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CNN Live At Daybreak

Tsunami Relief; Poisonous Politics; Iraqi Elections; Credit Checking; Eating Right

Aired January 13, 2005 - 05:30   ET

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

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


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."

About half the 5,400 people evacuated a week ago will be allowed to return to their homes today in Graniteville, South Carolina. Nine were killed and 250 injured when a freight train crashed and began leaking chlorine gas. Tests now show air quality has returned to normal in some neighborhoods.

British Finance Minister Gordon Brown says he'll try to raise $10 billion for the worldwide fight against AIDS. Brown wants public and private money for a global fund to expand AIDS programs in poor nations.

And the defense is presenting its case in the prisoner abuse court martial of Army Specialist Charles Graner. And yesterday, a master sergeant, called as a defense witness, testified that Graner routinely disobeyed orders. Graner's defense is that he was following orders.

Major League Baseball's owners and players will give details today of their new tougher steroid testing program. It's expected to include more testing, random testing and stiffer penalties for using steroids.

To the Forecast Center Now.

Good morning -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Carol, back to you.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: Warehouses in Banda Aceh are filled with relief supplies and nations across the globe continue to help the victims of those December tsunamis. But now the government says international aid workers must now be accompanied by army troops when delivering the aid.

We want to talk more about that this morning, plus the overall aid situation with Dr. Vijay Nadh of the World Health Organization's Response Team.

Good morning -- doctor.

DR. VIJAY NADH, WHO RESPONSE TEAM: Good afternoon on our time.

COSTELLO: Yes, good afternoon to you, I should say. Tell us how difficult it's been to do the good work that you're doing over there.

NADH: I think, as we all know together, is that the big impact of this disaster, which is affecting many, many, many people here and affect many, many area, which is a huge amount of impact compared to many other disaster that happens in the world. So it's kind of a big, big challenge for all humanitarian actors to provide the necessary support.

COSTELLO: Have you felt in any danger?

NADH: Danger in which way?

COSTELLO: As far as I know that shot rang out as aid workers were delivering aid recently. I wondered if you felt any danger upon hearing that or if there's been any incidents surrounding you or other doctors?

NADH: I think the danger in the sense is that you can still have the tremors and the earthquake are still happening. And at the same time, many humanitarian support groups comes from different international communities and even the local comes from different provinces. Many people are not immune to the condition, so there is always a challenging the living conditions. And the effect of the disaster itself is affecting so much that it has given all logistic supports difficulties for all humanitarian actors.

COSTELLO: The government, though, says that aid workers will now have to be escorted by army personnel. Will that affect you?

NADH: At the moment, whoever is trying their best to try to reach the most difficult areas are trying their best. We have heard about this, but we have not confirmed, at the same time. But the U.N. coordinating body is also in negotiation and discussion with the government.

COSTELLO: Do you think that that's necessary to have an escort?

NADH: I think it depends on the situation and some of the local situations are beyond our control, so we do not, as humanitarian actors, see some of the difficulties. But, although from the military side, we don't know because it's beyond our control.

COSTELLO: Dr. Nadh, thank you for joining DAYBREAK live from Banda Aceh this morning. Our senior Asia correspondent Mike Chinoy has been covering this disaster and relief efforts shortly after it occurred. He has more on the politics now coming into play.

But we caution you there is some disturbingly graphic video.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE CHINOY, CNN SENIOR ASIA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There has been fighting in Aceh for nearly 30 years. Rebels of the free Aceh movement battling for independence against an Indonesian army determined to crush the insurgency at all costs.

It has been a singularly nasty war. And as so often happens, civilians have paid the price. Torture, disappearances, atrocities and human right's abuses have become routine. Many, but by no means all, blamed on the Indonesian military.

The stakes are high. Breathtakingly beautiful Aceh is not only Indonesia's most staunchly Muslim province, it's also one of the country's richest with huge reserves of natural gas. ExxonMobil has a big presence here.

After a peace deal brokered in 2002 fell apart, the Indonesian army went on the offensive. Foreigners were virtually banned from Aceh, while in a series of operations, the Indonesians put the rebels on the defensive.

Then the quake and tsunami struck. Amid the devastation, both sides declared a cease-fire, but the scale of the tragedy has altered the political dynamic here.

An Indonesian government and military, profoundly suspicious of foreign interference, has been forced to accept not only the presence of international aid agencies, but of soldiers from countries like Australia and the U.S., both of which have criticized Indonesia's human right's record here.

Not surprisingly, the Indonesian authorities are extremely nervous, especially about the possibility that the rebels will use the huge international aid presence to put their calls on the international agency. Now the government is moving to reassert its authority.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla says foreign military forces should leave by the end of March. And military officials in Banda Aceh have warned that aid workers are at risk from rebel activity in a chaotic law and order situation. The potential for disorder underscored by this incident, soldiers arresting people suspected of looting here in Banda Aceh.

As a result, the government is now insisting that foreign aid workers and journalists inform the military of any planned movements outside Banda Aceh and the coastal city of Meulaboh, and warn they could be expelled if they don't cooperate. For their part, the rebels say they have no intention of attacking aid workers. (on camera): Despite the government's pronouncements, aid agencies say their operations are continuing unhindered so far. But many here fear that it won't be long before the poisonous politics of Aceh create new obstacles to getting hard hit people the help they so desperately need.

Mike Chinoy, CNN, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, the Iraqi election is fast approaching, but what does it take to put on such a large-scale plan? We'll examine the nuts and bolts ahead when we take you to "The War Room." That's in four minutes.

And coach potatoes beware, the food pyramid is getting a makeover. That's in 15 minutes. The FDA has a new plan for keeping you fit. Find out what it takes now to stay in shape.

And our e-mail "Question of the Morning," what the heck is really going on with the weather and why? What factors do you think are at play? We want to hear from you this morning. The address DAYBREAK@CNN.com. That's DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Thursday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Opening the door on the CNN "War Room" now.

The Bush administration may be ratcheting down its expectations for the January elections in Iraq. White House spokesman Scott McClellan says "I think we all recognize the election is not going to be perfect... This is the first time the Iraqis will be able to freely choose their leaders. It's for a transitional government and it's one of three elections that will take place over the course of this year."

Well let's talk about the nuts and bolts of Iraq's January 30 election plan.

CNN's international editor David Clinch joins me now live from Atlanta to tell us about the nuts and bolts of this plan. It's a complicated thing, isn't it?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: It's a very complicated thing. Organizing an election in the best of circumstances is complicated. Organizing it in some areas, a war zone, almost impossible. The Bush administration emphasizing there that they want people to think about the process, not just this election itself.

But nevertheless, let's take a quick look at this now and we'll get back to this next week and again before the election. But how many people are there in Iraq? We've got a population of just over 25 million in Iraq. Eligible to vote, about 14 million. How many are expected to vote? Question mark. That's the big issue. Some Iraqi officials saying maybe 60-70 percent of that 14 million might vote. Eight million is a figure we've heard, but that's guesswork, pure guesswork. They say that themselves.

And of course these hot spots, places around the country, Falluja, Mosul, Ramadi, Tikrit, Baghdad itself, perhaps areas even in the capital city where votes may be either impossible or very difficult. Iraqi officials saying if the vote can't happen at the end of January, then perhaps they can happen shortly after that. Who knows?

The big question mark, of course, is what kind of a figure will be needed for not just the world but for Iraqis themselves to think of this vote as a valid one. And that's a very difficult issue for Iraqis right now.

COSTELLO: Well as far as polling places throughout the country, David, some 5,000, and there will also be a chance for people living here in the United States who might be displaced Iraqis to vote as well.

CLINCH: Right. Many thousands of Iraqis outside of the country, in U.S. and other countries, perhaps even in Israel where there are many Iraqis, might be able to vote. Whether they will turn up to vote is another question. But of course those election spots around Iraq, even in Iraq itself, there are some question marks where workers have been intimidated and of course, in some cases, killed. So lots of question marks.

But you know we saw elections in Afghanistan and we've seen elections work elsewhere. We need to be not too cynical about this and just wait and see what happens.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live from Atlanta, thank you.

CLINCH: All right.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Major League Baseball's owners and players will announce their new tougher steroid testing program today. It's believed the program provides for random testing, some of it during the off season, and discipline for first-time offenders.

Five days ago, she buried her husband, Congressman Robert Matsui of California. Yesterday, Doris Matsui launched her campaign for his seat in the House. She's endorsed by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

In money news, the FDA opens hearings today on permitting the cholesterol lowering statin drug Mevacor to be sold without a prescription. The application was filed jointly by Merck and Johnson and Johnson. In culture, the widow of reggae king Bob Marley plans to exhume his remains in Jamaica. She wants to rebury them in Ethiopia, which she calls his spiritual resting place. Marley died back in 1981.

In sports, boxing promoting Don King is suing ESPN for $2.5 billion, that's with a B, billion dollars. The suit claims a sports century segment calls him a snake oil salesman, a shameless huckster and wolves (ph).

To the forecast now and -- Chad.

MYERS: Billion?

COSTELLO: Billion.

MYERS: Really. Oh my, I've got nothing for that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Back to you.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.

Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

More and more people are digging into your credit history to make decisions about you for mortgages, car loans, credit cards, even car insurance and apartment rentals. But are you checking your credit often enough? You used to have to pay for your credit report, but a recent change means some Americans can get a free report every year, and soon all Americans will be able to get one free. But once you get your credit history, can you make sense of it?

For that here's DAYBREAK contributor Ali Velshi.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALI VELSHI, CNN DAYBREAK CONTRIBUTOR (voice-over): Looking to take advantage of low interest offers on a new car, worried about mortgage rates going up and you think it's time for a new house? Well before you make any big ticket purchases, getting a copy of your credit report could save you time and money.

What exactly is a credit report? Well, it's how lenders see you.

ROBIN HOLLAND, EQUIFAX: A credit report is a reflection of a consumer's accounts payable history. So people with retail cards, gas cards, mortgages, all of that information is reported to the credit reporting agencies on a monthly basis and it will compile your credit report.

VELSHI: The report also considers your income, where you live, how much debt you already have and if you've ever been sued or declared personal bankruptcy. This information remains on the report for seven years. If you need access to credit, especially if you plan on making a large purchase, you should know what your credit report looks like and make sure it's error free. Obtaining your personal credit report is easy. You can get your report from the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can get your report by mail, by phone or online.

You should check with all three bureaus when checking your score. A mistake on any one of them could hurt you. The agencies are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

A poor report may not stop you from getting credit, but it could make your interest rates on your credit card, car loan or mortgage more expensive.

HOLLAND: And not only does it determine if they're going to lend you credit, it's also going to determine what that rate is. Because we all know that when you purchase a car or you're refinancing your home there are various rates that the lender is going to offer.

VELSHI: But your credit report is only half the picture. The credit score is equally important. This score is a mathematical calculation of your current credit worthiness, a more recent financial snapshot, usually encompassing the last two years. Your credit score ranges from 300 to 850. Anything from 700 to 850 is considered good, from 500 to 700 is average, under 500 means you may run into problems.

HOLLAND: Someone with 500, that would probably be considered a score that would not be very favorable and might make it a little bit more difficult to obtain a very competitive interest rate. In some cases you definitely will be declined if that score is too low.

VELSHI: There are steps you can take to improve your personal score, pay your bills and pay them on time and be mindful of your current debt level, that way you can get credit where credit is due.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

All right, so you know it is important. This is not just something for people who worry about if you do have weak credit or you know you've done something that might affect your credit. With identity theft and fraud, you kind of need to do this. I'm going to come back in about an hour and explain to people how you go about checking.

And for those of you who didn't want to pay the money, didn't want to put in the 30 bucks for three credit reports, it's free for some Americans right now. It's going to be free for all Americans this year. So I'm going to explain that, too.

COSTELLO: It's a lot to explain in a short period of time.

VELSHI: It is, but we've got to do this because this is really important stuff. This can really mess up your day, your week, your month. COSTELLO: I know.

VELSHI: Yes.

COSTELLO: I know, I've experienced it.

VELSHI: So I'm going to mess it up for you starting now.

COSTELLO: Thanks -- Ali.

VELSHI: No problem.

COSTELLO: Still to come, the government is telling us to eat more fruits and vegetables. What else is new in their dietary guidelines? We'll take a look after the break.

From New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, put it down, put that oversized bagel, that extra slice of toast, whatever you have in your hand down. The federal government says we're all eating too much and we're not working it off. Do you feel guilty now?

Our medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has details on some new dietary guidelines.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With two-thirds of Americans overweight and obese, government officials are trying yet again to take off the fat by announcing another set of dietary guidelines.

TOMMY THOMPSON, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECY: Scientifically based it's telling you to lower your calorie intake as it relates to trans fat, all fats. It's telling you to reduce your calorie intake as it relates to carbohydrates. It's also telling you to increase your fruits and vegetables and your whole grains. And basically it's tell you that you have to do it yourself.

GUPTA: But doing it yourself is not going to be easy for most Americans. The guidelines say shoot for nine fruit and vegetable servings a day. And make at least half of your grains whole-grains and more exercise. If you thought 30 minutes a day was enough, not so. Try 60 to 90 minutes a day to lose and keep off weight.

If you're one of the millions of Americans on a low-carb, high- fat program, then your diet is almost the exact opposite of what the government now recommends. But the big question is, will guidelines alone help us slim down?

THOMPSON: I think we're finally having an impact. I'm saying that we've got the message out there. And that message now is resonating with individuals and with food companies. GUPTA: Really? Others may disagree.

MARGO WOOTAN, CNTR FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: In the past, they've merely published the dietary guidelines and then crossed their fingers and hoped that Americans followed them.

GUPTA: As for Tommy Thompson, he says he's lost 15 pounds.

THOMPSON: I walk up the steps in the department instead of taking the elevator. So, you can do this. You don't have to do a 30 or 60 minutes at one time.

GUPTA: Tommy Thompson and the rest of America looking closely at their waistlines.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And for more on the new dietary guidelines or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address CNN.com/health.

Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declares a state of emergency for Ventura County. We'll take you there live for the latest on the wicked weather out there.

And lasers and airplanes, do pilots feel safe flying? There are new guidelines out. We'll dig deeper. That's later on DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The storm that buried California in mud and snow is now moving east and rescue workers in La Conchita, California believe all those listed as missing have now been accounted for after a massive mudslide. Ten bodies have been found in La Conchita.

Moving on, the mud and flood have left a thick coating of muck where Nevada, Utah and Arizona meet. One person is missing in Utah. Workers are sandbagging Overton, Nevada to keep the floodwaters out.

And parts of the east have enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures, but a winter storm has blown through Maine. And the rain-swollen Ohio River is on a rampage in Ohio and Kentucky.

And of course that brings us to our e-mail "Question of the Morning"

Ali, take it away.

VELSHI: All right, this is unbelievable. The question is, extreme weather: why is it happening? Chad is with us in Atlanta.

You know I'm going to -- I'm going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in a few months. MYERS: Wow!

VELSHI: And you know why I'm doing this now -- Chad?

MYERS: No idea.

VELSHI: The snow is disappearing from Kilimanjaro.

MYERS: OK.

VELSHI: And I want to see this before it happens. Like, really, it's collapsing very fast.

One of our viewers in Toronto, Helen (ph), you know these are my people in Canada, but they've got a bit of an apocalyptic view this morning. Helen says it says in Revelations that when a lot of natural disasters start happening the end is in sight. Do you think that could possibly be true? Gives us all something to think about, don't you think? Maybe we should all watch our Ps and Qs.

A little rough.

How about Sandra (ph) in Nova Scotia, a simple three-word reply, ask the dinosaurs -- Chad.

MYERS: I got that one from James (ph) in Illinois as well. Extreme weather, what are you talking about, guys, get over yourselves. Glaciers used to cover North America. What we are dealing with is just what Mother Nature does. Deal with it. Saratoga, California.

VELSHI: I got a Mother Nature one from Steve (ph) as well. These are warnings to us from Mother Nature, stop polluting our air, water, land. We have to find other ways to live so as not to consume all our natural resources.

And Merrill (ph) in Michigan, got to love this one, we are not in control, never have been, never will be. There is no one to blame, never has been, never will be.

Pretty straight.

MYERS: That's right.

COSTELLO: That was pretty straight and to the point. Interesting e-mails this morning, and we thank you for them as usual.

The next hour of DAYBREAK starts right now.

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 January 13, 2005 - 05:30   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, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."

About half the 5,400 people evacuated a week ago will be allowed to return to their homes today in Graniteville, South Carolina. Nine were killed and 250 injured when a freight train crashed and began leaking chlorine gas. Tests now show air quality has returned to normal in some neighborhoods.

British Finance Minister Gordon Brown says he'll try to raise $10 billion for the worldwide fight against AIDS. Brown wants public and private money for a global fund to expand AIDS programs in poor nations.

And the defense is presenting its case in the prisoner abuse court martial of Army Specialist Charles Graner. And yesterday, a master sergeant, called as a defense witness, testified that Graner routinely disobeyed orders. Graner's defense is that he was following orders.

Major League Baseball's owners and players will give details today of their new tougher steroid testing program. It's expected to include more testing, random testing and stiffer penalties for using steroids.

To the Forecast Center Now.

Good morning -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Carol, back to you.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: Warehouses in Banda Aceh are filled with relief supplies and nations across the globe continue to help the victims of those December tsunamis. But now the government says international aid workers must now be accompanied by army troops when delivering the aid.

We want to talk more about that this morning, plus the overall aid situation with Dr. Vijay Nadh of the World Health Organization's Response Team.

Good morning -- doctor.

DR. VIJAY NADH, WHO RESPONSE TEAM: Good afternoon on our time.

COSTELLO: Yes, good afternoon to you, I should say. Tell us how difficult it's been to do the good work that you're doing over there.

NADH: I think, as we all know together, is that the big impact of this disaster, which is affecting many, many, many people here and affect many, many area, which is a huge amount of impact compared to many other disaster that happens in the world. So it's kind of a big, big challenge for all humanitarian actors to provide the necessary support.

COSTELLO: Have you felt in any danger?

NADH: Danger in which way?

COSTELLO: As far as I know that shot rang out as aid workers were delivering aid recently. I wondered if you felt any danger upon hearing that or if there's been any incidents surrounding you or other doctors?

NADH: I think the danger in the sense is that you can still have the tremors and the earthquake are still happening. And at the same time, many humanitarian support groups comes from different international communities and even the local comes from different provinces. Many people are not immune to the condition, so there is always a challenging the living conditions. And the effect of the disaster itself is affecting so much that it has given all logistic supports difficulties for all humanitarian actors.

COSTELLO: The government, though, says that aid workers will now have to be escorted by army personnel. Will that affect you?

NADH: At the moment, whoever is trying their best to try to reach the most difficult areas are trying their best. We have heard about this, but we have not confirmed, at the same time. But the U.N. coordinating body is also in negotiation and discussion with the government.

COSTELLO: Do you think that that's necessary to have an escort?

NADH: I think it depends on the situation and some of the local situations are beyond our control, so we do not, as humanitarian actors, see some of the difficulties. But, although from the military side, we don't know because it's beyond our control.

COSTELLO: Dr. Nadh, thank you for joining DAYBREAK live from Banda Aceh this morning. Our senior Asia correspondent Mike Chinoy has been covering this disaster and relief efforts shortly after it occurred. He has more on the politics now coming into play.

But we caution you there is some disturbingly graphic video.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE CHINOY, CNN SENIOR ASIA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There has been fighting in Aceh for nearly 30 years. Rebels of the free Aceh movement battling for independence against an Indonesian army determined to crush the insurgency at all costs.

It has been a singularly nasty war. And as so often happens, civilians have paid the price. Torture, disappearances, atrocities and human right's abuses have become routine. Many, but by no means all, blamed on the Indonesian military.

The stakes are high. Breathtakingly beautiful Aceh is not only Indonesia's most staunchly Muslim province, it's also one of the country's richest with huge reserves of natural gas. ExxonMobil has a big presence here.

After a peace deal brokered in 2002 fell apart, the Indonesian army went on the offensive. Foreigners were virtually banned from Aceh, while in a series of operations, the Indonesians put the rebels on the defensive.

Then the quake and tsunami struck. Amid the devastation, both sides declared a cease-fire, but the scale of the tragedy has altered the political dynamic here.

An Indonesian government and military, profoundly suspicious of foreign interference, has been forced to accept not only the presence of international aid agencies, but of soldiers from countries like Australia and the U.S., both of which have criticized Indonesia's human right's record here.

Not surprisingly, the Indonesian authorities are extremely nervous, especially about the possibility that the rebels will use the huge international aid presence to put their calls on the international agency. Now the government is moving to reassert its authority.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla says foreign military forces should leave by the end of March. And military officials in Banda Aceh have warned that aid workers are at risk from rebel activity in a chaotic law and order situation. The potential for disorder underscored by this incident, soldiers arresting people suspected of looting here in Banda Aceh.

As a result, the government is now insisting that foreign aid workers and journalists inform the military of any planned movements outside Banda Aceh and the coastal city of Meulaboh, and warn they could be expelled if they don't cooperate. For their part, the rebels say they have no intention of attacking aid workers. (on camera): Despite the government's pronouncements, aid agencies say their operations are continuing unhindered so far. But many here fear that it won't be long before the poisonous politics of Aceh create new obstacles to getting hard hit people the help they so desperately need.

Mike Chinoy, CNN, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, the Iraqi election is fast approaching, but what does it take to put on such a large-scale plan? We'll examine the nuts and bolts ahead when we take you to "The War Room." That's in four minutes.

And coach potatoes beware, the food pyramid is getting a makeover. That's in 15 minutes. The FDA has a new plan for keeping you fit. Find out what it takes now to stay in shape.

And our e-mail "Question of the Morning," what the heck is really going on with the weather and why? What factors do you think are at play? We want to hear from you this morning. The address DAYBREAK@CNN.com. That's DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Thursday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Opening the door on the CNN "War Room" now.

The Bush administration may be ratcheting down its expectations for the January elections in Iraq. White House spokesman Scott McClellan says "I think we all recognize the election is not going to be perfect... This is the first time the Iraqis will be able to freely choose their leaders. It's for a transitional government and it's one of three elections that will take place over the course of this year."

Well let's talk about the nuts and bolts of Iraq's January 30 election plan.

CNN's international editor David Clinch joins me now live from Atlanta to tell us about the nuts and bolts of this plan. It's a complicated thing, isn't it?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: It's a very complicated thing. Organizing an election in the best of circumstances is complicated. Organizing it in some areas, a war zone, almost impossible. The Bush administration emphasizing there that they want people to think about the process, not just this election itself.

But nevertheless, let's take a quick look at this now and we'll get back to this next week and again before the election. But how many people are there in Iraq? We've got a population of just over 25 million in Iraq. Eligible to vote, about 14 million. How many are expected to vote? Question mark. That's the big issue. Some Iraqi officials saying maybe 60-70 percent of that 14 million might vote. Eight million is a figure we've heard, but that's guesswork, pure guesswork. They say that themselves.

And of course these hot spots, places around the country, Falluja, Mosul, Ramadi, Tikrit, Baghdad itself, perhaps areas even in the capital city where votes may be either impossible or very difficult. Iraqi officials saying if the vote can't happen at the end of January, then perhaps they can happen shortly after that. Who knows?

The big question mark, of course, is what kind of a figure will be needed for not just the world but for Iraqis themselves to think of this vote as a valid one. And that's a very difficult issue for Iraqis right now.

COSTELLO: Well as far as polling places throughout the country, David, some 5,000, and there will also be a chance for people living here in the United States who might be displaced Iraqis to vote as well.

CLINCH: Right. Many thousands of Iraqis outside of the country, in U.S. and other countries, perhaps even in Israel where there are many Iraqis, might be able to vote. Whether they will turn up to vote is another question. But of course those election spots around Iraq, even in Iraq itself, there are some question marks where workers have been intimidated and of course, in some cases, killed. So lots of question marks.

But you know we saw elections in Afghanistan and we've seen elections work elsewhere. We need to be not too cynical about this and just wait and see what happens.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live from Atlanta, thank you.

CLINCH: All right.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Major League Baseball's owners and players will announce their new tougher steroid testing program today. It's believed the program provides for random testing, some of it during the off season, and discipline for first-time offenders.

Five days ago, she buried her husband, Congressman Robert Matsui of California. Yesterday, Doris Matsui launched her campaign for his seat in the House. She's endorsed by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

In money news, the FDA opens hearings today on permitting the cholesterol lowering statin drug Mevacor to be sold without a prescription. The application was filed jointly by Merck and Johnson and Johnson. In culture, the widow of reggae king Bob Marley plans to exhume his remains in Jamaica. She wants to rebury them in Ethiopia, which she calls his spiritual resting place. Marley died back in 1981.

In sports, boxing promoting Don King is suing ESPN for $2.5 billion, that's with a B, billion dollars. The suit claims a sports century segment calls him a snake oil salesman, a shameless huckster and wolves (ph).

To the forecast now and -- Chad.

MYERS: Billion?

COSTELLO: Billion.

MYERS: Really. Oh my, I've got nothing for that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: Back to you.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.

Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

More and more people are digging into your credit history to make decisions about you for mortgages, car loans, credit cards, even car insurance and apartment rentals. But are you checking your credit often enough? You used to have to pay for your credit report, but a recent change means some Americans can get a free report every year, and soon all Americans will be able to get one free. But once you get your credit history, can you make sense of it?

For that here's DAYBREAK contributor Ali Velshi.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALI VELSHI, CNN DAYBREAK CONTRIBUTOR (voice-over): Looking to take advantage of low interest offers on a new car, worried about mortgage rates going up and you think it's time for a new house? Well before you make any big ticket purchases, getting a copy of your credit report could save you time and money.

What exactly is a credit report? Well, it's how lenders see you.

ROBIN HOLLAND, EQUIFAX: A credit report is a reflection of a consumer's accounts payable history. So people with retail cards, gas cards, mortgages, all of that information is reported to the credit reporting agencies on a monthly basis and it will compile your credit report.

VELSHI: The report also considers your income, where you live, how much debt you already have and if you've ever been sued or declared personal bankruptcy. This information remains on the report for seven years. If you need access to credit, especially if you plan on making a large purchase, you should know what your credit report looks like and make sure it's error free. Obtaining your personal credit report is easy. You can get your report from the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can get your report by mail, by phone or online.

You should check with all three bureaus when checking your score. A mistake on any one of them could hurt you. The agencies are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

A poor report may not stop you from getting credit, but it could make your interest rates on your credit card, car loan or mortgage more expensive.

HOLLAND: And not only does it determine if they're going to lend you credit, it's also going to determine what that rate is. Because we all know that when you purchase a car or you're refinancing your home there are various rates that the lender is going to offer.

VELSHI: But your credit report is only half the picture. The credit score is equally important. This score is a mathematical calculation of your current credit worthiness, a more recent financial snapshot, usually encompassing the last two years. Your credit score ranges from 300 to 850. Anything from 700 to 850 is considered good, from 500 to 700 is average, under 500 means you may run into problems.

HOLLAND: Someone with 500, that would probably be considered a score that would not be very favorable and might make it a little bit more difficult to obtain a very competitive interest rate. In some cases you definitely will be declined if that score is too low.

VELSHI: There are steps you can take to improve your personal score, pay your bills and pay them on time and be mindful of your current debt level, that way you can get credit where credit is due.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

All right, so you know it is important. This is not just something for people who worry about if you do have weak credit or you know you've done something that might affect your credit. With identity theft and fraud, you kind of need to do this. I'm going to come back in about an hour and explain to people how you go about checking.

And for those of you who didn't want to pay the money, didn't want to put in the 30 bucks for three credit reports, it's free for some Americans right now. It's going to be free for all Americans this year. So I'm going to explain that, too.

COSTELLO: It's a lot to explain in a short period of time.

VELSHI: It is, but we've got to do this because this is really important stuff. This can really mess up your day, your week, your month. COSTELLO: I know.

VELSHI: Yes.

COSTELLO: I know, I've experienced it.

VELSHI: So I'm going to mess it up for you starting now.

COSTELLO: Thanks -- Ali.

VELSHI: No problem.

COSTELLO: Still to come, the government is telling us to eat more fruits and vegetables. What else is new in their dietary guidelines? We'll take a look after the break.

From New York, this is DAYBREAK for a Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, put it down, put that oversized bagel, that extra slice of toast, whatever you have in your hand down. The federal government says we're all eating too much and we're not working it off. Do you feel guilty now?

Our medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has details on some new dietary guidelines.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With two-thirds of Americans overweight and obese, government officials are trying yet again to take off the fat by announcing another set of dietary guidelines.

TOMMY THOMPSON, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECY: Scientifically based it's telling you to lower your calorie intake as it relates to trans fat, all fats. It's telling you to reduce your calorie intake as it relates to carbohydrates. It's also telling you to increase your fruits and vegetables and your whole grains. And basically it's tell you that you have to do it yourself.

GUPTA: But doing it yourself is not going to be easy for most Americans. The guidelines say shoot for nine fruit and vegetable servings a day. And make at least half of your grains whole-grains and more exercise. If you thought 30 minutes a day was enough, not so. Try 60 to 90 minutes a day to lose and keep off weight.

If you're one of the millions of Americans on a low-carb, high- fat program, then your diet is almost the exact opposite of what the government now recommends. But the big question is, will guidelines alone help us slim down?

THOMPSON: I think we're finally having an impact. I'm saying that we've got the message out there. And that message now is resonating with individuals and with food companies. GUPTA: Really? Others may disagree.

MARGO WOOTAN, CNTR FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: In the past, they've merely published the dietary guidelines and then crossed their fingers and hoped that Americans followed them.

GUPTA: As for Tommy Thompson, he says he's lost 15 pounds.

THOMPSON: I walk up the steps in the department instead of taking the elevator. So, you can do this. You don't have to do a 30 or 60 minutes at one time.

GUPTA: Tommy Thompson and the rest of America looking closely at their waistlines.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And for more on the new dietary guidelines or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address CNN.com/health.

Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declares a state of emergency for Ventura County. We'll take you there live for the latest on the wicked weather out there.

And lasers and airplanes, do pilots feel safe flying? There are new guidelines out. We'll dig deeper. That's later on DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The storm that buried California in mud and snow is now moving east and rescue workers in La Conchita, California believe all those listed as missing have now been accounted for after a massive mudslide. Ten bodies have been found in La Conchita.

Moving on, the mud and flood have left a thick coating of muck where Nevada, Utah and Arizona meet. One person is missing in Utah. Workers are sandbagging Overton, Nevada to keep the floodwaters out.

And parts of the east have enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures, but a winter storm has blown through Maine. And the rain-swollen Ohio River is on a rampage in Ohio and Kentucky.

And of course that brings us to our e-mail "Question of the Morning"

Ali, take it away.

VELSHI: All right, this is unbelievable. The question is, extreme weather: why is it happening? Chad is with us in Atlanta.

You know I'm going to -- I'm going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in a few months. MYERS: Wow!

VELSHI: And you know why I'm doing this now -- Chad?

MYERS: No idea.

VELSHI: The snow is disappearing from Kilimanjaro.

MYERS: OK.

VELSHI: And I want to see this before it happens. Like, really, it's collapsing very fast.

One of our viewers in Toronto, Helen (ph), you know these are my people in Canada, but they've got a bit of an apocalyptic view this morning. Helen says it says in Revelations that when a lot of natural disasters start happening the end is in sight. Do you think that could possibly be true? Gives us all something to think about, don't you think? Maybe we should all watch our Ps and Qs.

A little rough.

How about Sandra (ph) in Nova Scotia, a simple three-word reply, ask the dinosaurs -- Chad.

MYERS: I got that one from James (ph) in Illinois as well. Extreme weather, what are you talking about, guys, get over yourselves. Glaciers used to cover North America. What we are dealing with is just what Mother Nature does. Deal with it. Saratoga, California.

VELSHI: I got a Mother Nature one from Steve (ph) as well. These are warnings to us from Mother Nature, stop polluting our air, water, land. We have to find other ways to live so as not to consume all our natural resources.

And Merrill (ph) in Michigan, got to love this one, we are not in control, never have been, never will be. There is no one to blame, never has been, never will be.

Pretty straight.

MYERS: That's right.

COSTELLO: That was pretty straight and to the point. Interesting e-mails this morning, and we thank you for them as usual.

The next hour of DAYBREAK starts right now.

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