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American Morning
Six Days and Counting Until Vote in Iraq; Remembering Johnny Carson
Aired January 24, 2005 - 08:00 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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good company at the end of a hard day -- remembering America's enduring late night friendship with Johnny Carson.
Six days and counting now until the vote in Iraq. And now the country's most wanted terrorist saying anyone who votes is an enemy of Islam.
And snow three feet deep in places. The Northeast buried by the blizzard of '05 and trying to dig out again, on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN broadcast center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
Welcome, everybody, as everybody in the Northeast cleans up from this messy, messy snowstorm. Well, actually not so bad right there, because they do a good job cleaning up Rockefeller Center.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Jack's checking out behind us.
How is it going?
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it doesn't snow in Rock Center. It never has, never will. You come in here after a blizzard, the sidewalks are cleaned, the streets are cleaned, the areas in front of the buildings are cleaned.
HEMMER: Yes.
CAFFERTY: It's spotless. It doesn't...
O'BRIEN: Two blocks down it's a mess but right here?
CAFFERTY: Yes, the rest of the city's paralyzed. Rock Center is spotless.
HEMMER: You know, there's a law in New York City, if you own a place or a business, if it's not cleaned off within four hours of the snow falling, you get fined $100.
O'BRIEN: Well, there's money changing hands this morning in my neighborhood, because no one's cleaned off their sidewalks. HEMMER: Incentive for that, too, this morning.
O'BRIEN: Anyway, that's one of our top stories this morning.
Also this morning, we are talking about Johnny Carson. Many Americans, of course, shocked to hear that Johnny Carson died. The host of "The Tonight Show" for 30 years, Carson changed bedtimes and he changed television, as well. We'll continue to take a look back at his legacy, also share some memories with comedian David Brenner, who was a regular on "The Tonight Show" as a guest and also a guest host.
HEMMER: Also, the weather continues to be a big story today. Winter setting in now. Is the flu season about to take a turn for the worst? Sanjay joins us to talk about that and what doctors are saying about the urgency of those flu shots. Sanjay is up a little later this hour.
CAFFERTY: Mr. Cafferty has got the Question of the Day.
CAFFERTY: The "Cafferty File" coming up in less than an hour, Soledad.
Odds makers are already weighing in on the chances of Donald Trump's latest marriage making it past next Tuesday. A bad case of insomnia. A man who has not slept in 20 years. Doctors have no idea why he can't go to sleep.
And more Carson stories, including a snapshot of a young lady who met him. She was working as a clerk in a supermarket in California when he came in there just two years ago. It's a touching little personal note that we'll share with you in "The File."
HEMMER: It's worth waiting for.
O'BRIEN: I am loving these stores.
Yes.
Thanks, Jack.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Carol Costello has the headlines on a Monday morning -- good morning, Carol.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you.
Good morning, everyone.
Now in the news, officials say Iraqi forces have detained a man they say was in charge of propaganda for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi earlier this month.
In the meantime, the political headquarters of Iraq's interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, becoming a target of a suicide bombing less than a week before the national elections. At least a dozen people were killed. A militant group led by Zarqawi is claiming responsibility for that attack.
Anti-abortion activists planning for a big demonstration later this morning in Washington. President Bush is expected to phone in his support for the demonstrators today from Camp David. He's there preparing his State of the Union speech. And this was the scene at the protest last year. Demonstrators are marking the 32nd anniversary of "Row v. Wade," the United States Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
Asa Hutchinson, an undersecretary at the Homeland Security Department, is apparently not so happy he was passed over for the top job. Hutchinson reportedly told an Arkansas newspaper he will announce today he is planning to resign effective March 1. That's when nominee Michael Chertoff takes over for Tom Ridge as homeland security secretary, of course, if he is confirmed.
And a repeat performance for Tom Brady. Is he not amazing? The defending champions, the New England Patriots, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Actually, they stomped them, 41-27. And, of course, they'll have a chance at another Super Bowl title. They'll face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles beat up on Atlanta 27-10 in yesterday's NFC championship game. Michael Vick not a factor.
Super Bowl 39 will be in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6. And I checked the Internet and Super Bowl tickets going for $6,000 apiece.
HEMMER: We'll take two.
COSTELLO: Yes, sure.
HEMMER: You know, the thing about the Patriots, no one celebrates when they score a touchdown.
COSTELLO: No.
HEMMER: It is all business all the time.
COSTELLO: Actually...
HEMMER: And that's done by the their head coach.
COSTELLO: That is refreshing.
O'BRIEN: I agree. None of this, you know, jumping around.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: Distracting.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: They're focused. That's why they're going to win the Super Bowl.
COSTELLO: That's like us on AMERICAN MORNING. We're focused.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
COSTELLO: Yes.
O'BRIEN: All right, Carol, thanks.
Comedian David Brenner appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson a whopping 158 times, both as a guest and a guest host. What does he remember most about the long time TV legend?
David Brenner joins us this morning from his home in Las Vegas.
Nice to see you, David.
Thanks for being with us.
A hundred and fifty-eight times, is that right?
DAVID BRENNER, COMEDIAN: Yes, right. That's all. And all...
O'BRIEN: Is that it?
BRENNER: And 157 monologues out of the 158. And one time I had a choice, because they were running late, and they said you can either do a monologue or you can just sit with Johnny. I said I'll just sit with Johnny and -- because why would I want someone cutting me off in the middle? And I knew Johnny would be great with me. So I sat down.
O'BRIEN: Tell us about your very first time on "The Tonight Show?"
BRENNER: Well, that was January 8, 1971, and I was a comedian about 14 months. I had auditioned, gotten the shot. And I went on and I was very relaxed because I didn't think I was going to stay in comedy. I was doing it as a lark. It turned out to be a very long lark. But when I finished that show, I had $3 in my pocket. And that was the only money I had, so -- that's the only money I had, $3. And the next day, I had $10,000 worth of job offers. That was the power of "The Tonight Show" back then.
And so you could say in, really, that everything I've made past those $3 in my life thanks to Johnny Carson.
O'BRIEN: He, people say, was incredibly generous in his own good fortune and his own incredible work ethic. He was very happy to share, which, as you well know, is not necessarily the case with this particular industry. Give me an example of that.
BRENNER: Well, I was once doing a benefit, raising money for children. I was hosting a big show and an auction. And I asked celebrities to send me something to auction off. And Johnny Carson sent me the cup that he kept on his desk. I couldn't believe it. I wanted to bid for it, but I thought that was, you know -- it wasn't the right thing to do.
O'BRIEN: You can't do that.
BRENNER: I wanted to, though. I wanted to have a show in the audience and outbid whoever bid on it. But some woman, an old lady from Nebraska got it for like $9,000. And so it was -- and he was that way. I sent him my last book that I wrote, the manuscript, just to say Johnny, how are you doing, thanks a lot, here's the thing that I've just written. And he wrote me back a letter, you know, how funny it was. And he said here, if you want a blurb for the back cover, you can use this. And he actually wrote it.
He was so generous with himself. He was -- he would -- I wish the public knew what a wonderful, warm human being he was.
O'BRIEN: There was a time when you had ratings that were higher than Johnny's and you were worried about that when you were guest hosting.
What was his reaction?
BRENNER: Well, I came in and I hosted -- it was one of these, one of the first weeks that I did, where I did Monday through Friday. And I came in Tuesday and I was told that my ratings the night before were higher than Johnny ever had. And then Fred de Cordova, the producer, came in and said, "Johnny's on the phone in my office." So I figured uh-oh, you know, you can be too good for a job. You can get fired. And I thought I was done.
And I went in and Johnny said, "Oh, I liked your monologue and this joke was great and the question to this guest, I liked that," blah, blah, blah. He said, "I understand your ratings were higher than I ever got."
And I said, "Yes, yes, I've been told that, Johnny."
I thought here he comes.
He says, "Well, I called you for that reason."
And I thought he was going to say thank you for hosting and I wish you a lot of luck in your career. And I said, yes, you know.
And he said, "I just want to thank you for bringing all those new fans to my show."
Now, how generous is that?
O'BRIEN: Incredibly generous.
Thanks for sharing some of those stories.
David Brenner joining us this morning.
It's been really, really interesting to hear a lot about Johnny Carson, both the public man and the private man, as well.
Carson, of course, making very few public appearances after his retirement. His friend Carl Reiner spoke with Larry King last night about Carson's reasons for keeping a low profile.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")
CARL REINER, FRIEND OF JOHNNY CARSON: Steve Martin was going to emcee the Oscars. And he had done it three or four times. And the introduction was going to be -- it was Steve Martin's idea -- they were going to give Steve the best introduction, like the greatest host that ever hosted the Oscars. And he was going to start to bow. And all he wanted Johnny to walk out and just look at him, shake his head and walk off. And Johnny thought that was wonderful. And he thought about it for 30 seconds. He said, "Ooh, I'd love to. It's so easy and it's so funny, it's going to get a big roar," he said. "But I'm retired."
He really felt that once he said -- he was a man of his word. He said I'm never going to work anymore.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Reiner once suggested Carson for the lead role in one of TV's most successful series. The lead, instead, went to Dick Van Dyke, freeing Carson for his late night career.
Tonight, Larry's guest will be Johnny Carson's long time sidekick, Ed McMahon. That's tonight on "LARRY KING LIVE" at 9:00 Eastern -- Bill.
HEMMER: About nine minutes now past the hour.
Shifting our focus now to weather, people from the capital to the Cape digging out after this huge weekend snowstorm. The blizzard dumped more than three feet of snow in some places. In the blizzard's wake, towering snow drifts and stranded travelers and more than a dozen deaths reported, as well.
That storm slammed the East Coast on Saturday, causing transportation havoc. Drivers abandoning their cars in the snow. White outs shut down apartments in Philly and in Boston. Here in New York City, more than a foot of light, dry snow made for great skiing conditions, even on some city streets and in Central Park. Cleanup crews keeping major roadways clear, but mass transit problems in New Jersey could be a problem again today. We're already hearing about some delays for commuters.
Further north, though, in Massachusetts, a state of emergency still, though this guy doesn't seem to be too upset about that. Hurricane force winds combined with a full moon and high tide, a perfect storm for one hardy surfer. More than three feet of snow in some areas of Massachusetts. The brunt of the blizzard went there.
Our Chris Huntington is live this morning in Boston.
How are things today?
Chris -- good morning there.
CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
It actually is a gorgeous morning right now, I must say. It is very chilly. It's about five, 10 degrees right now. We're down along the harbor side here in downtown Boston. As you can see behind me, things are clearing up. But this was, as they say in these parts, a wicked storm.
Plenty of snowfall, not quite a record amount here in downtown Boston, but in neighboring towns, 38 inches in Salem; three feet regularly in many of the outlying suburbs; downtown Boston here, 26 inches, an inch and a half shy of the all time record.
But the real story for this storm were the wind and the waves. Hurricane force winds. In fact, the Coast Guard had a hurricane force wind warning in effect from lower Massachusetts Bay up to the Gulf of Maine. Extraordinary winds buffeting Nantucket, Cape Cod. Nantucket was knocked out of power completely. It is almost fully restored now, but the folks were without power for almost the entire evening. About 30,000 residents for a while without power. We're told now that that has basically been cut in half. But there's still some folks who don't have full power.
Now, school has been canceled in most of the school districts around the Boston area. Mayor Tom Menino of Boston under some criticism, perhaps. Some say he over reacted. But frankly his response was when you look at the snow buildup around here, there's no place for children safely to navigate.
There were two fatalities attributed to this storm. Former "Boston Globe" columnist Dave Nyhan died while shoveling snow. And a young boy in Roxbury, just south of downtown Boston here, was found dead in a car, apparently the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning from an idling vehicle.
So things are getting back to normal. Logan Airport about to open up, although the word from the airport and folks there right now is that there will be delays throughout the day -- back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: Another good reminder.
Chris, thanks for that.
Another good reminder to keep that snow cleared away from the tailpipe, too, if you're starting up your car out there.
Chad Myers is covering this storm in New Jersey.
We'll check in with Chad in a moment here.
First, though, Rob Marciano is back at the CNN Center with the latest from there now.
Rob -- good morning.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: More on the aftermath of a blizzard. How much gets done in New York City today could well depend on what's happening in Hoboken, New Jersey right now.
We'll check in there.
O'BRIEN: Also, the reason some Democrats held up the Condoleezza Rice confirmation vote might not have much to do with her becoming the next secretary of state.
HEMMER: Also, with just a week to go now before the elections in Iraq, security forces there taking the most extreme measures yet. Live to Baghdad when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: From Iraq now, new threats to disrupt elections there with only six days to go before Iraqis go to the polls. This as American officials vow that they are doing everything in their power to keep voters safe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ: No effort is being spared to provide the kind of security conditions that will enable as many people as possible in those areas to vote. This includes extraordinary security measures.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: That was from yesterday on CNN.
Today, with me now from Baghdad to help assess the security situation there, Brigadier General Irv
He's deputy operations director of multinational forces in Iraq.
And, General, thank you for your time.
I first want to start with the message from Zarqawi over the weekend declaring war on democracy in Iraq.
How much influence is he having at this point in the buildup to elections in six days?
BRIG. GEN. ERV LESSEL III, MULTINATIONAL FORCE IRAQ: Well, I think Zarqawi's comments about declaring war on democracy are resonating in a negative fashion with the Iraqi people. Most of the Iraqis want to vote, they want to participate in these elections on the 30th of January. And so I think Zarqawi continues to distance himself from the Iraqi people.
HEMMER: But how often do you hear his words printed in newspaper articles throughout Iraq? LESSEL: Well, Zarqawi has claimed credit for many of the attacks over this past year that have killed innocent Iraqis, that have targeted Iraqi security forces and that have tried to disrupt these elections. Last year, he came out and said that one of his objectives was to create sectarian violence and create civil war.
But clearly the people of Iraq do not support that and they're making every effort possible to ensure peace and a brighter future for Iraq by turning away from these terrorists.
HEMMER: But how can you judge, at this point, General, if the Sunnis are listening to him or not?
LESSEL: Well, in the polling information that we've seen, there's a large group of moderate Sunnis that would like to participate. They're being intimidated by Zarqawi and by other extremists, Sunni religious extremists. They're being intimidated by the former regime element, former Baathists that were part of Saddam's regime. And most Iraqis are turning away from this. They don't support it.
This insurgency needs popular support in order to succeed and it's not getting it.
HEMMER: The interim government, some sweeping security details leading up to the election. Three things to talk about -- a nationwide curfew will be in place; civilians will be banned from carrying weapons, which is no small order in the country of Iraq today; travel restrictions to be enforced.
How will all this help ensure a safer election on Sunday?
LESSEL: Well, the government has announced many of the measures, as you just stated. The multinational force will make every effort to support the enforcement of these. We will work very closely, hand in hand, with the Iraqi security forces to provide a secure environment. And we'll continue to implement even further measures in the coming days to provide the safest possible environment...
HEMMER: Yes, ultimately...
LESSEL: ... by limiting and restricting...
HEMMER: I apologize for the interruption here.
Ultimately, General, we do not know what's going to happen on Sunday, right?
I mean that's the big wild card in all of this.
Would you agree with that?
LESSEL: Well, I think every day we're getting closer to providing the level of security necessary. We know that there will be violence. We know that just in the past few days, there's been a 50 percent decrease in the number of attacks by these insurgents. We think it's the calm before the storm, that they're unable to sustain the level of attacks that they've had, but they're saving up for something more spectator in the days preceding elections and on election day.
But I think for the most part, the Iraqis will not be deterred by this violence.
HEMMER: One more thing I'd like to get your response to. The "L.A. Times" has a story today that indicates that more aggressive raids are now being carried out by the U.S. forces in Iraq.
Is that, indeed, the case, in recent days?
LESSEL: Right. Oh, it is. For the past nearly two months following the success in Falluja, we've been on the offensive. We've been taking the battle to the insurgents across the country. We've made progress in eroding the capabilities of Zarqawi's network. We're averaging nearly 1,000 -- well, we've had nearly 2,000 suspects detained just in the last two weeks. We've been discovering nearly 100 weapons caches each week. And every day more and more Iraqis are coming forward with intelligence information so that we can go out and capture these insurgents.
HEMMER: Brigadier General...
LESSEL: We're making progress.
HEMMER: Brigadier General Erv Lessel, thank you for your time there in Baghdad.
Six days and counting now to the vote throughout Iraq.
Here's Soledad.
LESSEL: My pleasure.
O'BRIEN: Christopher Lujan is a 22-year-old soldier. He is serving in Iraq. Thousands of Americans will meet him this week on the cover of "Time" magazine. Lujan was patrolling the streets of Mosul when this picture was taken.
Here is what his parents, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, had to say about their son and his photo.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SAMUEL LUJAN, FATHER: Oh, wow! Oh, look at the expression. How intense. Seeing this, he looks -- he looks good, he looks healthy, he looks strong and he looks the way he always looks -- determined, with that expression on his face.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: The Lujans expect to see their son back in the States some time next month.
Well, nearly everybody has a memory of Johnny Carson. Those are ahead.
And you may have heard the word, but do you really know what a blog is? And how are you going to change the way you get your news?
Those stories and more when AMERICAN MORNING continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE TONIGHT SHOW")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no! That's not fun.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Give me a break, I'm so lonely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: That is funny.
O'BRIEN: Don Rickles.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: That's funny.
Welcome back, everybody.
Time to check in with Jack.
He's got the Question of the Day.
CAFFERTY: Yes, favorite memories of Johnny Carson is kind of what we're fooling with in the e-mail this morning.
And Leif writes this: "Johnny as Carnac the Magnificent. Sis boom bah. What is the sound of a sheep exploding? Only Johnny Carson could deliver that line with class and not be attacked by the ASPCA."
HEMMER: Sis boom bah.
CAFFERTY: Sis boom bah.
Johnny, Nancy in Geneva, Nebraska: "I'm from Nebraska, so Johnny's incredible generosity to his home state is what I cherish. From theaters to medical facilities, he's donated so much to improve the quality of life here. He never forgot his roots."
J.R. in New Orleans writes: "As I grew up, my mother's day always ended watching "The Tonight Show." On the day of her death, I remember being devastated. That evening, the only uplifting moment was turning the television on and seeing Johnny Carson. It was a reminder of her and all the smiles that she brought me."
And J. in Chicago writes: "In college, I'd take a break from my studies, go to our campus bar every night before 11:30. Such consistency that a beer would be there waiting for me at my favorite seat. Some 28 years of Johnny. He was a friend I didn't know for decades. Here's Johnny, god. Be good to him."
HEMMER: Wow, nice.
O'BRIEN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
HEMMER: Such a dignified man, too, and carried himself with such class every time he was on that stage. And when the show was done, he was gone.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes.
HEMMER: He'd hop in that Corvette and drive up the PCH to Malibu.
CAFFERTY: When it's over, it's over.
HEMMER: That's right. Count of one, right, Jack?
CAFFERTY: Not unlike some of the people who work here.
HEMMER: That's exactly where I'm going.
Thank you.
What a mess outdoors. The snow has just about crippled Boston. But some things are just getting open at this hour. New York's open for business. The problem is, can anyone get to town? We'll check that out live across the Hudson after this on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It looks pretty from here, doesn't it? Try 11 degrees outside, about zero with the wind chill. Lady Liberty on a chilly Monday.
O'BRIEN: And she's cold.
HEMMER: And she's cold, too, as a matter of fact. That's why she's wearing a cape.
Welcome back, everybody.
8:30 here in New York.
The snow has stopped falling, but the Northeast blizzard still causing all kinds of trouble, especially for the commuters today trying to get to work.
Chad Myers across the river in New Jersey, where catching a train is proving to be quite tricky.
We'll get to Chad in a moment here and also the forecast for the whole country in a moment, as well.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired January 24, 2005 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good company at the end of a hard day -- remembering America's enduring late night friendship with Johnny Carson.
Six days and counting now until the vote in Iraq. And now the country's most wanted terrorist saying anyone who votes is an enemy of Islam.
And snow three feet deep in places. The Northeast buried by the blizzard of '05 and trying to dig out again, on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN broadcast center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
Welcome, everybody, as everybody in the Northeast cleans up from this messy, messy snowstorm. Well, actually not so bad right there, because they do a good job cleaning up Rockefeller Center.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Jack's checking out behind us.
How is it going?
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it doesn't snow in Rock Center. It never has, never will. You come in here after a blizzard, the sidewalks are cleaned, the streets are cleaned, the areas in front of the buildings are cleaned.
HEMMER: Yes.
CAFFERTY: It's spotless. It doesn't...
O'BRIEN: Two blocks down it's a mess but right here?
CAFFERTY: Yes, the rest of the city's paralyzed. Rock Center is spotless.
HEMMER: You know, there's a law in New York City, if you own a place or a business, if it's not cleaned off within four hours of the snow falling, you get fined $100.
O'BRIEN: Well, there's money changing hands this morning in my neighborhood, because no one's cleaned off their sidewalks. HEMMER: Incentive for that, too, this morning.
O'BRIEN: Anyway, that's one of our top stories this morning.
Also this morning, we are talking about Johnny Carson. Many Americans, of course, shocked to hear that Johnny Carson died. The host of "The Tonight Show" for 30 years, Carson changed bedtimes and he changed television, as well. We'll continue to take a look back at his legacy, also share some memories with comedian David Brenner, who was a regular on "The Tonight Show" as a guest and also a guest host.
HEMMER: Also, the weather continues to be a big story today. Winter setting in now. Is the flu season about to take a turn for the worst? Sanjay joins us to talk about that and what doctors are saying about the urgency of those flu shots. Sanjay is up a little later this hour.
CAFFERTY: Mr. Cafferty has got the Question of the Day.
CAFFERTY: The "Cafferty File" coming up in less than an hour, Soledad.
Odds makers are already weighing in on the chances of Donald Trump's latest marriage making it past next Tuesday. A bad case of insomnia. A man who has not slept in 20 years. Doctors have no idea why he can't go to sleep.
And more Carson stories, including a snapshot of a young lady who met him. She was working as a clerk in a supermarket in California when he came in there just two years ago. It's a touching little personal note that we'll share with you in "The File."
HEMMER: It's worth waiting for.
O'BRIEN: I am loving these stores.
Yes.
Thanks, Jack.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Carol Costello has the headlines on a Monday morning -- good morning, Carol.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you.
Good morning, everyone.
Now in the news, officials say Iraqi forces have detained a man they say was in charge of propaganda for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi earlier this month.
In the meantime, the political headquarters of Iraq's interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, becoming a target of a suicide bombing less than a week before the national elections. At least a dozen people were killed. A militant group led by Zarqawi is claiming responsibility for that attack.
Anti-abortion activists planning for a big demonstration later this morning in Washington. President Bush is expected to phone in his support for the demonstrators today from Camp David. He's there preparing his State of the Union speech. And this was the scene at the protest last year. Demonstrators are marking the 32nd anniversary of "Row v. Wade," the United States Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
Asa Hutchinson, an undersecretary at the Homeland Security Department, is apparently not so happy he was passed over for the top job. Hutchinson reportedly told an Arkansas newspaper he will announce today he is planning to resign effective March 1. That's when nominee Michael Chertoff takes over for Tom Ridge as homeland security secretary, of course, if he is confirmed.
And a repeat performance for Tom Brady. Is he not amazing? The defending champions, the New England Patriots, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Actually, they stomped them, 41-27. And, of course, they'll have a chance at another Super Bowl title. They'll face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles beat up on Atlanta 27-10 in yesterday's NFC championship game. Michael Vick not a factor.
Super Bowl 39 will be in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6. And I checked the Internet and Super Bowl tickets going for $6,000 apiece.
HEMMER: We'll take two.
COSTELLO: Yes, sure.
HEMMER: You know, the thing about the Patriots, no one celebrates when they score a touchdown.
COSTELLO: No.
HEMMER: It is all business all the time.
COSTELLO: Actually...
HEMMER: And that's done by the their head coach.
COSTELLO: That is refreshing.
O'BRIEN: I agree. None of this, you know, jumping around.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: Distracting.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
O'BRIEN: They're focused. That's why they're going to win the Super Bowl.
COSTELLO: That's like us on AMERICAN MORNING. We're focused.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
COSTELLO: Yes.
O'BRIEN: All right, Carol, thanks.
Comedian David Brenner appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson a whopping 158 times, both as a guest and a guest host. What does he remember most about the long time TV legend?
David Brenner joins us this morning from his home in Las Vegas.
Nice to see you, David.
Thanks for being with us.
A hundred and fifty-eight times, is that right?
DAVID BRENNER, COMEDIAN: Yes, right. That's all. And all...
O'BRIEN: Is that it?
BRENNER: And 157 monologues out of the 158. And one time I had a choice, because they were running late, and they said you can either do a monologue or you can just sit with Johnny. I said I'll just sit with Johnny and -- because why would I want someone cutting me off in the middle? And I knew Johnny would be great with me. So I sat down.
O'BRIEN: Tell us about your very first time on "The Tonight Show?"
BRENNER: Well, that was January 8, 1971, and I was a comedian about 14 months. I had auditioned, gotten the shot. And I went on and I was very relaxed because I didn't think I was going to stay in comedy. I was doing it as a lark. It turned out to be a very long lark. But when I finished that show, I had $3 in my pocket. And that was the only money I had, so -- that's the only money I had, $3. And the next day, I had $10,000 worth of job offers. That was the power of "The Tonight Show" back then.
And so you could say in, really, that everything I've made past those $3 in my life thanks to Johnny Carson.
O'BRIEN: He, people say, was incredibly generous in his own good fortune and his own incredible work ethic. He was very happy to share, which, as you well know, is not necessarily the case with this particular industry. Give me an example of that.
BRENNER: Well, I was once doing a benefit, raising money for children. I was hosting a big show and an auction. And I asked celebrities to send me something to auction off. And Johnny Carson sent me the cup that he kept on his desk. I couldn't believe it. I wanted to bid for it, but I thought that was, you know -- it wasn't the right thing to do.
O'BRIEN: You can't do that.
BRENNER: I wanted to, though. I wanted to have a show in the audience and outbid whoever bid on it. But some woman, an old lady from Nebraska got it for like $9,000. And so it was -- and he was that way. I sent him my last book that I wrote, the manuscript, just to say Johnny, how are you doing, thanks a lot, here's the thing that I've just written. And he wrote me back a letter, you know, how funny it was. And he said here, if you want a blurb for the back cover, you can use this. And he actually wrote it.
He was so generous with himself. He was -- he would -- I wish the public knew what a wonderful, warm human being he was.
O'BRIEN: There was a time when you had ratings that were higher than Johnny's and you were worried about that when you were guest hosting.
What was his reaction?
BRENNER: Well, I came in and I hosted -- it was one of these, one of the first weeks that I did, where I did Monday through Friday. And I came in Tuesday and I was told that my ratings the night before were higher than Johnny ever had. And then Fred de Cordova, the producer, came in and said, "Johnny's on the phone in my office." So I figured uh-oh, you know, you can be too good for a job. You can get fired. And I thought I was done.
And I went in and Johnny said, "Oh, I liked your monologue and this joke was great and the question to this guest, I liked that," blah, blah, blah. He said, "I understand your ratings were higher than I ever got."
And I said, "Yes, yes, I've been told that, Johnny."
I thought here he comes.
He says, "Well, I called you for that reason."
And I thought he was going to say thank you for hosting and I wish you a lot of luck in your career. And I said, yes, you know.
And he said, "I just want to thank you for bringing all those new fans to my show."
Now, how generous is that?
O'BRIEN: Incredibly generous.
Thanks for sharing some of those stories.
David Brenner joining us this morning.
It's been really, really interesting to hear a lot about Johnny Carson, both the public man and the private man, as well.
Carson, of course, making very few public appearances after his retirement. His friend Carl Reiner spoke with Larry King last night about Carson's reasons for keeping a low profile.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")
CARL REINER, FRIEND OF JOHNNY CARSON: Steve Martin was going to emcee the Oscars. And he had done it three or four times. And the introduction was going to be -- it was Steve Martin's idea -- they were going to give Steve the best introduction, like the greatest host that ever hosted the Oscars. And he was going to start to bow. And all he wanted Johnny to walk out and just look at him, shake his head and walk off. And Johnny thought that was wonderful. And he thought about it for 30 seconds. He said, "Ooh, I'd love to. It's so easy and it's so funny, it's going to get a big roar," he said. "But I'm retired."
He really felt that once he said -- he was a man of his word. He said I'm never going to work anymore.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Reiner once suggested Carson for the lead role in one of TV's most successful series. The lead, instead, went to Dick Van Dyke, freeing Carson for his late night career.
Tonight, Larry's guest will be Johnny Carson's long time sidekick, Ed McMahon. That's tonight on "LARRY KING LIVE" at 9:00 Eastern -- Bill.
HEMMER: About nine minutes now past the hour.
Shifting our focus now to weather, people from the capital to the Cape digging out after this huge weekend snowstorm. The blizzard dumped more than three feet of snow in some places. In the blizzard's wake, towering snow drifts and stranded travelers and more than a dozen deaths reported, as well.
That storm slammed the East Coast on Saturday, causing transportation havoc. Drivers abandoning their cars in the snow. White outs shut down apartments in Philly and in Boston. Here in New York City, more than a foot of light, dry snow made for great skiing conditions, even on some city streets and in Central Park. Cleanup crews keeping major roadways clear, but mass transit problems in New Jersey could be a problem again today. We're already hearing about some delays for commuters.
Further north, though, in Massachusetts, a state of emergency still, though this guy doesn't seem to be too upset about that. Hurricane force winds combined with a full moon and high tide, a perfect storm for one hardy surfer. More than three feet of snow in some areas of Massachusetts. The brunt of the blizzard went there.
Our Chris Huntington is live this morning in Boston.
How are things today?
Chris -- good morning there.
CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
It actually is a gorgeous morning right now, I must say. It is very chilly. It's about five, 10 degrees right now. We're down along the harbor side here in downtown Boston. As you can see behind me, things are clearing up. But this was, as they say in these parts, a wicked storm.
Plenty of snowfall, not quite a record amount here in downtown Boston, but in neighboring towns, 38 inches in Salem; three feet regularly in many of the outlying suburbs; downtown Boston here, 26 inches, an inch and a half shy of the all time record.
But the real story for this storm were the wind and the waves. Hurricane force winds. In fact, the Coast Guard had a hurricane force wind warning in effect from lower Massachusetts Bay up to the Gulf of Maine. Extraordinary winds buffeting Nantucket, Cape Cod. Nantucket was knocked out of power completely. It is almost fully restored now, but the folks were without power for almost the entire evening. About 30,000 residents for a while without power. We're told now that that has basically been cut in half. But there's still some folks who don't have full power.
Now, school has been canceled in most of the school districts around the Boston area. Mayor Tom Menino of Boston under some criticism, perhaps. Some say he over reacted. But frankly his response was when you look at the snow buildup around here, there's no place for children safely to navigate.
There were two fatalities attributed to this storm. Former "Boston Globe" columnist Dave Nyhan died while shoveling snow. And a young boy in Roxbury, just south of downtown Boston here, was found dead in a car, apparently the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning from an idling vehicle.
So things are getting back to normal. Logan Airport about to open up, although the word from the airport and folks there right now is that there will be delays throughout the day -- back to you, Bill.
HEMMER: Another good reminder.
Chris, thanks for that.
Another good reminder to keep that snow cleared away from the tailpipe, too, if you're starting up your car out there.
Chad Myers is covering this storm in New Jersey.
We'll check in with Chad in a moment here.
First, though, Rob Marciano is back at the CNN Center with the latest from there now.
Rob -- good morning.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Bill.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: More on the aftermath of a blizzard. How much gets done in New York City today could well depend on what's happening in Hoboken, New Jersey right now.
We'll check in there.
O'BRIEN: Also, the reason some Democrats held up the Condoleezza Rice confirmation vote might not have much to do with her becoming the next secretary of state.
HEMMER: Also, with just a week to go now before the elections in Iraq, security forces there taking the most extreme measures yet. Live to Baghdad when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: From Iraq now, new threats to disrupt elections there with only six days to go before Iraqis go to the polls. This as American officials vow that they are doing everything in their power to keep voters safe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ: No effort is being spared to provide the kind of security conditions that will enable as many people as possible in those areas to vote. This includes extraordinary security measures.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: That was from yesterday on CNN.
Today, with me now from Baghdad to help assess the security situation there, Brigadier General Irv
He's deputy operations director of multinational forces in Iraq.
And, General, thank you for your time.
I first want to start with the message from Zarqawi over the weekend declaring war on democracy in Iraq.
How much influence is he having at this point in the buildup to elections in six days?
BRIG. GEN. ERV LESSEL III, MULTINATIONAL FORCE IRAQ: Well, I think Zarqawi's comments about declaring war on democracy are resonating in a negative fashion with the Iraqi people. Most of the Iraqis want to vote, they want to participate in these elections on the 30th of January. And so I think Zarqawi continues to distance himself from the Iraqi people.
HEMMER: But how often do you hear his words printed in newspaper articles throughout Iraq? LESSEL: Well, Zarqawi has claimed credit for many of the attacks over this past year that have killed innocent Iraqis, that have targeted Iraqi security forces and that have tried to disrupt these elections. Last year, he came out and said that one of his objectives was to create sectarian violence and create civil war.
But clearly the people of Iraq do not support that and they're making every effort possible to ensure peace and a brighter future for Iraq by turning away from these terrorists.
HEMMER: But how can you judge, at this point, General, if the Sunnis are listening to him or not?
LESSEL: Well, in the polling information that we've seen, there's a large group of moderate Sunnis that would like to participate. They're being intimidated by Zarqawi and by other extremists, Sunni religious extremists. They're being intimidated by the former regime element, former Baathists that were part of Saddam's regime. And most Iraqis are turning away from this. They don't support it.
This insurgency needs popular support in order to succeed and it's not getting it.
HEMMER: The interim government, some sweeping security details leading up to the election. Three things to talk about -- a nationwide curfew will be in place; civilians will be banned from carrying weapons, which is no small order in the country of Iraq today; travel restrictions to be enforced.
How will all this help ensure a safer election on Sunday?
LESSEL: Well, the government has announced many of the measures, as you just stated. The multinational force will make every effort to support the enforcement of these. We will work very closely, hand in hand, with the Iraqi security forces to provide a secure environment. And we'll continue to implement even further measures in the coming days to provide the safest possible environment...
HEMMER: Yes, ultimately...
LESSEL: ... by limiting and restricting...
HEMMER: I apologize for the interruption here.
Ultimately, General, we do not know what's going to happen on Sunday, right?
I mean that's the big wild card in all of this.
Would you agree with that?
LESSEL: Well, I think every day we're getting closer to providing the level of security necessary. We know that there will be violence. We know that just in the past few days, there's been a 50 percent decrease in the number of attacks by these insurgents. We think it's the calm before the storm, that they're unable to sustain the level of attacks that they've had, but they're saving up for something more spectator in the days preceding elections and on election day.
But I think for the most part, the Iraqis will not be deterred by this violence.
HEMMER: One more thing I'd like to get your response to. The "L.A. Times" has a story today that indicates that more aggressive raids are now being carried out by the U.S. forces in Iraq.
Is that, indeed, the case, in recent days?
LESSEL: Right. Oh, it is. For the past nearly two months following the success in Falluja, we've been on the offensive. We've been taking the battle to the insurgents across the country. We've made progress in eroding the capabilities of Zarqawi's network. We're averaging nearly 1,000 -- well, we've had nearly 2,000 suspects detained just in the last two weeks. We've been discovering nearly 100 weapons caches each week. And every day more and more Iraqis are coming forward with intelligence information so that we can go out and capture these insurgents.
HEMMER: Brigadier General...
LESSEL: We're making progress.
HEMMER: Brigadier General Erv Lessel, thank you for your time there in Baghdad.
Six days and counting now to the vote throughout Iraq.
Here's Soledad.
LESSEL: My pleasure.
O'BRIEN: Christopher Lujan is a 22-year-old soldier. He is serving in Iraq. Thousands of Americans will meet him this week on the cover of "Time" magazine. Lujan was patrolling the streets of Mosul when this picture was taken.
Here is what his parents, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, had to say about their son and his photo.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SAMUEL LUJAN, FATHER: Oh, wow! Oh, look at the expression. How intense. Seeing this, he looks -- he looks good, he looks healthy, he looks strong and he looks the way he always looks -- determined, with that expression on his face.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: The Lujans expect to see their son back in the States some time next month.
Well, nearly everybody has a memory of Johnny Carson. Those are ahead.
And you may have heard the word, but do you really know what a blog is? And how are you going to change the way you get your news?
Those stories and more when AMERICAN MORNING continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE TONIGHT SHOW")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no! That's not fun.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Give me a break, I'm so lonely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: That is funny.
O'BRIEN: Don Rickles.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: That's funny.
Welcome back, everybody.
Time to check in with Jack.
He's got the Question of the Day.
CAFFERTY: Yes, favorite memories of Johnny Carson is kind of what we're fooling with in the e-mail this morning.
And Leif writes this: "Johnny as Carnac the Magnificent. Sis boom bah. What is the sound of a sheep exploding? Only Johnny Carson could deliver that line with class and not be attacked by the ASPCA."
HEMMER: Sis boom bah.
CAFFERTY: Sis boom bah.
Johnny, Nancy in Geneva, Nebraska: "I'm from Nebraska, so Johnny's incredible generosity to his home state is what I cherish. From theaters to medical facilities, he's donated so much to improve the quality of life here. He never forgot his roots."
J.R. in New Orleans writes: "As I grew up, my mother's day always ended watching "The Tonight Show." On the day of her death, I remember being devastated. That evening, the only uplifting moment was turning the television on and seeing Johnny Carson. It was a reminder of her and all the smiles that she brought me."
And J. in Chicago writes: "In college, I'd take a break from my studies, go to our campus bar every night before 11:30. Such consistency that a beer would be there waiting for me at my favorite seat. Some 28 years of Johnny. He was a friend I didn't know for decades. Here's Johnny, god. Be good to him."
HEMMER: Wow, nice.
O'BRIEN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
HEMMER: Such a dignified man, too, and carried himself with such class every time he was on that stage. And when the show was done, he was gone.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes.
HEMMER: He'd hop in that Corvette and drive up the PCH to Malibu.
CAFFERTY: When it's over, it's over.
HEMMER: That's right. Count of one, right, Jack?
CAFFERTY: Not unlike some of the people who work here.
HEMMER: That's exactly where I'm going.
Thank you.
What a mess outdoors. The snow has just about crippled Boston. But some things are just getting open at this hour. New York's open for business. The problem is, can anyone get to town? We'll check that out live across the Hudson after this on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It looks pretty from here, doesn't it? Try 11 degrees outside, about zero with the wind chill. Lady Liberty on a chilly Monday.
O'BRIEN: And she's cold.
HEMMER: And she's cold, too, as a matter of fact. That's why she's wearing a cape.
Welcome back, everybody.
8:30 here in New York.
The snow has stopped falling, but the Northeast blizzard still causing all kinds of trouble, especially for the commuters today trying to get to work.
Chad Myers across the river in New Jersey, where catching a train is proving to be quite tricky.
We'll get to Chad in a moment here and also the forecast for the whole country in a moment, as well.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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