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CNN Live At Daybreak
Hometown Heartache for Residents of Modesto; 'America's Voice'; 'Today's Talker'
Aired December 14, 2004 - 06:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: No mercy from the jury and no emotion from Scott Peterson. Oh, but outside the courtroom in Redwood City, California, people cheer as jurors recommend that Peterson be put to death for killing his wife and unborn son. The defense is vowing to appeal the verdict. It has taken two years to get to this point.
Attorney Mark Geragos spoke for the Peterson family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK GERAGOS, ATTORNEY FOR SCOTT PETERSON: Obviously, we're very disappointed. Obviously, we plan on pursuing every and all appeals, motions for a new trial and everything else. All I'd ask is that you respect Jackie's and Lee's and the family's privacy for the next week or so.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Now that's about all he said.
Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, cried quietly after the jury's recommendation was read. This is something the family fought hard for. They wanted Scott Peterson to receive the death penalty.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RON GRANTSKI, LACI PETERSON'S STEPFATHER: They had no reason to doubt that it was Scott who did what he did, and he got what he deserved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Back in the Peterson's hometown of Modesto, California, the verdict brings a long and emotional chapter to an end. Scott Peterson's trial was moved out of Modesto.
But as our David Mattingly reports, the drama was still very close to home.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The People of State of California versus Scott Peterson. We, the jury, in the above-entitled cause fix the penalty at death. DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): News of the death penalty for Scott Peterson brought a hush to the late-lunch crowd at a Modesto diner, patrons finding no cause for celebration, just a private feeling of justice served.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, the justice system works, one way or the other. So that's -- you know, that's what the people wanted, that's what the people chose, that's what it's going to be.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A lot of times, we don't have control over anything that happens, and so it's nice to finally hear somebody, you know, getting what I believe they deserve.
MATTINGLY: A block away at a blood drive in memory of Laci Peterson, thoughts of anger toward Scott Peterson, his crime, and his deception continue to linger almost two years after Laci was murdered.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because of what he did. He -- I mean, it was just really wrong what he did, and he caused a lot of pain and hurt to her family and this community. So he deserves it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: We'll talk more in a few minutes about the public's fascination with this case and why so many viewers and news organizations focused so much attention on Scott and Laci Peterson over the past two years.
Let's head to "AMERICAN MORNING" now inside Soledad O'Brien's office, because I understand you guys have some jurors on the show this morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: That's exactly right, Carol. And, in fact, we're going to talk with two jurors this morning in a case that was very circumstantial. The question, of course, is: What exactly was the evidence that sealed the case for them?
Also, you'll recall in the sentencing phase, friend after friend of Scott Peterson got on the stand and said they didn't think Scott actually killed his wife. I'm curious to know what the jurors who had just found him guilty thought of those remarks from the friends of Scott Peterson.
And also, you saw those pictures of the jurors coming out of the jury room completely exhausted, completely wiped out. We'll find out what the last six months have been like for those jurors.
That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. We'll catch you in about, oh, 20 minutes. Thank you, Soledad.
Now we want to head live to Princeton, New Jersey, and Frank Newport, Gallup's editor-in-chief. Because, Frank, I understand you have some numbers that deal with the death penalty in this case.
FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: That's right, Carol. We thought we would put this in context for you. You heard some of the people who live in California there, saying they thought it was justice. Do Americans in general support the death penalty? We don't have a reading yet on what Americans think about this verdict, obviously, just from yesterday.
But let's look at the numbers here. In general, 64 percent of Americans support the death penalty. That's from this year, our latest update on a question we've been asking here at Gallup since the 1930s. That's just in general.
Interestingly, if we juxtaposed the death penalty against guaranteed life imprisonment with no chance of parole, that number falls to 50 percent who support the death penalty.
On the other hand, I went back in 2001 just to show you high support can get, the Timothy McVeigh case, a heinous crime there against -- you know, over 100 people killed, and that was up to 78 percent.
So, Carol, our bottom line on the death penalty is support can vary depending on the circumstances. But, clearly, in most situations, a majority of Americans do support the imposition of the death penalty in cases of murder.
COSTELLO: Interesting. I know you have some other numbers for us, too, this morning on the economy. The Fed is meeting today. Any signs that consumer confidence is rising?
NEWPORT: Well, some ambiguous numbers here, no. In general, is the economy overall in America getting better? Well, it's 47 percent say yes, 42 percent say no. That's on the right-hand side.
Notice these numbers have kind of moved up and down, nothing like last January on the left-hand side when it was really optimistic.
So, no major change in these general attitudes. But look at this, Carol. We asked people in November, how much are you going to spend on holiday Christmas gifts? And the number was $730. We reported it to you, I think, here on CNN. Now, we just re-asked it, and that number has jumped to $862.
So, Americans have opened the purse strings, it looks like, to us. Now, we'll wait and see what happens. But this could suggest that the holiday season is going to be a bit more robust than some observers have predicted.
COSTELLO: Interesting. And, Frank, you know, the Electoral College made President Bush's re-election official. So, how is his standing with the public these days?
NEWPORT: Fifty-three percent, that's Bush's job approval rating. That's actually lower. Just for context, here are the other presidents since Eisenhower who have been re-elected, and these are their job approval ratings in December, right after they got re- elected. So, Bush's December, 2004, 53 percent. Bill Clinton in '96 was at 58. Reagan back in '84 and Nixon in '72 were at 59 percent. LBJ when he got re-elected back in '64 had a December reading of 69. And Ike way back in '56, 79 percent job approval rating.
So, as far as context is concerned, the president is now in a little worse position than his other presidents who were re-elected.
COSTELLO: You have a potpourri of numbers for us this morning. Let's talk sports now. We know Senator John McCain is threatening to introduce legislation to strengthen the rules -- or strengthen the drug testing rules for Major League Baseball players. Does the public like that idea?
NEWPORT: Well, that's a big stick to baseball fans, and that's what we've narrowed this down to here. Baseball fans tend to agree with that.
Overall, everybody that's a baseball fans says the league itself, along with the players -- that's that top line there -- should have a tougher drug policy. They're considering that now. Eighty-six percent say yes. The key is the bottom. Fifty-nine percent of baseball fans tell us that if baseball can't get its own act together, they do believe Congress should pass laws and force steroid testing on baseball players.
So, that's a pretty tough standard there as far as baseball fans are concerned -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Interesting numbers, as usual. Frank Newport live from Princeton, New Jersey, thank you.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, are interest rates about to go up again? We'll have the answer ahead in our business buzz.
And some of the best surfers in the world are bracing for the big one. We'll check out the conditions. You won't believe how big this wave is going to be.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning, as we look at DAYBREAK in Boston courtesy of our affiliate, WCVB.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful shot from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this morning, where I wish I was, frankly, right now. We're going to tell you about some very expensive yachts parked there in just a bit. You won't believe it, I'm telling you.
It's time now, though, for a little business buzz. Today, the Federal Reserve holds its final meeting on interest rates for the year.
Carrie Lee has a preview live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. We're on the edge of our seats. CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, I'll tell you, Carol, Wall Street is pretty much unanimously expecting another quarter-point hike. So, that's widely the expectation.
And while rising rates might not sound like a good thing for consumers, a lot of traders interpret this as a sign of economic strength. So, as I said, Wall Street is expecting a quarter-point hike. This would make it the Fed's fifth increase in as many meetings, the fifth increase this year.
Now, this, of course, is the interest rate that serves for a benchmark for a lot of other rates, including credit cards. So, when this benchmark rate goes up, your credit card rate could very well go up as well. That's the bad news.
The good news is rates for things like CDs, savings accounts, even money market accounts can go up as well. So, if you have your money parked there, then this is good news for you.
Of course, the Fed language going forward, what they do beyond today's meeting is always important, Carol. And futures are actually looking a bit weak ahead of the Fed decision at 2:15 Eastern today.
Back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Carrie Lee, live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.
Like it or not, the Scott Peterson trial has riveted millions of Americans. It's over now. But what have we learned? And why did we watch it so closely?
To discuss that and more, syndicated columnist Armstrong Williams and syndicated talk show host Nancy Skinner.
Welcome to you, both.
NANCY SKINNER, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Good morning.
ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST: Good morning.
COSTELLO: Good morning.
Let's start with the verdict. The jury in California decides death. Are you surprised, Nancy?
SKINNER: I really am, Carol, because, you know, I understand the facts in this case pointed to his guilt and the thirst for vengeance. But four quick reasons why the death penalty doesn't work, and you'd think Californians would get this.
No. 1, the system is broken. It just doesn't work. And in my state, Illinois, we exonerated more people than we executed. That's a greater than 50 percent error rate, and our former Republican governor put a moratorium on it. Two, it costs more than keeping somebody incarcerated for life. In California, it's six times more. They could have saved $90 million last year without the death penalty.
And for all of those people on November 2 who voted and said moral values, religious values, all of those regular churchgoers, every major religion opposes the death penalty, as do most industrialized nations. Only a handful...
WILLIAMS: Huh?
SKINNER: ... of backward nations...
COSTELLO: I hear Armstrong in the background. Armstrong, there were cheers outside of the courtroom as this death penalty sentence came down from the jury.
WILLIAMS: Nancy, you never cease to amaze me. Listen, there's a difference...
SKINNER: Just answer the facts!
WILLIAMS: There's a difference between innocence and guilt. Taking the life of an unborn child versus someone who goes out and kill. Most Americans understand something very simple. Scott Peterson's actions when he learned that his wife and son were missing was not that of an innocent man. He was out living it up. He was messing around.
SKINNER: Yes.
WILLIAMS: He showed no concern for his family. It was brutal. I don't even understand why Scott Peterson himself would want to live, the way he has devastated the family, his own family and his community. For anyone who marries and thinks about the joys of marriage, and you're pregnant by your husband and you're carrying your husband's child almost to term, and then that wife and child is missing, he is a brute.
SKINNER: He is...
WILLIAMS: He is a monster.
SKINNER: Yes, he is.
WILLIAMS: He is someone who should be fried...
SKINNER: Address my point!
WILLIAMS: ... and we need to set an example for others who go out and think they can kill their wives and go and get insurance policies and show no kind of respect for life.
COSTELLO: OK...
SKINNER: You haven't even... WILLIAMS: We need to send a message that this will not be tolerated.
COSTELLO: Armstrong, pause for a moment.
WILLIAMS: It was the right decision.
SKINNER: You haven't answered any of my points. You haven't talked about the fact that the system is broken, that it costs more to do this, that it doesn't serve as a deterrent. Every major religion, Armstrong -- and you always bring religion into this...
WILLIAMS: I do not. That is not true.
SKINNER: ... opposes the death penalty.
WILLIAMS: It is not true.
SKINNER: Every major religion...
WILLIAMS: Not true. No, no. Are you religious?
SKINNER: ... opposes the death penalty.
COSTELLO: Let's move on to another topic. Armstrong, analysts love to say how much we learn about the justice system from these prolonged media trials. Did we learn anything from this one?
WILLIAMS: Nothing that we didn't know already; that he was guilty. It's entertainment. It's ratings. But it reminds the American people of how far we have fallen and what individuals are willing to do for their own self interests. They're willing to kill their wife and their innocent child. That's what we learned.
And what we should learn is how to be better husbands, be better people in the community, and not reckless in our lives. To understand the most important thing in life is respect for ourselves, respect for our families, and keeping those bonds together. And for someone that would go out and destroy not only his family, but every life that is touched by those families, he does not deserve to live.
COSTELLO: Nancy, do you think we've learned anything from this?
SKINNER: No, Carol. I'm very disturbed by murder as entertainment in general. You know, now the Scott Peterson show is over, what's next?
WILLIAMS: Murder?
SKINNER: That this is what the American public is watching this as they would some series or entertainment show. This horrible crime took place. I feel so sorry for these families who have to deal with it. There are people going to grief counseling, just people, the general public over this. This isn't right. Is this really news programming?
WILLIAMS: I don't think he'd really...
SKINNER: Should we be investing our energies in stories like this on and on and on? I don't think so.
COSTELLO: Last word, Armstrong.
WILLIAMS: I think you underestimate the -- you really underestimate the American people. Listen, the American people have so many -- a plethora of stations and networks and cable stations 24 hours a day, 300 and some channels. They can always turn it off. It is something they wanted to be a part of. They wanted to be reminded of what individuals are capable of doing in society, and what we should do with individuals like Scott Peterson. Send him to death.
SKINNER: I think this has more to do with executives knowing that people get hooked on murder mysteries.
WILLIAMS: We can always turn it off if we want to. We can turn it off. And we chose not to.
COSTELLO: That's very true, actually, Nancy. You have to admit. That's all the time we have for this debate. It was very interesting. Nancy Skinner, Armstrong Williams, thank you for joining DAYBREAK as usual on Tuesday.
WILLIAMS: Thank you. And happy holidays.
COSTELLO: Thanks to both of you as well.
SKINNER: Thanks a lot. OK.
COSTELLO: Let's head to Japan now and check in with Bill Hemmer for a look at what he's got up his sleeve coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING" from Tokyo.
Good morning -- Bill. Or I should say good evening.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. Yes, good evening to you as well, 9:00 local time here in Tokyo. It is day two for our coverage, a special "AMERICAN MORNING" from Japan yet again.
Carol, the war in Iraq is not popular with the Japanese people. The polling suggests that about 65 percent of the people in this country do not want their own soldiers serving in the war zone in southern Iraq.
However, U.S. and Japanese relations are pretty good, and that may be in part because of the ambassador, Howard Baker. He is my guest coming up here at 7:00 Eastern. We'll talk to him about maintaining the relations with his key allies as it relates to the war on terror and security back at home as well.
We've got another great show for you, Carol. It is day two in Tokyo, and we'll see you at the top of the hour in about 11 minutes from now.
Back to you now in New York.
COSTELLO: All right. We'll be there. Thank you, Bill.
HEMMER: All right.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Some of the most impressive performances Mother Nature have to offer. We'll go on scene this week if you don't live in Hawaii. For those of you who live on the mainland, stick around. We'll share part of the show.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We just had to show you that scene one more time. Beautiful Fort Lauderdale this morning.
Now it's time to move a few thousand miles away from Fort Lauderdale, because giant waves are crashing on Hawaii's coast, which makes it a peak but dangerous time for surfers to, as they say, throw some heat in the green room. We get an explanation from Stacy Loe of CNN affiliate KGMB on the north shore of Oahu.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STACY LOE, CNN AFFILIATE KGMB REPORTER (voice over): This is what surfers wait for every winter. It's the largest swell of the season so far. It was big enough to break at Waimea Bay.
CLARK AUBEY, BIG WAVE RIDER: The waves are at 15 feet and pretty clean, but now it's blown off. So, it's pretty challenging. It's real bumpy.
LOE: The surf's sheer power and size captivated the tourists who couldn't get enough.
CONNIE WOUCIK, TOURIST: I think it's awesome. There's nothing like this back home.
LOE (on camera): And where is home?
WOUCIK: North Carolina.
LOE: What do you think of the waves?
ED ROOKS, TOURIST: They're huge. Absolutely huge.
LOE: Are you going to in today at all?
ROOKS: No, not at all. Not today.
LOE (voice over): Most heeded the warning signs, but beachgoers at Pipeline had to scramble when a huge set washed ashore.
(on camera): Today's waves are impressive, but it's nothing compared to what we could see here on Wednesday. Forecasters are predicting 20 to 30-foot waves, and lifeguards say that could be dangerous.
JOHN HODGSTEDEN, OCEAN SAFETY: The water can wash up to right where we're standing. It can wash underneath the lifeguard towers. It can, you know, literally scour the beaches of all of the sand. It can wash through people's yards. It can wash over the roads.
LOE (voice over): It may be big enough to hold the Eddie Alcai (ph) contest. Clark Abbey is among the handful who may compete.
CLARK ABBEY, BIG WAVE RIDER: There's a lot of butterflies going in my system. Everybody is talking about it. And they say that this is going to be the biggest swell since Big Wednesday, which was in 1998. So -- and that was really too big to surf it.
LOE: Too big to surf or not, many are anticipating what Mother Nature has in store.
Stacy Loe, KGMB 9 News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: So, dudes, there you have it.
Get this: "Shea-Dro." When we come back, a look at the morning headlines. But first, this is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: You know, we wanted to check out the morning papers, because there is an insane article in "The Wall Street Journal" this morning. Let me read an excerpt. Rob, are you with me?
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I can hear you. Just how insane is it, Carol.
COSTELLO: It's insane. "With the population of millionaires soaring to more than two million in the U.S., the rich are finding it harder to set themselves apart."
So, they're buying bigger and bigger yachts. These yachts are parked at Fort Lauderdale. Listen to this yacht: "Down the dock was the 197-foot Alpha Four with an indoor gym, swimming pool and helicopter pad. The talk of The Shore" -- you know, that beach in Fort Lauderdale, The Shore?
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: Oh, no, I lost my place. "The talk of The Shore was billionaire Paul Allen's (ph) new pleasure boat, Octopus, which extends over 400 feet and has a basketball court, music studio, and a personal submarine."
MARCIANO: Well, turn that paper around, Carol, and look at what you -- I just want one of those flat screens in the back of that. That's all I want. I mean...
COSTELLO: My husband keeps saying no, don't buy one until next year, because the price will go down.
MARCIANO: Right, right.
COSTELLO: Sure.
MARCIANO: And next year will come, and he'll say, wait another year.
COSTELLO: Yes. This is the back of the "New York Post," "Shea- Dro."
MARCIANO: Oh, yes, let's hear about him.
COSTELLO: Pedro Martinez is probably going to Shea Stadium.
MARCIANO: That's a perfect match.
COSTELLO: Joining the National League. Do you think so?
MARCIANO: Well, just because, you know, the Mets and Yankees are cross-town rivals, and obviously Pedro is fairly much hated by the Yankee community. So, it's been...
COSTELLO: So, they'll feel the mass hatred even more...
MARCIANO: It's going to be good.
COSTELLO: ... being nearby.
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: He's going to sign a four-year, $54 million deal. That's just insane.
MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
COSTELLO: Hey, a baby gift for Chad, because he'll be back tomorrow.
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: You never hear anyone baby talk Donald Trump on his hit show, "The Apprentice," right? But look at that. Someone just might goo-goo and ga-ga over this Cabbage Patch Kid...
MARCIANO: Oh!
COSTELLO: ... made in the Donald likeness. The Donald even autographed it before it went on the eBay auction block. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. At last check, the bidding was over $1,000. That's -- we can pay more for Chad's baby gift, right? Let's take up a collection.
MARCIANO: I like it.
COSTELLO: Yes, it's for a good cause. MARCIANO: I would gladly pay $1,000 for Chad's baby gift.
COSTELLO: Exactly. By the way, Chad will be back to work tomorrow.
MARCIANO: Yes, he will.
COSTELLO: And you can sleep in, Rob.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Carol. I enjoyed it.
COSTELLO: We enjoyed having you. Thank you for filling in while Chad was out. Chad will be back sans baby.
Also tomorrow on DAYBREAK, holiday party faux pas. Tips to make your festivities fun and safe for the whole family. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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Aired December 14, 2004 - 06:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: No mercy from the jury and no emotion from Scott Peterson. Oh, but outside the courtroom in Redwood City, California, people cheer as jurors recommend that Peterson be put to death for killing his wife and unborn son. The defense is vowing to appeal the verdict. It has taken two years to get to this point.
Attorney Mark Geragos spoke for the Peterson family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK GERAGOS, ATTORNEY FOR SCOTT PETERSON: Obviously, we're very disappointed. Obviously, we plan on pursuing every and all appeals, motions for a new trial and everything else. All I'd ask is that you respect Jackie's and Lee's and the family's privacy for the next week or so.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Now that's about all he said.
Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, cried quietly after the jury's recommendation was read. This is something the family fought hard for. They wanted Scott Peterson to receive the death penalty.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RON GRANTSKI, LACI PETERSON'S STEPFATHER: They had no reason to doubt that it was Scott who did what he did, and he got what he deserved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Back in the Peterson's hometown of Modesto, California, the verdict brings a long and emotional chapter to an end. Scott Peterson's trial was moved out of Modesto.
But as our David Mattingly reports, the drama was still very close to home.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The People of State of California versus Scott Peterson. We, the jury, in the above-entitled cause fix the penalty at death. DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): News of the death penalty for Scott Peterson brought a hush to the late-lunch crowd at a Modesto diner, patrons finding no cause for celebration, just a private feeling of justice served.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, the justice system works, one way or the other. So that's -- you know, that's what the people wanted, that's what the people chose, that's what it's going to be.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A lot of times, we don't have control over anything that happens, and so it's nice to finally hear somebody, you know, getting what I believe they deserve.
MATTINGLY: A block away at a blood drive in memory of Laci Peterson, thoughts of anger toward Scott Peterson, his crime, and his deception continue to linger almost two years after Laci was murdered.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because of what he did. He -- I mean, it was just really wrong what he did, and he caused a lot of pain and hurt to her family and this community. So he deserves it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: We'll talk more in a few minutes about the public's fascination with this case and why so many viewers and news organizations focused so much attention on Scott and Laci Peterson over the past two years.
Let's head to "AMERICAN MORNING" now inside Soledad O'Brien's office, because I understand you guys have some jurors on the show this morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: That's exactly right, Carol. And, in fact, we're going to talk with two jurors this morning in a case that was very circumstantial. The question, of course, is: What exactly was the evidence that sealed the case for them?
Also, you'll recall in the sentencing phase, friend after friend of Scott Peterson got on the stand and said they didn't think Scott actually killed his wife. I'm curious to know what the jurors who had just found him guilty thought of those remarks from the friends of Scott Peterson.
And also, you saw those pictures of the jurors coming out of the jury room completely exhausted, completely wiped out. We'll find out what the last six months have been like for those jurors.
That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. We'll catch you in about, oh, 20 minutes. Thank you, Soledad.
Now we want to head live to Princeton, New Jersey, and Frank Newport, Gallup's editor-in-chief. Because, Frank, I understand you have some numbers that deal with the death penalty in this case.
FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: That's right, Carol. We thought we would put this in context for you. You heard some of the people who live in California there, saying they thought it was justice. Do Americans in general support the death penalty? We don't have a reading yet on what Americans think about this verdict, obviously, just from yesterday.
But let's look at the numbers here. In general, 64 percent of Americans support the death penalty. That's from this year, our latest update on a question we've been asking here at Gallup since the 1930s. That's just in general.
Interestingly, if we juxtaposed the death penalty against guaranteed life imprisonment with no chance of parole, that number falls to 50 percent who support the death penalty.
On the other hand, I went back in 2001 just to show you high support can get, the Timothy McVeigh case, a heinous crime there against -- you know, over 100 people killed, and that was up to 78 percent.
So, Carol, our bottom line on the death penalty is support can vary depending on the circumstances. But, clearly, in most situations, a majority of Americans do support the imposition of the death penalty in cases of murder.
COSTELLO: Interesting. I know you have some other numbers for us, too, this morning on the economy. The Fed is meeting today. Any signs that consumer confidence is rising?
NEWPORT: Well, some ambiguous numbers here, no. In general, is the economy overall in America getting better? Well, it's 47 percent say yes, 42 percent say no. That's on the right-hand side.
Notice these numbers have kind of moved up and down, nothing like last January on the left-hand side when it was really optimistic.
So, no major change in these general attitudes. But look at this, Carol. We asked people in November, how much are you going to spend on holiday Christmas gifts? And the number was $730. We reported it to you, I think, here on CNN. Now, we just re-asked it, and that number has jumped to $862.
So, Americans have opened the purse strings, it looks like, to us. Now, we'll wait and see what happens. But this could suggest that the holiday season is going to be a bit more robust than some observers have predicted.
COSTELLO: Interesting. And, Frank, you know, the Electoral College made President Bush's re-election official. So, how is his standing with the public these days?
NEWPORT: Fifty-three percent, that's Bush's job approval rating. That's actually lower. Just for context, here are the other presidents since Eisenhower who have been re-elected, and these are their job approval ratings in December, right after they got re- elected. So, Bush's December, 2004, 53 percent. Bill Clinton in '96 was at 58. Reagan back in '84 and Nixon in '72 were at 59 percent. LBJ when he got re-elected back in '64 had a December reading of 69. And Ike way back in '56, 79 percent job approval rating.
So, as far as context is concerned, the president is now in a little worse position than his other presidents who were re-elected.
COSTELLO: You have a potpourri of numbers for us this morning. Let's talk sports now. We know Senator John McCain is threatening to introduce legislation to strengthen the rules -- or strengthen the drug testing rules for Major League Baseball players. Does the public like that idea?
NEWPORT: Well, that's a big stick to baseball fans, and that's what we've narrowed this down to here. Baseball fans tend to agree with that.
Overall, everybody that's a baseball fans says the league itself, along with the players -- that's that top line there -- should have a tougher drug policy. They're considering that now. Eighty-six percent say yes. The key is the bottom. Fifty-nine percent of baseball fans tell us that if baseball can't get its own act together, they do believe Congress should pass laws and force steroid testing on baseball players.
So, that's a pretty tough standard there as far as baseball fans are concerned -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Interesting numbers, as usual. Frank Newport live from Princeton, New Jersey, thank you.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, are interest rates about to go up again? We'll have the answer ahead in our business buzz.
And some of the best surfers in the world are bracing for the big one. We'll check out the conditions. You won't believe how big this wave is going to be.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning, as we look at DAYBREAK in Boston courtesy of our affiliate, WCVB.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful shot from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this morning, where I wish I was, frankly, right now. We're going to tell you about some very expensive yachts parked there in just a bit. You won't believe it, I'm telling you.
It's time now, though, for a little business buzz. Today, the Federal Reserve holds its final meeting on interest rates for the year.
Carrie Lee has a preview live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. We're on the edge of our seats. CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, I'll tell you, Carol, Wall Street is pretty much unanimously expecting another quarter-point hike. So, that's widely the expectation.
And while rising rates might not sound like a good thing for consumers, a lot of traders interpret this as a sign of economic strength. So, as I said, Wall Street is expecting a quarter-point hike. This would make it the Fed's fifth increase in as many meetings, the fifth increase this year.
Now, this, of course, is the interest rate that serves for a benchmark for a lot of other rates, including credit cards. So, when this benchmark rate goes up, your credit card rate could very well go up as well. That's the bad news.
The good news is rates for things like CDs, savings accounts, even money market accounts can go up as well. So, if you have your money parked there, then this is good news for you.
Of course, the Fed language going forward, what they do beyond today's meeting is always important, Carol. And futures are actually looking a bit weak ahead of the Fed decision at 2:15 Eastern today.
Back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Carrie Lee, live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.
Like it or not, the Scott Peterson trial has riveted millions of Americans. It's over now. But what have we learned? And why did we watch it so closely?
To discuss that and more, syndicated columnist Armstrong Williams and syndicated talk show host Nancy Skinner.
Welcome to you, both.
NANCY SKINNER, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Good morning.
ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST: Good morning.
COSTELLO: Good morning.
Let's start with the verdict. The jury in California decides death. Are you surprised, Nancy?
SKINNER: I really am, Carol, because, you know, I understand the facts in this case pointed to his guilt and the thirst for vengeance. But four quick reasons why the death penalty doesn't work, and you'd think Californians would get this.
No. 1, the system is broken. It just doesn't work. And in my state, Illinois, we exonerated more people than we executed. That's a greater than 50 percent error rate, and our former Republican governor put a moratorium on it. Two, it costs more than keeping somebody incarcerated for life. In California, it's six times more. They could have saved $90 million last year without the death penalty.
And for all of those people on November 2 who voted and said moral values, religious values, all of those regular churchgoers, every major religion opposes the death penalty, as do most industrialized nations. Only a handful...
WILLIAMS: Huh?
SKINNER: ... of backward nations...
COSTELLO: I hear Armstrong in the background. Armstrong, there were cheers outside of the courtroom as this death penalty sentence came down from the jury.
WILLIAMS: Nancy, you never cease to amaze me. Listen, there's a difference...
SKINNER: Just answer the facts!
WILLIAMS: There's a difference between innocence and guilt. Taking the life of an unborn child versus someone who goes out and kill. Most Americans understand something very simple. Scott Peterson's actions when he learned that his wife and son were missing was not that of an innocent man. He was out living it up. He was messing around.
SKINNER: Yes.
WILLIAMS: He showed no concern for his family. It was brutal. I don't even understand why Scott Peterson himself would want to live, the way he has devastated the family, his own family and his community. For anyone who marries and thinks about the joys of marriage, and you're pregnant by your husband and you're carrying your husband's child almost to term, and then that wife and child is missing, he is a brute.
SKINNER: He is...
WILLIAMS: He is a monster.
SKINNER: Yes, he is.
WILLIAMS: He is someone who should be fried...
SKINNER: Address my point!
WILLIAMS: ... and we need to set an example for others who go out and think they can kill their wives and go and get insurance policies and show no kind of respect for life.
COSTELLO: OK...
SKINNER: You haven't even... WILLIAMS: We need to send a message that this will not be tolerated.
COSTELLO: Armstrong, pause for a moment.
WILLIAMS: It was the right decision.
SKINNER: You haven't answered any of my points. You haven't talked about the fact that the system is broken, that it costs more to do this, that it doesn't serve as a deterrent. Every major religion, Armstrong -- and you always bring religion into this...
WILLIAMS: I do not. That is not true.
SKINNER: ... opposes the death penalty.
WILLIAMS: It is not true.
SKINNER: Every major religion...
WILLIAMS: Not true. No, no. Are you religious?
SKINNER: ... opposes the death penalty.
COSTELLO: Let's move on to another topic. Armstrong, analysts love to say how much we learn about the justice system from these prolonged media trials. Did we learn anything from this one?
WILLIAMS: Nothing that we didn't know already; that he was guilty. It's entertainment. It's ratings. But it reminds the American people of how far we have fallen and what individuals are willing to do for their own self interests. They're willing to kill their wife and their innocent child. That's what we learned.
And what we should learn is how to be better husbands, be better people in the community, and not reckless in our lives. To understand the most important thing in life is respect for ourselves, respect for our families, and keeping those bonds together. And for someone that would go out and destroy not only his family, but every life that is touched by those families, he does not deserve to live.
COSTELLO: Nancy, do you think we've learned anything from this?
SKINNER: No, Carol. I'm very disturbed by murder as entertainment in general. You know, now the Scott Peterson show is over, what's next?
WILLIAMS: Murder?
SKINNER: That this is what the American public is watching this as they would some series or entertainment show. This horrible crime took place. I feel so sorry for these families who have to deal with it. There are people going to grief counseling, just people, the general public over this. This isn't right. Is this really news programming?
WILLIAMS: I don't think he'd really...
SKINNER: Should we be investing our energies in stories like this on and on and on? I don't think so.
COSTELLO: Last word, Armstrong.
WILLIAMS: I think you underestimate the -- you really underestimate the American people. Listen, the American people have so many -- a plethora of stations and networks and cable stations 24 hours a day, 300 and some channels. They can always turn it off. It is something they wanted to be a part of. They wanted to be reminded of what individuals are capable of doing in society, and what we should do with individuals like Scott Peterson. Send him to death.
SKINNER: I think this has more to do with executives knowing that people get hooked on murder mysteries.
WILLIAMS: We can always turn it off if we want to. We can turn it off. And we chose not to.
COSTELLO: That's very true, actually, Nancy. You have to admit. That's all the time we have for this debate. It was very interesting. Nancy Skinner, Armstrong Williams, thank you for joining DAYBREAK as usual on Tuesday.
WILLIAMS: Thank you. And happy holidays.
COSTELLO: Thanks to both of you as well.
SKINNER: Thanks a lot. OK.
COSTELLO: Let's head to Japan now and check in with Bill Hemmer for a look at what he's got up his sleeve coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING" from Tokyo.
Good morning -- Bill. Or I should say good evening.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. Yes, good evening to you as well, 9:00 local time here in Tokyo. It is day two for our coverage, a special "AMERICAN MORNING" from Japan yet again.
Carol, the war in Iraq is not popular with the Japanese people. The polling suggests that about 65 percent of the people in this country do not want their own soldiers serving in the war zone in southern Iraq.
However, U.S. and Japanese relations are pretty good, and that may be in part because of the ambassador, Howard Baker. He is my guest coming up here at 7:00 Eastern. We'll talk to him about maintaining the relations with his key allies as it relates to the war on terror and security back at home as well.
We've got another great show for you, Carol. It is day two in Tokyo, and we'll see you at the top of the hour in about 11 minutes from now.
Back to you now in New York.
COSTELLO: All right. We'll be there. Thank you, Bill.
HEMMER: All right.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Some of the most impressive performances Mother Nature have to offer. We'll go on scene this week if you don't live in Hawaii. For those of you who live on the mainland, stick around. We'll share part of the show.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We just had to show you that scene one more time. Beautiful Fort Lauderdale this morning.
Now it's time to move a few thousand miles away from Fort Lauderdale, because giant waves are crashing on Hawaii's coast, which makes it a peak but dangerous time for surfers to, as they say, throw some heat in the green room. We get an explanation from Stacy Loe of CNN affiliate KGMB on the north shore of Oahu.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STACY LOE, CNN AFFILIATE KGMB REPORTER (voice over): This is what surfers wait for every winter. It's the largest swell of the season so far. It was big enough to break at Waimea Bay.
CLARK AUBEY, BIG WAVE RIDER: The waves are at 15 feet and pretty clean, but now it's blown off. So, it's pretty challenging. It's real bumpy.
LOE: The surf's sheer power and size captivated the tourists who couldn't get enough.
CONNIE WOUCIK, TOURIST: I think it's awesome. There's nothing like this back home.
LOE (on camera): And where is home?
WOUCIK: North Carolina.
LOE: What do you think of the waves?
ED ROOKS, TOURIST: They're huge. Absolutely huge.
LOE: Are you going to in today at all?
ROOKS: No, not at all. Not today.
LOE (voice over): Most heeded the warning signs, but beachgoers at Pipeline had to scramble when a huge set washed ashore.
(on camera): Today's waves are impressive, but it's nothing compared to what we could see here on Wednesday. Forecasters are predicting 20 to 30-foot waves, and lifeguards say that could be dangerous.
JOHN HODGSTEDEN, OCEAN SAFETY: The water can wash up to right where we're standing. It can wash underneath the lifeguard towers. It can, you know, literally scour the beaches of all of the sand. It can wash through people's yards. It can wash over the roads.
LOE (voice over): It may be big enough to hold the Eddie Alcai (ph) contest. Clark Abbey is among the handful who may compete.
CLARK ABBEY, BIG WAVE RIDER: There's a lot of butterflies going in my system. Everybody is talking about it. And they say that this is going to be the biggest swell since Big Wednesday, which was in 1998. So -- and that was really too big to surf it.
LOE: Too big to surf or not, many are anticipating what Mother Nature has in store.
Stacy Loe, KGMB 9 News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: So, dudes, there you have it.
Get this: "Shea-Dro." When we come back, a look at the morning headlines. But first, this is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: You know, we wanted to check out the morning papers, because there is an insane article in "The Wall Street Journal" this morning. Let me read an excerpt. Rob, are you with me?
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I can hear you. Just how insane is it, Carol.
COSTELLO: It's insane. "With the population of millionaires soaring to more than two million in the U.S., the rich are finding it harder to set themselves apart."
So, they're buying bigger and bigger yachts. These yachts are parked at Fort Lauderdale. Listen to this yacht: "Down the dock was the 197-foot Alpha Four with an indoor gym, swimming pool and helicopter pad. The talk of The Shore" -- you know, that beach in Fort Lauderdale, The Shore?
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: Oh, no, I lost my place. "The talk of The Shore was billionaire Paul Allen's (ph) new pleasure boat, Octopus, which extends over 400 feet and has a basketball court, music studio, and a personal submarine."
MARCIANO: Well, turn that paper around, Carol, and look at what you -- I just want one of those flat screens in the back of that. That's all I want. I mean...
COSTELLO: My husband keeps saying no, don't buy one until next year, because the price will go down.
MARCIANO: Right, right.
COSTELLO: Sure.
MARCIANO: And next year will come, and he'll say, wait another year.
COSTELLO: Yes. This is the back of the "New York Post," "Shea- Dro."
MARCIANO: Oh, yes, let's hear about him.
COSTELLO: Pedro Martinez is probably going to Shea Stadium.
MARCIANO: That's a perfect match.
COSTELLO: Joining the National League. Do you think so?
MARCIANO: Well, just because, you know, the Mets and Yankees are cross-town rivals, and obviously Pedro is fairly much hated by the Yankee community. So, it's been...
COSTELLO: So, they'll feel the mass hatred even more...
MARCIANO: It's going to be good.
COSTELLO: ... being nearby.
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: He's going to sign a four-year, $54 million deal. That's just insane.
MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
COSTELLO: Hey, a baby gift for Chad, because he'll be back tomorrow.
MARCIANO: Yes.
COSTELLO: You never hear anyone baby talk Donald Trump on his hit show, "The Apprentice," right? But look at that. Someone just might goo-goo and ga-ga over this Cabbage Patch Kid...
MARCIANO: Oh!
COSTELLO: ... made in the Donald likeness. The Donald even autographed it before it went on the eBay auction block. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. At last check, the bidding was over $1,000. That's -- we can pay more for Chad's baby gift, right? Let's take up a collection.
MARCIANO: I like it.
COSTELLO: Yes, it's for a good cause. MARCIANO: I would gladly pay $1,000 for Chad's baby gift.
COSTELLO: Exactly. By the way, Chad will be back to work tomorrow.
MARCIANO: Yes, he will.
COSTELLO: And you can sleep in, Rob.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Carol. I enjoyed it.
COSTELLO: We enjoyed having you. Thank you for filling in while Chad was out. Chad will be back sans baby.
Also tomorrow on DAYBREAK, holiday party faux pas. Tips to make your festivities fun and safe for the whole family. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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