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CNN Live At Daybreak

Rice Hearings Continue; Big City Security, Chicago Style

Aired January 19, 2005 - 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: Straight ahead on CNN DAYBREAK, Condi Rice gets another day to tell senators why she should be President Bush's next secretary of state.
A deadly series of car bomb explosions across Baghdad this morning.

And we'll hear about inaugurals from a man who has played a key role in them for decades.

It is Wednesday, January 19.

You are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

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

Now in the news, in three hours, Condoleezza Rice will appear again in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She's expected to face more tough questions about Iraq on day two of the hearing on her nomination as secretary of state. The committee is expected to approve her nomination and so is the full Senate.

In Iraq today, a series of suicide car bombings, four of them within an hour and a half of each other. At least 26 people have been killed, most of them Iraqi police officers. One of the deaths was in Hillah. The deadliest attack was in central Baghdad, where 13 police officers and five civilians were killed at a checkpoint for a police headquarters.

The nation's mayors say they're worried about rail safety. They've sent an open letter to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta demanding more information about trains carrying hazardous materials through their cities.

And do you want proof of the global fear from last month's deadly tsunamis? Just hours ago, Japan issued a tsunami warning after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off its eastern coast. But in the end, there were no big waves.

To the forecast center and Chad -- good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Carol, you have to do that. When it's, when an earthquake strikes so close and so quick to land, there is no time to put out a watch or hey, let's see, if there is one. Putout the warning first. It's kind of like doing a tornado warning on Doppler radar indicated. We don't know that there's a tornado out there, there could be, let's go see if there is and then we'll cancel the warning if there's not. And that's what they did. So they really were reacting -- it wasn't an overreaction, especially for Japan, who, they've been devastated by tsunamis in the past, many, many years ago, obviously, that big one there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: There is little doubt she'll get Senate approval, but there were fireworks at Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearing and it isn't over yet. Rice, the president's choice for secretary of state, refused to set any withdrawal date for U.S. troops in Iraq and then defended the administration's policies.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I am humbled by President Bush's confidence in me to undertake the great work of leading American diplomacy at such a moment in history. If confirmed, I will work with the members of this Congress, from both sides of the aisle, to build a strong bipartisan consensus behind American foreign policy. I will seek to strengthen our alliances, to support our friends and to make the world safer and better.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: And now the fireworks. California's Barbara Boxer pounded Rice and Rice responded in kind.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BARBARA BOXER (D-CF), FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE: "The war was sold to the American public," as chief of staff to President Bush Andy Card said, "like a new product." Those are his words. Remember, he said you don't roll out a new product in the summer. Now, you rolled out the idea and then you had to convince the people as you made your case with the president. And I personally believe, this is my personal view, that your loyalty to the mission you were given to sell this war overwhelmed your respect for the truth.

RICE: I have never, ever lost respect for the truth in the service of anything.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Day two of Rice's confirmation hearing starts in less than three hours.

President Bush says tomorrow's inauguration should be an inspiration for people around the world. The president also said elections in Afghanistan and Iraq are "landmark events in the history of liberty."

In an interview with CNN's John King, he talked about the situation in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've got to win. And we've got to make it clear that people have to make a choice. And I'll be -- I will continue to be straightforward and plainspoken about my view that freedom is necessary for peace and that everybody deserves to be free.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: President Bush says his inauguration should serve as an inspiration for fledgling democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: It is important for the world to see a peaceful transfer of power, or, in this case, a continuation of power, in a peaceful way. You know, this is a moment for the country to unite. It is an opportunity for all of us who are blessed to live here to say that we've got a great form of government. It can be improved, but it's a great form of government.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: CNN's inaugural coverage gets underway today at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Judy Woodruff and Wolf Blitzer take a look at the road ahead.

Defending America, big cities account for a major part of homeland security spending. In fact, nearly half of the $855 million worth of homeland security grants is earmarked for just four cities. But what are they using it for?

CNN's Keith Oppenheim takes a look at big city security Chicago style.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

RON HUBERMAN, CHICAGO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS: Good. How's it going, John?

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chicago's Soldier Field. A man arrives with a question. And with him, it always seems to be the same one. What if?

HUBERMAN: What happens if you've got a full event going on here and we decide to do an emergency exit from here? How would that interact with the rest of the citywide evacuation plans?

OPPENHEIM: Ron Huberman is the executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. And the way he sees it, it's his job to second-guess just about everything.

(on camera): Isn't it the nature of emergency response that you always have to be posing that next question and getting your people to do the same thing?

HUBERMAN: The reality is when the emergency occurs, it's simply too late to being to ask the tough questions then.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): So the tough questions start early. At 6:00 a.m., Huberman calls his staff.

HUBERMAN: We may be implementing the extreme weather plan.

OPPENHEIM: Scanning papers and Web sites for any tidbit that might give him an edge...

HUBERMAN: Let's see if she can e-mail you those few slides for the PowerPoint for the boss tomorrow.

OPPENHEIM: ... he is constantly on the go and on the phone.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Ron Huberman was a Chicago cop for nine years. Just 33 years old, he is now leading an emergency staff of 800...

HUBERMAN: Hey, good morning, everyone.

OPPENHEIM: ... pushing them to a higher level of preparedness.

HUBERMAN: We are on extra alert for terrorist-related activity.

OPPENHEIM: This room is the nucleus of Chicago's security system where, at any moment, staff monitor hundreds of surveillance cameras located throughout the city. Some cameras are hidden. All are focused on public places. Huberman's pride and joy -- cameras that detect gunfire.

(on camera): And the camera will respond to the sound? HUBERMAN: Yes, of the gunshot. And in the operations center back at OEMC, at our office, an alert goes off. And then they're able to instantly view the image and respond. The camera actually instantly turns in the direction of the gunshot.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): In this case, the camera turned directly in the direction of our interview.

HUBERMAN: Pan, tilt, zoom.

OPPENHEIM: Right.

HUBERMAN: All of that, they're able to control remotely.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): And the images were recorded. Huberman believes this technology is a major deterrent to crime, what he sees as the breeding ground of terrorism.

HUBERMAN: What our surveillance network of cameras do is put criminals, make them paranoid, in a sense, because they are fearful that they'll be caught. OPPENHEIM: Huberman's command of communications and technology give him a unique role in Chicago. While fire and police officials take charge of most emergencies...

HUBERMAN: What's the efficiency we're operating at right now?

OPPENHEIM: Ron Huberman and his team of coordinators would take the lead if a major disaster struck. It's called unified command, the mantra of Chicago Mayor Richard Daly and the method of avoiding confusion and crisis.

HUBERMAN: I have a very strong team of people who I work with in the whole emergency management community, which includes police and fire and other parts of government, and just making sure that everyone is on the same page, coordinated and focused on the mission.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Seventeen Butay (ph) and 18 Butay and 19 Butay.

OPPENHEIM: Now Huberman wants to bring live surveillance video directly to the computer screens of 911 dispatchers, who in some cases could actually see what a caller is telling them.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have ears now. Now we're going to have eyes.

OPPENHEIM: In Ron Huberman's eyes, a city pumped up with cameras is like a workout routine, good for Chicago's health. To him, the technology is neither an invasion of privacy, nor a total answer. But when used well, he believes it sends a dual message, that citizens can be reassured and that terrorists will be stopped.

HUBERMAN: In these scary times post-9/11, when a terrorist attack is always looming and always potentially ominous, it's important that we instill confidence in the population of our country that as government, we're prepared and we're ready, and that we can truly ensure that we are as able to respond and as able to secure, certainly, from my perspective, Chicago as we can be.

OPPENHEIM: Keith Oppenheim, CNN, Chicago.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Security is the focus of our special look at "Defending America" coming up tonight. CNN's special report comes to you at 7:00 p.m. Eastern with Anderson Cooper and Paula Zahn. And we will have more "Defending America" coverage at 10:00 p.m. Eastern with Aaron Brown.

So stay with CNN.

Shifting focus now, Saudi Arabia off the hook in a major court case stemming from the 9/11 attacks. A federal judge in New York ruled that Saudi Arabia, the royal family and several Saudi banks must be dismissed as defendants in the case. The civil lawsuits alleged that they helped support and fund Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda terror network before the terror attacks. But the judge said plaintiffs didn't provide enough evidence.

Let's head to Saudi Arabia now, where at least two million people are crowded into a stretch of desert on a spiritual quest called the Hajj. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Prophet Muhammad's birthplace, draws Muslims from around the world.

Live now to Zain Verjee, who has more details -- hello, Zain.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.

Imagine, if you will, 1.6 million foreigners flying into Norfolk, Virginia and another 600,000 to 800,000 people coming into Norfolk from other states. Then imagine, Carol, that they all go out on foot, on car and in a bus to Richmond, Virginia to perform a bunch of rituals. How are you going to manage, coordinate and secure and feed all these people?

Well, that's what's going on here today on the Plain of Arafat. More than two million people are here to perform a very important ritual. This is actually the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. People are standing there from noon until sunset and they are praying, asking god for forgiveness.

There's a hill, also, right in the middle of this piece of desert called the Mount of Mercy. The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his farewell sermon here. So you see many people standing in prayer on that mount. And the sight is really quite extraordinary, just seeing a whole sea of white robes. And the chant you hear everywhere you go, labeakh Allah hama, labeakh -- god, I am here at your service -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Zain Verjee reporting live for us today on DAYBREAK.

Thank you.

Movie theater previews -- do you show up late to miss them or do you look forward to them? Just ahead on DAYBREAK, we'll meet a man who's pushing for some truth in advertising for starting times of movies.

And later, a second trial gets underway for Tyco executives charged with a major theft to fund lavish lifestyles.

And if your own lavish lifestyle has caused you to put on a few extra pounds, we'll figure out if there really is a magic pill.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: What would a presidential inauguration be without radio? It's a long tradition, you know, in 1925 Calvin Coolidge delivered his first inaugural address broadcast on radio.

So in that spirit, 22 talkers will converge at the Holiday Inn on Capitol Hill. They will broadcast the inauguration live to 850 radio stations across the country.

Our old friend and libertarian talker Neil Boortz is one of them.

He joins us live now from Washington.

NEIL BOORTZ, TALK SHOW HOST: What would life...

COSTELLO: Good morning.

BOORTZ: You know, what would life be without a radio, Carol?

COSTELLO: You know, I don't know. I've been trying to figure out that question for decades.

BOORTZ: I know. You need people like -- that look like me to do radio.

COSTELLO: Oh, jeez.

Well, let's talk specifically about what exactly it is you'll be doing.

BOORTZ: Well, we were -- we started yesterday. And the talk radio news service has set up a little situation called Talk Radio Row. And the notifications were sent out to the movers and shakers and wannabes, everybody but the Connecticut general assembly. We don't want them anywhere around.

COSTELLO: Oh, jeez.

BOORTZ: What idiots.

Anyway...

COSTELLO: Neil!

BOORTZ: So -- oh, they're just -- they need something to do in Connecticut, Carol.

COSTELLO: Get to the task at hand...

BOORTZ: OK, but...

COSTELLO: ... and how you'll be generating talk throughout the country about what's happening at the inauguration.

BOORTZ: Right.

COSTELLO: So who will be your big get?

BOORTZ: Well, Karl Rove today, for instance, is going to be on the program and we talked to quite a few people -- J.C. Watts, Frank Keating, yesterday, Bill Simons, the "Washington Times." So the people want a little air time on radio, they just come do the circuit of the talk shows, broadcasting from Radio Row. And we really have quite the good time there. COSTELLO: Yes, kind of describe the scene in Washington, because there's a lot of security there, isn't there?

BOORTZ: Oh, Carol, it's a mess. First of all, it's cold. It is. Well, you know that. You're in New York. It is very cold. And it's -- the town is in a virtual lockdown. You have anti-missile batteries around the Washington Monument. I went to some receptions last night and finally you just had to abandon your car and walk because traffic can get nowhere. And the town is really, really very tight, very difficult to get around. And it's sad, but I suppose it's necessary.

COSTELLO: Yes, I suppose it is definitely necessary.

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: Let's talk about the entertainment that took place last night, because the inaugural festivities have already begun. JoJo was performing, Hilary Duff and "American Idol" star Ruben Stoddard.

BOORTZ: Yes, don't you love our current popular entertainment culture, where you can't say isn't America great? You have to add some expletives in there like that. What's the -- how crude.

COSTELLO: What do you mean expletives?

Well, let's explain what we mean. There was another pop star...

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: Fuel front man Brent Scallions (ph). I guess when he was performing, he unwisely said a four letter word to a group of teenagers watching.

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: And he was wearing very tight pants that were like the American flag.

BOORTZ: Right. He said, "Isn't America bleeping great?" Well, hey, what a nice sentiment from you, sir. And how glad we are you were invited to participate in the inaugural. And then George Bush is on the same stage just minutes later.

COSTELLO: Oh, Neil. At least it gives you something to talk about on Radio Row, right?

BOORTZ: Oh, I -- Carol, you know me. I do not need that. I've got the Connecticut legislature. I don't need that rocker to talk about today.

COSTELLO: Well, we are going to talk to someone from Connecticut later on in our show.

But, thank you, Neil, for joining DAYBREAK this morning. BOORTZ: Send help to Connecticut, Carol.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It's 6:19 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Round two of Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearing gets underway this morning. Rice faced tough questions on the war in Iraq during day one. Even so, she is expected to win approval from the Senate to become the next secretary of state.

Four suicide car bombings within a 90 minute span, that's what happened in and around Baghdad this morning. Another car bombing took place south of the Iraqi capital. In all, at least 26 Iraqis are dead.

In money news, two new Chevrolet models will debut next month, but only in China. General Motors announced the new China only models as part of the company's expansion into the market. The Chevvies are aimed at Chinese yuppies.

In culture, CBS says it might turn the evening news over to an anchor team when Dan Rather steps down in March. The network says the move could help lure younger viewers. The so-called ensemble cast could also broadcast from different cities.

And in sports, Andre Agassi made quick work of his second round opponent at the Australian Open. He lost just four games on his way to the straight set victory. Agassi faces fellow American Taylor Dent in the next round -- Chad.

MYERS: Good morning, Carol.

The NHL and the players are going to meet today to try to get a season going here this week. Did you know that?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: You can play hockey outside in Boston, though. Everything is frozen. Careful out there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines right now.

Time for a little "Business Buzz" right now.

The April 15 tax deadline is still three months away, but the IRS and three software companies are joining forces to make tax time a little less taxing on you and your wallet.

Carrie Lee is live at the Nasdaq market site to explain -- good morning.

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.

Good morning.

And good news for tax filers this year. The IRS is expanding its free tax filing system, basically doing away with eligibility requirements that they put in place in years past. So, to file for free, log onto the IRS' Web site at www.irs.gov. And then click on the free filing. You can then select the software you want to use. Three different companies have made their programs available at no charge.

Now, the advantage to taxpayers here, well, you don't have to pay for it, number one. Number two, you often get your refund much faster than if you go through snail mail for the IRS. Well, it makes it easier and quicker and cheaper for them to process claims.

So really a win-win here. Let me be clear, Carol, this is for federal tax filing only. To file your state return, you still have to go through other means. But the IRS does expect that half of the returns it receives this year will be filed electronically.

Meanwhile, taking a quick look at futures, things looking a bit weak for today's session. A lot of profit reports coming out, including several airlines, General Motors.

Yahoo! one stock to watch. Profits last night nearly tripled thanks to a surge in online advertising spending.

And that's the latest -- back to you.

COSTELLO: All right.

Thank you, Carrie.

Would you pop a pill to lose a few pounds? Lisa Drayer will be here with this week's diet tips.

And are you tired of sitting through previews and commercials at the movies? One Connecticut representative wants theaters to list the real times that movies start. That story still ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Take a look at this sunrise. This is a picture of Antarctica. Chad has just informed me that it's 26 below zero here

In health headlines for you this morning, folic acid supplements

But a new study finds that folic acid in high doses also relaxes blood vessels.

Radiation after chemotherapy can substantially improve a woman's survival after breast cancer. A 20 year follow-up of a Canadian study found that long-term survival improved if both treatments were used. A shorter term study did not show the benefit, however. You may want to brush up on your CPR skills. Two studies found that many people failed to restart someone's stopped heart using CPR. The key is following the strict guidelines for chest compressions and breathing. Outdated training and complicated instructions may be to blame.

So, how are we doing on those new year's resolutions? Nineteen days into the new year and many of us may be looking for some help sticking to that healthier diet.

Can your answer come in the form of a pill?

It is Wednesday, and that means DAYBREAK dietitian Lisa Drayer is here with some answers in her ongoing weight loss series -- good morning, Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, NUTRITIONIST: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: Wouldn't that be great?

DRAYER: It would, wouldn't it? And the answer is if you've tried diet and exercise for up to six months, so we can give it close to the summertime, and you haven't seen any results, then weight loss medications may be an option to consider. And it can vary depending on the individual, but this is the general rule.

An important point, these medications are not intended for cosmetic use. So we're not talking about someone who wants to lose five pounds to fit into a size four jeans, but rather someone who has increased risk of obesity related diseases as a result of being overweight. So, for example, someone with a body mass index of 30, that would be someone at 5'4" weighing 175 pounds or someone with a body mass index of 27, who also has existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes.

And right now there are only two medications that are FDA approved for long-term use. That's Xenical and Meridia. And Meridia works by affecting areas in the brain that control appetite. So people tend to feel less hungry or simply less interested in food.

Xenical works in a different way. It actually blocks fat absorption. So it interferes with an enzyme in the intestinal tract that breaks down body -- fat that you ingest. Specifically, 30 percent of fat that you eat is not absorbed. So that contributes to calorie deficit.

COSTELLO: And these are prescription drugs. And as far as we know, they're safe?

DRAYER: As far as we know they are safe. They have been FDA approved for safety and efficacy. And, on average, you can expect to lose anywhere from five to 22 pounds above what you might lose from diet and exercise alone. So we're not talking about significant weight loss from the drug alone, but rather they're used as an adjunct. And they work by making it easier to implement dietary strategies. There are some cautions, though. It's important to get into those. First, not everyone will respond to weight loss medication. So, generally speaking, if you haven't lost about four pounds over a four week period, you're probably not going to see results. For those who do respond, the maximum weight loss usually occurs in the first six months and after that weight tends to taper off.

Also, some side effects to consider, as well. The main side effect of Meridia is increased blood pressure and heart rate. So someone with existing heart disease or high blood pressure should not take the drug. And those on it should have their blood pressure monitored regularly. Also, Xenical, some side effects include cramping and diarrhea.

COSTELLO: Oh.

DRAYER: Yes. And this depends on the amount of fat that someone eats. So if they're consuming a high fat diet, they're more likely to experience these side effects.

Also, they should take a multi-vitamin with some of the fat soluble vitamins in it, because the drug can decrease the absorption of Vitamin A, D, E and K.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

Tell us what you're going to talk about next week.

DRAYER: Next week we're going to talk about weight loss surgery. So for those who are thinking about weight loss surgery as an option, we're going to talk about the procedures, the risk involved and also how to eat with a smaller stomach size, an important adjustment.

COSTELLO: Which is difficult.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: Yes.

Thank you, Lisa.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: You are watching DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired January 19, 2005 - 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: Straight ahead on CNN DAYBREAK, Condi Rice gets another day to tell senators why she should be President Bush's next secretary of state.
A deadly series of car bomb explosions across Baghdad this morning.

And we'll hear about inaugurals from a man who has played a key role in them for decades.

It is Wednesday, January 19.

You are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

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

Now in the news, in three hours, Condoleezza Rice will appear again in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She's expected to face more tough questions about Iraq on day two of the hearing on her nomination as secretary of state. The committee is expected to approve her nomination and so is the full Senate.

In Iraq today, a series of suicide car bombings, four of them within an hour and a half of each other. At least 26 people have been killed, most of them Iraqi police officers. One of the deaths was in Hillah. The deadliest attack was in central Baghdad, where 13 police officers and five civilians were killed at a checkpoint for a police headquarters.

The nation's mayors say they're worried about rail safety. They've sent an open letter to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta demanding more information about trains carrying hazardous materials through their cities.

And do you want proof of the global fear from last month's deadly tsunamis? Just hours ago, Japan issued a tsunami warning after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off its eastern coast. But in the end, there were no big waves.

To the forecast center and Chad -- good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Carol, you have to do that. When it's, when an earthquake strikes so close and so quick to land, there is no time to put out a watch or hey, let's see, if there is one. Putout the warning first. It's kind of like doing a tornado warning on Doppler radar indicated. We don't know that there's a tornado out there, there could be, let's go see if there is and then we'll cancel the warning if there's not. And that's what they did. So they really were reacting -- it wasn't an overreaction, especially for Japan, who, they've been devastated by tsunamis in the past, many, many years ago, obviously, that big one there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: There is little doubt she'll get Senate approval, but there were fireworks at Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearing and it isn't over yet. Rice, the president's choice for secretary of state, refused to set any withdrawal date for U.S. troops in Iraq and then defended the administration's policies.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I am humbled by President Bush's confidence in me to undertake the great work of leading American diplomacy at such a moment in history. If confirmed, I will work with the members of this Congress, from both sides of the aisle, to build a strong bipartisan consensus behind American foreign policy. I will seek to strengthen our alliances, to support our friends and to make the world safer and better.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: And now the fireworks. California's Barbara Boxer pounded Rice and Rice responded in kind.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BARBARA BOXER (D-CF), FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE: "The war was sold to the American public," as chief of staff to President Bush Andy Card said, "like a new product." Those are his words. Remember, he said you don't roll out a new product in the summer. Now, you rolled out the idea and then you had to convince the people as you made your case with the president. And I personally believe, this is my personal view, that your loyalty to the mission you were given to sell this war overwhelmed your respect for the truth.

RICE: I have never, ever lost respect for the truth in the service of anything.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Day two of Rice's confirmation hearing starts in less than three hours.

President Bush says tomorrow's inauguration should be an inspiration for people around the world. The president also said elections in Afghanistan and Iraq are "landmark events in the history of liberty."

In an interview with CNN's John King, he talked about the situation in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've got to win. And we've got to make it clear that people have to make a choice. And I'll be -- I will continue to be straightforward and plainspoken about my view that freedom is necessary for peace and that everybody deserves to be free.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: President Bush says his inauguration should serve as an inspiration for fledgling democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: It is important for the world to see a peaceful transfer of power, or, in this case, a continuation of power, in a peaceful way. You know, this is a moment for the country to unite. It is an opportunity for all of us who are blessed to live here to say that we've got a great form of government. It can be improved, but it's a great form of government.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: CNN's inaugural coverage gets underway today at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Judy Woodruff and Wolf Blitzer take a look at the road ahead.

Defending America, big cities account for a major part of homeland security spending. In fact, nearly half of the $855 million worth of homeland security grants is earmarked for just four cities. But what are they using it for?

CNN's Keith Oppenheim takes a look at big city security Chicago style.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

RON HUBERMAN, CHICAGO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS: Good. How's it going, John?

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chicago's Soldier Field. A man arrives with a question. And with him, it always seems to be the same one. What if?

HUBERMAN: What happens if you've got a full event going on here and we decide to do an emergency exit from here? How would that interact with the rest of the citywide evacuation plans?

OPPENHEIM: Ron Huberman is the executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. And the way he sees it, it's his job to second-guess just about everything.

(on camera): Isn't it the nature of emergency response that you always have to be posing that next question and getting your people to do the same thing?

HUBERMAN: The reality is when the emergency occurs, it's simply too late to being to ask the tough questions then.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): So the tough questions start early. At 6:00 a.m., Huberman calls his staff.

HUBERMAN: We may be implementing the extreme weather plan.

OPPENHEIM: Scanning papers and Web sites for any tidbit that might give him an edge...

HUBERMAN: Let's see if she can e-mail you those few slides for the PowerPoint for the boss tomorrow.

OPPENHEIM: ... he is constantly on the go and on the phone.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Ron Huberman was a Chicago cop for nine years. Just 33 years old, he is now leading an emergency staff of 800...

HUBERMAN: Hey, good morning, everyone.

OPPENHEIM: ... pushing them to a higher level of preparedness.

HUBERMAN: We are on extra alert for terrorist-related activity.

OPPENHEIM: This room is the nucleus of Chicago's security system where, at any moment, staff monitor hundreds of surveillance cameras located throughout the city. Some cameras are hidden. All are focused on public places. Huberman's pride and joy -- cameras that detect gunfire.

(on camera): And the camera will respond to the sound? HUBERMAN: Yes, of the gunshot. And in the operations center back at OEMC, at our office, an alert goes off. And then they're able to instantly view the image and respond. The camera actually instantly turns in the direction of the gunshot.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): In this case, the camera turned directly in the direction of our interview.

HUBERMAN: Pan, tilt, zoom.

OPPENHEIM: Right.

HUBERMAN: All of that, they're able to control remotely.

OPPENHEIM (voice-over): And the images were recorded. Huberman believes this technology is a major deterrent to crime, what he sees as the breeding ground of terrorism.

HUBERMAN: What our surveillance network of cameras do is put criminals, make them paranoid, in a sense, because they are fearful that they'll be caught. OPPENHEIM: Huberman's command of communications and technology give him a unique role in Chicago. While fire and police officials take charge of most emergencies...

HUBERMAN: What's the efficiency we're operating at right now?

OPPENHEIM: Ron Huberman and his team of coordinators would take the lead if a major disaster struck. It's called unified command, the mantra of Chicago Mayor Richard Daly and the method of avoiding confusion and crisis.

HUBERMAN: I have a very strong team of people who I work with in the whole emergency management community, which includes police and fire and other parts of government, and just making sure that everyone is on the same page, coordinated and focused on the mission.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Seventeen Butay (ph) and 18 Butay and 19 Butay.

OPPENHEIM: Now Huberman wants to bring live surveillance video directly to the computer screens of 911 dispatchers, who in some cases could actually see what a caller is telling them.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have ears now. Now we're going to have eyes.

OPPENHEIM: In Ron Huberman's eyes, a city pumped up with cameras is like a workout routine, good for Chicago's health. To him, the technology is neither an invasion of privacy, nor a total answer. But when used well, he believes it sends a dual message, that citizens can be reassured and that terrorists will be stopped.

HUBERMAN: In these scary times post-9/11, when a terrorist attack is always looming and always potentially ominous, it's important that we instill confidence in the population of our country that as government, we're prepared and we're ready, and that we can truly ensure that we are as able to respond and as able to secure, certainly, from my perspective, Chicago as we can be.

OPPENHEIM: Keith Oppenheim, CNN, Chicago.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Security is the focus of our special look at "Defending America" coming up tonight. CNN's special report comes to you at 7:00 p.m. Eastern with Anderson Cooper and Paula Zahn. And we will have more "Defending America" coverage at 10:00 p.m. Eastern with Aaron Brown.

So stay with CNN.

Shifting focus now, Saudi Arabia off the hook in a major court case stemming from the 9/11 attacks. A federal judge in New York ruled that Saudi Arabia, the royal family and several Saudi banks must be dismissed as defendants in the case. The civil lawsuits alleged that they helped support and fund Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda terror network before the terror attacks. But the judge said plaintiffs didn't provide enough evidence.

Let's head to Saudi Arabia now, where at least two million people are crowded into a stretch of desert on a spiritual quest called the Hajj. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Prophet Muhammad's birthplace, draws Muslims from around the world.

Live now to Zain Verjee, who has more details -- hello, Zain.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.

Imagine, if you will, 1.6 million foreigners flying into Norfolk, Virginia and another 600,000 to 800,000 people coming into Norfolk from other states. Then imagine, Carol, that they all go out on foot, on car and in a bus to Richmond, Virginia to perform a bunch of rituals. How are you going to manage, coordinate and secure and feed all these people?

Well, that's what's going on here today on the Plain of Arafat. More than two million people are here to perform a very important ritual. This is actually the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. People are standing there from noon until sunset and they are praying, asking god for forgiveness.

There's a hill, also, right in the middle of this piece of desert called the Mount of Mercy. The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his farewell sermon here. So you see many people standing in prayer on that mount. And the sight is really quite extraordinary, just seeing a whole sea of white robes. And the chant you hear everywhere you go, labeakh Allah hama, labeakh -- god, I am here at your service -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Zain Verjee reporting live for us today on DAYBREAK.

Thank you.

Movie theater previews -- do you show up late to miss them or do you look forward to them? Just ahead on DAYBREAK, we'll meet a man who's pushing for some truth in advertising for starting times of movies.

And later, a second trial gets underway for Tyco executives charged with a major theft to fund lavish lifestyles.

And if your own lavish lifestyle has caused you to put on a few extra pounds, we'll figure out if there really is a magic pill.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: What would a presidential inauguration be without radio? It's a long tradition, you know, in 1925 Calvin Coolidge delivered his first inaugural address broadcast on radio.

So in that spirit, 22 talkers will converge at the Holiday Inn on Capitol Hill. They will broadcast the inauguration live to 850 radio stations across the country.

Our old friend and libertarian talker Neil Boortz is one of them.

He joins us live now from Washington.

NEIL BOORTZ, TALK SHOW HOST: What would life...

COSTELLO: Good morning.

BOORTZ: You know, what would life be without a radio, Carol?

COSTELLO: You know, I don't know. I've been trying to figure out that question for decades.

BOORTZ: I know. You need people like -- that look like me to do radio.

COSTELLO: Oh, jeez.

Well, let's talk specifically about what exactly it is you'll be doing.

BOORTZ: Well, we were -- we started yesterday. And the talk radio news service has set up a little situation called Talk Radio Row. And the notifications were sent out to the movers and shakers and wannabes, everybody but the Connecticut general assembly. We don't want them anywhere around.

COSTELLO: Oh, jeez.

BOORTZ: What idiots.

Anyway...

COSTELLO: Neil!

BOORTZ: So -- oh, they're just -- they need something to do in Connecticut, Carol.

COSTELLO: Get to the task at hand...

BOORTZ: OK, but...

COSTELLO: ... and how you'll be generating talk throughout the country about what's happening at the inauguration.

BOORTZ: Right.

COSTELLO: So who will be your big get?

BOORTZ: Well, Karl Rove today, for instance, is going to be on the program and we talked to quite a few people -- J.C. Watts, Frank Keating, yesterday, Bill Simons, the "Washington Times." So the people want a little air time on radio, they just come do the circuit of the talk shows, broadcasting from Radio Row. And we really have quite the good time there. COSTELLO: Yes, kind of describe the scene in Washington, because there's a lot of security there, isn't there?

BOORTZ: Oh, Carol, it's a mess. First of all, it's cold. It is. Well, you know that. You're in New York. It is very cold. And it's -- the town is in a virtual lockdown. You have anti-missile batteries around the Washington Monument. I went to some receptions last night and finally you just had to abandon your car and walk because traffic can get nowhere. And the town is really, really very tight, very difficult to get around. And it's sad, but I suppose it's necessary.

COSTELLO: Yes, I suppose it is definitely necessary.

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: Let's talk about the entertainment that took place last night, because the inaugural festivities have already begun. JoJo was performing, Hilary Duff and "American Idol" star Ruben Stoddard.

BOORTZ: Yes, don't you love our current popular entertainment culture, where you can't say isn't America great? You have to add some expletives in there like that. What's the -- how crude.

COSTELLO: What do you mean expletives?

Well, let's explain what we mean. There was another pop star...

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: Fuel front man Brent Scallions (ph). I guess when he was performing, he unwisely said a four letter word to a group of teenagers watching.

BOORTZ: Yes.

COSTELLO: And he was wearing very tight pants that were like the American flag.

BOORTZ: Right. He said, "Isn't America bleeping great?" Well, hey, what a nice sentiment from you, sir. And how glad we are you were invited to participate in the inaugural. And then George Bush is on the same stage just minutes later.

COSTELLO: Oh, Neil. At least it gives you something to talk about on Radio Row, right?

BOORTZ: Oh, I -- Carol, you know me. I do not need that. I've got the Connecticut legislature. I don't need that rocker to talk about today.

COSTELLO: Well, we are going to talk to someone from Connecticut later on in our show.

But, thank you, Neil, for joining DAYBREAK this morning. BOORTZ: Send help to Connecticut, Carol.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It's 6:19 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Round two of Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearing gets underway this morning. Rice faced tough questions on the war in Iraq during day one. Even so, she is expected to win approval from the Senate to become the next secretary of state.

Four suicide car bombings within a 90 minute span, that's what happened in and around Baghdad this morning. Another car bombing took place south of the Iraqi capital. In all, at least 26 Iraqis are dead.

In money news, two new Chevrolet models will debut next month, but only in China. General Motors announced the new China only models as part of the company's expansion into the market. The Chevvies are aimed at Chinese yuppies.

In culture, CBS says it might turn the evening news over to an anchor team when Dan Rather steps down in March. The network says the move could help lure younger viewers. The so-called ensemble cast could also broadcast from different cities.

And in sports, Andre Agassi made quick work of his second round opponent at the Australian Open. He lost just four games on his way to the straight set victory. Agassi faces fellow American Taylor Dent in the next round -- Chad.

MYERS: Good morning, Carol.

The NHL and the players are going to meet today to try to get a season going here this week. Did you know that?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: You can play hockey outside in Boston, though. Everything is frozen. Careful out there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines right now.

Time for a little "Business Buzz" right now.

The April 15 tax deadline is still three months away, but the IRS and three software companies are joining forces to make tax time a little less taxing on you and your wallet.

Carrie Lee is live at the Nasdaq market site to explain -- good morning.

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.

Good morning.

And good news for tax filers this year. The IRS is expanding its free tax filing system, basically doing away with eligibility requirements that they put in place in years past. So, to file for free, log onto the IRS' Web site at www.irs.gov. And then click on the free filing. You can then select the software you want to use. Three different companies have made their programs available at no charge.

Now, the advantage to taxpayers here, well, you don't have to pay for it, number one. Number two, you often get your refund much faster than if you go through snail mail for the IRS. Well, it makes it easier and quicker and cheaper for them to process claims.

So really a win-win here. Let me be clear, Carol, this is for federal tax filing only. To file your state return, you still have to go through other means. But the IRS does expect that half of the returns it receives this year will be filed electronically.

Meanwhile, taking a quick look at futures, things looking a bit weak for today's session. A lot of profit reports coming out, including several airlines, General Motors.

Yahoo! one stock to watch. Profits last night nearly tripled thanks to a surge in online advertising spending.

And that's the latest -- back to you.

COSTELLO: All right.

Thank you, Carrie.

Would you pop a pill to lose a few pounds? Lisa Drayer will be here with this week's diet tips.

And are you tired of sitting through previews and commercials at the movies? One Connecticut representative wants theaters to list the real times that movies start. That story still ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Take a look at this sunrise. This is a picture of Antarctica. Chad has just informed me that it's 26 below zero here

In health headlines for you this morning, folic acid supplements

But a new study finds that folic acid in high doses also relaxes blood vessels.

Radiation after chemotherapy can substantially improve a woman's survival after breast cancer. A 20 year follow-up of a Canadian study found that long-term survival improved if both treatments were used. A shorter term study did not show the benefit, however. You may want to brush up on your CPR skills. Two studies found that many people failed to restart someone's stopped heart using CPR. The key is following the strict guidelines for chest compressions and breathing. Outdated training and complicated instructions may be to blame.

So, how are we doing on those new year's resolutions? Nineteen days into the new year and many of us may be looking for some help sticking to that healthier diet.

Can your answer come in the form of a pill?

It is Wednesday, and that means DAYBREAK dietitian Lisa Drayer is here with some answers in her ongoing weight loss series -- good morning, Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, NUTRITIONIST: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: Wouldn't that be great?

DRAYER: It would, wouldn't it? And the answer is if you've tried diet and exercise for up to six months, so we can give it close to the summertime, and you haven't seen any results, then weight loss medications may be an option to consider. And it can vary depending on the individual, but this is the general rule.

An important point, these medications are not intended for cosmetic use. So we're not talking about someone who wants to lose five pounds to fit into a size four jeans, but rather someone who has increased risk of obesity related diseases as a result of being overweight. So, for example, someone with a body mass index of 30, that would be someone at 5'4" weighing 175 pounds or someone with a body mass index of 27, who also has existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes.

And right now there are only two medications that are FDA approved for long-term use. That's Xenical and Meridia. And Meridia works by affecting areas in the brain that control appetite. So people tend to feel less hungry or simply less interested in food.

Xenical works in a different way. It actually blocks fat absorption. So it interferes with an enzyme in the intestinal tract that breaks down body -- fat that you ingest. Specifically, 30 percent of fat that you eat is not absorbed. So that contributes to calorie deficit.

COSTELLO: And these are prescription drugs. And as far as we know, they're safe?

DRAYER: As far as we know they are safe. They have been FDA approved for safety and efficacy. And, on average, you can expect to lose anywhere from five to 22 pounds above what you might lose from diet and exercise alone. So we're not talking about significant weight loss from the drug alone, but rather they're used as an adjunct. And they work by making it easier to implement dietary strategies. There are some cautions, though. It's important to get into those. First, not everyone will respond to weight loss medication. So, generally speaking, if you haven't lost about four pounds over a four week period, you're probably not going to see results. For those who do respond, the maximum weight loss usually occurs in the first six months and after that weight tends to taper off.

Also, some side effects to consider, as well. The main side effect of Meridia is increased blood pressure and heart rate. So someone with existing heart disease or high blood pressure should not take the drug. And those on it should have their blood pressure monitored regularly. Also, Xenical, some side effects include cramping and diarrhea.

COSTELLO: Oh.

DRAYER: Yes. And this depends on the amount of fat that someone eats. So if they're consuming a high fat diet, they're more likely to experience these side effects.

Also, they should take a multi-vitamin with some of the fat soluble vitamins in it, because the drug can decrease the absorption of Vitamin A, D, E and K.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

Tell us what you're going to talk about next week.

DRAYER: Next week we're going to talk about weight loss surgery. So for those who are thinking about weight loss surgery as an option, we're going to talk about the procedures, the risk involved and also how to eat with a smaller stomach size, an important adjustment.

COSTELLO: Which is difficult.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: Yes.

Thank you, Lisa.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: You are watching DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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