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CNN Live At Daybreak

Press Conference in Baghdad with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi

Aired December 21, 2004 - 06:00   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: Good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. From the CNN Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now In The News": A surprise visit to Baghdad by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair was greeted just a little while ago by Iraq's interim leader Ayad Allawi. Blair also plans to visit Israel and the West Bank.

And, shortly, we're expecting a news conference to occur. You are seeing a live picture from Baghdad and reporters waiting around for Tony Blair and Ayad Allawi to enter to room.

There are new concerns this morning over a popular over-the- counter pain reliever. The FDA has issued a warning for users of Nuproxin (ph). You know it by the brand name Aleve. The agency has linked it to increased risks for heart and strokes.

In Maryland, authorities have arrested two more suspects in the burning of several expensive homes. The arrests bring the total charged in the case to six. The fires caused and estimated $10 million in damage.

President and Mrs. Bush will head to Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit wounded troops this afternoon. Following the visits the president and the first lady head to Camp David.

To the Forecast Center now, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: A developing story out of Baghdad this morning. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on a surprise visit to Iraq's capitol city. We just got word of his arrival less than an hour ago. So, let's go head live to Baghdad and Karl Penhaul.

Did you find anything else out about his visit, Karl?

KARL PENHAUL, CNN INT'L CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.

Well, this certainly is Prime Minister Tony Blair's first visit to Baghdad. As you know, he was here in Iraq about 11 months ago when he visited troops in Basra, where the main British troops contingent is based. But today, the first visit to Baghdad.

Diplomatic sources have told us that the main purpose of the trip is to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. He's already greeted his cabinet and the prime minister himself.

And the other purpose of this mission is to greet the Iraqi people. Diplomatic sources tell us and to express his support for the election process.

Now, we have seen media reports that Mr. Blair arrived on the ground in Iraq about two and a half hours ago now. We understand he may have flown into Iraq, Baghdad International Airport by British military transport plane coming from Jordan. And from there he boarded a helicopter and flew from the main airport down to the downtown Green Zone.

That's the center of the U.S. and Iraqi administration here. And that's where he's been meeting with Mr. Allawi and his cabinet. We expect in the next few moments that he'll hold a press conference. That's a very limited access press conference because of the security considerations. And this is why this has been an unannounced visit.

But certainly high on the agenda with talks with Mr. Allawi, we expect to be, those January 30 elections, as well as the perilous security climate here right now, Carol.

COSTELLO: And it should be interesting in light of what President Bush said yesterday about the insurgents having an effect on the war in Iraq.

PENHAUL: Indeed, they certainly will have a lot to talk about. Obviously, over the weekend, a very bloody weekend with those bombings down in the southern cities of Najaf and Karbala, that claimed more than 68 lives and more than 170 people wounded. Today, this morning, there has been U.S. air attacks on insurgent positions here, west of Baghdad. The insurgency here very, very much alive and well, even after that major offensive on the city of Falluja, back in November.

So, certainly, Mr. Blair and Mr. Allawi will likely be talking about how they can overcome that insurgency and how they can make the vote safe for January 30, Carol.

COSTELLO: Karl Penhaul live in Baghdad. Thank you.

Health officials disagree about how serious the Neoproxin problem may be. But the FDA says you should talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Neoproxin is sold over the counter under the brand name Aleve. The FDA also says you should avoid taking the drug for longer than 10 days. This makes four major drugs that are under scrutiny. But as CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen reports, should the warnings have come a long time ago?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): We're all hearing just now that the drug Celebrex might cause heart problems, but Doctor Garrett Fitzgerald first noticed something might be wrong five years ago.

That's when he saw something disturbing in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania, first in mice, and then in humans. He noticed that Celebrex eased pain by blocking production of a certain type of fat, that that same kind of fat helped protect the heart.

DR. GARRETT FISTZGERALD, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: When you shut down this fat, to alleviate pain and inflammation, you're exposing the cardiovascular system to hazard. So, it's really a double-edge sword.

COHEN: Doctor Fitzgerald published his research and spoke about it at international conferences, but he said the drug companies that make Celebrex and similar drugs, called Cox-2 inhibitors, did pay much attention.

FITZGERALD: We thought this was something well worth pursuing. The companies involved at the time were somewhat dismissive.

COHEN: Pfizer, which makes Celebrex, says they did take Dr. Fitzgerald's studies seriously and that many subsequent studies by other scientists showed there were not cardiovascular problems with Celebrex.

DR. GAIL CAWKWELL, PFIZER: We weighed the evidence and we found evidence both in people and in studies in animals that contradicted some of Doctor Fitzgerald's work.

COHEN: Dr. Fitzgerald says the experience with these pain relievers is a lesson in how a blockbuster class of drugs, heralded by some as wonder drugs, could come tumbling down.

Vioxx was the first of the Cox-2 inhibitors to have trouble. It was taken off the market in September, after studies showed it cause heart problems. Then, last week, "The New England Journal of Medicine" published a letter from a group of researchers saying doctors should stop prescribing another Cox-2, called Bextra. Again, because of cardiovascular concerns. Days later the National Institutes of Health released the news that people taking Celebrex were two and a half times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

FITZGERALD: The entire experience with Cox-2 inhibitors is an example of blockbuster over reach.

COHEN: The three Cox-2 inhibitors earned $5.3 billion in sales last year. More than all over-the-counter pain relievers combined.

Some say that is because Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx were some of the most highly marketed drugs ever. In the first nine months of this year, Pfizer spent $71 million advertising Celebrex to consumers. Now, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer has stopped advertising Celebrex to consumers and some researchers are wondering could money and lives have been saved warnings had been heard many years ago -- Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We want to know what you think this morning. Do you trust the FDA in light of what Elizabeth just told you. Send your answers, serious responses, your comments to Daybreak@cnn.com, Daybreak@cnn.com. And of course, we'll read some of those responses later on in our program.

In other news "Across America" this morning, the FAA plans to hire 12,000 air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. "The Wall Street Journal" the new hires will be needed because about half of the current controllers will be retiring during that period.

Residents of Carmel, California hope to get some relief from a bunch of pigs, really. Actually, they're wild boars. About three dozen have been rooting around yards and tearing up gardens. The state will spend $50,000 over five years to trap and kill the boars.

A deadly shootout in Riverside County, California, caught on tape. Deputies were looking for a homicide suspect when he saw them. A gunfight broke out and the suspect was killed. Authorities are trying to reconstruct this incident.

He's won a second term, but that doesn't mean there's smooth sailing ahead for President Bush. As our Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider reports, the president is taking a hit in the polls.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST (voice over): Second honeymoons are nice but President Bush isn't getting one. One month after winning re-election, Bush's job approval has dropped below 50 percent.

Did other re-elected presidents get a second honeymoon? Bill Clinton got one, 58 percent job approval after he got re-elected in 1996. Ronald Reagan, 59; Richard Nixon, also 59; Lyndon Johnson, 69. The greatest love affair on a second honeymoon? Dwight Eisenhower, 79 percent.

What's the difference with Bush? The answer is, Iraq.

SEN. CHUCK HAGEL, (R) NEBRASKA: The fact is we're in more trouble in Iraq today than we've ever been in. We're putting 12,000 to 15,000 new troops there. We've had 1300 people killed.

SCHNEIDER: Sen. Hagel's exasperation is shared by most Americans. Last January, 60 percent of the public approved of the way the U.S. was handling the situation in Iraq. That number is down to 39 percent. Nearly 60 percent now disapprove of U.S./Iraq policy.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The bombers are having an effect. You know these people are targeting innocent Iraqis. They're trying to shake the will of the Iraqi people. And frankly, trying to shake the will of the American people.

SCHNEIDER: The insurgents may be succeeding. In January, 63 percent of the public thought the U.S. decision to go to war with Iraq was right. A majority now says it was wrong.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is an architect of U.S. policy in Iraq. Look at what's happened to Rumsfeld's job ratings. In April 20, '03, just after Saddam Hussein was overthrown, Rumsfeld got a 71 percent vote of approval by October it was down to 58; in May of this year, 46. And now, just 41...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We're going to have to break away from Bill Schneider's report, because as you can see, in Baghdad, the news conference has just begun. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with Interim Prime Minister of Iraq Ayad Allawi. Let's hear what they have to say.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM PRIME MINISTER, IRAQ: ... here in Baghdad, this shows the support of him personally to the political process and to Iraq. And also it shows the support of the United Kingdom to Iraq, to the political process, to stability in Iraq.

We have discussed and touched on very important topics on the future of this country, on the political process, on the stability security. And we have the pledge of the United Kingdom to continue and support us, to keep on moving forward. And, its really a great pleasure to have the prime minister of Britain here and, by that the security is of paramount importance, as far as we're concerned in Iraq.

We are moving in the right direction. We need for me (ph) to expedite forming our own security forces. We definitely now are engaged in the political process where we will have the elections on time. I am very excited, personally, for this election, this is the -- what we have fought for -- tyranny -- and we now on the verge of, for the first time in history really having democracy in action in this country.

And we look forward, we look forward to this election to be inclusive, all Iraqis should participate in this election. And whoever is not going to have the chance, the doors will be open, for everyone to be included in the political process, as we move steadily in establishing the rule of law, human rights and the constitution for Iraq.

I ask my dear friend Tony Blair to give a statement now and then we'll take some questions.

TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER OF BRTIAN: Thank you, Prime Minister.

With a great sense of honor, and also humility, at being here. And I would like to thank you for your leadership and the immense courage that you and your colleagues have shown. I've just visited members of the electoral commission and met some of their staff. And I said to them that I thought that they were the heroes of the new Iraq that is being created. Because here are people who are risking their lives everyday in order to make sure that the people of Iraq get a chance to decide their own destiny, democratically.

And I'd just like to say this very strongly the outside world, whatever people's feelings or beliefs about the removal of Saddam Hussein and the wisdom of that, that surely there is only one side to be on in what is now, very clearly, a battle between democracy and terror. And on the one side you have people who desperately want to make the democratic process work and want to have the same kind of democratic freedoms other parts of the world enjoy.

And on the other side, people who are killing and intimidating and trying to destroy a better future for Iraq. Thought, when I saw that -- there was the sign -- you know, about vote for the future. Just how important it was for people to recognize this is now about the future. And interestingly, talking to some of the United Nations staff as well, their very, very strong commitment to making sure the elections are held. And also their belief from the work and the conversations they've had that people in Iraq actually do want to participate in this.

And so, I hope very much, like you, prime minister, it goes ahead on an inclusive basis. I'm sure it can do and should do. And also, of course, as we build up the capability, of the Iraq security forces, the police and the army, and the other forces, of course that then brings forward the day when the multinational force can leave and then Iraq is there with the people in charge of their destiny, with Iraq in charge of its own future, and with Iraq as a stable and democratic partner for this region and for the wider world. And that is a vision that everybody, not just in Iraq, but everybody in the whole of the international community should support.

And as I say, I feel a sense of humility. I know it's a very tough challenge. You can see that and feel it, being here. I'm sure that there are parts of Iraq that are very much calmer, but here in Baghdad you feel the sense of the challenge and the difficulty that there is. And I've nothing but admiration for you and for you colleagues and everyone here. Whether from the international community or Iraqis who are trying to make this country better and you deserve our praise and our support. And also our gratitude, I think, because you are striking an important blow for democracy everywhere.

Thank you, Sir.

What are we ...(UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Oh, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), I'm sorry.

We promised to do it in short sentences, as well. Sorry, my apologies.

(AUDIO GAP)

QUESTION: (OFF MIC) From BBC News.

Many thousands of people have died for this moment, including scores of British people, are you sure that this prize is worth that price? BLAIR: When I meet the people working alongside the United Nations, Iraqis, in fear of their life everyday, because they are trying to bring freedom and democracy to their people. When I see their courage and their determination and know that they speak for the vast majority of people in Iraq, who want that democracy and freedom, then I know that we are doing the right thing.

And whatever people felt about the original conflict, we, the British, aren't a nation of quitters. What is very obvious to me is that the Iraqi people, here, they're not going to quit on this task either. They're going to see it through. And just imagine the difference that a stable and democratic Iraq would make, not just to the people in Iraq, but throughout the whole of the region and the world.

Now, when I see that, yes, I believe we did the right thing. And I'll also say this to you, there are people dying in Iraq, but the reason people are dying is because of the terrorism and the intimidation and the people who are deliberately killing anyone trying to make this country better.

Now, what should our response be, as an international community? Our response should be to stand alongside the democrats, the people who've got the courage to see this thing through, and help them see it through it.

And I've got no doubt at all, that that is the right thing for us to do.

ALLAWI: Can I just interject here?

BLAIR: Surely.

COSTELLO: And we're going to break away right now. You've been listening to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the interim prime minister of Iraq, Ayad Allawi, speaking at a news conference in Baghdad.

Tony Blair made a surprise visit there this morning. We just found out about it, hmm, an hour and a half ago, maybe. You heard Tony Blair calling Iraqi election officials heroes and emphasized the importance of the mission in Iraq to the international community, which must be music to the ears of Tony Blair's good friend President George Bush.

It is a crime that shocked the nation, a baby stolen from her murdered mother's womb. And the woman arrested for the shocking crime gets her day in court. We'll have the latest on the investigation ahead. And hear what her ex-husband has to say.

And a popular pain reliever is being singled out by the FDA, we'll tell you why Aleve users should be on alert. Which brings us to our e-mail question of the morning.

Do you trust the FDA? We'll read some of your e-mails just ahead. But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning. (GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: That news conference still going on in Baghdad, Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, both speaking to reporters.

Reporters are asking them questions. Let's listen in again.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

ALLAWI: ...elections on time. We're committed to have the elections on time. The majority of Iraqis are excited to have the elections on time. Definitely our enemies (ph) are determined to break our will. They would not prevail, we would not allow them to prevail. We are continuously engaged with the various constituencies of Iraqis to participate. We want it to be an inclusive election. We want everybody to be part of this election. We have been talking to the various elements, and personalities, tribal leaders, of all inclinations, backgrounds, to be part of the elections.

We believe very strongly that as we move progressively in the political process, this would have an impact also on security, improving security. We have always expected that violence would increase as we approach the elections. But I am sure that the Iraqi people would be helped by our dear and good friends in the international community, we are going to be able to achieve this goal.

The lady.

QUESTION: It seem inevitable that security and the violence will work this side of the elections, what guarantees or reasons (OFF MIC) that the situation will get better after the elections?

BLAIR: You, I suppose? (ph)

ALLAWI: Your turn (ph).

BLAIR: I think, obviously, as the prime minister has just said, there will be a concerted attempt to try and break our will over the elections.

And I think that everyone understands that obviously there will be violence that will continue even after an election.

On the other hand, we will then have a very clear expression of democratic will. And what is interesting to me, was talking to the United Nations officials, here, who where, first of all, absolutely committed to the electoral process. And secondly, said to me in the strongest terms that all the work they were doing, in every part of Iraqi community, indicated people actually do want to participate. There is intimidation in certain areas, but no shortage whatever of people's desire to participate in democratic elections.

And that's, actually, we saw in Afghanistan, once elections take place, they have their own momentum. So, I'm not, in any sense, dismissive of the problems. There are major problems, of course, there are. But I think that holding the elections, will -- as the prime minister was implying a moment or two ago -- will have its impetus towards greater security.

QUESTION: Prime Minister, Nate Robinson, ITV News.

Can you just give us a sense of your feelings today. You flew here in secrecy, with armed protection, into what is still a safe zone more than a year and a half after Saddam fell. Can you honestly say to yourself this is what I meant to bring about when I said that (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

BLAIR: That's a good question. I'll tell you exactly what I felt coming in. The security is really heavy. You can feel the sense of danger that people live in here. But what I felt more than anything else was this. The danger that people feel here is coming from terrorists and insurgents who are trying to destroy the possibility of this country becoming a democracy.

Now, where do we stand in that fight? We stand on the side of the democrats against the terrorists. And so when people say to me well, look at the difficulties, look at the challenges, I say well, what's the source of that challenge? The source of that challenge is a wicked, destructive attempt to stop this man, this lady or these people from Iraq who want to decide their own future in a democratic way, having that opportunity.

And where should the rest of the world stand? To say well, that's your problem, go look after it? Or you're better off with Saddam Hussein running the country, as if the only, the only choice they should have in the world is a choice between a brutal dictator killing hundreds of thousands of people or terrorists and insurgents.

There is another choice for Iraq. The choice is democracy. The choice is freedom. And our job is to help them get there, because that's what they want. And, you know, sometimes when I see some of the reporting of what's happening in Iraq and the rest of the world, I feel, you know, I just feel that people should understand how precious what is being created here is and that those people from that electoral commission that I described as the heroes of the new Iraq, every day, a lot of them aren't living in the green zone. They've got to travel in from outside. They do not know, at any point in time, whether they're going to be subject to brutality or intimidation, even death. And yet they carry on doing it.

Now, what a magnificent example of the human spirit. And that's the side we should be on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Allow us to ask the question (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLAIR: Translate (UNINTELLIGIBLE). All right.

I think the Iraqis get the point. It's the rest of the world.

ALLAWI: I may add a few points to what Prime Minister Blair had said.

Iraqis do not see what happened as an invasion. As I clearly said, that we deeply appreciate the commitment of the international community to have helped the Iraqi people to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and to stand with us in fighting terrorism.

Frankly, the, what you see now, the security, is a manifestation of a war that is being waged against us by evil forces. We have to stand firm. We have to stand tall. We have to defeat the insurgents. We have to defeat the evil forces. We have to defeat terror. And this is really to protect the whole world and the generations to come.

We are adamant to that. We are going to proceed with the democracy, with the freedom, with the rule of law, with the respect of human rights. These are the important values that have been brought into Iraq. And for the first time, the Iraqis feel the sense of liberty.

It is a dream which is becoming true. We don't expect forces that stand up against us just to stand idle to see this huge construction going ahead in a peaceful way. That's what you see now shall all disappear in the very near future.

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with the BBC.

You came to power six months ago (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Iraqis can do it better than the Americans. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

ALLAWI: I still think that Iraqis will do it better, can do it better than the multinational forces. We are deeply appreciative of the role of the multinational forces. We are moving ahead and building our own security. There are constraints, definitely, for various reasons. But we are much better off than we were six months ago.

We now have some army. We have some police. We are active. The Iraqi Army and the Iraqi police spearheaded the cleaning up of Falluja. We are still developing our capabilities in the field of security and this is what we have been even discussing today, in fact, with Prime Minister Blair. And we hope that we can expedite until such a point that the Iraqis themselves will be shouldering the responsibility.

BLAIR: If I could just make one final point, as well, just leading after something the prime minister has just said. He made the point that it was important for the future of the world, for the future of everyone, not just Iraq. I want to emphasize that. Sometimes people say to me what has this got to do with Britain's security? It's got this to do with Britain's security. If Iraq becomes a stable democratic country and we defeat the terrorism here, which is the same type of terrorism that we face the world over, if we defeat it here, we deal it a blow worldwide. If Iraq is a stable and democratic country, that is good for the Middle East, and what is good for the Middle East is actually good for the world, including Britain.

That's why it's important for us, too. I'm sorry, you've got...

(CROSSTALK)

ALLAWI: I've got to get going.

BLAIR: And I've got to go, too.

ALLAWI: The last question, shall we?

BLAIR: A last question? Can you translate to the Iraqi (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is that possible?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

BLAIR: Yes. Because I, apparently I've got (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLAIR: Got out on an early start this morning, but it wasn't that early. You answer that one. (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

ALLAWI: We are talking to people to be part of the political progress, political process and the political progress of Iraq. And we have made a distinction between those who committed crimes under Saddam's rule and those who were just part of the Baath Party, who had to join in.

We are talking to people, yes. We want inclusivity.

BLAIR: Thank you very much.

ALLAWI: Thank you.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And you have been watching a live news conference from Baghdad.

You see the British prime minister, Tony Blair, shaking hands with the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. The news conference rather, turned rather jovial at the end, didn't it? Tony Blair pledging support for what's happening in Iraq right now, not only for the Iraqi people, but for the American people, as well.

He called the Iraqi elections people heroes and then pledged even more support.

Good morning, by the way, if you're just joining us.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

This is DAYBREAK.

Now in the news, another popular pill to be concerned about this morning. If you take the drug naproxen, which is sold as Aleve, beware. The FDA warns it can increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke.

Two more suspects behind bars this morning in connection with a series of house fires in a Maryland suburb just outside of Washington. That brings the total number of people charged in the case to six. We'll have a live update on the case in about 10 minutes.

President Bush is planning to visit some wounded troops today. The president and first lady will be making an afternoon stop at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Now to the forecast center and Chad -- ooh, you're busy this morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A little bit busy up here, with a developing snowstorm, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The cut from her womb after she'd been strangled will be buried today in Missouri. The baby girl is doing well this morning. Her father has taken her home from a Kansas hospital now.

We get more details on the suspect from CNN's Jonathan Freed.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JONATHAN FREED, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Four days after the murder of Bobby Jo Stinnett, the mutilation of her body and the abduction of her unborn baby shocked the nation, the first glimpse of the woman accused in the case, Lisa Montgomery, since she was arrested on Friday. Montgomery appeared in court in Kansas City, Kansas on Monday for a brief hearing to formally confirm her identity before being handed over to authorities in Missouri, where the alleged crimes took place.

Lisa Montgomery, of Melvern, Kansas, is facing federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death. So far, she's the only one charged, and the U.S. attorney's office prosecuting the case says it's too early to know if anyone else might be accused, as well. There are questions about why Montgomery's husband accepted her story that she had suddenly given birth on Thursday and was ready to be picked up with the baby that day, and not at a hospital, but outside a restaurant.

The Montgomerys' pastor tells CNN that he saw the couple and the newborn on Friday and says there was nothing to suggest anything was out of the ordinary.

MIKE WHEATLY, MONTGOMERY'S PASTOR: You see a lady walk in that's moving a little slow and her husband's carrying a baby with a smile on his face a mile wide, you don't suspect a thing.

FREED: There are also questions about whether or not Montgomery had a recent miscarriage and if authorities believe it could be a motive for her alleged attack on Stinnett. Prosecutors explained they're proceeding cautiously about the possibility of seeking the death penalty.

TODD GRAVES, U.S. ATTORNEY: The federal government is -- has a very strict procedure and it's not something you enter into lightly. So we have to go through -- we have to do many steps before we make that decision.

FREED: Jonathan Freed, CNN, Kansas City, Missouri.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

COSTELLO: And we have a little more for you on this story.

The suspect's husband, Kevin Montgomery, was very emotional as he spoke of the heartbreak brought on by his wife's alleged crime.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEVIN MONTGOMERY, SUSPECT'S HUSBAND: My heart ain't broke just for me and Lisa and her kids. It's them, too. That was a precious baby. I know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Montgomery says he hopes the Stinnett family is getting as much support from their church and community as he is getting from his.

In other news across America this morning, there may be baseball in the nation's capital after all. Major league baseball and city leaders reached a compromise agreement that lessens the financial burden on the city. The new deal calls for $100 million in private financing for that new stadium. The city council votes on the compromise today.

Indianapolis is working on a new deal for a stadium for the Colts. The mayor is seeking an increase in off track betting for horse racing to help finance that stadium. The NFL says they'll contribute $100 million. The deal, if approved, would keep the stadium and the team in Indianapolis for at least 30 more years.

At least one person suffered serious injuries when a car backed into a Seattle department store. The 67-year-old driver said his accelerator stuck, sending the car hurtling backward. Six other shoppers were taken to the hospital after that accident.

The FAA plans to hire as many as 12,000 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. The "Wall Street Journal" reporting that an official announcement could come as early as today. The hirings would be necessary to fill the positions of controllers who are expected to retire.

Much more to come on DAYBREAK this hour.

It is the biggest residential assn case in Maryland's history and now it's gotten even bigger.

Also, we'll tell you what it takes to win big on the video game circuit. Here's a hint -- practice, practice, practice.

And Christmas is just a few days away, but some religious leaders say too many people are forgetting the reason for the season.

Now here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning, December 21.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Authorities called it arson right from the start and now they've got their suspects. Six of them behind bars. This was the scene about two weeks ago. Ten homes torched in a Maryland subdivision and many other homes damaged. $10 million in total damage here.

Let's head live to Greenbelt, Maryland and reporter Alisa Parenti of CNN affiliate WJLA -- bring us up to date.

ALISA PARENTI, WJLA CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, the U.S. attorney is looking into the possibility that more than a dozen people conspired on the Internet, talking in chat rooms, making plans for this assn, and also that they shared an interest in street car racing.

COSTELLO: I'm sorry, Alisa, I could not hear the first part of your report. I'm sure you talked about those six suspects being arrested.

Do police have a solid motive in this case?

PARENTI: They believe the motive may have been revenge. You'll remember, that first person who was arrest, Aaron Speed, was said to have been unhappy with the company. He worked for them in security and was unhappy with the company's treatment of him in terms of what happened immediately after the death of his infant son.

We have some tape we can show you of the court proceedings from yesterday.

COSTELLO: And we see that now, Alisa.

The man we're seeing, though, he was very emotional in his -- he said he didn't do it. He screamed out on his front lawn. I remember that well.

PARENTI: Yes. It was a really bad situation in terms of the one man that was first arrested. But what's surprising now, Carol, is the sheer number of people who are said to have been involved, that there are somewhere upwards of 16 different people. So we have the three people who will face their detention hearing. That's happening on Thursday. Two more suspects making their first appearance today. And at 2:00 this afternoon, that is when Aaron Speed, the first man arrested, will be detained and we'll find out what his bond status is later today.

COSTELLO: Alisa Parenti reporting live from Greenbelt, Maryland.

Thank you so much.

Robert Blake, the actor most know as Baretta, is obsessed with his baby. Prosecutors say that's why he killed his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. Blake's murder trial has begun, more than three years after Bakley was shot and killed in Blake's car. Ever since then, it's been a long, bizarre trail to his trial in Van Nuys, California.

Joining us live now, Amanda Grove from Court TV.

Good morning.

AMANDA GROVE, COURT TV CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, we struggle with this trial. At first blush you say well, we're not going to cover this. But it's fascinating, isn't it?

GROVE: It absolutely is. It's been four years almost since the murder of Bonny Lee Bakley and we've heard so much about Robert Blake during those four years. The trial has been delayed numerous times. Most recently, a strange break-in. His attorney's computer was stolen by two young men, totally separate. People thought it was a conspiracy to move the trial once again.

So many things have happened. But, in fact, we've started the trial.

COSTELLO: And this is another case where it's circumstantial evidence, although the -- just the facts surrounding the case seem to point to his guilt.

GROVE: He had motive. He had opportunity. So certainly that's very strong. This is a circumstantial case, as we know from the Peterson case. It's very common, circumstantial cases. They're not less than direct evidence cases. People always want direct evidence, but really the majority are circumstantial and that's fine.

COSTELLO: Well, let's remind people of the circumstances surrounding Bonny Lee Bakley's murder.

So the couple goes to a restaurant and supposedly Robert Blake leaves his gun in the restaurant. So he has to leave Bonny Lee Bakley in his car. He goes into the restaurant to retrieve his gun. When he comes back, he says someone shot her.

GROVE: That's absolutely right. Those are the facts as Robert Blake presents them.

But what we're hearing is that he had asked pretty much everyone and their mother to kill her. He had solicited several stunt men, several former friends of his. He had told everyone what a nuisance she was and how much he wanted her out of his life. That's the back story.

As the defense attorney said yesterday, he is charged with personally killing her. He's trying to draw a line, saying listen, just asking someone to kill someone is not a crime. You know, we'll see what jurors say. But it -- the problem for the Blake team is that the back story is how many people knew he wanted to get rid of her and she ultimately died in one of the scenarios that he had discussed with someone as a plan, the same restaurant.

COSTELLO: It'll be interesting to see how he acts in court, as well, because who could forget his serenade outside of the courthouse. We have that video now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT BLAKE, ACTOR: Somewhere over the rainbow (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: So he's serenading reporters and he's done interviews against his attorneys' advice.

I mean is this something that you'll be watching as the trial progresses, as in Robert Blake's behavior?

GROVE: Well, he's certainly a colorful character and he's had many defense attorneys. And many of them, we believe, quit because he kept talking to people. He talked to Barbara Walters. He talked to the press. He's an actor. He wants to be out there. And that is a nightmare for a defense attorney.

So certainly we're watching him. I thought he did well yesterday. He sat there attentively listening, no grimaces, no reactions, as the opening statements were made. He looks good. You know, he's got his hair, white hair, back, but he's got his full head of hair. And he was dressed well and I thought he handled himself nicely. We'll have to find out how it goes from here.

COSTELLO: Yes, we will.

We'll be following this case.

Amanda Grove from Court TV.

Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.

And DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Playing video games is a hobby for some people, perhaps an obsession for others. And for some video game fanatics, there's money to be made.

CNN technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg introduces us to a guy who's doing just that.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JONATHAN WENDELL, PROFESSIONAL GAMER: Fortunately, my job is playing video games.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His name is Jonathan Wendell. But he's better known as Fatality. We first caught up with the 23-year-old professional gamer in his makeshift training center at a small hotel.

Using a specialized glow in the dark keyboard and a custom made computer, he practices about eight hours a day. At midnight, he's practicing for the next day. When we came back at nine the next morning, we found Fatality in pretty much the same place. He says that's what it takes to win more than $100,000 a year in sponsorships and prize money, paid for by the companies that make these games and want to promote their product.

Don't be fooled, though. Jonathan gets a full night's sleep. He exercises daily and says he takes care of himself.

WENDELL: I'm actually, I already went downstairs and I had a nice little breakfast. But I'm pretty charged right now and I'm ready to go to my Fatality shootout today and kick some more butt.

SIEBERG: Jonathan tells us he played tennis, pool and video games in high school and he dreamed of becoming a professional in one of those fields. But when he told his parents he was going to be a pro-gamer, they were pretty skeptical.

WENDELL: So I made a deal with them. I told them if I don't win any money this first one I go to, I'm done with gaming. Gaming will still be a hobby in the background, but I will not pursue to train, you know, eight plus hours a day to basically win these tournaments. So we made the deal and I went down to the tournament and won $4,500. And I came back and flapped that check around the table. And I go, I won $4,500 playing a video game.

SIEBERG: The rest is history. After practice, Jonathan and I stopped downstairs for a milkshake, and from there, we followed his team to the day's event.

Jonathan is at a gamers gathering in San Francisco, where he's holding twice daily shootouts. Fatality is like a 21st century gunslinger. Gamers come from all over to wait in line for a chance for a showdown. If they win, or actually even score just one kill, they get $2,000. Needless to say, that doesn't happen very often. The shootout tour has taken Jonathan from London to the Great Wall of China. And though he loves his work and its perks, he hasn't forgotten where he came from.

WENDELL: My goal is basically to give back to the gaming, give back to the gaming community that I started from, basically from the roots from where I started. And I want to sponsor other gamers, give them the life that I had already the last five years. And I plan on doing this for another five or 10 years, as well. I mean it's been amazing.

(END VIDEO TAPE) SIEBERG: And, of course, Fatality is also trying to keep the money coming in. He promotes a gamer's mouse pad with his name on it, among other products, like a video card and t-shirts and that sort of thing. And he tries to be visible at various gaming tournaments.

But, you know, the people we spoke with say he really breaks the stereotype of a slacker gamer with no direction in life. And, Carol, he actually comes across as a pretty nice guy. Imagine that.

COSTELLO: Even though his name is Fatality.

SIEBERG: Right. A little scary with the name, but, yes.

COSTELLO: Yes.

Daniel, thank you.

SIEBERG: All right.

COSTELLO: Tomorrow, the virtual violence of many video games has critics turning up the heat. On Thursday, Daniel goes to the Olympics of competitive video gaming. And Friday, a video game where you might not win or lose, but perhaps become the person you'd like to be. Video Games: The Series with Daniel Sieberg, all this week right here on DAYBREAK.

Happy holidays. That's a safe politically correct way to greet someone at this time of year. All morning we've been talking about Christmas and how P.C. it's become. Pope John Paul is so concerned that he's giving kind of special sermons this year on Christmas. So are numerous Christian groups. They're concerned, too. They're suing to put the Nativity back into school plays and onto the lawns of city halls.

With us this morning, author Kerry Egan, who's written a book on prayer and finding god called "Fumbling."

Kerry, welcome.

KERRY EGAN, RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR, AUTHOR: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, the pope is really concerned that we are taking the spirituality out of Christmas and we're only concerned about buy, buy, buy. But we hear that every year.

Why this year, do you think, the pope is concentrating on the spirituality of Christmas?

EGAN: You know, I think we're living in a time where people are uncertain. There's all these sort of forces that are coming together in the war on terrorism and in Iraq and these massive changes that are going on socially. And I think it makes people feel, it can make people feel not at ease and unsure in the world. And I think religion has always been a way for people to focus. And I think that maybe people are even feeling that Christmas itself somehow has lost its focus, too. And I think it's a sense of, you know, really being moor less, I think.

COSTELLO: Some people feel that because we've become so politically correct in this country, in fact, you know, Nativity scenes usually aren't allowed in school plays. They're not allowed to be displayed on the lawns of city hall. Some Christian groups are really outraged by that and say, you know, by not doing this, you're not really showing the spirituality of Christmas, by, you know, kind of homogenizing the holiday.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired December 21, 2004 - 06:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. From the CNN Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now In The News": A surprise visit to Baghdad by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair was greeted just a little while ago by Iraq's interim leader Ayad Allawi. Blair also plans to visit Israel and the West Bank.

And, shortly, we're expecting a news conference to occur. You are seeing a live picture from Baghdad and reporters waiting around for Tony Blair and Ayad Allawi to enter to room.

There are new concerns this morning over a popular over-the- counter pain reliever. The FDA has issued a warning for users of Nuproxin (ph). You know it by the brand name Aleve. The agency has linked it to increased risks for heart and strokes.

In Maryland, authorities have arrested two more suspects in the burning of several expensive homes. The arrests bring the total charged in the case to six. The fires caused and estimated $10 million in damage.

President and Mrs. Bush will head to Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit wounded troops this afternoon. Following the visits the president and the first lady head to Camp David.

To the Forecast Center now, and Chad.

Good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: A developing story out of Baghdad this morning. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on a surprise visit to Iraq's capitol city. We just got word of his arrival less than an hour ago. So, let's go head live to Baghdad and Karl Penhaul.

Did you find anything else out about his visit, Karl?

KARL PENHAUL, CNN INT'L CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.

Well, this certainly is Prime Minister Tony Blair's first visit to Baghdad. As you know, he was here in Iraq about 11 months ago when he visited troops in Basra, where the main British troops contingent is based. But today, the first visit to Baghdad.

Diplomatic sources have told us that the main purpose of the trip is to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. He's already greeted his cabinet and the prime minister himself.

And the other purpose of this mission is to greet the Iraqi people. Diplomatic sources tell us and to express his support for the election process.

Now, we have seen media reports that Mr. Blair arrived on the ground in Iraq about two and a half hours ago now. We understand he may have flown into Iraq, Baghdad International Airport by British military transport plane coming from Jordan. And from there he boarded a helicopter and flew from the main airport down to the downtown Green Zone.

That's the center of the U.S. and Iraqi administration here. And that's where he's been meeting with Mr. Allawi and his cabinet. We expect in the next few moments that he'll hold a press conference. That's a very limited access press conference because of the security considerations. And this is why this has been an unannounced visit.

But certainly high on the agenda with talks with Mr. Allawi, we expect to be, those January 30 elections, as well as the perilous security climate here right now, Carol.

COSTELLO: And it should be interesting in light of what President Bush said yesterday about the insurgents having an effect on the war in Iraq.

PENHAUL: Indeed, they certainly will have a lot to talk about. Obviously, over the weekend, a very bloody weekend with those bombings down in the southern cities of Najaf and Karbala, that claimed more than 68 lives and more than 170 people wounded. Today, this morning, there has been U.S. air attacks on insurgent positions here, west of Baghdad. The insurgency here very, very much alive and well, even after that major offensive on the city of Falluja, back in November.

So, certainly, Mr. Blair and Mr. Allawi will likely be talking about how they can overcome that insurgency and how they can make the vote safe for January 30, Carol.

COSTELLO: Karl Penhaul live in Baghdad. Thank you.

Health officials disagree about how serious the Neoproxin problem may be. But the FDA says you should talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Neoproxin is sold over the counter under the brand name Aleve. The FDA also says you should avoid taking the drug for longer than 10 days. This makes four major drugs that are under scrutiny. But as CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen reports, should the warnings have come a long time ago?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): We're all hearing just now that the drug Celebrex might cause heart problems, but Doctor Garrett Fitzgerald first noticed something might be wrong five years ago.

That's when he saw something disturbing in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania, first in mice, and then in humans. He noticed that Celebrex eased pain by blocking production of a certain type of fat, that that same kind of fat helped protect the heart.

DR. GARRETT FISTZGERALD, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: When you shut down this fat, to alleviate pain and inflammation, you're exposing the cardiovascular system to hazard. So, it's really a double-edge sword.

COHEN: Doctor Fitzgerald published his research and spoke about it at international conferences, but he said the drug companies that make Celebrex and similar drugs, called Cox-2 inhibitors, did pay much attention.

FITZGERALD: We thought this was something well worth pursuing. The companies involved at the time were somewhat dismissive.

COHEN: Pfizer, which makes Celebrex, says they did take Dr. Fitzgerald's studies seriously and that many subsequent studies by other scientists showed there were not cardiovascular problems with Celebrex.

DR. GAIL CAWKWELL, PFIZER: We weighed the evidence and we found evidence both in people and in studies in animals that contradicted some of Doctor Fitzgerald's work.

COHEN: Dr. Fitzgerald says the experience with these pain relievers is a lesson in how a blockbuster class of drugs, heralded by some as wonder drugs, could come tumbling down.

Vioxx was the first of the Cox-2 inhibitors to have trouble. It was taken off the market in September, after studies showed it cause heart problems. Then, last week, "The New England Journal of Medicine" published a letter from a group of researchers saying doctors should stop prescribing another Cox-2, called Bextra. Again, because of cardiovascular concerns. Days later the National Institutes of Health released the news that people taking Celebrex were two and a half times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

FITZGERALD: The entire experience with Cox-2 inhibitors is an example of blockbuster over reach.

COHEN: The three Cox-2 inhibitors earned $5.3 billion in sales last year. More than all over-the-counter pain relievers combined.

Some say that is because Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx were some of the most highly marketed drugs ever. In the first nine months of this year, Pfizer spent $71 million advertising Celebrex to consumers. Now, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer has stopped advertising Celebrex to consumers and some researchers are wondering could money and lives have been saved warnings had been heard many years ago -- Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We want to know what you think this morning. Do you trust the FDA in light of what Elizabeth just told you. Send your answers, serious responses, your comments to Daybreak@cnn.com, Daybreak@cnn.com. And of course, we'll read some of those responses later on in our program.

In other news "Across America" this morning, the FAA plans to hire 12,000 air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. "The Wall Street Journal" the new hires will be needed because about half of the current controllers will be retiring during that period.

Residents of Carmel, California hope to get some relief from a bunch of pigs, really. Actually, they're wild boars. About three dozen have been rooting around yards and tearing up gardens. The state will spend $50,000 over five years to trap and kill the boars.

A deadly shootout in Riverside County, California, caught on tape. Deputies were looking for a homicide suspect when he saw them. A gunfight broke out and the suspect was killed. Authorities are trying to reconstruct this incident.

He's won a second term, but that doesn't mean there's smooth sailing ahead for President Bush. As our Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider reports, the president is taking a hit in the polls.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST (voice over): Second honeymoons are nice but President Bush isn't getting one. One month after winning re-election, Bush's job approval has dropped below 50 percent.

Did other re-elected presidents get a second honeymoon? Bill Clinton got one, 58 percent job approval after he got re-elected in 1996. Ronald Reagan, 59; Richard Nixon, also 59; Lyndon Johnson, 69. The greatest love affair on a second honeymoon? Dwight Eisenhower, 79 percent.

What's the difference with Bush? The answer is, Iraq.

SEN. CHUCK HAGEL, (R) NEBRASKA: The fact is we're in more trouble in Iraq today than we've ever been in. We're putting 12,000 to 15,000 new troops there. We've had 1300 people killed.

SCHNEIDER: Sen. Hagel's exasperation is shared by most Americans. Last January, 60 percent of the public approved of the way the U.S. was handling the situation in Iraq. That number is down to 39 percent. Nearly 60 percent now disapprove of U.S./Iraq policy.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The bombers are having an effect. You know these people are targeting innocent Iraqis. They're trying to shake the will of the Iraqi people. And frankly, trying to shake the will of the American people.

SCHNEIDER: The insurgents may be succeeding. In January, 63 percent of the public thought the U.S. decision to go to war with Iraq was right. A majority now says it was wrong.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is an architect of U.S. policy in Iraq. Look at what's happened to Rumsfeld's job ratings. In April 20, '03, just after Saddam Hussein was overthrown, Rumsfeld got a 71 percent vote of approval by October it was down to 58; in May of this year, 46. And now, just 41...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We're going to have to break away from Bill Schneider's report, because as you can see, in Baghdad, the news conference has just begun. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with Interim Prime Minister of Iraq Ayad Allawi. Let's hear what they have to say.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM PRIME MINISTER, IRAQ: ... here in Baghdad, this shows the support of him personally to the political process and to Iraq. And also it shows the support of the United Kingdom to Iraq, to the political process, to stability in Iraq.

We have discussed and touched on very important topics on the future of this country, on the political process, on the stability security. And we have the pledge of the United Kingdom to continue and support us, to keep on moving forward. And, its really a great pleasure to have the prime minister of Britain here and, by that the security is of paramount importance, as far as we're concerned in Iraq.

We are moving in the right direction. We need for me (ph) to expedite forming our own security forces. We definitely now are engaged in the political process where we will have the elections on time. I am very excited, personally, for this election, this is the -- what we have fought for -- tyranny -- and we now on the verge of, for the first time in history really having democracy in action in this country.

And we look forward, we look forward to this election to be inclusive, all Iraqis should participate in this election. And whoever is not going to have the chance, the doors will be open, for everyone to be included in the political process, as we move steadily in establishing the rule of law, human rights and the constitution for Iraq.

I ask my dear friend Tony Blair to give a statement now and then we'll take some questions.

TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER OF BRTIAN: Thank you, Prime Minister.

With a great sense of honor, and also humility, at being here. And I would like to thank you for your leadership and the immense courage that you and your colleagues have shown. I've just visited members of the electoral commission and met some of their staff. And I said to them that I thought that they were the heroes of the new Iraq that is being created. Because here are people who are risking their lives everyday in order to make sure that the people of Iraq get a chance to decide their own destiny, democratically.

And I'd just like to say this very strongly the outside world, whatever people's feelings or beliefs about the removal of Saddam Hussein and the wisdom of that, that surely there is only one side to be on in what is now, very clearly, a battle between democracy and terror. And on the one side you have people who desperately want to make the democratic process work and want to have the same kind of democratic freedoms other parts of the world enjoy.

And on the other side, people who are killing and intimidating and trying to destroy a better future for Iraq. Thought, when I saw that -- there was the sign -- you know, about vote for the future. Just how important it was for people to recognize this is now about the future. And interestingly, talking to some of the United Nations staff as well, their very, very strong commitment to making sure the elections are held. And also their belief from the work and the conversations they've had that people in Iraq actually do want to participate in this.

And so, I hope very much, like you, prime minister, it goes ahead on an inclusive basis. I'm sure it can do and should do. And also, of course, as we build up the capability, of the Iraq security forces, the police and the army, and the other forces, of course that then brings forward the day when the multinational force can leave and then Iraq is there with the people in charge of their destiny, with Iraq in charge of its own future, and with Iraq as a stable and democratic partner for this region and for the wider world. And that is a vision that everybody, not just in Iraq, but everybody in the whole of the international community should support.

And as I say, I feel a sense of humility. I know it's a very tough challenge. You can see that and feel it, being here. I'm sure that there are parts of Iraq that are very much calmer, but here in Baghdad you feel the sense of the challenge and the difficulty that there is. And I've nothing but admiration for you and for you colleagues and everyone here. Whether from the international community or Iraqis who are trying to make this country better and you deserve our praise and our support. And also our gratitude, I think, because you are striking an important blow for democracy everywhere.

Thank you, Sir.

What are we ...(UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Oh, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), I'm sorry.

We promised to do it in short sentences, as well. Sorry, my apologies.

(AUDIO GAP)

QUESTION: (OFF MIC) From BBC News.

Many thousands of people have died for this moment, including scores of British people, are you sure that this prize is worth that price? BLAIR: When I meet the people working alongside the United Nations, Iraqis, in fear of their life everyday, because they are trying to bring freedom and democracy to their people. When I see their courage and their determination and know that they speak for the vast majority of people in Iraq, who want that democracy and freedom, then I know that we are doing the right thing.

And whatever people felt about the original conflict, we, the British, aren't a nation of quitters. What is very obvious to me is that the Iraqi people, here, they're not going to quit on this task either. They're going to see it through. And just imagine the difference that a stable and democratic Iraq would make, not just to the people in Iraq, but throughout the whole of the region and the world.

Now, when I see that, yes, I believe we did the right thing. And I'll also say this to you, there are people dying in Iraq, but the reason people are dying is because of the terrorism and the intimidation and the people who are deliberately killing anyone trying to make this country better.

Now, what should our response be, as an international community? Our response should be to stand alongside the democrats, the people who've got the courage to see this thing through, and help them see it through it.

And I've got no doubt at all, that that is the right thing for us to do.

ALLAWI: Can I just interject here?

BLAIR: Surely.

COSTELLO: And we're going to break away right now. You've been listening to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the interim prime minister of Iraq, Ayad Allawi, speaking at a news conference in Baghdad.

Tony Blair made a surprise visit there this morning. We just found out about it, hmm, an hour and a half ago, maybe. You heard Tony Blair calling Iraqi election officials heroes and emphasized the importance of the mission in Iraq to the international community, which must be music to the ears of Tony Blair's good friend President George Bush.

It is a crime that shocked the nation, a baby stolen from her murdered mother's womb. And the woman arrested for the shocking crime gets her day in court. We'll have the latest on the investigation ahead. And hear what her ex-husband has to say.

And a popular pain reliever is being singled out by the FDA, we'll tell you why Aleve users should be on alert. Which brings us to our e-mail question of the morning.

Do you trust the FDA? We'll read some of your e-mails just ahead. But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning. (GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: That news conference still going on in Baghdad, Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, both speaking to reporters.

Reporters are asking them questions. Let's listen in again.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

ALLAWI: ...elections on time. We're committed to have the elections on time. The majority of Iraqis are excited to have the elections on time. Definitely our enemies (ph) are determined to break our will. They would not prevail, we would not allow them to prevail. We are continuously engaged with the various constituencies of Iraqis to participate. We want it to be an inclusive election. We want everybody to be part of this election. We have been talking to the various elements, and personalities, tribal leaders, of all inclinations, backgrounds, to be part of the elections.

We believe very strongly that as we move progressively in the political process, this would have an impact also on security, improving security. We have always expected that violence would increase as we approach the elections. But I am sure that the Iraqi people would be helped by our dear and good friends in the international community, we are going to be able to achieve this goal.

The lady.

QUESTION: It seem inevitable that security and the violence will work this side of the elections, what guarantees or reasons (OFF MIC) that the situation will get better after the elections?

BLAIR: You, I suppose? (ph)

ALLAWI: Your turn (ph).

BLAIR: I think, obviously, as the prime minister has just said, there will be a concerted attempt to try and break our will over the elections.

And I think that everyone understands that obviously there will be violence that will continue even after an election.

On the other hand, we will then have a very clear expression of democratic will. And what is interesting to me, was talking to the United Nations officials, here, who where, first of all, absolutely committed to the electoral process. And secondly, said to me in the strongest terms that all the work they were doing, in every part of Iraqi community, indicated people actually do want to participate. There is intimidation in certain areas, but no shortage whatever of people's desire to participate in democratic elections.

And that's, actually, we saw in Afghanistan, once elections take place, they have their own momentum. So, I'm not, in any sense, dismissive of the problems. There are major problems, of course, there are. But I think that holding the elections, will -- as the prime minister was implying a moment or two ago -- will have its impetus towards greater security.

QUESTION: Prime Minister, Nate Robinson, ITV News.

Can you just give us a sense of your feelings today. You flew here in secrecy, with armed protection, into what is still a safe zone more than a year and a half after Saddam fell. Can you honestly say to yourself this is what I meant to bring about when I said that (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

BLAIR: That's a good question. I'll tell you exactly what I felt coming in. The security is really heavy. You can feel the sense of danger that people live in here. But what I felt more than anything else was this. The danger that people feel here is coming from terrorists and insurgents who are trying to destroy the possibility of this country becoming a democracy.

Now, where do we stand in that fight? We stand on the side of the democrats against the terrorists. And so when people say to me well, look at the difficulties, look at the challenges, I say well, what's the source of that challenge? The source of that challenge is a wicked, destructive attempt to stop this man, this lady or these people from Iraq who want to decide their own future in a democratic way, having that opportunity.

And where should the rest of the world stand? To say well, that's your problem, go look after it? Or you're better off with Saddam Hussein running the country, as if the only, the only choice they should have in the world is a choice between a brutal dictator killing hundreds of thousands of people or terrorists and insurgents.

There is another choice for Iraq. The choice is democracy. The choice is freedom. And our job is to help them get there, because that's what they want. And, you know, sometimes when I see some of the reporting of what's happening in Iraq and the rest of the world, I feel, you know, I just feel that people should understand how precious what is being created here is and that those people from that electoral commission that I described as the heroes of the new Iraq, every day, a lot of them aren't living in the green zone. They've got to travel in from outside. They do not know, at any point in time, whether they're going to be subject to brutality or intimidation, even death. And yet they carry on doing it.

Now, what a magnificent example of the human spirit. And that's the side we should be on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Allow us to ask the question (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLAIR: Translate (UNINTELLIGIBLE). All right.

I think the Iraqis get the point. It's the rest of the world.

ALLAWI: I may add a few points to what Prime Minister Blair had said.

Iraqis do not see what happened as an invasion. As I clearly said, that we deeply appreciate the commitment of the international community to have helped the Iraqi people to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and to stand with us in fighting terrorism.

Frankly, the, what you see now, the security, is a manifestation of a war that is being waged against us by evil forces. We have to stand firm. We have to stand tall. We have to defeat the insurgents. We have to defeat the evil forces. We have to defeat terror. And this is really to protect the whole world and the generations to come.

We are adamant to that. We are going to proceed with the democracy, with the freedom, with the rule of law, with the respect of human rights. These are the important values that have been brought into Iraq. And for the first time, the Iraqis feel the sense of liberty.

It is a dream which is becoming true. We don't expect forces that stand up against us just to stand idle to see this huge construction going ahead in a peaceful way. That's what you see now shall all disappear in the very near future.

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with the BBC.

You came to power six months ago (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Iraqis can do it better than the Americans. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

ALLAWI: I still think that Iraqis will do it better, can do it better than the multinational forces. We are deeply appreciative of the role of the multinational forces. We are moving ahead and building our own security. There are constraints, definitely, for various reasons. But we are much better off than we were six months ago.

We now have some army. We have some police. We are active. The Iraqi Army and the Iraqi police spearheaded the cleaning up of Falluja. We are still developing our capabilities in the field of security and this is what we have been even discussing today, in fact, with Prime Minister Blair. And we hope that we can expedite until such a point that the Iraqis themselves will be shouldering the responsibility.

BLAIR: If I could just make one final point, as well, just leading after something the prime minister has just said. He made the point that it was important for the future of the world, for the future of everyone, not just Iraq. I want to emphasize that. Sometimes people say to me what has this got to do with Britain's security? It's got this to do with Britain's security. If Iraq becomes a stable democratic country and we defeat the terrorism here, which is the same type of terrorism that we face the world over, if we defeat it here, we deal it a blow worldwide. If Iraq is a stable and democratic country, that is good for the Middle East, and what is good for the Middle East is actually good for the world, including Britain.

That's why it's important for us, too. I'm sorry, you've got...

(CROSSTALK)

ALLAWI: I've got to get going.

BLAIR: And I've got to go, too.

ALLAWI: The last question, shall we?

BLAIR: A last question? Can you translate to the Iraqi (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is that possible?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

BLAIR: Yes. Because I, apparently I've got (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLAIR: Got out on an early start this morning, but it wasn't that early. You answer that one. (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

ALLAWI: We are talking to people to be part of the political progress, political process and the political progress of Iraq. And we have made a distinction between those who committed crimes under Saddam's rule and those who were just part of the Baath Party, who had to join in.

We are talking to people, yes. We want inclusivity.

BLAIR: Thank you very much.

ALLAWI: Thank you.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And you have been watching a live news conference from Baghdad.

You see the British prime minister, Tony Blair, shaking hands with the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. The news conference rather, turned rather jovial at the end, didn't it? Tony Blair pledging support for what's happening in Iraq right now, not only for the Iraqi people, but for the American people, as well.

He called the Iraqi elections people heroes and then pledged even more support.

Good morning, by the way, if you're just joining us.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

This is DAYBREAK.

Now in the news, another popular pill to be concerned about this morning. If you take the drug naproxen, which is sold as Aleve, beware. The FDA warns it can increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke.

Two more suspects behind bars this morning in connection with a series of house fires in a Maryland suburb just outside of Washington. That brings the total number of people charged in the case to six. We'll have a live update on the case in about 10 minutes.

President Bush is planning to visit some wounded troops today. The president and first lady will be making an afternoon stop at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Now to the forecast center and Chad -- ooh, you're busy this morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A little bit busy up here, with a developing snowstorm, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The cut from her womb after she'd been strangled will be buried today in Missouri. The baby girl is doing well this morning. Her father has taken her home from a Kansas hospital now.

We get more details on the suspect from CNN's Jonathan Freed.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JONATHAN FREED, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Four days after the murder of Bobby Jo Stinnett, the mutilation of her body and the abduction of her unborn baby shocked the nation, the first glimpse of the woman accused in the case, Lisa Montgomery, since she was arrested on Friday. Montgomery appeared in court in Kansas City, Kansas on Monday for a brief hearing to formally confirm her identity before being handed over to authorities in Missouri, where the alleged crimes took place.

Lisa Montgomery, of Melvern, Kansas, is facing federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death. So far, she's the only one charged, and the U.S. attorney's office prosecuting the case says it's too early to know if anyone else might be accused, as well. There are questions about why Montgomery's husband accepted her story that she had suddenly given birth on Thursday and was ready to be picked up with the baby that day, and not at a hospital, but outside a restaurant.

The Montgomerys' pastor tells CNN that he saw the couple and the newborn on Friday and says there was nothing to suggest anything was out of the ordinary.

MIKE WHEATLY, MONTGOMERY'S PASTOR: You see a lady walk in that's moving a little slow and her husband's carrying a baby with a smile on his face a mile wide, you don't suspect a thing.

FREED: There are also questions about whether or not Montgomery had a recent miscarriage and if authorities believe it could be a motive for her alleged attack on Stinnett. Prosecutors explained they're proceeding cautiously about the possibility of seeking the death penalty.

TODD GRAVES, U.S. ATTORNEY: The federal government is -- has a very strict procedure and it's not something you enter into lightly. So we have to go through -- we have to do many steps before we make that decision.

FREED: Jonathan Freed, CNN, Kansas City, Missouri.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

COSTELLO: And we have a little more for you on this story.

The suspect's husband, Kevin Montgomery, was very emotional as he spoke of the heartbreak brought on by his wife's alleged crime.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEVIN MONTGOMERY, SUSPECT'S HUSBAND: My heart ain't broke just for me and Lisa and her kids. It's them, too. That was a precious baby. I know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Montgomery says he hopes the Stinnett family is getting as much support from their church and community as he is getting from his.

In other news across America this morning, there may be baseball in the nation's capital after all. Major league baseball and city leaders reached a compromise agreement that lessens the financial burden on the city. The new deal calls for $100 million in private financing for that new stadium. The city council votes on the compromise today.

Indianapolis is working on a new deal for a stadium for the Colts. The mayor is seeking an increase in off track betting for horse racing to help finance that stadium. The NFL says they'll contribute $100 million. The deal, if approved, would keep the stadium and the team in Indianapolis for at least 30 more years.

At least one person suffered serious injuries when a car backed into a Seattle department store. The 67-year-old driver said his accelerator stuck, sending the car hurtling backward. Six other shoppers were taken to the hospital after that accident.

The FAA plans to hire as many as 12,000 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. The "Wall Street Journal" reporting that an official announcement could come as early as today. The hirings would be necessary to fill the positions of controllers who are expected to retire.

Much more to come on DAYBREAK this hour.

It is the biggest residential assn case in Maryland's history and now it's gotten even bigger.

Also, we'll tell you what it takes to win big on the video game circuit. Here's a hint -- practice, practice, practice.

And Christmas is just a few days away, but some religious leaders say too many people are forgetting the reason for the season.

Now here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning, December 21.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Authorities called it arson right from the start and now they've got their suspects. Six of them behind bars. This was the scene about two weeks ago. Ten homes torched in a Maryland subdivision and many other homes damaged. $10 million in total damage here.

Let's head live to Greenbelt, Maryland and reporter Alisa Parenti of CNN affiliate WJLA -- bring us up to date.

ALISA PARENTI, WJLA CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, the U.S. attorney is looking into the possibility that more than a dozen people conspired on the Internet, talking in chat rooms, making plans for this assn, and also that they shared an interest in street car racing.

COSTELLO: I'm sorry, Alisa, I could not hear the first part of your report. I'm sure you talked about those six suspects being arrested.

Do police have a solid motive in this case?

PARENTI: They believe the motive may have been revenge. You'll remember, that first person who was arrest, Aaron Speed, was said to have been unhappy with the company. He worked for them in security and was unhappy with the company's treatment of him in terms of what happened immediately after the death of his infant son.

We have some tape we can show you of the court proceedings from yesterday.

COSTELLO: And we see that now, Alisa.

The man we're seeing, though, he was very emotional in his -- he said he didn't do it. He screamed out on his front lawn. I remember that well.

PARENTI: Yes. It was a really bad situation in terms of the one man that was first arrested. But what's surprising now, Carol, is the sheer number of people who are said to have been involved, that there are somewhere upwards of 16 different people. So we have the three people who will face their detention hearing. That's happening on Thursday. Two more suspects making their first appearance today. And at 2:00 this afternoon, that is when Aaron Speed, the first man arrested, will be detained and we'll find out what his bond status is later today.

COSTELLO: Alisa Parenti reporting live from Greenbelt, Maryland.

Thank you so much.

Robert Blake, the actor most know as Baretta, is obsessed with his baby. Prosecutors say that's why he killed his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. Blake's murder trial has begun, more than three years after Bakley was shot and killed in Blake's car. Ever since then, it's been a long, bizarre trail to his trial in Van Nuys, California.

Joining us live now, Amanda Grove from Court TV.

Good morning.

AMANDA GROVE, COURT TV CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, we struggle with this trial. At first blush you say well, we're not going to cover this. But it's fascinating, isn't it?

GROVE: It absolutely is. It's been four years almost since the murder of Bonny Lee Bakley and we've heard so much about Robert Blake during those four years. The trial has been delayed numerous times. Most recently, a strange break-in. His attorney's computer was stolen by two young men, totally separate. People thought it was a conspiracy to move the trial once again.

So many things have happened. But, in fact, we've started the trial.

COSTELLO: And this is another case where it's circumstantial evidence, although the -- just the facts surrounding the case seem to point to his guilt.

GROVE: He had motive. He had opportunity. So certainly that's very strong. This is a circumstantial case, as we know from the Peterson case. It's very common, circumstantial cases. They're not less than direct evidence cases. People always want direct evidence, but really the majority are circumstantial and that's fine.

COSTELLO: Well, let's remind people of the circumstances surrounding Bonny Lee Bakley's murder.

So the couple goes to a restaurant and supposedly Robert Blake leaves his gun in the restaurant. So he has to leave Bonny Lee Bakley in his car. He goes into the restaurant to retrieve his gun. When he comes back, he says someone shot her.

GROVE: That's absolutely right. Those are the facts as Robert Blake presents them.

But what we're hearing is that he had asked pretty much everyone and their mother to kill her. He had solicited several stunt men, several former friends of his. He had told everyone what a nuisance she was and how much he wanted her out of his life. That's the back story.

As the defense attorney said yesterday, he is charged with personally killing her. He's trying to draw a line, saying listen, just asking someone to kill someone is not a crime. You know, we'll see what jurors say. But it -- the problem for the Blake team is that the back story is how many people knew he wanted to get rid of her and she ultimately died in one of the scenarios that he had discussed with someone as a plan, the same restaurant.

COSTELLO: It'll be interesting to see how he acts in court, as well, because who could forget his serenade outside of the courthouse. We have that video now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT BLAKE, ACTOR: Somewhere over the rainbow (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: So he's serenading reporters and he's done interviews against his attorneys' advice.

I mean is this something that you'll be watching as the trial progresses, as in Robert Blake's behavior?

GROVE: Well, he's certainly a colorful character and he's had many defense attorneys. And many of them, we believe, quit because he kept talking to people. He talked to Barbara Walters. He talked to the press. He's an actor. He wants to be out there. And that is a nightmare for a defense attorney.

So certainly we're watching him. I thought he did well yesterday. He sat there attentively listening, no grimaces, no reactions, as the opening statements were made. He looks good. You know, he's got his hair, white hair, back, but he's got his full head of hair. And he was dressed well and I thought he handled himself nicely. We'll have to find out how it goes from here.

COSTELLO: Yes, we will.

We'll be following this case.

Amanda Grove from Court TV.

Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.

And DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Playing video games is a hobby for some people, perhaps an obsession for others. And for some video game fanatics, there's money to be made.

CNN technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg introduces us to a guy who's doing just that.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JONATHAN WENDELL, PROFESSIONAL GAMER: Fortunately, my job is playing video games.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His name is Jonathan Wendell. But he's better known as Fatality. We first caught up with the 23-year-old professional gamer in his makeshift training center at a small hotel.

Using a specialized glow in the dark keyboard and a custom made computer, he practices about eight hours a day. At midnight, he's practicing for the next day. When we came back at nine the next morning, we found Fatality in pretty much the same place. He says that's what it takes to win more than $100,000 a year in sponsorships and prize money, paid for by the companies that make these games and want to promote their product.

Don't be fooled, though. Jonathan gets a full night's sleep. He exercises daily and says he takes care of himself.

WENDELL: I'm actually, I already went downstairs and I had a nice little breakfast. But I'm pretty charged right now and I'm ready to go to my Fatality shootout today and kick some more butt.

SIEBERG: Jonathan tells us he played tennis, pool and video games in high school and he dreamed of becoming a professional in one of those fields. But when he told his parents he was going to be a pro-gamer, they were pretty skeptical.

WENDELL: So I made a deal with them. I told them if I don't win any money this first one I go to, I'm done with gaming. Gaming will still be a hobby in the background, but I will not pursue to train, you know, eight plus hours a day to basically win these tournaments. So we made the deal and I went down to the tournament and won $4,500. And I came back and flapped that check around the table. And I go, I won $4,500 playing a video game.

SIEBERG: The rest is history. After practice, Jonathan and I stopped downstairs for a milkshake, and from there, we followed his team to the day's event.

Jonathan is at a gamers gathering in San Francisco, where he's holding twice daily shootouts. Fatality is like a 21st century gunslinger. Gamers come from all over to wait in line for a chance for a showdown. If they win, or actually even score just one kill, they get $2,000. Needless to say, that doesn't happen very often. The shootout tour has taken Jonathan from London to the Great Wall of China. And though he loves his work and its perks, he hasn't forgotten where he came from.

WENDELL: My goal is basically to give back to the gaming, give back to the gaming community that I started from, basically from the roots from where I started. And I want to sponsor other gamers, give them the life that I had already the last five years. And I plan on doing this for another five or 10 years, as well. I mean it's been amazing.

(END VIDEO TAPE) SIEBERG: And, of course, Fatality is also trying to keep the money coming in. He promotes a gamer's mouse pad with his name on it, among other products, like a video card and t-shirts and that sort of thing. And he tries to be visible at various gaming tournaments.

But, you know, the people we spoke with say he really breaks the stereotype of a slacker gamer with no direction in life. And, Carol, he actually comes across as a pretty nice guy. Imagine that.

COSTELLO: Even though his name is Fatality.

SIEBERG: Right. A little scary with the name, but, yes.

COSTELLO: Yes.

Daniel, thank you.

SIEBERG: All right.

COSTELLO: Tomorrow, the virtual violence of many video games has critics turning up the heat. On Thursday, Daniel goes to the Olympics of competitive video gaming. And Friday, a video game where you might not win or lose, but perhaps become the person you'd like to be. Video Games: The Series with Daniel Sieberg, all this week right here on DAYBREAK.

Happy holidays. That's a safe politically correct way to greet someone at this time of year. All morning we've been talking about Christmas and how P.C. it's become. Pope John Paul is so concerned that he's giving kind of special sermons this year on Christmas. So are numerous Christian groups. They're concerned, too. They're suing to put the Nativity back into school plays and onto the lawns of city halls.

With us this morning, author Kerry Egan, who's written a book on prayer and finding god called "Fumbling."

Kerry, welcome.

KERRY EGAN, RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR, AUTHOR: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, the pope is really concerned that we are taking the spirituality out of Christmas and we're only concerned about buy, buy, buy. But we hear that every year.

Why this year, do you think, the pope is concentrating on the spirituality of Christmas?

EGAN: You know, I think we're living in a time where people are uncertain. There's all these sort of forces that are coming together in the war on terrorism and in Iraq and these massive changes that are going on socially. And I think it makes people feel, it can make people feel not at ease and unsure in the world. And I think religion has always been a way for people to focus. And I think that maybe people are even feeling that Christmas itself somehow has lost its focus, too. And I think it's a sense of, you know, really being moor less, I think.

COSTELLO: Some people feel that because we've become so politically correct in this country, in fact, you know, Nativity scenes usually aren't allowed in school plays. They're not allowed to be displayed on the lawns of city hall. Some Christian groups are really outraged by that and say, you know, by not doing this, you're not really showing the spirituality of Christmas, by, you know, kind of homogenizing the holiday.

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