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CNN Live At Daybreak
'Hot Topics'; What Wives Want; Mom-Tested Toys
Aired December 15, 2004 - 06:29 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: And good morning to you. Thank you for waking up with us. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. Let's get right to the headlines now.
A hostage standoff is unfolding this minute outside of Athens, Greece. But there are now fewer hostages on board this bus. Gunmen seized the bus more than seven hours ago. They have freed at least five hostages this morning.
Also this morning, an announcement that one of Saddam Hussein's top associates, Ali Hassan Al-Majid, better known as Chemical Ali, will go on trial before the end of this month. He'll be the first member of the former regime to stand trial.
President Bush hosts a special conference on the economy at the White House today. The president will take part in discussions on social security and lawsuit abuse during the two-day event.
And some serious shaking in the Caribbean. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted the Cayman Islands. It hit about 20 miles south of the capital, Georgetown. Buildings swayed, but we have no reports of major damage or injuries so far.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's time now for our "Security Watch." Should the government change the color-coded terror warning system? Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge admits the system may need to be reconsidered. He made those comments at a meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Ridge also says the government may need to get the public more specifics when the threat level changes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: It's the general consensus we're doing very well at communicating to first responders, security professionals, et cetera. But clearly, we think there's more work to do within that framework to communicate more and better to the public.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: City officials in Orlando, Florida, are surprised that they're getting no money from the Department of Homeland Security. Grants for at-risk cities were announced earlier this month, but Orlando is not on the list. The department takes population into account when doling out the nearly $1 billion, but they don't account for tourists. Forty-three (sic) people visit Orlando every year. And, as you know, Disneyworld is there.
The Las Angeles International Airport is stepping up security to protect airliners from possible missile attacks. Authorities say the availability of shoulder-fired missiles on the black market is one reason for the security increase, but they say there is no immediate threat to any aircraft. Among the new measures are extra helicopter surveillance and increased police patrols.
We're going to talk much more about this on "AMERICAN MORNING." So, let's head into the office of Soledad O'Brien to see what special guests she has in store for you this morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Actually, Carol, good morning to you. We're going to be talking with Senator Jon Corzine this morning. The big question, as you mentioned: How prepared is this nation for a bioterror attack? You would think, given its proximity to New York City, New Jersey would be very prepared. Right? Well, wrong. There are some woefully big holes in that state's preparation.
We're going to talk with Senator Corzine to find out what that is the case. Also, he's the guy who wants to be governor of New Jersey. We'll find out what he would do differently.
That's ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Soledad.
Throughout the day, CNN will have more coverage of the security watch in the United States. On "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT," "The Hole in the Fence." What really separates the United States from Mexico?
And on "NEWSNIGHT," how effective are stings in rounding up suspected terror groups?
Let's talk about Senator John McCain. He says he has lost confidence in Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In McCain's view, the Pentagon should have sent more troops to Iraq long ago. But the Arizona senator admits it is the president's decision.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: The president has expressed his confidence in him, and the president should have the people working for him that he trusts.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: But, oh, to be Donald Rumsfeld these days. First, soldiers in Kuwait asked him some pointed questions at a would-be pep rally. And then, Republican Congressman Chuck Hagel has less than kind words about him. And you know about John McCain's attitude about Rumsfeld. We just heard from John McCain. He also expressed earlier they had no confidence in the defense secretary.
So, let's head live to Washington and the editor of "The National Journal's" online "Hotline," Chuck Todd.
Good morning, Chuck.
CHUCK TODD, "THE HOTLINE": Good morning.
COSTELLO: Chuck, the heat is on for Rumsfeld. How hot is it?
TODD: I think it's as hot as it's been since Abu Ghraib. Republicans on the Hill are feeling more and more comfortable going after Rumsfeld. And more importantly, Rumsfeld's poll ratings are going down. And when they go down, I think Republicans are going to feel like, on the Hill at least, they're going to feel like they have no choice, because of public opinion but to go after Rumsfeld and start putting some pressure on the White House.
COSTELLO: Well, yes. You know, it's pretty bad for a cabinet member when the president's spokesperson has to stand up for him. Listen to Scott McClellan's remarks from yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Secretary Rumsfeld has been doing a tremendous job during some very challenging times. During a time when we are in the middle of the war on terrorism, he has helped us make great progress to dismantle and disrupt the terrorist networks across the world. He has provided strong leadership in liberating Afghanistan and Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: And, you know, this isn't the first time the president's men or the president himself has had to come to the defense secretary's defense. Remember when Bush dressed Rumsfeld down for keeping him out of the loop on the Abu Ghraib scandal? How does the president really feel about him, Chuck?
TODD: Well, everything I hear is that they are sending strong signals to Rumsfeld that, you know, they would not be upset if he made the decision to leave. But Rumsfeld doesn't want to leave yet. And I think they don't feel inclined to shove him out publicly, but they are trying to drop every clue they possibly can. And he hasn't taken it yet.
That said, there will be a new chance for them to push Rumsfeld out and for Rumsfeld to leave after the elections in Iraq. And I think that seems to be the point of which we may see some actual change at the Pentagon.
COSTELLO: So, if the elections really do take place January 31 in Iraq, will Rumsfeld stay? Or if the elections don't take place, will he go?
TODD: Well, I think... COSTELLO: Or doesn't it matter?
TODD: I think that that will be the trigger. I think that there will be this idea that, you know, you can't be disrupting the chain of command before the elections. So, once the elections take place that it will be a new chance for them to push him out.
But it's clear that there are a lot of people in the White House that wouldn't mind seeing Rumsfeld go. It's that they're not ready to publicly shove him out, and that's where they are right now.
COSTELLO: Chuck Todd from "The Hotline" joining DAYBREAK this morning. Thank you.
In other political news this morning, Senator Joe Lieberman says he's keeping his day job. CNN has learned the Democratic senator told the White House no two times in recent days. He was approached about a job in the Bush administration. Government sources tell us the Homeland Security secretary was the most recent Joe Lieberman was considered for. He was earlier approached about becoming U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
In the meantime, as the Democrats try to figure out who will lead their party as the next National Committee chairman, party members say former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer has emerged as a possible new candidate. Roemer says he's flattered, but he hasn't made a final decision. Others in the running include former presidential candidate Howard Dean and former Clinton aide Harold Ickes.
On to lighter topics next, like husbands, wives, and how desperate we really are. And what type of spouse are you?
Plus, it's every parent's concern as Santa packs his sleigh. What toys are the safest for your children?
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: All right, it's time to fess up. What kind of wife are you? And what kind of wife are you living with? We're talking about an ad agency's survey of women and what they think about their roles in the home. And, of course, this is all spawning from the show, "Desperate Housewives."
J.J. Ramberg is here to dish the dirt.
J.J. RAMBERG, CNN DAYBREAK CONTRIBUTOR: I think that show is such a guilty pleasure, isn't it? I can't get enough of it. I can't believe I'm watching it.
But this ad agency did do a survey, kind of based on the idea of this show, and what kind of person are you in the household.
And what's interesting is that they found out that in spite of all of the achievements women have made at the workplace, they still really care about their house as sort of the central thing in their lives. So, they...
COSTELLO: Well, that's a good thing.
RAMBERG: It is a good thing. I completely agree. And what they found is so many women found that they can have it all. They can have work and they can have home...
COSTELLO: That's because they're crazy.
RAMBERG: Or exhausted. They can have work and home and big bags under their eyes.
COSTELLO: That's right. But they broke these women down in categories as to what type of housewife they are.
RAMBERG: Right. Isn't this kind of fun you have this as your question? House proud, the kind of Martha Stewart-ish woman who cares so much about their house, 37 percent of people said that they fall under that category.
The treading-water woman, which is what they say is like the Roseanne Barr woman, which, I have to admit even though I don't feel this way, is what I got when I took the survey. Twenty-nine percent of women said they thought they were that kind of woman.
The keep-it-simple, who is sort of the Deborah character on the "Everybody Loves Raymond" show, 22 percent of women said they fall into that category.
And then the keeping up with the Joneses -- did you see "American Beauty?"
COSTELLO: Yes, Annette Bening.
RAMBERG: Annette Bening. Crazy and thinks that her house is a status symbol, 12 percent of women admitted to thinking that they were that kind of person.
But I think the most fun thing from this survey or interesting or -- I don't know -- depressing, when they asked women what's the one thing you change about their house, 60 percent said their husbands.
COSTELLO: No.
RAMBERG: You know...
COSTELLO: No!
RAMBERG: ... I'm starting to think, though, maybe that was just at the moment they asked them. In general, really...
COSTELLO: It was after they came home from work, took care of the kids, swept the floor, did the laundry. Then they said, "What would you change?" And, yes, the answer would my husband. RAMBERG: Yes, I want to change him in for a personal assistant.
COSTELLO: Although I know a few men who do help clean up, but not many.
RAMBERG: A few. No.
COSTELLO: We are slamming men this morning, aren't we?
J.J. Ramberg, it was fun. Thank you.
Your news -- I'm in trouble, I know I am. Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
We are following a developing story this morning. Gunmen seized a bus more than seven hours ago near Athens, Greece. They have freed some passengers, but are still holding others.
The Iraqi interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, will be one of the candidates for the National Assembly when elections are held January 30. Allawi is expected to announce the list of eligible candidates today.
In money news, did you return those movies yet? Get this: Video giant Blockbuster says it's abolishing late fees as of January 1, but don't get too giddy. If you keep a game or a movie too long, Blockbuster could make you buy it.
In culture, guitarist Dave Navarro has a new band. The Panic Channel is made up of displaced members of the band, Jane's Addiction, after a fallout with the band's founder. Navarro may be better known as Carmen Electra's husband. I'm sure he cleans the house.
In sports, the hockey season may finally be finished. Poor Chad. The NHL and the players union each rejected proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement, and there are no new meetings scheduled between the two sides.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's play time. We'll be back with toys your children will actually want to play with on Christmas Day and beyond. You're watching DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is hard to know what to buy for children this Christmas. Something educational, something fun, something the kids and parents will like.
"Parenting" magazine did a little toy testing, and you'll find that in this month's edition. But we have a preview for you now.
Denene Millner with "Parenting" magazine is here with a show-and- tell of sorts. And we're going to bring Chad in on this, because they just had a baby, he and his wife, Sally.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right.
COSTELLO: So, he needs to learn these things, like now.
DENENE MILLNER, "PARENTING" MAGAZINE: Absolutely. There's nothing more stressful than standing in the middle of a toy store looking up at those big, gigantic shelves and trying to figure out what to get for your child.
COSTELLO: Oh, exactly. Even I have problems with that, and I don't even have a child. Is there a problem with our microphones? Are we all right? We'll just go on, because I believe everyone can hear us.
MILLNER: OK.
COSTELLO: Demene, tell us about Baby's First Puzzle, because this is something Chad could buy for baby Grant right now.
MILLNER: Absolutely. Baby's First Puzzle is a really beautiful toy from Infantino. And what's lovely about it is that it's bright colors, but they're not the typical bright red, black, yellow.
COSTELLO: Is this it?
MILLNER: Yes, this is it right here. And the baby can take -- isn't that cute?
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: It makes these really gentle sounds, and they can take off the little...
COSTELLO: That's so cute!
MILLNER: ... to play with it. It's really sweet. And you can put it on your lap, and it has a handle so that you can carry it, too. So, your baby can sit on your lap and play with it.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hey, Carol, I have a question.
COSTELLO: OK, Chad. Chad has a question.
MYERS: Where is the nipple? Because that's all he really cares about right now.
COSTELLO: He just cares about eating. But I guess he can take one of these things off and suck on it.
MYERS: No, no!
MILLNER: These come off, and, yes, they are attached right not, but they do come off. And baby can suck on it and play with it, and it has all of these really great little things that they can make noises with. COSTELLO: This is so cute. It's by Infantino, in case you're interested, and it costs $19.
MYERS: Oh, good.
COSTELLO: OK. The Block-O-Dile by Lego. I love Lego.
MILLNER: Yes, and this Block-O-Dile is wonderful, because it comes with about 50 blocks, and you put the top right here. And your child can build on top of it.
COSTELLO: Hold it up so people can see.
MILLNER: And when they're finished -- and the beauty of this is that when they're finished with it, you put the blocks on the floor, and it eats the blocks.
COSTELLO: Oh, wow!
MILLNER: So, how cool is that for a clean-up? You know, moms loved it when they tested it...
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: ... because their child had a ball cleaning up. And what child likes cleaning up?
MYERS: I'll tell you...
MILLNER: And they had fun.
COSTELLO: Chad has another question.
MYERS: No. Just anything that's out there that makes children think and makes children build and create. I think that's going to be a great toy. Enough of the Nintendo killing or jumping over Mario Brothers for a little while, especially when you're that young, they really need to be more creative in their...
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Yes, your kids are really going to like you as a father.
MYERS: I had a set of blocks that I played with until I was probably 10.
COSTELLO: Yes, yes, yes, and you walked to school 25 miles through the snow every morning.
MYERS: Up hill both ways.
COSTELLO: OK. The next toy we're going to talk about is Get-Up by Big Boing Toys for ages 3 to 5.
MILLNER: Yes. And this is wonderful, because it allows your child to be -- to use her or his imagination. You turn it on, and they put it on their head and they put the shoes on their feet.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MILLNER: And it makes horse noises. So, you hear the clip-clop of the shoes, and it makes -- you know, it rares back and makes the noises of a horse. And when they're standing still, it brays. It's great.
COSTELLO: That's a good gift for Chad.
MILLNER: Yes.
MYERS: Can they see out of it?
MILLNER: My daughters have it, and they just love it.
COSTELLO: Oh, can they see out of it, Chad is asking?
MILLNER: Yes. It goes -- it fits right on top of the head.
MYERS: Oh, not over, OK.
MILLNER: Yes, just on like a hat. It's like a hat.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: Not covering the face. That would be dangerous.
MILLNER: Right, no.
MYERS: No, if you made one look like Harry Husker (ph), I might like that.
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Oh, goodness!
MILLNER: And it comes in a -- it also comes in a dinosaur, too.
COSTELLO: Oh, that's awesome.
MYERS: Oh, cool.
COSTELLO: So that's $25. The next one we're going to talk about is Fashion Angels Living Dolls by the Bead Shop. This is for ages 5 to 8.
MILLNER: Right. And our moms loved these dolls, because the beauty of them is they're not as tarty as some of the dolls that are out these days. They're plush. They're still, you know, very sweet and young and good for little girls that aren't really old enough to play with some of the more racy dolls.
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: And the cute thing about this is that you can -- OK, the clothes, first of all, are to die for. The shoes are handmade.
COSTELLO: Wow!
MILLNER: And the hair, you can switch hair. You can go and buy wigs...
COSTELLO: Oh!
MILLNER: ... for these dolls and switch them. And they come in an Asian, a brunette, a blond, and an African-American.
COSTELLO: That is so cute, $38. Little Chair Art, this is kind of cool.
MILLNER: Little Chair Art. Oh, this chair just did phenomenally with our mom testers. It comes in this self-contained box. It takes you exactly two seconds to put it together. You just slip it in. And then your daughter or your son can paint it any way they want to, and they can use it to sit on. It's very sturdy. Or they can use it to decorate their room and put their little dolls on.
COSTELLO: They can put the Fashion Angel on the chair.
MILLNER: Yes.
COSTELLO: Well, those are terrific ideas. So, you have some tips, Chad.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: You have no excuse now.
MYERS: That chair looks like it came from Madison Avenue, though. I'm not sure a 3-year-old did that. That's pretty good.
COSTELLO: I'm not sure either. Thank you, Denene Millner, from "Parenting" magazine for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
MILLNER: Thank you for having me.
COSTELLO: Let's check in now with Bill Hemmer -- he's over there in Japan -- for a look at what he's got coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, way over there, in fact. On this special edition of "AMERICAN MORNING" yet again, we come to you live in Tokyo.
We'll talk this morning exclusively with the Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi. We'll talk about the tensions with North Korea. We'll talk about the U.S. role in nuclear proliferation talks and his controversial decision to keep Japanese troops in Iraq.
Also, Carol, get this. Are you ready? How much he loves Elvis Presley. And he gives us a bit of a sample, too, on camera at the end of the interview. So, we'll have it for you as well here live in Tokyo, day three here. The show rolls on -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Does he sing?
HEMMER: Oh, yes, as a matter of fact. It was like a -- it was a legitimate karaoke version of the prime minister and me in unison taking on Elvis Presley.
COSTELLO: Wow!
HEMMER: Must-see TV, Carol.
COSTELLO: Just like in Vegas.
HEMMER: That's right.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill. I can't wait to see that.
HEMMER: We're going to Graceland after the show. Talk to you later.
COSTELLO: A look at the morning headlines next. But first, you are watching DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We have some breaking business news to tell you about. We want to head live to the Nasdaq Marketsite and Carrie Lee.
You have word on the Sprint/Nextel deal?
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: It is official, Carol. Sprint is buying wireless telephone company Nextel Communications. This is a cash and stock deal worth about $38.45 billion, as much as 38.45.
The idea here, of course, is to gain more business customers and more wireless airways to transmit calls.
Now, this is a widely-expected deal. It's going to combine the No. 3 and No. 5 wireless carriers in the country. Together, they'll have about 39 million customers. Cingular will still be the largest, though. And for customers going forward, fewer players could mean higher prices, but that remains to be seen.
Carol -- that is the latest from here.
COSTELLO: All right. Thanks for bringing us up-to-date. Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.
We've been perusing the headlines and papers across America this morning, and we found an interesting item in "The Washington Post." It's about Jenna Bush, one of the Bush twins. Apparently -- well, the headline says: "Jenna, the school marm?" And apparently, she will be a school marm, which is an old-fashioned term, as you know, for teacher.
Apparently, she's going to teach at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in the Mount Pleasant Columbia Heights neighborhood. That's a low-income area. A spokesman for First Lady Laura Bush is quoted as saying that Jenna will live in Washington and will go to work at a public school.
So, I don't know when 22-year-old Jenna Bush is starting, but apparently she is going to become a school teacher.
Chad, we have a few gifts for you.
MYERS: Oh, no!
COSTELLO: Not for you, but for the baby.
MYERS: Oh, that's good. He needs more stuff.
COSTELLO: Take a look.
MYERS: Oh, let's see. Oh!
COSTELLO: This is from the CNN center.
MYERS: Awesome!
COSTELLO: A CNN bib. And this little blue bear...
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: ... it has CNN on it.
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: And on the back it has "cub reporter."
MYERS: How cute! I love that little Radio Flyer. I can drag him around.
COSTELLO: Exactly. He'll fit it in for a little while.
MYERS: Not until he sits, up, of course, but right now we just lay him on his back.
COSTELLO: It's good to have you back, Chad.
MYERS: Nice to be here, Carol. A little less sleep than I'm used to, but it's an awesome experience.
COSTELLO: I bet it is. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now. Thank you for joining DAYBREAK.
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Aired December 15, 2004 - 06:29 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you. Thank you for waking up with us. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. Let's get right to the headlines now.
A hostage standoff is unfolding this minute outside of Athens, Greece. But there are now fewer hostages on board this bus. Gunmen seized the bus more than seven hours ago. They have freed at least five hostages this morning.
Also this morning, an announcement that one of Saddam Hussein's top associates, Ali Hassan Al-Majid, better known as Chemical Ali, will go on trial before the end of this month. He'll be the first member of the former regime to stand trial.
President Bush hosts a special conference on the economy at the White House today. The president will take part in discussions on social security and lawsuit abuse during the two-day event.
And some serious shaking in the Caribbean. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted the Cayman Islands. It hit about 20 miles south of the capital, Georgetown. Buildings swayed, but we have no reports of major damage or injuries so far.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's time now for our "Security Watch." Should the government change the color-coded terror warning system? Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge admits the system may need to be reconsidered. He made those comments at a meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Ridge also says the government may need to get the public more specifics when the threat level changes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: It's the general consensus we're doing very well at communicating to first responders, security professionals, et cetera. But clearly, we think there's more work to do within that framework to communicate more and better to the public.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: City officials in Orlando, Florida, are surprised that they're getting no money from the Department of Homeland Security. Grants for at-risk cities were announced earlier this month, but Orlando is not on the list. The department takes population into account when doling out the nearly $1 billion, but they don't account for tourists. Forty-three (sic) people visit Orlando every year. And, as you know, Disneyworld is there.
The Las Angeles International Airport is stepping up security to protect airliners from possible missile attacks. Authorities say the availability of shoulder-fired missiles on the black market is one reason for the security increase, but they say there is no immediate threat to any aircraft. Among the new measures are extra helicopter surveillance and increased police patrols.
We're going to talk much more about this on "AMERICAN MORNING." So, let's head into the office of Soledad O'Brien to see what special guests she has in store for you this morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Actually, Carol, good morning to you. We're going to be talking with Senator Jon Corzine this morning. The big question, as you mentioned: How prepared is this nation for a bioterror attack? You would think, given its proximity to New York City, New Jersey would be very prepared. Right? Well, wrong. There are some woefully big holes in that state's preparation.
We're going to talk with Senator Corzine to find out what that is the case. Also, he's the guy who wants to be governor of New Jersey. We'll find out what he would do differently.
That's ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Soledad.
Throughout the day, CNN will have more coverage of the security watch in the United States. On "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT," "The Hole in the Fence." What really separates the United States from Mexico?
And on "NEWSNIGHT," how effective are stings in rounding up suspected terror groups?
Let's talk about Senator John McCain. He says he has lost confidence in Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In McCain's view, the Pentagon should have sent more troops to Iraq long ago. But the Arizona senator admits it is the president's decision.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: The president has expressed his confidence in him, and the president should have the people working for him that he trusts.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: But, oh, to be Donald Rumsfeld these days. First, soldiers in Kuwait asked him some pointed questions at a would-be pep rally. And then, Republican Congressman Chuck Hagel has less than kind words about him. And you know about John McCain's attitude about Rumsfeld. We just heard from John McCain. He also expressed earlier they had no confidence in the defense secretary.
So, let's head live to Washington and the editor of "The National Journal's" online "Hotline," Chuck Todd.
Good morning, Chuck.
CHUCK TODD, "THE HOTLINE": Good morning.
COSTELLO: Chuck, the heat is on for Rumsfeld. How hot is it?
TODD: I think it's as hot as it's been since Abu Ghraib. Republicans on the Hill are feeling more and more comfortable going after Rumsfeld. And more importantly, Rumsfeld's poll ratings are going down. And when they go down, I think Republicans are going to feel like, on the Hill at least, they're going to feel like they have no choice, because of public opinion but to go after Rumsfeld and start putting some pressure on the White House.
COSTELLO: Well, yes. You know, it's pretty bad for a cabinet member when the president's spokesperson has to stand up for him. Listen to Scott McClellan's remarks from yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Secretary Rumsfeld has been doing a tremendous job during some very challenging times. During a time when we are in the middle of the war on terrorism, he has helped us make great progress to dismantle and disrupt the terrorist networks across the world. He has provided strong leadership in liberating Afghanistan and Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: And, you know, this isn't the first time the president's men or the president himself has had to come to the defense secretary's defense. Remember when Bush dressed Rumsfeld down for keeping him out of the loop on the Abu Ghraib scandal? How does the president really feel about him, Chuck?
TODD: Well, everything I hear is that they are sending strong signals to Rumsfeld that, you know, they would not be upset if he made the decision to leave. But Rumsfeld doesn't want to leave yet. And I think they don't feel inclined to shove him out publicly, but they are trying to drop every clue they possibly can. And he hasn't taken it yet.
That said, there will be a new chance for them to push Rumsfeld out and for Rumsfeld to leave after the elections in Iraq. And I think that seems to be the point of which we may see some actual change at the Pentagon.
COSTELLO: So, if the elections really do take place January 31 in Iraq, will Rumsfeld stay? Or if the elections don't take place, will he go?
TODD: Well, I think... COSTELLO: Or doesn't it matter?
TODD: I think that that will be the trigger. I think that there will be this idea that, you know, you can't be disrupting the chain of command before the elections. So, once the elections take place that it will be a new chance for them to push him out.
But it's clear that there are a lot of people in the White House that wouldn't mind seeing Rumsfeld go. It's that they're not ready to publicly shove him out, and that's where they are right now.
COSTELLO: Chuck Todd from "The Hotline" joining DAYBREAK this morning. Thank you.
In other political news this morning, Senator Joe Lieberman says he's keeping his day job. CNN has learned the Democratic senator told the White House no two times in recent days. He was approached about a job in the Bush administration. Government sources tell us the Homeland Security secretary was the most recent Joe Lieberman was considered for. He was earlier approached about becoming U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
In the meantime, as the Democrats try to figure out who will lead their party as the next National Committee chairman, party members say former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer has emerged as a possible new candidate. Roemer says he's flattered, but he hasn't made a final decision. Others in the running include former presidential candidate Howard Dean and former Clinton aide Harold Ickes.
On to lighter topics next, like husbands, wives, and how desperate we really are. And what type of spouse are you?
Plus, it's every parent's concern as Santa packs his sleigh. What toys are the safest for your children?
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: All right, it's time to fess up. What kind of wife are you? And what kind of wife are you living with? We're talking about an ad agency's survey of women and what they think about their roles in the home. And, of course, this is all spawning from the show, "Desperate Housewives."
J.J. Ramberg is here to dish the dirt.
J.J. RAMBERG, CNN DAYBREAK CONTRIBUTOR: I think that show is such a guilty pleasure, isn't it? I can't get enough of it. I can't believe I'm watching it.
But this ad agency did do a survey, kind of based on the idea of this show, and what kind of person are you in the household.
And what's interesting is that they found out that in spite of all of the achievements women have made at the workplace, they still really care about their house as sort of the central thing in their lives. So, they...
COSTELLO: Well, that's a good thing.
RAMBERG: It is a good thing. I completely agree. And what they found is so many women found that they can have it all. They can have work and they can have home...
COSTELLO: That's because they're crazy.
RAMBERG: Or exhausted. They can have work and home and big bags under their eyes.
COSTELLO: That's right. But they broke these women down in categories as to what type of housewife they are.
RAMBERG: Right. Isn't this kind of fun you have this as your question? House proud, the kind of Martha Stewart-ish woman who cares so much about their house, 37 percent of people said that they fall under that category.
The treading-water woman, which is what they say is like the Roseanne Barr woman, which, I have to admit even though I don't feel this way, is what I got when I took the survey. Twenty-nine percent of women said they thought they were that kind of woman.
The keep-it-simple, who is sort of the Deborah character on the "Everybody Loves Raymond" show, 22 percent of women said they fall into that category.
And then the keeping up with the Joneses -- did you see "American Beauty?"
COSTELLO: Yes, Annette Bening.
RAMBERG: Annette Bening. Crazy and thinks that her house is a status symbol, 12 percent of women admitted to thinking that they were that kind of person.
But I think the most fun thing from this survey or interesting or -- I don't know -- depressing, when they asked women what's the one thing you change about their house, 60 percent said their husbands.
COSTELLO: No.
RAMBERG: You know...
COSTELLO: No!
RAMBERG: ... I'm starting to think, though, maybe that was just at the moment they asked them. In general, really...
COSTELLO: It was after they came home from work, took care of the kids, swept the floor, did the laundry. Then they said, "What would you change?" And, yes, the answer would my husband. RAMBERG: Yes, I want to change him in for a personal assistant.
COSTELLO: Although I know a few men who do help clean up, but not many.
RAMBERG: A few. No.
COSTELLO: We are slamming men this morning, aren't we?
J.J. Ramberg, it was fun. Thank you.
Your news -- I'm in trouble, I know I am. Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
We are following a developing story this morning. Gunmen seized a bus more than seven hours ago near Athens, Greece. They have freed some passengers, but are still holding others.
The Iraqi interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, will be one of the candidates for the National Assembly when elections are held January 30. Allawi is expected to announce the list of eligible candidates today.
In money news, did you return those movies yet? Get this: Video giant Blockbuster says it's abolishing late fees as of January 1, but don't get too giddy. If you keep a game or a movie too long, Blockbuster could make you buy it.
In culture, guitarist Dave Navarro has a new band. The Panic Channel is made up of displaced members of the band, Jane's Addiction, after a fallout with the band's founder. Navarro may be better known as Carmen Electra's husband. I'm sure he cleans the house.
In sports, the hockey season may finally be finished. Poor Chad. The NHL and the players union each rejected proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement, and there are no new meetings scheduled between the two sides.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's play time. We'll be back with toys your children will actually want to play with on Christmas Day and beyond. You're watching DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is hard to know what to buy for children this Christmas. Something educational, something fun, something the kids and parents will like.
"Parenting" magazine did a little toy testing, and you'll find that in this month's edition. But we have a preview for you now.
Denene Millner with "Parenting" magazine is here with a show-and- tell of sorts. And we're going to bring Chad in on this, because they just had a baby, he and his wife, Sally.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right.
COSTELLO: So, he needs to learn these things, like now.
DENENE MILLNER, "PARENTING" MAGAZINE: Absolutely. There's nothing more stressful than standing in the middle of a toy store looking up at those big, gigantic shelves and trying to figure out what to get for your child.
COSTELLO: Oh, exactly. Even I have problems with that, and I don't even have a child. Is there a problem with our microphones? Are we all right? We'll just go on, because I believe everyone can hear us.
MILLNER: OK.
COSTELLO: Demene, tell us about Baby's First Puzzle, because this is something Chad could buy for baby Grant right now.
MILLNER: Absolutely. Baby's First Puzzle is a really beautiful toy from Infantino. And what's lovely about it is that it's bright colors, but they're not the typical bright red, black, yellow.
COSTELLO: Is this it?
MILLNER: Yes, this is it right here. And the baby can take -- isn't that cute?
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: It makes these really gentle sounds, and they can take off the little...
COSTELLO: That's so cute!
MILLNER: ... to play with it. It's really sweet. And you can put it on your lap, and it has a handle so that you can carry it, too. So, your baby can sit on your lap and play with it.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hey, Carol, I have a question.
COSTELLO: OK, Chad. Chad has a question.
MYERS: Where is the nipple? Because that's all he really cares about right now.
COSTELLO: He just cares about eating. But I guess he can take one of these things off and suck on it.
MYERS: No, no!
MILLNER: These come off, and, yes, they are attached right not, but they do come off. And baby can suck on it and play with it, and it has all of these really great little things that they can make noises with. COSTELLO: This is so cute. It's by Infantino, in case you're interested, and it costs $19.
MYERS: Oh, good.
COSTELLO: OK. The Block-O-Dile by Lego. I love Lego.
MILLNER: Yes, and this Block-O-Dile is wonderful, because it comes with about 50 blocks, and you put the top right here. And your child can build on top of it.
COSTELLO: Hold it up so people can see.
MILLNER: And when they're finished -- and the beauty of this is that when they're finished with it, you put the blocks on the floor, and it eats the blocks.
COSTELLO: Oh, wow!
MILLNER: So, how cool is that for a clean-up? You know, moms loved it when they tested it...
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: ... because their child had a ball cleaning up. And what child likes cleaning up?
MYERS: I'll tell you...
MILLNER: And they had fun.
COSTELLO: Chad has another question.
MYERS: No. Just anything that's out there that makes children think and makes children build and create. I think that's going to be a great toy. Enough of the Nintendo killing or jumping over Mario Brothers for a little while, especially when you're that young, they really need to be more creative in their...
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Yes, your kids are really going to like you as a father.
MYERS: I had a set of blocks that I played with until I was probably 10.
COSTELLO: Yes, yes, yes, and you walked to school 25 miles through the snow every morning.
MYERS: Up hill both ways.
COSTELLO: OK. The next toy we're going to talk about is Get-Up by Big Boing Toys for ages 3 to 5.
MILLNER: Yes. And this is wonderful, because it allows your child to be -- to use her or his imagination. You turn it on, and they put it on their head and they put the shoes on their feet.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MILLNER: And it makes horse noises. So, you hear the clip-clop of the shoes, and it makes -- you know, it rares back and makes the noises of a horse. And when they're standing still, it brays. It's great.
COSTELLO: That's a good gift for Chad.
MILLNER: Yes.
MYERS: Can they see out of it?
MILLNER: My daughters have it, and they just love it.
COSTELLO: Oh, can they see out of it, Chad is asking?
MILLNER: Yes. It goes -- it fits right on top of the head.
MYERS: Oh, not over, OK.
MILLNER: Yes, just on like a hat. It's like a hat.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: Not covering the face. That would be dangerous.
MILLNER: Right, no.
MYERS: No, if you made one look like Harry Husker (ph), I might like that.
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Oh, goodness!
MILLNER: And it comes in a -- it also comes in a dinosaur, too.
COSTELLO: Oh, that's awesome.
MYERS: Oh, cool.
COSTELLO: So that's $25. The next one we're going to talk about is Fashion Angels Living Dolls by the Bead Shop. This is for ages 5 to 8.
MILLNER: Right. And our moms loved these dolls, because the beauty of them is they're not as tarty as some of the dolls that are out these days. They're plush. They're still, you know, very sweet and young and good for little girls that aren't really old enough to play with some of the more racy dolls.
COSTELLO: Yes.
MILLNER: And the cute thing about this is that you can -- OK, the clothes, first of all, are to die for. The shoes are handmade.
COSTELLO: Wow!
MILLNER: And the hair, you can switch hair. You can go and buy wigs...
COSTELLO: Oh!
MILLNER: ... for these dolls and switch them. And they come in an Asian, a brunette, a blond, and an African-American.
COSTELLO: That is so cute, $38. Little Chair Art, this is kind of cool.
MILLNER: Little Chair Art. Oh, this chair just did phenomenally with our mom testers. It comes in this self-contained box. It takes you exactly two seconds to put it together. You just slip it in. And then your daughter or your son can paint it any way they want to, and they can use it to sit on. It's very sturdy. Or they can use it to decorate their room and put their little dolls on.
COSTELLO: They can put the Fashion Angel on the chair.
MILLNER: Yes.
COSTELLO: Well, those are terrific ideas. So, you have some tips, Chad.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: You have no excuse now.
MYERS: That chair looks like it came from Madison Avenue, though. I'm not sure a 3-year-old did that. That's pretty good.
COSTELLO: I'm not sure either. Thank you, Denene Millner, from "Parenting" magazine for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
MILLNER: Thank you for having me.
COSTELLO: Let's check in now with Bill Hemmer -- he's over there in Japan -- for a look at what he's got coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, way over there, in fact. On this special edition of "AMERICAN MORNING" yet again, we come to you live in Tokyo.
We'll talk this morning exclusively with the Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi. We'll talk about the tensions with North Korea. We'll talk about the U.S. role in nuclear proliferation talks and his controversial decision to keep Japanese troops in Iraq.
Also, Carol, get this. Are you ready? How much he loves Elvis Presley. And he gives us a bit of a sample, too, on camera at the end of the interview. So, we'll have it for you as well here live in Tokyo, day three here. The show rolls on -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Does he sing?
HEMMER: Oh, yes, as a matter of fact. It was like a -- it was a legitimate karaoke version of the prime minister and me in unison taking on Elvis Presley.
COSTELLO: Wow!
HEMMER: Must-see TV, Carol.
COSTELLO: Just like in Vegas.
HEMMER: That's right.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill. I can't wait to see that.
HEMMER: We're going to Graceland after the show. Talk to you later.
COSTELLO: A look at the morning headlines next. But first, you are watching DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We have some breaking business news to tell you about. We want to head live to the Nasdaq Marketsite and Carrie Lee.
You have word on the Sprint/Nextel deal?
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: It is official, Carol. Sprint is buying wireless telephone company Nextel Communications. This is a cash and stock deal worth about $38.45 billion, as much as 38.45.
The idea here, of course, is to gain more business customers and more wireless airways to transmit calls.
Now, this is a widely-expected deal. It's going to combine the No. 3 and No. 5 wireless carriers in the country. Together, they'll have about 39 million customers. Cingular will still be the largest, though. And for customers going forward, fewer players could mean higher prices, but that remains to be seen.
Carol -- that is the latest from here.
COSTELLO: All right. Thanks for bringing us up-to-date. Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.
We've been perusing the headlines and papers across America this morning, and we found an interesting item in "The Washington Post." It's about Jenna Bush, one of the Bush twins. Apparently -- well, the headline says: "Jenna, the school marm?" And apparently, she will be a school marm, which is an old-fashioned term, as you know, for teacher.
Apparently, she's going to teach at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in the Mount Pleasant Columbia Heights neighborhood. That's a low-income area. A spokesman for First Lady Laura Bush is quoted as saying that Jenna will live in Washington and will go to work at a public school.
So, I don't know when 22-year-old Jenna Bush is starting, but apparently she is going to become a school teacher.
Chad, we have a few gifts for you.
MYERS: Oh, no!
COSTELLO: Not for you, but for the baby.
MYERS: Oh, that's good. He needs more stuff.
COSTELLO: Take a look.
MYERS: Oh, let's see. Oh!
COSTELLO: This is from the CNN center.
MYERS: Awesome!
COSTELLO: A CNN bib. And this little blue bear...
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: ... it has CNN on it.
MYERS: Oh!
COSTELLO: And on the back it has "cub reporter."
MYERS: How cute! I love that little Radio Flyer. I can drag him around.
COSTELLO: Exactly. He'll fit it in for a little while.
MYERS: Not until he sits, up, of course, but right now we just lay him on his back.
COSTELLO: It's good to have you back, Chad.
MYERS: Nice to be here, Carol. A little less sleep than I'm used to, but it's an awesome experience.
COSTELLO: I bet it is. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now. Thank you for joining DAYBREAK.
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