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Iraqi Election Hailed as Success; Michael Jackson Jury Selection Begins Today; Tips on Preparing for Financial Crises

Aired January 31, 2005 - 10:00   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, CO-HOST, "AMERICAN MORNING": We've got run. Tomorrow, Carol, Jack.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: I'll be back.

HEMMER: Andy.

O'BRIEN: Everybody?

HEMMER: Here's Daryn and Rick now at the CNN Center. Morning guys, on a Monday.

DARYN KAGAN, CO-HOST: You guys have a great start to your week.

RICK SANCHEZ, CO-HOST: We're going to cover that breaking story you just mentioned moments ago, Soledad. Also, here's what's happening in the news right now.

And here we go. Jury selection to begin today in the child molestation trial of singer Michael Jackson. He is accused of plying a 13-year-old boy with alcohol and then fondling him.

About 750 potential jurors are going to answer questions over the next couple of days. But they could face a thousand journalists covering the proceedings. There's a possibility Jackson will be making an appearance, and if it happens, you'll see it right here on CNN, or expect to.

Also, Iraq's interim prime minister is calling on his countrymen to unite. After the nation's violent but successful election, Ayad Allawi says Iraqis can now build a stable country.

Insurgents' attacks killed 29 people and wounded more than 70 others. Nonetheless, turnout was high, and it may have surpassed the 57 percent that had been predicted. We're going to break down the numbers for you here.

Also, a frail health of Pope John Paul II facing a new challenge today. He's now having a bout with influenza. The 84-year-old pontiff is heeding doctors' advice. He's canceled his public events and a scheduled audience, as well. It's been more than a year since the pope has canceled his weekly public audiences.

Two days before President Bush delivers his State of the Union speech. Democratic lawmakers are trying to divert the spotlight. In back-to-back speeches, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid are challenging Mr. Bush's second term agenda. One will demand an exit strategy in Iraq. The other will repeat her criticisms of the president's reforms for Social Security. We'll have that for you, as well.

So, here we go. Hello again everybody, I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And good morning. Happy Monday morning. I am Daryn Kagan.

They are counting votes in Iraq.

Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is calling on all Iraqis to come together and build a future. His comments today follow the nation's first free election in a half century.

Millions of Iraqis defied insurgents' threats and voted yesterday. Official results aren't expected until next week.

There were more than a dozen election day attacks, killing at least 29 people. But officials say extensive security measures prevented much greater bloodshed.

And U.S. officials are hailing the vote, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says there is no timetable to withdraw 150,000 American troops.

So how do Iraqis feel about their future the day after this historic vote? Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, has been talking with people in Baghdad and joins us now with an update.

Christiane, hello.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, indeed, it was a victory for the people of Iraq yesterday, those who did actually come out to vote, and there were many. We still do not know the full turnout figures. And we don't know obviously the result of what happened at the polls yesterday. And as you say, we won't know for perhaps a week to 10 days.

But already, there is jubilation and impromptu demonstrations in places such as Sadr City, which is well known because of the violence that was there over the last year, but it's been peaceful and now has erupted in post-election joy, because that is the stronghold in Baghdad, like many of the Shiite areas around this country, which believes that it will gain much, if not most from this election.

Many are already saying that the Shiite spiritual leader here, the Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, has as much credit for this victory as anybody else, because it was he who constantly pressured and maneuvered the Americans, back when it was the official occupational authority, to actually hold a nationwide one-man, one-vote election.

The Americans at that time, Paul Bremer, the vice consul over here, had come up with a plan for regional caucuses. Sistani said, no, it's got to be elections, and this was the result yesterday. Ballot counting does continue. It started, obviously, as soon as the polls closed at about 5 p.m. last night. And people are getting ready to try to tally those votes. Some of them had to count in darkness, virtually -- flashlight, candlelight -- because despite that election and the happy feelings of yesterday, shortages do continue here.

As for what this election means and what the results will mean for the wide -- wider Arab democracy move that President Bush and the administration is aiming for, well, we asked Jordan's King Abdullah, a key U.S. ally in a neighboring country. We asked him what this would mean for greater democracy in the Arab world.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KING ABDULLAH, JORDAN: I think if we have good examples of democratic process, whether it's in Iraq or with -- with the Palestinians, it does help countries such as Jordan to be able to push the envelope. So I think what we saw yesterday in Iraq is a positive thing. I think it is a thing that will set a good tone for the Middle East, and I'm very optimistic.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

AMANPOUR: So we'll have more of that interview throughout the day. And, of course, we do wait for even early leaks or information about which way the election is shaping up. But, people do think that the United Iraqi Alliance, which was the so-called Shiite list, the cleric's list that we just talked about, will garner the most votes.

KAGAN: Christiane, you truly had a front row seat to history being made in Iraq yesterday. You were at some of these polling places. Give us an idea, if you could paint a picture, of what it felt like to be in there.

AMANPOUR: Well, if I can put it this way, I think for Iraqis, they really had to make a decision that morning. And many of them told us they hadn't slept all night. They were so excited, and also apprehensive about whether they would actually leave the house to go to the polls, because of the fears of violence.

And I think the same for us journalists. I mean, we were quite apprehensive about whether we would actually be able to get out and be able to report.

And everybody, I think, simply decided that this was the day that they had to put their best foot forward, to conquer fears and to go out and do what they had to do.

And we were very impressed to see those who we did see. And we were in Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad. You know, the election commission had designated only a few polling stations for the press, most of those in Shiite neighborhoods, partly I suppose because of security would probably be better there and also because turnout would be heavier there.

But anyway, we saw it. It was a great day for the people who came out, and it was a really great thing to witness for us.

KAGAN: Christiane Amanpour, live from Baghdad, thank you.

And our viewers will find more world reaction to the Iraqi vote, plus pictures and reports of the momentous event on our web site, CNN.com.

SANCHEZ: Michael Jackson is making a plea in the court of public opinion as his child molestation trial begins. The singer's asking everyone to keep an open mind.

Jackson's also blasting grand jury leaks with information that he calls, we quote, "disgusting and false."

Jackson's comments come in a video statement on his own web site. We have it for you here. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL JACKSON, ENTERTAINER: Years ago I allowed a family to visit and spend some time at Neverland. Neverland is my home. I allowed this family into my home, because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help. Through the years, I have helped thousands of children who were ill or in distress.

These events have caused a nightmare for my family, my children and me. I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable position again.

I love my community, and I have great faith in our justice system. Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court. I deserve a fair trial, like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told. Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANCHEZ: Now, his day in court may come very soon. We'll get his first look at his prospective jurors as selection begins in about 2 1/2 hours from now.

CNN's Miguel Marquez, he's covering the story of this jury selection from Santa Maria, California.

I guess anything having to do with Michael Jackson becomes a spectacle. Do they expect that to happen in a couple of hours, Miguel?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It seems that whenever he shows up that spectacle occurs. What will be different this time is that he can -- he alone can only be in that courtroom today. He can't bring the entourage that he has in the past because of space limitations, because they're going to be getting so many jurors in there to figure out who can serve on this jury.

I want to get an idea of how things are going outside the courtroom, to give you an idea of the spectacle that will be going on. Over this way, this is the press area. You can see that about a thousand members of the press signed up for press credentials yesterday.

You keep panning over to the right here, you can see some of the fans that have been here since 3 or 4 this morning. It looks like a lot of them were here overnight, actually. Seventy-five, maybe 100 fans out there. Also, victim's rights activists out there, as well.

Mr. Jackson, of course, is charged with four counts of child molestation, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent to assist in that molestation, one count of attempted child molestation, and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. There are 28 separate overt acts contained within that one count of conspiracy.

Mr. Jackson has pled not guilty to all of those charges.

Also, want to give you an idea, coming back down out live, of the -- the credentialing process. But a thousand journalists signed up for these credentials. It's -- it's a little like a backstage pass to a rock concert, and it's already starting to feel that way -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: I can only imagine when Michael Jackson makes his appearance.

Now, we're hearing, Miguel, that this judge who's presiding in this case doesn't exactly cotton to -- to celebrity antics. Is that so? And how will it affect the dynamic of this particular proceeding?

MARQUEZ: I don't know of any judges that cotton to celebrity antics. Rodney Melville, he's a superior court judge out here, usually a civil court judge. He is a long time resident of this area and a long time judge out here.

I've been in here for most of these pretrial hearings. I like the guy. He's very funny, has a very dry wit, cuts both sides to the quick if they try to do things that he doesn't like.

This judge's desire, it seems, is keep this thing moving to trial. He doesn't cotton for a lot of wasted time on either the prosecution or the defense side. And we've seen him cut them both off at the knees -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Will not tolerate tardiness, they write in the wires today, or even will deny bathroom breaks for defendants in some cases. Does that pretty much tell it?

MARQUEZ: Yes, this is -- this is a judge who wants to keep control. The tardiness issue came on Jackson's initial appearance here way back when about a year ago when he was about 20 minutes late. And the judge indicated very sternly then, "Mr. Jackson, you are 20 minutes late. You shall not be again."

Bathroom breaks are going to be regulated. The trial is set to go from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time. There's going to be three breaks throughout the day. No lunch break. So it's going to be a very quick, fast-moving day, and he wants to get -- plow through as much as possible -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Miguel Marquez, following it for us as it happens. We do thank you for that report. And certainly, we're going to have a lot more on the Jackson case straight ahead. In fact, we're going to be talking to somebody who's going to tell us a little bit about it.

KAGAN: Yes. Talking when he faces off with District Attorney Tom Sneddon. These two have been at it for years. You're going to hear from a jury consultant about why the process of selection is so critical.

SANCHEZ: And then a teenage boy on trial for murder. His attorneys blame the antidepressant drug Zoloft. We're going to be live from the courthouse. That's going to be coming to you from Charleston.

KAGAN: And high school students prepare for the all-important SAT. Is your stomach turning already? There's changes to it now. We're going to talk with an expert about this new format and what could make or break your student score.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Take a look below the Mason-Dixon line. This weekend's most important north-south boundary involved a freezing mark.

Freezing rain, paralyzed northern Georgia for most of Saturday, slowing and sometimes shutting down interstates and snarling air traffic at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Flights should be back to normal today, but about 32,000 homes and businesses across the state are still without power this morning.

Most of the power back at my house.

SANCHEZ: I had a heck of a time trying to go that thick ice off the car.

KAGAN: Hello, Florida boy.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Welcome to the...

KAGAN: That is called ice.

SANCHEZ: Yes. That was -- yes, I needed a pickax. You know? I was afraid I was going to damage the car.

MARCIANO: Yes, well, that's -- that's a possibility. A lot of people think pouring hot water over the windshield. That's not the brightest idea, either. You've just got to wait and thaw it out.

My truck was an ice cube in the parking lot here at CNN all weekend long. But now, guys, temperatures above freezing.

KAGAN: There you go. SANCHEZ: Tell us more, Rob. Tell us more.

(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: My golly, that's where that cold air belongs, Canada.

MARCIANO: Amen.

KAGAN: Stay up there.

MARCIANO: See you, guys.

KAGAN: The ups and downs of your personal finances could have you weathering some tough times.

SANCHEZ: Gerri Willis is going to be showing us how to be prepared for these tough times. Give us a little tease, Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN FINANCIAL EDITOR: Well, if you're prepared for a financial emergency, you're probably ahead of the game. We'll tell you what you need to know when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's check the markets on this Monday morning. Ka-pow. They're coming out strong. The Dow is up 58 points. Markets have been open 50 minutes. The NASDAQ is up, as well. It is up 22 points.

SANCHEZ: Death and taxes are said to be the only certainties in life, but you might want to add financial emergency to that list. And while you might not be able to avoid that job layoff or some of the health problems, you can take some steps to try and minimize the hardship.

Here now with her top five tips is CNN's personal financial editor, Gerri Willis, good enough to join us to give us some information.

And I guess the first part of this, Gerri, and this is a common- sense one, right, always have a safety net, have something to fall back on, right?

WILLIS: That's right, Rick. You definitely need a safety net. Talk to any financial adviser in the country, and they'll tell you, you need three to six months' worth of savings on hand. Hey, what if you lose your job? You're going to need money on hand to pay the bills as you go.

And experts also say it is a great idea, if you're in that situation where you lose your job, you have to immediately change the way you regard your finances. Cut back on spending dramatically. If you're using credit cards to fill the gap, you can be in big trouble.

SANCHEZ: What if your net's not big enough? Then what do you do? WILLIS: Well, you know, we talked about people when they lose a job. What if you have a huge household expense? Let's say the well breaks and you owe $15,000 to fix that. Three to six months' worth of savings isn't going to be enough to fix that.

What you need is a home equity line of credit. If you build up a lot of equity in your house, it's a great place to go for some help. So keep that in mind; it's a great option. And you can actually open one of these things spending very little money or no money at all. It's there if you need it.

SANCHEZ: Suppose you have an emergency and you're either not insured or underinsured, and it's something quite serious. Are there places, for example, in the government where you can turn to, to try and get some help?

WILLIS: Well, let's say the problem with your house is that you've just been through a tornado or a hurricane or a really bad storm. The fact is, the federal government will step in. Uncle Sam with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, will come in, particularly if the president calls -- describes your area as a disaster zone. Then you actually can get government money.

Secondary option there, if even FEMA doesn't cover all the costs, is the Small Business Administration may be available to give you loans for the additional money you're on the hook for.

SANCHEZ: If you have an emergency, not in the United States, but while you're traveling abroad, where do you go? Who do you turn to, and what do you ask for?

WILLIS: Well, isn't that a frightening scenario? There you are. You're out of the country, and say you lose your wallet, your passport, your money, maybe even your cell phone? You have nothing.

Well, you want to go to the U.S. embassy or the consulate. They will help you contact friends and family who can then wire you money, and they will hook you up with another passport.

SANCHEZ: Here's one that happens to a lot of people, and sometimes we don't prepare for it. You have a medical emergency. You have a situation where you have to go to the hospital or someone in your family does. And then when you get the bill afterward, and supposedly you're well, you get sick again just looking at it.

What do you do? And what are your options? And how do you prepare for that?

WILLIS: It's a really big problem, Rick. This is one of the No. 1 reasons that people file for Chapter 11 is because of unexpected medical bills. It's particularly onerous for people who don't have any health care insurance. And I mean, think about it.

And studies show that hospitals, for example, charge the uninsured more than they charge the insured for the same services. It can be a real problem. So if you're in that scenario, you definitely want to check your bill and make sure you're not being overcharged.

Now, one place to go if you're looking for money to pay those medical bills, you can borrow from your IRA. You can also borrow from your 401(k), but your IRA will allow you to do it without paying it back. You will, however, pay income taxes on the amount of money you take out -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Wait, let me rewind here. Did you just say that a hospital, if they know that you have insurance, they will charge you less than if they know you don't have insurance?

WILLIS: There are cases where people who are uninsured get higher bills for the same services as people who have insurance. So you've got to be really careful.

As a matter of fact, you might want to think about contacting -- contacting an attorney if you think you're in this scenario, because at the end of the day, look, it's not fair. You've got to complain.

SANCHEZ: Wow. Good point. Thanks. Gerri Willis, as usual, with our top five tips for the day.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

SANCHEZ: See you next time. Appreciate it.

KAGAN: We're going to get back to international news. A day after voters go to the polls in Iraq, a lot of Americans are saying, OK, can the U.S. troops now come home? We'll have a reality check from the Pentagon.

SANCHEZ: And billions of dollars in Iraqi reconstruction money apparently, well, can't find it. We're going to tell you what happened, or try to.

Stay with us. We'll be back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Welcome back, everyone. It's, well, 28 minutes past the hour, almost the midpoint yet. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. Good morning once again. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.

Jury selection in the Michael Jackson trial gets underway two hours from now. Three hundred prospective jurors are expected in court today to fill out questionnaires. It could take at least a month to seat a jury. Excuse me, to seat a jury. The trial itself could last until summer. Jackson has pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy.

In the streets of Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered to protest Wednesday's planned withdraw from Gaza. Protesters say Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon doesn't have the authority to dismantle Jewish settlements without a referendum. Thousands of people could be forced from their homes.

Swearing in ceremonies for new education secretary, Margaret Spellings, will occur in a few minutes. And you see a live picture there from Washington, D.C. Spellings began work last week after the Senate confirmed her nomination.

She's already made headlines in her new job. She criticized PBS for an episode of "Postcards from Buster" that featured two lesbian couples. Spellings said many parents wouldn't want their children exposed to those lifestyles.

We do expect comments from President Bush at the swearing in. And you will see that live here on CNN.

Speaking of the president, he is calling the Iraqi elections a resounding success. The president spoke from the White House yesterday, seen here on CNN. Mr. Bush said Iraqis have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And he is vowing to stand by Iraq's new government.

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


Aired January 31, 2005 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CO-HOST, "AMERICAN MORNING": We've got run. Tomorrow, Carol, Jack.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: I'll be back.

HEMMER: Andy.

O'BRIEN: Everybody?

HEMMER: Here's Daryn and Rick now at the CNN Center. Morning guys, on a Monday.

DARYN KAGAN, CO-HOST: You guys have a great start to your week.

RICK SANCHEZ, CO-HOST: We're going to cover that breaking story you just mentioned moments ago, Soledad. Also, here's what's happening in the news right now.

And here we go. Jury selection to begin today in the child molestation trial of singer Michael Jackson. He is accused of plying a 13-year-old boy with alcohol and then fondling him.

About 750 potential jurors are going to answer questions over the next couple of days. But they could face a thousand journalists covering the proceedings. There's a possibility Jackson will be making an appearance, and if it happens, you'll see it right here on CNN, or expect to.

Also, Iraq's interim prime minister is calling on his countrymen to unite. After the nation's violent but successful election, Ayad Allawi says Iraqis can now build a stable country.

Insurgents' attacks killed 29 people and wounded more than 70 others. Nonetheless, turnout was high, and it may have surpassed the 57 percent that had been predicted. We're going to break down the numbers for you here.

Also, a frail health of Pope John Paul II facing a new challenge today. He's now having a bout with influenza. The 84-year-old pontiff is heeding doctors' advice. He's canceled his public events and a scheduled audience, as well. It's been more than a year since the pope has canceled his weekly public audiences.

Two days before President Bush delivers his State of the Union speech. Democratic lawmakers are trying to divert the spotlight. In back-to-back speeches, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid are challenging Mr. Bush's second term agenda. One will demand an exit strategy in Iraq. The other will repeat her criticisms of the president's reforms for Social Security. We'll have that for you, as well.

So, here we go. Hello again everybody, I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And good morning. Happy Monday morning. I am Daryn Kagan.

They are counting votes in Iraq.

Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is calling on all Iraqis to come together and build a future. His comments today follow the nation's first free election in a half century.

Millions of Iraqis defied insurgents' threats and voted yesterday. Official results aren't expected until next week.

There were more than a dozen election day attacks, killing at least 29 people. But officials say extensive security measures prevented much greater bloodshed.

And U.S. officials are hailing the vote, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says there is no timetable to withdraw 150,000 American troops.

So how do Iraqis feel about their future the day after this historic vote? Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, has been talking with people in Baghdad and joins us now with an update.

Christiane, hello.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, indeed, it was a victory for the people of Iraq yesterday, those who did actually come out to vote, and there were many. We still do not know the full turnout figures. And we don't know obviously the result of what happened at the polls yesterday. And as you say, we won't know for perhaps a week to 10 days.

But already, there is jubilation and impromptu demonstrations in places such as Sadr City, which is well known because of the violence that was there over the last year, but it's been peaceful and now has erupted in post-election joy, because that is the stronghold in Baghdad, like many of the Shiite areas around this country, which believes that it will gain much, if not most from this election.

Many are already saying that the Shiite spiritual leader here, the Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, has as much credit for this victory as anybody else, because it was he who constantly pressured and maneuvered the Americans, back when it was the official occupational authority, to actually hold a nationwide one-man, one-vote election.

The Americans at that time, Paul Bremer, the vice consul over here, had come up with a plan for regional caucuses. Sistani said, no, it's got to be elections, and this was the result yesterday. Ballot counting does continue. It started, obviously, as soon as the polls closed at about 5 p.m. last night. And people are getting ready to try to tally those votes. Some of them had to count in darkness, virtually -- flashlight, candlelight -- because despite that election and the happy feelings of yesterday, shortages do continue here.

As for what this election means and what the results will mean for the wide -- wider Arab democracy move that President Bush and the administration is aiming for, well, we asked Jordan's King Abdullah, a key U.S. ally in a neighboring country. We asked him what this would mean for greater democracy in the Arab world.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KING ABDULLAH, JORDAN: I think if we have good examples of democratic process, whether it's in Iraq or with -- with the Palestinians, it does help countries such as Jordan to be able to push the envelope. So I think what we saw yesterday in Iraq is a positive thing. I think it is a thing that will set a good tone for the Middle East, and I'm very optimistic.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

AMANPOUR: So we'll have more of that interview throughout the day. And, of course, we do wait for even early leaks or information about which way the election is shaping up. But, people do think that the United Iraqi Alliance, which was the so-called Shiite list, the cleric's list that we just talked about, will garner the most votes.

KAGAN: Christiane, you truly had a front row seat to history being made in Iraq yesterday. You were at some of these polling places. Give us an idea, if you could paint a picture, of what it felt like to be in there.

AMANPOUR: Well, if I can put it this way, I think for Iraqis, they really had to make a decision that morning. And many of them told us they hadn't slept all night. They were so excited, and also apprehensive about whether they would actually leave the house to go to the polls, because of the fears of violence.

And I think the same for us journalists. I mean, we were quite apprehensive about whether we would actually be able to get out and be able to report.

And everybody, I think, simply decided that this was the day that they had to put their best foot forward, to conquer fears and to go out and do what they had to do.

And we were very impressed to see those who we did see. And we were in Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad. You know, the election commission had designated only a few polling stations for the press, most of those in Shiite neighborhoods, partly I suppose because of security would probably be better there and also because turnout would be heavier there.

But anyway, we saw it. It was a great day for the people who came out, and it was a really great thing to witness for us.

KAGAN: Christiane Amanpour, live from Baghdad, thank you.

And our viewers will find more world reaction to the Iraqi vote, plus pictures and reports of the momentous event on our web site, CNN.com.

SANCHEZ: Michael Jackson is making a plea in the court of public opinion as his child molestation trial begins. The singer's asking everyone to keep an open mind.

Jackson's also blasting grand jury leaks with information that he calls, we quote, "disgusting and false."

Jackson's comments come in a video statement on his own web site. We have it for you here. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL JACKSON, ENTERTAINER: Years ago I allowed a family to visit and spend some time at Neverland. Neverland is my home. I allowed this family into my home, because they told me their son was ill with cancer and needed my help. Through the years, I have helped thousands of children who were ill or in distress.

These events have caused a nightmare for my family, my children and me. I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable position again.

I love my community, and I have great faith in our justice system. Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court. I deserve a fair trial, like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told. Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANCHEZ: Now, his day in court may come very soon. We'll get his first look at his prospective jurors as selection begins in about 2 1/2 hours from now.

CNN's Miguel Marquez, he's covering the story of this jury selection from Santa Maria, California.

I guess anything having to do with Michael Jackson becomes a spectacle. Do they expect that to happen in a couple of hours, Miguel?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It seems that whenever he shows up that spectacle occurs. What will be different this time is that he can -- he alone can only be in that courtroom today. He can't bring the entourage that he has in the past because of space limitations, because they're going to be getting so many jurors in there to figure out who can serve on this jury.

I want to get an idea of how things are going outside the courtroom, to give you an idea of the spectacle that will be going on. Over this way, this is the press area. You can see that about a thousand members of the press signed up for press credentials yesterday.

You keep panning over to the right here, you can see some of the fans that have been here since 3 or 4 this morning. It looks like a lot of them were here overnight, actually. Seventy-five, maybe 100 fans out there. Also, victim's rights activists out there, as well.

Mr. Jackson, of course, is charged with four counts of child molestation, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent to assist in that molestation, one count of attempted child molestation, and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. There are 28 separate overt acts contained within that one count of conspiracy.

Mr. Jackson has pled not guilty to all of those charges.

Also, want to give you an idea, coming back down out live, of the -- the credentialing process. But a thousand journalists signed up for these credentials. It's -- it's a little like a backstage pass to a rock concert, and it's already starting to feel that way -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: I can only imagine when Michael Jackson makes his appearance.

Now, we're hearing, Miguel, that this judge who's presiding in this case doesn't exactly cotton to -- to celebrity antics. Is that so? And how will it affect the dynamic of this particular proceeding?

MARQUEZ: I don't know of any judges that cotton to celebrity antics. Rodney Melville, he's a superior court judge out here, usually a civil court judge. He is a long time resident of this area and a long time judge out here.

I've been in here for most of these pretrial hearings. I like the guy. He's very funny, has a very dry wit, cuts both sides to the quick if they try to do things that he doesn't like.

This judge's desire, it seems, is keep this thing moving to trial. He doesn't cotton for a lot of wasted time on either the prosecution or the defense side. And we've seen him cut them both off at the knees -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Will not tolerate tardiness, they write in the wires today, or even will deny bathroom breaks for defendants in some cases. Does that pretty much tell it?

MARQUEZ: Yes, this is -- this is a judge who wants to keep control. The tardiness issue came on Jackson's initial appearance here way back when about a year ago when he was about 20 minutes late. And the judge indicated very sternly then, "Mr. Jackson, you are 20 minutes late. You shall not be again."

Bathroom breaks are going to be regulated. The trial is set to go from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time. There's going to be three breaks throughout the day. No lunch break. So it's going to be a very quick, fast-moving day, and he wants to get -- plow through as much as possible -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Miguel Marquez, following it for us as it happens. We do thank you for that report. And certainly, we're going to have a lot more on the Jackson case straight ahead. In fact, we're going to be talking to somebody who's going to tell us a little bit about it.

KAGAN: Yes. Talking when he faces off with District Attorney Tom Sneddon. These two have been at it for years. You're going to hear from a jury consultant about why the process of selection is so critical.

SANCHEZ: And then a teenage boy on trial for murder. His attorneys blame the antidepressant drug Zoloft. We're going to be live from the courthouse. That's going to be coming to you from Charleston.

KAGAN: And high school students prepare for the all-important SAT. Is your stomach turning already? There's changes to it now. We're going to talk with an expert about this new format and what could make or break your student score.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

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KAGAN: Take a look below the Mason-Dixon line. This weekend's most important north-south boundary involved a freezing mark.

Freezing rain, paralyzed northern Georgia for most of Saturday, slowing and sometimes shutting down interstates and snarling air traffic at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Flights should be back to normal today, but about 32,000 homes and businesses across the state are still without power this morning.

Most of the power back at my house.

SANCHEZ: I had a heck of a time trying to go that thick ice off the car.

KAGAN: Hello, Florida boy.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Welcome to the...

KAGAN: That is called ice.

SANCHEZ: Yes. That was -- yes, I needed a pickax. You know? I was afraid I was going to damage the car.

MARCIANO: Yes, well, that's -- that's a possibility. A lot of people think pouring hot water over the windshield. That's not the brightest idea, either. You've just got to wait and thaw it out.

My truck was an ice cube in the parking lot here at CNN all weekend long. But now, guys, temperatures above freezing.

KAGAN: There you go. SANCHEZ: Tell us more, Rob. Tell us more.

(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: My golly, that's where that cold air belongs, Canada.

MARCIANO: Amen.

KAGAN: Stay up there.

MARCIANO: See you, guys.

KAGAN: The ups and downs of your personal finances could have you weathering some tough times.

SANCHEZ: Gerri Willis is going to be showing us how to be prepared for these tough times. Give us a little tease, Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN FINANCIAL EDITOR: Well, if you're prepared for a financial emergency, you're probably ahead of the game. We'll tell you what you need to know when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

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KAGAN: Let's check the markets on this Monday morning. Ka-pow. They're coming out strong. The Dow is up 58 points. Markets have been open 50 minutes. The NASDAQ is up, as well. It is up 22 points.

SANCHEZ: Death and taxes are said to be the only certainties in life, but you might want to add financial emergency to that list. And while you might not be able to avoid that job layoff or some of the health problems, you can take some steps to try and minimize the hardship.

Here now with her top five tips is CNN's personal financial editor, Gerri Willis, good enough to join us to give us some information.

And I guess the first part of this, Gerri, and this is a common- sense one, right, always have a safety net, have something to fall back on, right?

WILLIS: That's right, Rick. You definitely need a safety net. Talk to any financial adviser in the country, and they'll tell you, you need three to six months' worth of savings on hand. Hey, what if you lose your job? You're going to need money on hand to pay the bills as you go.

And experts also say it is a great idea, if you're in that situation where you lose your job, you have to immediately change the way you regard your finances. Cut back on spending dramatically. If you're using credit cards to fill the gap, you can be in big trouble.

SANCHEZ: What if your net's not big enough? Then what do you do? WILLIS: Well, you know, we talked about people when they lose a job. What if you have a huge household expense? Let's say the well breaks and you owe $15,000 to fix that. Three to six months' worth of savings isn't going to be enough to fix that.

What you need is a home equity line of credit. If you build up a lot of equity in your house, it's a great place to go for some help. So keep that in mind; it's a great option. And you can actually open one of these things spending very little money or no money at all. It's there if you need it.

SANCHEZ: Suppose you have an emergency and you're either not insured or underinsured, and it's something quite serious. Are there places, for example, in the government where you can turn to, to try and get some help?

WILLIS: Well, let's say the problem with your house is that you've just been through a tornado or a hurricane or a really bad storm. The fact is, the federal government will step in. Uncle Sam with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, will come in, particularly if the president calls -- describes your area as a disaster zone. Then you actually can get government money.

Secondary option there, if even FEMA doesn't cover all the costs, is the Small Business Administration may be available to give you loans for the additional money you're on the hook for.

SANCHEZ: If you have an emergency, not in the United States, but while you're traveling abroad, where do you go? Who do you turn to, and what do you ask for?

WILLIS: Well, isn't that a frightening scenario? There you are. You're out of the country, and say you lose your wallet, your passport, your money, maybe even your cell phone? You have nothing.

Well, you want to go to the U.S. embassy or the consulate. They will help you contact friends and family who can then wire you money, and they will hook you up with another passport.

SANCHEZ: Here's one that happens to a lot of people, and sometimes we don't prepare for it. You have a medical emergency. You have a situation where you have to go to the hospital or someone in your family does. And then when you get the bill afterward, and supposedly you're well, you get sick again just looking at it.

What do you do? And what are your options? And how do you prepare for that?

WILLIS: It's a really big problem, Rick. This is one of the No. 1 reasons that people file for Chapter 11 is because of unexpected medical bills. It's particularly onerous for people who don't have any health care insurance. And I mean, think about it.

And studies show that hospitals, for example, charge the uninsured more than they charge the insured for the same services. It can be a real problem. So if you're in that scenario, you definitely want to check your bill and make sure you're not being overcharged.

Now, one place to go if you're looking for money to pay those medical bills, you can borrow from your IRA. You can also borrow from your 401(k), but your IRA will allow you to do it without paying it back. You will, however, pay income taxes on the amount of money you take out -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Wait, let me rewind here. Did you just say that a hospital, if they know that you have insurance, they will charge you less than if they know you don't have insurance?

WILLIS: There are cases where people who are uninsured get higher bills for the same services as people who have insurance. So you've got to be really careful.

As a matter of fact, you might want to think about contacting -- contacting an attorney if you think you're in this scenario, because at the end of the day, look, it's not fair. You've got to complain.

SANCHEZ: Wow. Good point. Thanks. Gerri Willis, as usual, with our top five tips for the day.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

SANCHEZ: See you next time. Appreciate it.

KAGAN: We're going to get back to international news. A day after voters go to the polls in Iraq, a lot of Americans are saying, OK, can the U.S. troops now come home? We'll have a reality check from the Pentagon.

SANCHEZ: And billions of dollars in Iraqi reconstruction money apparently, well, can't find it. We're going to tell you what happened, or try to.

Stay with us. We'll be back.

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SANCHEZ: Welcome back, everyone. It's, well, 28 minutes past the hour, almost the midpoint yet. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. Good morning once again. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.

Jury selection in the Michael Jackson trial gets underway two hours from now. Three hundred prospective jurors are expected in court today to fill out questionnaires. It could take at least a month to seat a jury. Excuse me, to seat a jury. The trial itself could last until summer. Jackson has pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy.

In the streets of Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered to protest Wednesday's planned withdraw from Gaza. Protesters say Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon doesn't have the authority to dismantle Jewish settlements without a referendum. Thousands of people could be forced from their homes.

Swearing in ceremonies for new education secretary, Margaret Spellings, will occur in a few minutes. And you see a live picture there from Washington, D.C. Spellings began work last week after the Senate confirmed her nomination.

She's already made headlines in her new job. She criticized PBS for an episode of "Postcards from Buster" that featured two lesbian couples. Spellings said many parents wouldn't want their children exposed to those lifestyles.

We do expect comments from President Bush at the swearing in. And you will see that live here on CNN.

Speaking of the president, he is calling the Iraqi elections a resounding success. The president spoke from the White House yesterday, seen here on CNN. Mr. Bush said Iraqis have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And he is vowing to stand by Iraq's new government.

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