replaces outgoing secretary, Anthony Principi, who retired, or announced his resignation rather, on November 16th -- Heidi.

COLLINS: And before we go, we want to make sure we check in with jack one more time, Question of the Day.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.

Should journalists be compelled to reveal sources to a grand jury? Two reporters, one for "The New York Times," one for "Time" magazine, being threatened with 18-month jail sentences for failing to reveal sources to a grand jury that were used to compile stories on the outing of a CIA agent. So that was the question. That's a little of the background.

Terry writes from Richmond, Virginia, "The investigation stems from the actions of a reporter who is on CNN's payroll," that's Bob Novak. "The government has yet to charge him with the crime he committed. Bob was the one who eventually identified this agent in his column, and diverts attention by going after other reporters who aren't so friendly to the administration. It reeks."

Kelly in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, "The case is different this time. The media was being used to out a CIA agent, thereby compromising her contacts and past activities. Revealing the identity of agents is a serious offense that threatens national security. If it takes 18 months in jail to see how important this matter, so be it."

And John writes from Wisconsin, "No privilege is absolute. This may be one of those cases. While we all have freedom of speech, we also know that that freedom does not extend to yelling 'fire Jack' in a crowded studio." Oh, I'm glad of that.

Join me this weekend for "IN THE MONEY," Andy and I, Susan Lisovicz. Tidy little business program. Now that Congress has finally passed this intelligence reform bill and sent it to the president, we're going to take a look at what kinds of things the new national intelligence director might be able to do to keep us all safer. We'll talk about that Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00 on "IN THE MONEY." We invite you to join us.

We take roll, so be on time.

SERWER: Yes, it's a seven-day job, not just five days.

CAFFERTY: I work myself to death for this company.

O'BRIEN: OK, violins are playing I think.

SERWER: Yes, indeed.

O'BRIEN: A short break. But coming up on CNN, the latest on that Ohio nightclub shooting. Police in Columbus now identifying the suspect in that shooting. What do we know about him? That's in the next hour with Daryn and Rick on "CNN LIVE TODAY." AMERICAN MORNING back in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: A quick reminder. We're coming to you live from Japan starting on Monday morning. Bill's making his way there right now. It's primetime in Japan. Before we leave, somebody's birthday tomorrow I believe. And I've got the day off.

CAFFERTY: This is it.

O'BRIEN: I believe it's your birthday. How old are you, Jack?

CAFFERTY: It's not my birthday. What are you doing? My birthday is December 14th.

SERWER: We'll celebrate it twice, Jack.

O'BRIEN: I baked you cookies last night.

It's really not your birthday?

SERWER: Slaved.

CAFFERTY: Next Wednesday -- or Tuesday, whenever the 14th is.

O'BRIEN: Well, this is. Put them in the freezer so they stay. This is for you.

CAFFERTY: Thank you for that.

O'BRIEN: I have no time to bake cookies.

CAFFERTY: Did you really bake these?

O'BRIEN: Open them up. These are handmade cookies. I made them, but they're to celebrate your 35th birthday, which is not anytime soon.

CAFFERTY: Yes, no, it's a long time. I'm 62, but thank you very much.

O'BRIEN: My pleasure, Jack.

CAFFERTY: That's very sweet of you.

O'BRIEN: Let's go right to Daryn and Rick, because out of time here this morning.

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