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American Morning
Basketbrawl Appeal; Democrats' Conference' '90-Second Pop'
Aired December 10, 2004 - 07:31 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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: It's just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.
NBA star Ron Artest is asking an arbitrator to reduce the length of his significant suspension from basketball. It's about a $5 million suspension. Of course, after the basket brawl. No answer yet from the arbitrator, but a clear answer from the league. We'll talk about coming back early with Artest's lawyer and agent in a moment.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Also, Miles, the Democratic Party was united before the last election. Now, though, maybe not so much. We'll look at the debate within the party over message and messenger as the party leaders start to talk.
First, though, we want to get a check of the hour's top stories with Carol Costello.
Great to see you here.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I know. I jogged those six blocks, and I'm here. Through the rain, through the fog, I'm here.
WALLACE: You get your workout every morning for CNN, right?
COSTELLO: Thank you. It's nice to be here. Good morning, everyone.
"Now in the News."
The Nobel Peace Prize is being awarded at this hour. And for the first time the honor goes to an environmentalist. The ceremony, as you see, is just now getting under away is Oslo, Norway. The award will go to Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist activist from Kenya. You can see here there. She was selected for her role in founding the greenbelt movement.
More details now on a story we first reported about 30 minutes ago. At least nine people are dead, more than a dozen wounded when a bomb exploded today near an army truck in the Pakistani city of Quetta. The time bomb was strapped to a bicycle when it went off by the parked truck. The information minister condemned the blast and blamed enemies of Pakistan. No one has claimed responsibility.
At least one of the tough questions Donald Rumsfeld got from an Iraq-bound soldier this week actually was planted by a reporter. You will recall we reported that a National Guardsman asked the defense chief about a lack of armor on combat vehicles. Well, it turns out a Tennessee newspaper reporter embedded with the soldier's unit says he worked with the soldier on questions to ask Rumsfeld after being told he wouldn't be allowed to ask questions himself.
And Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman will not be starring in the film remake of "The Producers" after all. Kidman had been set to play ditzy secretary Olah (ph). Or is it Ulah (ph)? But "Variety" is reporting that Kidman's agent says she won't have enough time to rehearse the film's song and dance routines. That's because she is due back in Australia, where she is set to star in yet another film. So she is just too darn busy -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: I guess.
Ron Artest and his fellow basket brawlers are now awaiting word from an arbitrator who heard their appeal yesterday. The Indiana Pacers' players are trying to have their NBA suspensions reduced.
Artest received the stiffest league penalty for the fight with fans at a game in Detroit last month. He's one of five Pacers charged with assault and battery.
Artest's attorney, Clarence Tucker, is joining us from Farmington Hills, Michigan. His agent, Mark Stevens, is here with us in New York.
Clarence, let's begin with you. Just reaction from you on the charges specifically, and the case brought by the prosecutor there. Do you think he did a good job?
CLARENCE TUCKER, RON ARTEST'S ATTORNEY: Yes, I think the prosecutor at least took appropriate time to go through all of the videos. I understand there's about ten feeds of the video. He's got 1,000 pages of other evidence in terms of statements from the various witnesses. He's probably looked at the role of the different individuals, and he pinpointed things on the various videos that I'm sure many eyewitnesses did not perceive of initially. As you recall, he had to slow it down and then slow it down.
And, of course, as a defense attorney, we will have to take our time and carefully go through all of the videos, all of the thousand of pages of evidence as we formulate our strategy for Mr. Artest.
O'BRIEN: So, you'll end up going through it frame by frame, just as prosecutors have, in order to get your defense. And I assume you'll have access to all of those ten feeds that the prosecutors did, right?
TUCKER: We've already put the prosecutor on notice to preserve all relevant evidence, from videos to eyewitnesses to all of the documentation. You know, Mr. Artest has also been assaulted. And he charged three individuals with assaulting Mr. Artest.
So, there will be a number of things for us to examine and look at closely. We do think, though, that the prosecutor accurately determined that someone, in effect, threw a match into a pretty incendiary situation, which triggered the entire event, and that was Mr. Green.
O'BRIEN: All right. Mark, let's talk with you. While the criminal situation goes on, the issue of the suspension is an important one, 73-game suspension which equates to something like $5 million for Mr. Artest. Is there any chance of reducing that? Have you appealed to the NBA? So far, an arbitrator is involved, but the NBA has been pretty hard over on it.
MARK STEVENS, RON ARTEST'S AGENT: Yes, they have. First, we must commend Bill Hannah (ph), the players association. They have done a wonderful job in terms of putting the legal strategy together, the legal team around him. And they have done the best that they could. And we are appealing the situation. And hopefully within a week to two weeks we will have a rendered decision.
O'BRIEN: But does the suspension fit what we saw on tape there, do you think?
STEVENS: Well, of course, we feel that Ron has been victimized. He is apparently a victim. However, he's being made out to be the bad guy. However, in due process, sometimes justice is a marathon. It's not a sprint. So, we're taking our time. And hopefully within the next week or two the situation could change.
O'BRIEN: All right. What about this whole notion, either you or Clarence, this notion of Mr. Artest actually bringing charges against some of these fans?
STEVENS: Possibly, you know, it's his right to exercise his legal right.
O'BRIEN: Is' his right, but is it a good idea from a public relations perspective?
STEVENS: It's within reason. He was attacked. Two individuals came on the court and attacked him. And I think Prosecutor Gorcyca did an excellent job in dissecting the tape, taking it piece by piece, and really observing the tape analytically and looking at the situation piece by piece.
O'BRIEN: Clarence, a final thought. Does Mr. Artest have a civil case against some of these fans, do you think?
TUCKER: Well, you know, I think, as Mark has just indicated, we have to examine the tape. You know, this is a situation where nobody wanted it to happen. And so, I think before we take any action, No. 1, we have to defend the charge that is against us. And then we have to take a very practical look at these alternatives and see what really is feasible.
Clearly, because the prosecutor has charged three defendants for assaulting Mr. Artest, we cannot ignore the implications of that.
O'BRIEN: All right, Clarence Tucker, Mark Stevens, thank you both.
TUCKER: Thank you very much, Miles.
STEVENS: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: All right -- Kelly.
WALLACE: Miles, switching gears to politics. Five weeks after the election, disappointed Democrats are going to Disneyworld. State Democratic Party leaders from around the country are huddling today and tomorrow in Orlando, Florida. On the agenda? Finding a message and a messenger.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D), FMR. VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think looking forward...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We can't rely on turnout.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You know, the party is under construction.
HOWARD DEAN (D), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The way to rebuild the Democratic Party.
WALLACE (voice over): The first step to fixing a problem? Realizing you have one. And Democrats, all smiles earlier this year, now say they need to do something and quickly.
LINDA KAPLAN THALER, ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: The Democratic Party is in a crisis mode in terms of branding. It doesn't really have a brand. That's the problem.
WALLACE: If a brand is in trouble, who better to talk to than Linda Kaplan Thaler, a Madison Avenue maven and author of the book, "Bang: Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World." She says after an election, in which Republican red states spoke loudest, Democrats need to come up with a new message that will sell.
THALER: The biggest mistake the Democrats could make is to try to copy the Republicans. There is nothing people hate more than a me- too (UNINTELLIGIBLE) product. They have to find their own voice.
WALLACE: And their own messenger. The party, just five weeks after '04, is already abuzz with contenders for '08 -- names like Clinton, Edwards and others, including Kerry, Bayh, Richardson and Dean. The immediate challenge, however, is deciding who should become chief of the party with the former Vermont governor considering tossing his hat into the ring.
DEAN: Our challenge today is not to rehash what's already happened, but to look forward, to make the Democratic Party a 50-state party again.
WALLACE: And Democrats are looking at something else: Whether Iowa and New Hampshire should share the spotlight with other states in the opening of the presidential primary season.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And at this weekend's meeting, outgoing Democratic Party chief Terry McAuliffe will announce the creation of a commission, which will spend the year looking at the presidential primary calendar and considering whether any changes are needed.
And later here on AMERICAN MORNING at 9:30 a.m., we will talk with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, the new chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, let's check on the weather once again.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: Still to come here, two cell phone carriers look ready to dial-up a huge merger. Andy is "Minding Your Business."
O'BRIEN: Plus, in time for his third trip down the aisle, the Donald takes a little handout. The 90-second poppers will explain that one. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: We want to make sure you know about our special programs next week. AMERICAN MORNING is going to be live in Tokyo starting Monday. Bill is there now getting ready. It is primetime when we are seen in Japan. So, Bill and Will, if you're watching, hello.
O'BRIEN: Hoist a saki (ph) for us, will you?
WALLACE: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: All right, let's check in with Jack and the "Question of the Day."
Good morning -- Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thank you, Miles.
A mother who eavesdropped on her teenage daughter's telephone conversation was hauled into court in Washington State and convicted of violating that state's privacy laws. Washington is one of 11 states that requires consent from all parties involved before any sort of conversation can be recorded. A little absurd? Well, the mother in the case thinks so. She says it is ridiculous. My daughter was out of control. It was the only way I could get information and keep track of her.
So the question we're asking is: Do parents have the right to eavesdrop on their kids?
John in Achopi (ph), Florida. Ochopi (ph)? Parents...
O'BRIEN: That's good enough.
CAFFERTY: Huh?
O'BRIEN: That's good enough.
CAFFERTY: Close enough for government work. "Parents have the right and the duty to know what their children are doing. Having raised seven of them, we became pretty good at listening to their conversations."
Jean in Chapel Hill, North Carolina: "The liberal in me wants to say no, but reality intrudes. If the Klebolds and Harrises had listened in on their sons now and then, they might have averted the tragedy at Columbine High School, including the deaths of their own children."
Dave in Douglasville, Pennsylvania says: "As long as parents are held legally responsible for the acts of their minor children, then they should be afforded the right to ensure that they stay out of trouble."
And Lee in Kent, Ohio, writes: "Parents do have a limited right to eavesdrop on their kids, especially if they have reason to believe that child is doing drugs or is involved in criminal activity."
I invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY," this little business program we do on Saturday at 1:00 and Sunday at 3:00. This new intelligence reform bill finally got through the Congress, on the way to the president. We going to take a look at what kinds of things the new national intelligence director is going to be able to do to keep us safer.
Please plan to watch the program. We're hoping for high ratings. I'd like to get a raise. That's Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00. Thank you very much.
O'BRIEN: It's all about the raise, and it is...
CAFFERTY: It's all about the Benjamin.
O'BRIEN: It is a ratings juggernaut already.
WALLACE: I've been telling you, it's been doing really, really well in the ratings.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
CAFFERTY: Well, we have only have, like, 78 viewers, and one of them died a couple weeks ago. So there is an opening for one more viewer to watch the show.
WALLACE: All right.
(CROSSTALK)
CAFFERTY: So you might go -- yes, go next door and tell your neighbor, look, there's an opening for a viewer on "IN THE MONEY."
SERWER: Bring chips.
WALLACE: And then you'll have almost a 10 percent increase in ratings. All right, Jack.
Well, moving ahead to Andy, could two of the nation's biggest cell phone providers become one? Is it possible, Andy?
SERWER: It is possible. The reports, Kelly, of a merger pending between Nextel and Sprint, a $30 billion deal in the works. Of course, this comes on the heels of a Cingular-AT&T hookup. And this would make this Nextel-Sprint deal would make for third-largest cellular company in the United States after Cingular and Verizon. Of course, this is a fast-consolidating business.
If this deal is consummated, those three providers would have 75 percent of the market.
And let's move on to football, though, because that's a lot more fun. The football picks, let's see how the anchors are doing here. Some of the anchors aren't here.
WALLACE: I'm clapping. Look at Soledad.
SERWER: Yes, Soledad.
(CROSSTALK)
O'BRIEN: She's got a ringer. She's got a ringer going here.
WALLACE: Girl power. I love it so much.
SERWER: I'm the man in the middle. And -- OK. Let's talk...
O'BRIEN: And Jack...
SERWER: Well, Jack stirs the pot.
Let's talk about what's going on this week. The theme this week is easy money, because that's how it should be. The Bengals versus the Patriots. Because Bill is not here, I'm picking the Patriots. Bill was saying how the Bengals are looking pretty good at 6-6, but they're playing the 11-1 Pats. Corey Dillon (ph) goes up against his own team. That's easy. Go with the Pats.
Another easy one, Colts versus the Texans. A four-game winning streak for the Colts. Peyton Manning on the march for that TD record. They're 5-0 against the Texans. Easy money. Go with the Colts.
How about this one? The Jets-Steelers? This is a little bit harder. A great game, very close. The Steelers seem to be sliding a little bit. Ben Roethlisberger is tiring out. But they're 11-1. I think the Jet will give them a good game, except I did check the weather forecast in Pittsburgh. Temps, high 30s, snow, sleet, muck, ooze, freezing cold. It's Steeler football. Go with the Steelers. And that's it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Boo!
SERWER: Boo, the crew loves that. Sorry (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
O'BRIEN: The crew loves that. All right, we'll try to protect you, don't worry.
SERWER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Still to come, a red carpet rumble. In "90-Second Pop," is there room for only one diva at the Golden Globes? The latest dish on Star Jones-Reynolds next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: All right. It's a lot of responsibility. The main players are gone. That leaves me to do "90-Second Pop on a Friday. Our players for today, Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly," Josh Elliott, staff writer for "Sports Illustrated," and Crystal McCrary Anthony, author of "Gotham Diaries."
Good to have you all with us.
JOSH ELLIOTT, STAFF WRITER, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": No. It's good to have you with us, Miles.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Welcome aboard, Miles.
O'BRIEN: Thank god my wife, Sandy, reads "People" magazine, because I've got the space shuttle manual beside my bedside stand.
All right, let's start with you, Jessica. The Donald. I mean, the rich get richer, right? I mean, this is unbelievable. He gets married, and he gets a free ring, like a million-dollar ring.
ELLIOTT: And the bankrupt get richer as the case may be.
CRYSTAL MCCRARY ANTHONY, AUTHOR, "GOTHAM DIARIES": That's right.
O'BRIEN: That's true.
SHAW: It's a good thing, I think, that he's...
ANTHONY: No, I think, you know, look, what's going on with the Don and this ring is it's what he started the season off with. I mean, the show was plastered with Mattel imagery. Now it's a $1.5 million ring from Graff (ph), and it's product placement. I mean, is he a smart businessman or is he just being a cheapskate? I think it's probably a little bit of both, considering he was going to file bankruptcy.
SHAW: This is so tacky, and the fact that his son did the same thing when he proposed...
O'BRIEN: Well, like father like son here, right? SHAW: He went to a jeweler in the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, my home state, but still, come on. The guy can afford a ring.
ELLIOTT: See, I agree. But, I mean, this is a guy who has basically sacrificed his entire soul for his public persona. I mean, we -- this really doesn't surprise anybody, you know.
O'BRIEN: Well, do you think it bothers him? Does it really bother anybody?
ELLIOTT: I mean, that's the thing. He is incredibly shameless. I mean, he takes shamelessness to a new level. So, I mean, this, frankly, shouldn't surprise anybody.
SHAW: And the fact that Melana (ph), his wife, who will be, his fiance will be wearing that ring is now going to be doing advertisements.
O'BRIEN: Oh, yes.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: And on "The Apprentice," if you guys remember a few episodes back, there was a whole episode around Levi's and doing an ad campaign. And, of course, Melana (ph) comes in wearing these Levi's and the next thing you know she has signed a deal to be their spokes model. I mean, come on!
O'BRIEN: He is so shameless, he should be proud.
ELLIOTT: Exactly.
SHAW: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Do you know what I mean? He's all the way around the corner.
All right, Star Jones, why did she add another name, first of all? She had a great name.
ANTHONY: Star Jones-Reynolds.
SHAW: Yes.
O'BRIEN: I mean, it was a great name. What happened?
ANTHONY: Well, she's Mrs. Reynolds now.
SHAW: Yes, and she has so much product now. She got all of this free stuff. She just wanted some things sent to Star Jones and some sent to Star Jones-Reynolds.
O'BRIEN: All right. So, the red carpet is going to be a cat fight at the Globes.
SHAW: Yes. O'BRIEN: Tell me how this is all going to shake out.
ELLIOTT: Well...
SHAW: It's Star versus Joan and Melissa. Star Jones is going to be E.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
SHAW: Joan and Melissa previously on E signed a huge $8 million deal for three years to do the TV guide channel.
ELLIOTT: Which is sad. I mean, let's face it. This is sad. Thank you. You know, Melissa and Joan existed for this reason and this reason only. And to have them basically grab the money and run, it's a sad day.
SHAW: But I think you've go to go with that.
ANTHONY: Right, right.
SHAW: They are so much more entertaining than Star Jones, the way that they butcher people's names and Melissa says, "back to you, mom."
ANTHONY: But I love them.
SHAW: I mean, it's so tacky and wonderful.
ANTHONY: Didn't you miss them from the Emmys? I mean, really, Joan Rivers is like that relative at a family gathering who says the things that everyone else is thinking but no one wants to say.
ELLIOTT: Well, it's sort of the drunk uncle. But really, what she really is -- I mean, there is a difference. Star Jones is going to be shameless, but Joan and Melissa are vengeful.
SHAW: Right, right.
ELLIOTT: And let's face it. What do you want on your red carpet? You want vengeance.
ANTHONY: You've got a great tag team with them, don't you?
ELLIOTT: You want them ruling with an iron fist. Exactly.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: And space shuttle talk.
O'BRIEN: And, yes. Maybe they can throw that in. Who knows?
All right, let's talk about "The OC." And what appears to be an obvious grab for ratings here. You know, I mean, what else could it be?
ELLIOTT: You think?
O'BRIEN: Maybe. Maybe.
ELLIOTT: Are you breaking some rules on "90-Second Pop?"
O'BRIEN: I'm getting in the grove here on "90-Second Pop."
ELLIOTT: It's classic love on "The OC" we're being prepared for. It is a clear and obvious ratings grab. And more power to them. But, you know, it is interesting, because people have kind of embraced the new soap operas. And, you know, it's really -- they've left reality like they left pizza for tacos. I mean, you know, we gorge ourselves on one thing.
ANTHONY: Right.
ELLIOTT: We finally decide we need something else.
ANTHONY: Right.
ELLIOTT: But what is interesting is, you know, people are talking about, you know, "The OC," that I grew up with "Melrose Place." And it's just that it makes me feel. It's very comforting. It's like comfort food. And, you know, once upon a time we were nostalgic for things like World War II and the greatest generation. Now we're nostalgic for "Melrose Place."
SHAW: Oh, whatever, John!
ELLIOTT: Bring back "Dallas."
ANTHONY: "Dynasty" and Dallas."
ELLIOTT: Yes.
ANTHONY: And now we have "Desperate Housewives." I mean, long live the soap opera.
SHAW: It is a fun show. It's a fun show. It's definitely slipping in the ratings. That's why (UNINTELLIGIBLE). The interesting thing is, though, that it's not going to cause that much of a stir. Marissa, the main character, is going to have this lesbian kiss and whatever, because if you remember on soap operas like "Melrose Place," it was such drama if a guy was going to kiss another guy.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: And, you know, advertisers pulled out and there was a lot going on.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: Now it barely makes the news.
ANTHONY: Right. And this will equal ratings essentially. ELLIOTT: Yes. Or we just sit here and talk about it on CNN.
O'BRIEN: There you have it. And, of course, they are enjoying this immensely. All right. Guys, that was great. You got me through it. I appreciate it.
SHAW: Bravo!
O'BRIEN: Thank you, Jessica, Josh and Crystal. "90-Second Pop", I did it, mom!
All right -- Kelly.
WALLACE: Miles, a raise in the roof for you with the 90-second poppers.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, today's top stories, including a potential terrorist threat against airplanes. It sounds like something out of science fiction. A "CNN Security Watch," that's ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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Aired December 10, 2004 - 07:31 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: It's just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING.
NBA star Ron Artest is asking an arbitrator to reduce the length of his significant suspension from basketball. It's about a $5 million suspension. Of course, after the basket brawl. No answer yet from the arbitrator, but a clear answer from the league. We'll talk about coming back early with Artest's lawyer and agent in a moment.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Also, Miles, the Democratic Party was united before the last election. Now, though, maybe not so much. We'll look at the debate within the party over message and messenger as the party leaders start to talk.
First, though, we want to get a check of the hour's top stories with Carol Costello.
Great to see you here.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I know. I jogged those six blocks, and I'm here. Through the rain, through the fog, I'm here.
WALLACE: You get your workout every morning for CNN, right?
COSTELLO: Thank you. It's nice to be here. Good morning, everyone.
"Now in the News."
The Nobel Peace Prize is being awarded at this hour. And for the first time the honor goes to an environmentalist. The ceremony, as you see, is just now getting under away is Oslo, Norway. The award will go to Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist activist from Kenya. You can see here there. She was selected for her role in founding the greenbelt movement.
More details now on a story we first reported about 30 minutes ago. At least nine people are dead, more than a dozen wounded when a bomb exploded today near an army truck in the Pakistani city of Quetta. The time bomb was strapped to a bicycle when it went off by the parked truck. The information minister condemned the blast and blamed enemies of Pakistan. No one has claimed responsibility.
At least one of the tough questions Donald Rumsfeld got from an Iraq-bound soldier this week actually was planted by a reporter. You will recall we reported that a National Guardsman asked the defense chief about a lack of armor on combat vehicles. Well, it turns out a Tennessee newspaper reporter embedded with the soldier's unit says he worked with the soldier on questions to ask Rumsfeld after being told he wouldn't be allowed to ask questions himself.
And Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman will not be starring in the film remake of "The Producers" after all. Kidman had been set to play ditzy secretary Olah (ph). Or is it Ulah (ph)? But "Variety" is reporting that Kidman's agent says she won't have enough time to rehearse the film's song and dance routines. That's because she is due back in Australia, where she is set to star in yet another film. So she is just too darn busy -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: I guess.
Ron Artest and his fellow basket brawlers are now awaiting word from an arbitrator who heard their appeal yesterday. The Indiana Pacers' players are trying to have their NBA suspensions reduced.
Artest received the stiffest league penalty for the fight with fans at a game in Detroit last month. He's one of five Pacers charged with assault and battery.
Artest's attorney, Clarence Tucker, is joining us from Farmington Hills, Michigan. His agent, Mark Stevens, is here with us in New York.
Clarence, let's begin with you. Just reaction from you on the charges specifically, and the case brought by the prosecutor there. Do you think he did a good job?
CLARENCE TUCKER, RON ARTEST'S ATTORNEY: Yes, I think the prosecutor at least took appropriate time to go through all of the videos. I understand there's about ten feeds of the video. He's got 1,000 pages of other evidence in terms of statements from the various witnesses. He's probably looked at the role of the different individuals, and he pinpointed things on the various videos that I'm sure many eyewitnesses did not perceive of initially. As you recall, he had to slow it down and then slow it down.
And, of course, as a defense attorney, we will have to take our time and carefully go through all of the videos, all of the thousand of pages of evidence as we formulate our strategy for Mr. Artest.
O'BRIEN: So, you'll end up going through it frame by frame, just as prosecutors have, in order to get your defense. And I assume you'll have access to all of those ten feeds that the prosecutors did, right?
TUCKER: We've already put the prosecutor on notice to preserve all relevant evidence, from videos to eyewitnesses to all of the documentation. You know, Mr. Artest has also been assaulted. And he charged three individuals with assaulting Mr. Artest.
So, there will be a number of things for us to examine and look at closely. We do think, though, that the prosecutor accurately determined that someone, in effect, threw a match into a pretty incendiary situation, which triggered the entire event, and that was Mr. Green.
O'BRIEN: All right. Mark, let's talk with you. While the criminal situation goes on, the issue of the suspension is an important one, 73-game suspension which equates to something like $5 million for Mr. Artest. Is there any chance of reducing that? Have you appealed to the NBA? So far, an arbitrator is involved, but the NBA has been pretty hard over on it.
MARK STEVENS, RON ARTEST'S AGENT: Yes, they have. First, we must commend Bill Hannah (ph), the players association. They have done a wonderful job in terms of putting the legal strategy together, the legal team around him. And they have done the best that they could. And we are appealing the situation. And hopefully within a week to two weeks we will have a rendered decision.
O'BRIEN: But does the suspension fit what we saw on tape there, do you think?
STEVENS: Well, of course, we feel that Ron has been victimized. He is apparently a victim. However, he's being made out to be the bad guy. However, in due process, sometimes justice is a marathon. It's not a sprint. So, we're taking our time. And hopefully within the next week or two the situation could change.
O'BRIEN: All right. What about this whole notion, either you or Clarence, this notion of Mr. Artest actually bringing charges against some of these fans?
STEVENS: Possibly, you know, it's his right to exercise his legal right.
O'BRIEN: Is' his right, but is it a good idea from a public relations perspective?
STEVENS: It's within reason. He was attacked. Two individuals came on the court and attacked him. And I think Prosecutor Gorcyca did an excellent job in dissecting the tape, taking it piece by piece, and really observing the tape analytically and looking at the situation piece by piece.
O'BRIEN: Clarence, a final thought. Does Mr. Artest have a civil case against some of these fans, do you think?
TUCKER: Well, you know, I think, as Mark has just indicated, we have to examine the tape. You know, this is a situation where nobody wanted it to happen. And so, I think before we take any action, No. 1, we have to defend the charge that is against us. And then we have to take a very practical look at these alternatives and see what really is feasible.
Clearly, because the prosecutor has charged three defendants for assaulting Mr. Artest, we cannot ignore the implications of that.
O'BRIEN: All right, Clarence Tucker, Mark Stevens, thank you both.
TUCKER: Thank you very much, Miles.
STEVENS: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: All right -- Kelly.
WALLACE: Miles, switching gears to politics. Five weeks after the election, disappointed Democrats are going to Disneyworld. State Democratic Party leaders from around the country are huddling today and tomorrow in Orlando, Florida. On the agenda? Finding a message and a messenger.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D), FMR. VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think looking forward...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We can't rely on turnout.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You know, the party is under construction.
HOWARD DEAN (D), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The way to rebuild the Democratic Party.
WALLACE (voice over): The first step to fixing a problem? Realizing you have one. And Democrats, all smiles earlier this year, now say they need to do something and quickly.
LINDA KAPLAN THALER, ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: The Democratic Party is in a crisis mode in terms of branding. It doesn't really have a brand. That's the problem.
WALLACE: If a brand is in trouble, who better to talk to than Linda Kaplan Thaler, a Madison Avenue maven and author of the book, "Bang: Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World." She says after an election, in which Republican red states spoke loudest, Democrats need to come up with a new message that will sell.
THALER: The biggest mistake the Democrats could make is to try to copy the Republicans. There is nothing people hate more than a me- too (UNINTELLIGIBLE) product. They have to find their own voice.
WALLACE: And their own messenger. The party, just five weeks after '04, is already abuzz with contenders for '08 -- names like Clinton, Edwards and others, including Kerry, Bayh, Richardson and Dean. The immediate challenge, however, is deciding who should become chief of the party with the former Vermont governor considering tossing his hat into the ring.
DEAN: Our challenge today is not to rehash what's already happened, but to look forward, to make the Democratic Party a 50-state party again.
WALLACE: And Democrats are looking at something else: Whether Iowa and New Hampshire should share the spotlight with other states in the opening of the presidential primary season.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And at this weekend's meeting, outgoing Democratic Party chief Terry McAuliffe will announce the creation of a commission, which will spend the year looking at the presidential primary calendar and considering whether any changes are needed.
And later here on AMERICAN MORNING at 9:30 a.m., we will talk with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, the new chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, let's check on the weather once again.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: Still to come here, two cell phone carriers look ready to dial-up a huge merger. Andy is "Minding Your Business."
O'BRIEN: Plus, in time for his third trip down the aisle, the Donald takes a little handout. The 90-second poppers will explain that one. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: We want to make sure you know about our special programs next week. AMERICAN MORNING is going to be live in Tokyo starting Monday. Bill is there now getting ready. It is primetime when we are seen in Japan. So, Bill and Will, if you're watching, hello.
O'BRIEN: Hoist a saki (ph) for us, will you?
WALLACE: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: All right, let's check in with Jack and the "Question of the Day."
Good morning -- Jack.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thank you, Miles.
A mother who eavesdropped on her teenage daughter's telephone conversation was hauled into court in Washington State and convicted of violating that state's privacy laws. Washington is one of 11 states that requires consent from all parties involved before any sort of conversation can be recorded. A little absurd? Well, the mother in the case thinks so. She says it is ridiculous. My daughter was out of control. It was the only way I could get information and keep track of her.
So the question we're asking is: Do parents have the right to eavesdrop on their kids?
John in Achopi (ph), Florida. Ochopi (ph)? Parents...
O'BRIEN: That's good enough.
CAFFERTY: Huh?
O'BRIEN: That's good enough.
CAFFERTY: Close enough for government work. "Parents have the right and the duty to know what their children are doing. Having raised seven of them, we became pretty good at listening to their conversations."
Jean in Chapel Hill, North Carolina: "The liberal in me wants to say no, but reality intrudes. If the Klebolds and Harrises had listened in on their sons now and then, they might have averted the tragedy at Columbine High School, including the deaths of their own children."
Dave in Douglasville, Pennsylvania says: "As long as parents are held legally responsible for the acts of their minor children, then they should be afforded the right to ensure that they stay out of trouble."
And Lee in Kent, Ohio, writes: "Parents do have a limited right to eavesdrop on their kids, especially if they have reason to believe that child is doing drugs or is involved in criminal activity."
I invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY," this little business program we do on Saturday at 1:00 and Sunday at 3:00. This new intelligence reform bill finally got through the Congress, on the way to the president. We going to take a look at what kinds of things the new national intelligence director is going to be able to do to keep us safer.
Please plan to watch the program. We're hoping for high ratings. I'd like to get a raise. That's Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00. Thank you very much.
O'BRIEN: It's all about the raise, and it is...
CAFFERTY: It's all about the Benjamin.
O'BRIEN: It is a ratings juggernaut already.
WALLACE: I've been telling you, it's been doing really, really well in the ratings.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
CAFFERTY: Well, we have only have, like, 78 viewers, and one of them died a couple weeks ago. So there is an opening for one more viewer to watch the show.
WALLACE: All right.
(CROSSTALK)
CAFFERTY: So you might go -- yes, go next door and tell your neighbor, look, there's an opening for a viewer on "IN THE MONEY."
SERWER: Bring chips.
WALLACE: And then you'll have almost a 10 percent increase in ratings. All right, Jack.
Well, moving ahead to Andy, could two of the nation's biggest cell phone providers become one? Is it possible, Andy?
SERWER: It is possible. The reports, Kelly, of a merger pending between Nextel and Sprint, a $30 billion deal in the works. Of course, this comes on the heels of a Cingular-AT&T hookup. And this would make this Nextel-Sprint deal would make for third-largest cellular company in the United States after Cingular and Verizon. Of course, this is a fast-consolidating business.
If this deal is consummated, those three providers would have 75 percent of the market.
And let's move on to football, though, because that's a lot more fun. The football picks, let's see how the anchors are doing here. Some of the anchors aren't here.
WALLACE: I'm clapping. Look at Soledad.
SERWER: Yes, Soledad.
(CROSSTALK)
O'BRIEN: She's got a ringer. She's got a ringer going here.
WALLACE: Girl power. I love it so much.
SERWER: I'm the man in the middle. And -- OK. Let's talk...
O'BRIEN: And Jack...
SERWER: Well, Jack stirs the pot.
Let's talk about what's going on this week. The theme this week is easy money, because that's how it should be. The Bengals versus the Patriots. Because Bill is not here, I'm picking the Patriots. Bill was saying how the Bengals are looking pretty good at 6-6, but they're playing the 11-1 Pats. Corey Dillon (ph) goes up against his own team. That's easy. Go with the Pats.
Another easy one, Colts versus the Texans. A four-game winning streak for the Colts. Peyton Manning on the march for that TD record. They're 5-0 against the Texans. Easy money. Go with the Colts.
How about this one? The Jets-Steelers? This is a little bit harder. A great game, very close. The Steelers seem to be sliding a little bit. Ben Roethlisberger is tiring out. But they're 11-1. I think the Jet will give them a good game, except I did check the weather forecast in Pittsburgh. Temps, high 30s, snow, sleet, muck, ooze, freezing cold. It's Steeler football. Go with the Steelers. And that's it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Boo!
SERWER: Boo, the crew loves that. Sorry (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
O'BRIEN: The crew loves that. All right, we'll try to protect you, don't worry.
SERWER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Still to come, a red carpet rumble. In "90-Second Pop," is there room for only one diva at the Golden Globes? The latest dish on Star Jones-Reynolds next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: All right. It's a lot of responsibility. The main players are gone. That leaves me to do "90-Second Pop on a Friday. Our players for today, Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly," Josh Elliott, staff writer for "Sports Illustrated," and Crystal McCrary Anthony, author of "Gotham Diaries."
Good to have you all with us.
JOSH ELLIOTT, STAFF WRITER, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": No. It's good to have you with us, Miles.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Welcome aboard, Miles.
O'BRIEN: Thank god my wife, Sandy, reads "People" magazine, because I've got the space shuttle manual beside my bedside stand.
All right, let's start with you, Jessica. The Donald. I mean, the rich get richer, right? I mean, this is unbelievable. He gets married, and he gets a free ring, like a million-dollar ring.
ELLIOTT: And the bankrupt get richer as the case may be.
CRYSTAL MCCRARY ANTHONY, AUTHOR, "GOTHAM DIARIES": That's right.
O'BRIEN: That's true.
SHAW: It's a good thing, I think, that he's...
ANTHONY: No, I think, you know, look, what's going on with the Don and this ring is it's what he started the season off with. I mean, the show was plastered with Mattel imagery. Now it's a $1.5 million ring from Graff (ph), and it's product placement. I mean, is he a smart businessman or is he just being a cheapskate? I think it's probably a little bit of both, considering he was going to file bankruptcy.
SHAW: This is so tacky, and the fact that his son did the same thing when he proposed...
O'BRIEN: Well, like father like son here, right? SHAW: He went to a jeweler in the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, my home state, but still, come on. The guy can afford a ring.
ELLIOTT: See, I agree. But, I mean, this is a guy who has basically sacrificed his entire soul for his public persona. I mean, we -- this really doesn't surprise anybody, you know.
O'BRIEN: Well, do you think it bothers him? Does it really bother anybody?
ELLIOTT: I mean, that's the thing. He is incredibly shameless. I mean, he takes shamelessness to a new level. So, I mean, this, frankly, shouldn't surprise anybody.
SHAW: And the fact that Melana (ph), his wife, who will be, his fiance will be wearing that ring is now going to be doing advertisements.
O'BRIEN: Oh, yes.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: And on "The Apprentice," if you guys remember a few episodes back, there was a whole episode around Levi's and doing an ad campaign. And, of course, Melana (ph) comes in wearing these Levi's and the next thing you know she has signed a deal to be their spokes model. I mean, come on!
O'BRIEN: He is so shameless, he should be proud.
ELLIOTT: Exactly.
SHAW: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Do you know what I mean? He's all the way around the corner.
All right, Star Jones, why did she add another name, first of all? She had a great name.
ANTHONY: Star Jones-Reynolds.
SHAW: Yes.
O'BRIEN: I mean, it was a great name. What happened?
ANTHONY: Well, she's Mrs. Reynolds now.
SHAW: Yes, and she has so much product now. She got all of this free stuff. She just wanted some things sent to Star Jones and some sent to Star Jones-Reynolds.
O'BRIEN: All right. So, the red carpet is going to be a cat fight at the Globes.
SHAW: Yes. O'BRIEN: Tell me how this is all going to shake out.
ELLIOTT: Well...
SHAW: It's Star versus Joan and Melissa. Star Jones is going to be E.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
SHAW: Joan and Melissa previously on E signed a huge $8 million deal for three years to do the TV guide channel.
ELLIOTT: Which is sad. I mean, let's face it. This is sad. Thank you. You know, Melissa and Joan existed for this reason and this reason only. And to have them basically grab the money and run, it's a sad day.
SHAW: But I think you've go to go with that.
ANTHONY: Right, right.
SHAW: They are so much more entertaining than Star Jones, the way that they butcher people's names and Melissa says, "back to you, mom."
ANTHONY: But I love them.
SHAW: I mean, it's so tacky and wonderful.
ANTHONY: Didn't you miss them from the Emmys? I mean, really, Joan Rivers is like that relative at a family gathering who says the things that everyone else is thinking but no one wants to say.
ELLIOTT: Well, it's sort of the drunk uncle. But really, what she really is -- I mean, there is a difference. Star Jones is going to be shameless, but Joan and Melissa are vengeful.
SHAW: Right, right.
ELLIOTT: And let's face it. What do you want on your red carpet? You want vengeance.
ANTHONY: You've got a great tag team with them, don't you?
ELLIOTT: You want them ruling with an iron fist. Exactly.
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: And space shuttle talk.
O'BRIEN: And, yes. Maybe they can throw that in. Who knows?
All right, let's talk about "The OC." And what appears to be an obvious grab for ratings here. You know, I mean, what else could it be?
ELLIOTT: You think?
O'BRIEN: Maybe. Maybe.
ELLIOTT: Are you breaking some rules on "90-Second Pop?"
O'BRIEN: I'm getting in the grove here on "90-Second Pop."
ELLIOTT: It's classic love on "The OC" we're being prepared for. It is a clear and obvious ratings grab. And more power to them. But, you know, it is interesting, because people have kind of embraced the new soap operas. And, you know, it's really -- they've left reality like they left pizza for tacos. I mean, you know, we gorge ourselves on one thing.
ANTHONY: Right.
ELLIOTT: We finally decide we need something else.
ANTHONY: Right.
ELLIOTT: But what is interesting is, you know, people are talking about, you know, "The OC," that I grew up with "Melrose Place." And it's just that it makes me feel. It's very comforting. It's like comfort food. And, you know, once upon a time we were nostalgic for things like World War II and the greatest generation. Now we're nostalgic for "Melrose Place."
SHAW: Oh, whatever, John!
ELLIOTT: Bring back "Dallas."
ANTHONY: "Dynasty" and Dallas."
ELLIOTT: Yes.
ANTHONY: And now we have "Desperate Housewives." I mean, long live the soap opera.
SHAW: It is a fun show. It's a fun show. It's definitely slipping in the ratings. That's why (UNINTELLIGIBLE). The interesting thing is, though, that it's not going to cause that much of a stir. Marissa, the main character, is going to have this lesbian kiss and whatever, because if you remember on soap operas like "Melrose Place," it was such drama if a guy was going to kiss another guy.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: And, you know, advertisers pulled out and there was a lot going on.
ANTHONY: Right.
SHAW: Now it barely makes the news.
ANTHONY: Right. And this will equal ratings essentially. ELLIOTT: Yes. Or we just sit here and talk about it on CNN.
O'BRIEN: There you have it. And, of course, they are enjoying this immensely. All right. Guys, that was great. You got me through it. I appreciate it.
SHAW: Bravo!
O'BRIEN: Thank you, Jessica, Josh and Crystal. "90-Second Pop", I did it, mom!
All right -- Kelly.
WALLACE: Miles, a raise in the roof for you with the 90-second poppers.
In a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING, today's top stories, including a potential terrorist threat against airplanes. It sounds like something out of science fiction. A "CNN Security Watch," that's ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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