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American Morning
Police Station Attacks in Iraq; Condoleezza Rice on Her Way to Rome; Iran and Nukes
Aired February 07, 2005 - 09:01 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.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Condoleezza Rice leaves the Middle East with two big promises, an invitation and progress toward peace. The administration says diplomacy is the preferred method to deal with Iran, too. But Tehran's answer to the State of the Union address is, they'll retaliate if they're attacked.
And the New England Patriots do it again. Two of the Super Bowl's biggest stars are in seventh heaven on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.
O'BRIEN: Good morning. Welcome back, everybody. Rob Marciano is here. He's filling in for Bill Hemmer, who took the day off.
Nice to have you.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN ANCHOR: Nice to be here. Thanks for having me.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
Well, some news making headlines this morning. There have been several deadly attacks in Iraq today. It looks like the insurgents are trying to send a message. We're going to bring you a live update from Baghdad in just a few moments.
MARCIANO: Also, Iran has its backup over the president's State of the Union remarks. Right now, though, it's a war of words between Washington and Tehran. We'll ask a Texas senator if it's going to get more serious than that.
O'BRIEN: Yes. We'll be talking to Senator Cornyn in just a little bit.
Mr. Cafferty, good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Ms. O'Brien, we're about to be inundated with tens of millions of dollars worth of advertising on both sides of the Social Security debate. We're asking this morning how you're planning for your own retirement.
Share with us the details. Send us your financial statements, your bank books. We'd like to take a look at these things -- insurance polices. AM@CNN.com. We'll read some letters in a few minutes. O'BRIEN: The names of the children you'll be moving in with, which has been a big response.
CAFFERTY: Yes. A lot of people saying, "I'm moving in with my kids and will torture them for the entire remaining days that I have."
O'BRIEN: I have to remember to call my parents and see if that's...
CAFFERTY: By the way, if any of my children are watching, don't even try it!
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Jack.
Well, two deadly attacks this morning in Iraq against police stations in Baquba and Mosul, killing more than two dozen police officers and police recruits.
Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson live in Baghdad for us this morning.
Hey, Nic. Good morning again.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Soledad. Good morning.
Both those attacks came within an hour of each other. The one in Mosul, at 10:30 in the morning. A suicide bomber walked into a police recruitment center there, detonated his explosives, killed at least 12 people, we're told, and wounded at least four other. Now, according to a jihadi Web site that claimed responsibility for the suicide bomber, the suicide bomber found the most crowded location before letting -- before detonating his explosives.
Also in Mosul, three mortar rounds were fired at the governor office there. One of those rounds landed in a cafe, killed at least one person, wounded three others, we're told.
In the same city, however, the multinational force, the coalition forces there, reporting some success. They say in the last 24 hours, they've had two tip-offs which have allowed them to diffuse roadside bombs that could have detonated and blown up their vehicles, diffused them before they went off in the town of Baquba. That's where the other police training, the police recruitment center was targeted.
We're told there a car full of explosives was driven into -- into a group of young would-be police recruits outside a police station. The car blew up. It was one of the most powerful blasts in the area, we're told, for a long time.
It killed at least 14 -- 14 of the recruits, wounded at least 16 others. Knocked lumps (ph) off neighboring buildings. But according to U.S. officials in that city, there were some 200 recruits already inside the police station. Most of those managed to escape without injuries -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Nic Robertson for us this morning. Nic Robertson reporting. Thanks, Nic. Appreciate it.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is on her way to Rome at this hour after spending part of the weekend in Israel and the West Bank assessing the Mideast peace process.
CNN's Guy Raz live for us in Ramallah with details.
Guy, good morning.
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.
Condoleezza Rice couldn't have chosen a more critical time to come to the region. A fragile and delicate period of calm has been established between Israelis and Palestinians. And over the past two days, Condoleezza Rice was here in a sense to bolster the spirit of cooperation, the momentum that seems to have appeared between the political ears on both sides in the past few days.
Now, she made three very important announcements here. The first is the appointment of William Ward, former Lieutenant General William Ward, to serve as a security overseeer in a sense. He will arrive here to make sure -- to monitor security coordination between Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
The second was an invitation she extended to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, to meet with President Bush in the White House. And the third, and perhaps most important, is a pledge for the United States to take an active role in the Middle East peace process to help revive it. Now, that will come as very welcomed news by Palestinian leaders who have longed sought an active U.S. role in the process, believing essentially that only the United States can help it succeed.
But ultimately, this trip really was about introductions. Both sides, both Israelis and Palestinians, know Condoleezza Rice well. They don't know the extent to which she and the Bush administration is willing now to reengage in the peace process.
So ultimately, both sides also know that Condoleezza Rice comes at the weight of the White House behind her. She has a close relationship with the president. And that is perhaps what differentiates her from her predecessor, Colin Powell -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Well, as they say, we will see at the end of the day, right? Guy Raz for us this morning. Guy, thanks -- Rob.
MARCIANO: First Jack's sitting next to you, now Heidi Collins. Quite a difference.
O'BRIEN: Really?
MARCIANO: Yes, I think so.
(CROSSTALK)
MARCIANO: It's a good thing. What's going on, Heidi?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Want to get to the headlines now this morning.
As you probably know, Boston gearing up for a huge victory parade. The Patriots won their third Super Bowl in just four years last night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21. Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was named most valuable player with his Super Bowl record tying 11 receptions. We hear from him -- Rob talked to him -- just ahead.
Meanwhile, Patriots fans appear to be taking the team's victory in stride under the watch of about 1,000 officers, police officers, that is. The big party is set to take place tomorrow.
President Bush's $2.5 trillion budget has been sent to Congress for approval. These are pictures of the budget plan being delivered just a short while ago.
It's considered the tightest budget of the Bush administration. The plan increases military and international spending. But the president's plan cuts aid for some 150 programs, including education and environmental protection. More details of the budget will be released in the next hour.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security director nominee Michael Chertoff inching towards confirmation. A Senate panel is scheduled to vote tonight to approve Chertoff and send his nomination to the Senate floor. Chertoff has faced some criticism for his role in the roundup of hundreds of Muslims following the 9/11 terror attacks.
And feather boas and colorful beads. The Mardi Gras revelry in full swing in New Orleans. Bars on Bourbon Street were festive, and parties said to continue through tomorrow night, making it Fat Tuesday.
O'BRIEN: Have you ever been to that?
COLLINS: I have not.
O'BRIEN: Me neither.
COLLINS: It's just really not my thing.
MARCIANO: I've been a number of times.
COLLINS: You have?
MARCIANO: I used to live down there in Louisiana. Not because it's an annual pilgrimage.
COLLINS: Who'd a thunk?
MARCIANO: Yes. It is a good time. (SPEAKING IN FRENCH), as they say. Let the good times roll. O'BRIEN: Oh my goodness. And he speaks French too.
MARCIANO: That's all I know.
(LAUGHTER)
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Heidi. Appreciate it.
Well, in the State of the Union address, President Bush put Iran on notice to give up its nuclear ambitions. Iran's now responded.
CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more on the administration's next move.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In this year's State of the Union address, President Bush did not call Iran the axis of evil. But it was pretty close.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror, pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve.
MALVEAUX: On this day, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator fired back, saying any aggressive military action by the U.S. would be answered in kind.
HASSAN ROHANI, SUPREME NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I don't think America itself will take such a risk because America knows very well that we will strongly answer such an attack. The Americans are very well aware of our capabilities. They know our capabilities for retaliating against such attacks.
MALVEAUX: But top White House officials insist the U.S. is working with its European allies on a diplomatic solution to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think there's a good faith effort underway by our European allies to try to resolve this matter diplomatically. We support that effort.
MALVEAUX: But Bush critics say the president needs to do more. While Britain, France and Germany have offered economic and diplomatic incentives to motivate Iran to suspend its nuclear program, the Bush administration is holding out.
MADELINE ALBRIGHT, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: We can't be waiting for a change in regime in Iran. Then, also, it seems, that even the reformers are eager to have some kind of a nuclear capability.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We can't take the military option completely off the table, but we can't saber rattle either.
MALVEAUX: One former secretary of state warns if Mr. Bush's policy is not successful, the consequences could be dire.
HENRY KISSINGER, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: If nuclear weapons spread to Iran, the genie will be really totally out of the bottle and we will live in a different world, with huge risks for mankind.
MALVEAUX (on camera): And in a clear sign the administration's is to downplay any potential conflict with Iran, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who appeared on four talk shows on the subject of Iran, had very little to say.
Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
O'BRIEN: Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas has been a strong advocate for regime change in Iran. He joins us from Capitol Hill this morning.
Thanks for being with us, sir. Nice to see you.
SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R), TEXAS: Good morning.
O'BRIEN: Iran, as you heard Susan's piece, coming back pretty strongly, using the words "retaliate" in kind, if indeed there is any kind of military action against Iran. What do you make of that?
CORNYN: Well, I think Iran has to be feeling a little nervous. The leaders, the autocratic leadership there, have to feel a little nervous with Afghanistan having its first free elections, and then with the successful elections in Iraq just about a week ago. That neighborhood has changed quite a bit.
I think it's giving some encouragement to democratic forces within Iran. And I believe we ought to do everything we can possible to support those efforts both inside of that country and outside of the country.
O'BRIEN: Although we have heard consistently from Condoleezza Rice that military action against Iran is, "simply not on the agenda for now." Can diplomacy -- I mean, you've heard the issued in her spot -- can diplomacy really work when you're talking about issues as serious as these are?
CORNYN: Well, I think we have seen some in 1997, with the reform-minded president elected in Iran. But then, of course, the mullahs cracked down on that and essentially incapacitated him from a political standpoint. So we have seen some encouraging efforts there.
A lot of these regimes, of course, are simply going to rot way over time as the forces of democracy and freedom begin to sweep the Middle East. And I think it really is just a matter of time before you do see a change of the regime in Iran. And frankly, it will be for the better, because peaceful democracies don't make war on each other, but Iran, particularly a nuclear Iran, is a threat to not only that region but to the United States as well. O'BRIEN: You're a co-sponsor of the Iran Freedom and Support Act which calls on the administration to back regime change in Iran. Also to provide assistance to pro-democracy groups in Iran. What specifically would this legislation do if it's passed?
CORNYN: Well, it would allow for some federal funds that go for basically a radio-free Europe type of message in the Iranian native language so that people in that country can know what's happening on the outside, know that they are not forgotten, know that America stands shoulder to shoulder with them, as the president said during his State of the Union.
I think that sort of encouragement and that sort of internal uprising of the Iranian people, the pro-democratic forces, will eventually get us where we want to go. Because another nation that sponsors international terrorism, as Iran does, another nation that's in the hand of tyrants, as Iran is, and one that is on a pathway toward a nuclear weapon, is simply too dangerous for us to ignore.
O'BRIEN: Then why is the administration not exactly embracing your legislation, considering the remarks from the president's State of the Union address? And why are even neo-conservatives thinking that it might be just a waste of funds if there's no real indication that the exile opposition, if they're promoted, would actually have any kind of effect?
CORNYN: Well, I think promoting democracy is never a waste of funds. And particularly in a place as dangerous and with the potential to become much more dangerous as Iran is.
I hear the administration saying that we're going to use diplomacy. And indeed, I support that. And this is another form of public diplomacy and encouraging democratic efforts.
But no one is saying that -- that we won't use whatever means is necessary to effect regime change. And we will.
Certainly, as I heard on your show, just moments before I came on, the prospect of an Iran, a state sponsor of international terrorism with a nuclear weapon, is simply too dangerous to contemplate. And so we've got to do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen.
O'BRIEN: Those are the words of Henry Kissinger that we heard just moments ago. Senator John Cornyn joining us this morning, a Republican from Texas.
Thanks, sir, for your time. Appreciate it.
CORNYN: Thanks, Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Rob.
MARCIANO: Soledad, time for my favorite part of the show, weather check. Chad Myers at the CNN Center.
Boy, great stretch of spring there, Chad. What, some cold air coming in? What's happening?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, there is cold air behind it.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MARCIANO: Chad, all right. We'll definitely take the snow in Colorado. Thanks very much.
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Chad.
Healing the wounds of war, not just the physical, but the emotional ones as well. When the troops come home, one group reaches out. We'll explain.
MARCIANO: Also, Michael Jackson goes on the offensive. We'll look at the latest strike in his PR blitz.
O'BRIEN: And after the game of his life, the newest Super Bowl MVP tells us what life is like now on this AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARCIANO: Well, New England fans are calling it a dynasty. The Patriots won their third Super Bowl in four years last night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21.
New England quarterback Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes, upping his post-season record to a perfect 9-0. Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was named most valuable player, with his Super Bowl record tying 11 receptions.
Well, earlier I spoke with Branch and Patriots defensive star Tedy Bruschi. I asked Branch how he's feeling the day after the ultimate victory.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEION BRANCH, SUPER BOWL MVP: I'm sleepy. No, other than that, I'm cool.
Hey, we had a great game. And last night we shared all that with our family and friends and got about an hour rest. And now we're down here talking with you all, and we're enjoying the moment.
MARCIANO: Well, Tom Brady often seems to be described as "the man." Was coverage tight there in the first couple of quarters? It looked like it was -- I don't want to say a sloppy game, but you guys loosened up in the second half and made some catches. What was the difference in the game for you?
BRANCH: I just think we had to slow down and play our type of football. The first quarter was bad. You know, the coaches and the rest of the guys did a great job of coming to the sideline and adjusting to a lot of things. And we got it correct and started playing our type of football and started moving the ball and making some points. MARCIANO: Tedy, you're the defensive star, the linebacker of that squad. What happened defensively? Twenty-one points for you guys giving up. That's quite a bit. How do you feel about your performance last night?
TEDY BRUSCHI, PATRIOTS LINEBACKER: We thought it was great. As long as we allowed less points than the offense scores, you know? So we're happy about that.
We had some -- we had some -- a lot of threats that we had to worry about on the Eagles' side of the ball, like Terrell Owens, who showed a lot of heart, playing -- coming back from a broken ankle the way he did. Westbrook and McNabb, those are guys that we really felt we had to stop to win this game.
MARCIANO: How does it feel holding that trophy this morning?
BRUSCHI: It feels great. You know, it's -- it's our third one in four years and you don't get used to it. You don't get used to it because you cherish world championships whenever they happen, you know, whether it's every year, or once every 10 years. When it does happen, you just cherish the most.
MARCIANO: We have some video of you holding something a little differently last night, some of your family members. What does it mean for them to -- or for you to have them to be able to run out on the field and celebrate with you?
BRUSCHI: I mean, that's what it's about. That's our motivation. You know, we play for our families, to make our families proud. And, you know, when we can share a moment like that with our wives, or with our sons, you know, it makes it that much more special. When I can get my sons out on the field and let them touch the trophy, and they tell me how proud they are of me, that's the reason way I play the way I do.
MARCIANO: Hey, Deion, it's been a tough year for you injury- wise. You've been battling some stuff. Did you ever think you would get to the Super Bowl and then play so well to become the MVP?
BRANCH: Yes, the coaches gave me the opportunity, which they did. I just thank them for not putting me (UNINTELLIGIBLE). You know, because if that would have happened, I wouldn't be sitting here now.
You know, they had the confidence and the faith in me that I would come back and contribute to the team. And we made a great run. And here we are sitting here holding this trophy. And the rest of the guys are upstairs asleep, just to let you all know.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARCIANO: Well, just another championship for the city of Boston. Officials there say there's going to be a huge tomorrow -- party tomorrow to celebrate the Patriots' victory. But the details are still being worked out. Surprise, surprise, another parade in Boston.
Soledad, back over to you.
O'BRIEN: No surprise at all. All right. Thanks, Rob.
The Patriots weren't the only ones with a winning game plan yesterday. We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the security for that big game. It turns out the biggest worry wasn't at the game itself. We'll explain ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Welcome back. Jack's got the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: The battle has joined. We thought this would be a good fight, and it's going to be.
Ten of millions of dollars in advertising set to hit the air on this Social Security reform debate. The president wants to give workers private investment accounts where people born after 1950 could divert up to a third of their payroll taxes into private accounts. And emotions are running high, and there are big budgets, and the ad campaigns are ready to go.
The question this morning is, how are you planning for your retirement?
Guy in Flushing, New York, "I try to cover all the bases. One thing I don't even consider in my retirement plans is Social Security."
Ruthie in New York writes: "I'm a senior in college. I never thought I should be worrying about retirement at this age. But with all this debate about Social Security, I'm starting to reconsider. Now I'm concerned about retirement before I even have a job."
Vincent in Worcester, Massachusetts, "I'm a librarian. And each year I see my living expenses rise faster than my stagnating salary. My retirement plan is to die at my desk and then have my body shelved in the government document section behind the stack of failed budgets."
And Dennis writes from Palmdale, California, "My wife bought life insurance on me. That's how she's planning her retirement."
(LAUGHTER)
O'BRIEN: Nice to see at least people have a sense of humor about it.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes. Yes.
O'BRIEN: It is kind of ominous if you sort of do the math and everyone's admitted the numbers are very fuzzy on all of this.
CAFFERTY: Yes. I -- my hunch is this is not going to happen. I think there's too much resistance to it out there. But we'll see.
O'BRIEN: At the very least, there will be a huge, gigantic debate. I mean, as you pointed out, all the money being spent.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes. Yes. No, it's going to be a great fight.
MARCIANO: Meantime, put your money away.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
MARCIANO: Put your own money away.
O'BRIEN: Well, the college student has it right. I mean, she should be afraid. She should be stashing away that money.
CAFFERTY: And she's talking about it before she has a job. There's another issue. Hope you can find one.
O'BRIEN: Right. OK. That was kind of a downer.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Try Bangladesh. They have calling centers over there. You can do Dell computer advice.
Back to you guys.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Jack.
(LAUGHTER)
CAFFERTY: I just light the fires. It's up to you to put them out.
O'BRIEN: I know.
MARCIANO: I'm just enjoying the show.
O'BRIEN: Here I am putting out the fires today.
Another short break. We'll be back in just a moment.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN (voice-over): Ahead on "90-Second Pop"...
(MUSIC)
O'BRIEN: Who was the biggest winner or of Super Bowl XXXIX? We're not talking about the game. We're talking about the commercials.
Plus, last year's halftime show was a skin-fest. Was this year's a snooze? Later on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) 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 February 7, 2005 - 09:01 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Condoleezza Rice leaves the Middle East with two big promises, an invitation and progress toward peace. The administration says diplomacy is the preferred method to deal with Iran, too. But Tehran's answer to the State of the Union address is, they'll retaliate if they're attacked.
And the New England Patriots do it again. Two of the Super Bowl's biggest stars are in seventh heaven on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.
O'BRIEN: Good morning. Welcome back, everybody. Rob Marciano is here. He's filling in for Bill Hemmer, who took the day off.
Nice to have you.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN ANCHOR: Nice to be here. Thanks for having me.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
Well, some news making headlines this morning. There have been several deadly attacks in Iraq today. It looks like the insurgents are trying to send a message. We're going to bring you a live update from Baghdad in just a few moments.
MARCIANO: Also, Iran has its backup over the president's State of the Union remarks. Right now, though, it's a war of words between Washington and Tehran. We'll ask a Texas senator if it's going to get more serious than that.
O'BRIEN: Yes. We'll be talking to Senator Cornyn in just a little bit.
Mr. Cafferty, good morning.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Ms. O'Brien, we're about to be inundated with tens of millions of dollars worth of advertising on both sides of the Social Security debate. We're asking this morning how you're planning for your own retirement.
Share with us the details. Send us your financial statements, your bank books. We'd like to take a look at these things -- insurance polices. AM@CNN.com. We'll read some letters in a few minutes. O'BRIEN: The names of the children you'll be moving in with, which has been a big response.
CAFFERTY: Yes. A lot of people saying, "I'm moving in with my kids and will torture them for the entire remaining days that I have."
O'BRIEN: I have to remember to call my parents and see if that's...
CAFFERTY: By the way, if any of my children are watching, don't even try it!
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Jack.
Well, two deadly attacks this morning in Iraq against police stations in Baquba and Mosul, killing more than two dozen police officers and police recruits.
Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson live in Baghdad for us this morning.
Hey, Nic. Good morning again.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Soledad. Good morning.
Both those attacks came within an hour of each other. The one in Mosul, at 10:30 in the morning. A suicide bomber walked into a police recruitment center there, detonated his explosives, killed at least 12 people, we're told, and wounded at least four other. Now, according to a jihadi Web site that claimed responsibility for the suicide bomber, the suicide bomber found the most crowded location before letting -- before detonating his explosives.
Also in Mosul, three mortar rounds were fired at the governor office there. One of those rounds landed in a cafe, killed at least one person, wounded three others, we're told.
In the same city, however, the multinational force, the coalition forces there, reporting some success. They say in the last 24 hours, they've had two tip-offs which have allowed them to diffuse roadside bombs that could have detonated and blown up their vehicles, diffused them before they went off in the town of Baquba. That's where the other police training, the police recruitment center was targeted.
We're told there a car full of explosives was driven into -- into a group of young would-be police recruits outside a police station. The car blew up. It was one of the most powerful blasts in the area, we're told, for a long time.
It killed at least 14 -- 14 of the recruits, wounded at least 16 others. Knocked lumps (ph) off neighboring buildings. But according to U.S. officials in that city, there were some 200 recruits already inside the police station. Most of those managed to escape without injuries -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Nic Robertson for us this morning. Nic Robertson reporting. Thanks, Nic. Appreciate it.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is on her way to Rome at this hour after spending part of the weekend in Israel and the West Bank assessing the Mideast peace process.
CNN's Guy Raz live for us in Ramallah with details.
Guy, good morning.
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.
Condoleezza Rice couldn't have chosen a more critical time to come to the region. A fragile and delicate period of calm has been established between Israelis and Palestinians. And over the past two days, Condoleezza Rice was here in a sense to bolster the spirit of cooperation, the momentum that seems to have appeared between the political ears on both sides in the past few days.
Now, she made three very important announcements here. The first is the appointment of William Ward, former Lieutenant General William Ward, to serve as a security overseeer in a sense. He will arrive here to make sure -- to monitor security coordination between Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
The second was an invitation she extended to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, to meet with President Bush in the White House. And the third, and perhaps most important, is a pledge for the United States to take an active role in the Middle East peace process to help revive it. Now, that will come as very welcomed news by Palestinian leaders who have longed sought an active U.S. role in the process, believing essentially that only the United States can help it succeed.
But ultimately, this trip really was about introductions. Both sides, both Israelis and Palestinians, know Condoleezza Rice well. They don't know the extent to which she and the Bush administration is willing now to reengage in the peace process.
So ultimately, both sides also know that Condoleezza Rice comes at the weight of the White House behind her. She has a close relationship with the president. And that is perhaps what differentiates her from her predecessor, Colin Powell -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Well, as they say, we will see at the end of the day, right? Guy Raz for us this morning. Guy, thanks -- Rob.
MARCIANO: First Jack's sitting next to you, now Heidi Collins. Quite a difference.
O'BRIEN: Really?
MARCIANO: Yes, I think so.
(CROSSTALK)
MARCIANO: It's a good thing. What's going on, Heidi?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Want to get to the headlines now this morning.
As you probably know, Boston gearing up for a huge victory parade. The Patriots won their third Super Bowl in just four years last night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21. Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was named most valuable player with his Super Bowl record tying 11 receptions. We hear from him -- Rob talked to him -- just ahead.
Meanwhile, Patriots fans appear to be taking the team's victory in stride under the watch of about 1,000 officers, police officers, that is. The big party is set to take place tomorrow.
President Bush's $2.5 trillion budget has been sent to Congress for approval. These are pictures of the budget plan being delivered just a short while ago.
It's considered the tightest budget of the Bush administration. The plan increases military and international spending. But the president's plan cuts aid for some 150 programs, including education and environmental protection. More details of the budget will be released in the next hour.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security director nominee Michael Chertoff inching towards confirmation. A Senate panel is scheduled to vote tonight to approve Chertoff and send his nomination to the Senate floor. Chertoff has faced some criticism for his role in the roundup of hundreds of Muslims following the 9/11 terror attacks.
And feather boas and colorful beads. The Mardi Gras revelry in full swing in New Orleans. Bars on Bourbon Street were festive, and parties said to continue through tomorrow night, making it Fat Tuesday.
O'BRIEN: Have you ever been to that?
COLLINS: I have not.
O'BRIEN: Me neither.
COLLINS: It's just really not my thing.
MARCIANO: I've been a number of times.
COLLINS: You have?
MARCIANO: I used to live down there in Louisiana. Not because it's an annual pilgrimage.
COLLINS: Who'd a thunk?
MARCIANO: Yes. It is a good time. (SPEAKING IN FRENCH), as they say. Let the good times roll. O'BRIEN: Oh my goodness. And he speaks French too.
MARCIANO: That's all I know.
(LAUGHTER)
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Heidi. Appreciate it.
Well, in the State of the Union address, President Bush put Iran on notice to give up its nuclear ambitions. Iran's now responded.
CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more on the administration's next move.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In this year's State of the Union address, President Bush did not call Iran the axis of evil. But it was pretty close.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror, pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve.
MALVEAUX: On this day, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator fired back, saying any aggressive military action by the U.S. would be answered in kind.
HASSAN ROHANI, SUPREME NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I don't think America itself will take such a risk because America knows very well that we will strongly answer such an attack. The Americans are very well aware of our capabilities. They know our capabilities for retaliating against such attacks.
MALVEAUX: But top White House officials insist the U.S. is working with its European allies on a diplomatic solution to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think there's a good faith effort underway by our European allies to try to resolve this matter diplomatically. We support that effort.
MALVEAUX: But Bush critics say the president needs to do more. While Britain, France and Germany have offered economic and diplomatic incentives to motivate Iran to suspend its nuclear program, the Bush administration is holding out.
MADELINE ALBRIGHT, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: We can't be waiting for a change in regime in Iran. Then, also, it seems, that even the reformers are eager to have some kind of a nuclear capability.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We can't take the military option completely off the table, but we can't saber rattle either.
MALVEAUX: One former secretary of state warns if Mr. Bush's policy is not successful, the consequences could be dire.
HENRY KISSINGER, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: If nuclear weapons spread to Iran, the genie will be really totally out of the bottle and we will live in a different world, with huge risks for mankind.
MALVEAUX (on camera): And in a clear sign the administration's is to downplay any potential conflict with Iran, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who appeared on four talk shows on the subject of Iran, had very little to say.
Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
O'BRIEN: Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas has been a strong advocate for regime change in Iran. He joins us from Capitol Hill this morning.
Thanks for being with us, sir. Nice to see you.
SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R), TEXAS: Good morning.
O'BRIEN: Iran, as you heard Susan's piece, coming back pretty strongly, using the words "retaliate" in kind, if indeed there is any kind of military action against Iran. What do you make of that?
CORNYN: Well, I think Iran has to be feeling a little nervous. The leaders, the autocratic leadership there, have to feel a little nervous with Afghanistan having its first free elections, and then with the successful elections in Iraq just about a week ago. That neighborhood has changed quite a bit.
I think it's giving some encouragement to democratic forces within Iran. And I believe we ought to do everything we can possible to support those efforts both inside of that country and outside of the country.
O'BRIEN: Although we have heard consistently from Condoleezza Rice that military action against Iran is, "simply not on the agenda for now." Can diplomacy -- I mean, you've heard the issued in her spot -- can diplomacy really work when you're talking about issues as serious as these are?
CORNYN: Well, I think we have seen some in 1997, with the reform-minded president elected in Iran. But then, of course, the mullahs cracked down on that and essentially incapacitated him from a political standpoint. So we have seen some encouraging efforts there.
A lot of these regimes, of course, are simply going to rot way over time as the forces of democracy and freedom begin to sweep the Middle East. And I think it really is just a matter of time before you do see a change of the regime in Iran. And frankly, it will be for the better, because peaceful democracies don't make war on each other, but Iran, particularly a nuclear Iran, is a threat to not only that region but to the United States as well. O'BRIEN: You're a co-sponsor of the Iran Freedom and Support Act which calls on the administration to back regime change in Iran. Also to provide assistance to pro-democracy groups in Iran. What specifically would this legislation do if it's passed?
CORNYN: Well, it would allow for some federal funds that go for basically a radio-free Europe type of message in the Iranian native language so that people in that country can know what's happening on the outside, know that they are not forgotten, know that America stands shoulder to shoulder with them, as the president said during his State of the Union.
I think that sort of encouragement and that sort of internal uprising of the Iranian people, the pro-democratic forces, will eventually get us where we want to go. Because another nation that sponsors international terrorism, as Iran does, another nation that's in the hand of tyrants, as Iran is, and one that is on a pathway toward a nuclear weapon, is simply too dangerous for us to ignore.
O'BRIEN: Then why is the administration not exactly embracing your legislation, considering the remarks from the president's State of the Union address? And why are even neo-conservatives thinking that it might be just a waste of funds if there's no real indication that the exile opposition, if they're promoted, would actually have any kind of effect?
CORNYN: Well, I think promoting democracy is never a waste of funds. And particularly in a place as dangerous and with the potential to become much more dangerous as Iran is.
I hear the administration saying that we're going to use diplomacy. And indeed, I support that. And this is another form of public diplomacy and encouraging democratic efforts.
But no one is saying that -- that we won't use whatever means is necessary to effect regime change. And we will.
Certainly, as I heard on your show, just moments before I came on, the prospect of an Iran, a state sponsor of international terrorism with a nuclear weapon, is simply too dangerous to contemplate. And so we've got to do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen.
O'BRIEN: Those are the words of Henry Kissinger that we heard just moments ago. Senator John Cornyn joining us this morning, a Republican from Texas.
Thanks, sir, for your time. Appreciate it.
CORNYN: Thanks, Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Rob.
MARCIANO: Soledad, time for my favorite part of the show, weather check. Chad Myers at the CNN Center.
Boy, great stretch of spring there, Chad. What, some cold air coming in? What's happening?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, there is cold air behind it.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MARCIANO: Chad, all right. We'll definitely take the snow in Colorado. Thanks very much.
O'BRIEN: Thanks, Chad.
Healing the wounds of war, not just the physical, but the emotional ones as well. When the troops come home, one group reaches out. We'll explain.
MARCIANO: Also, Michael Jackson goes on the offensive. We'll look at the latest strike in his PR blitz.
O'BRIEN: And after the game of his life, the newest Super Bowl MVP tells us what life is like now on this AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARCIANO: Well, New England fans are calling it a dynasty. The Patriots won their third Super Bowl in four years last night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21.
New England quarterback Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes, upping his post-season record to a perfect 9-0. Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was named most valuable player, with his Super Bowl record tying 11 receptions.
Well, earlier I spoke with Branch and Patriots defensive star Tedy Bruschi. I asked Branch how he's feeling the day after the ultimate victory.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEION BRANCH, SUPER BOWL MVP: I'm sleepy. No, other than that, I'm cool.
Hey, we had a great game. And last night we shared all that with our family and friends and got about an hour rest. And now we're down here talking with you all, and we're enjoying the moment.
MARCIANO: Well, Tom Brady often seems to be described as "the man." Was coverage tight there in the first couple of quarters? It looked like it was -- I don't want to say a sloppy game, but you guys loosened up in the second half and made some catches. What was the difference in the game for you?
BRANCH: I just think we had to slow down and play our type of football. The first quarter was bad. You know, the coaches and the rest of the guys did a great job of coming to the sideline and adjusting to a lot of things. And we got it correct and started playing our type of football and started moving the ball and making some points. MARCIANO: Tedy, you're the defensive star, the linebacker of that squad. What happened defensively? Twenty-one points for you guys giving up. That's quite a bit. How do you feel about your performance last night?
TEDY BRUSCHI, PATRIOTS LINEBACKER: We thought it was great. As long as we allowed less points than the offense scores, you know? So we're happy about that.
We had some -- we had some -- a lot of threats that we had to worry about on the Eagles' side of the ball, like Terrell Owens, who showed a lot of heart, playing -- coming back from a broken ankle the way he did. Westbrook and McNabb, those are guys that we really felt we had to stop to win this game.
MARCIANO: How does it feel holding that trophy this morning?
BRUSCHI: It feels great. You know, it's -- it's our third one in four years and you don't get used to it. You don't get used to it because you cherish world championships whenever they happen, you know, whether it's every year, or once every 10 years. When it does happen, you just cherish the most.
MARCIANO: We have some video of you holding something a little differently last night, some of your family members. What does it mean for them to -- or for you to have them to be able to run out on the field and celebrate with you?
BRUSCHI: I mean, that's what it's about. That's our motivation. You know, we play for our families, to make our families proud. And, you know, when we can share a moment like that with our wives, or with our sons, you know, it makes it that much more special. When I can get my sons out on the field and let them touch the trophy, and they tell me how proud they are of me, that's the reason way I play the way I do.
MARCIANO: Hey, Deion, it's been a tough year for you injury- wise. You've been battling some stuff. Did you ever think you would get to the Super Bowl and then play so well to become the MVP?
BRANCH: Yes, the coaches gave me the opportunity, which they did. I just thank them for not putting me (UNINTELLIGIBLE). You know, because if that would have happened, I wouldn't be sitting here now.
You know, they had the confidence and the faith in me that I would come back and contribute to the team. And we made a great run. And here we are sitting here holding this trophy. And the rest of the guys are upstairs asleep, just to let you all know.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARCIANO: Well, just another championship for the city of Boston. Officials there say there's going to be a huge tomorrow -- party tomorrow to celebrate the Patriots' victory. But the details are still being worked out. Surprise, surprise, another parade in Boston.
Soledad, back over to you.
O'BRIEN: No surprise at all. All right. Thanks, Rob.
The Patriots weren't the only ones with a winning game plan yesterday. We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the security for that big game. It turns out the biggest worry wasn't at the game itself. We'll explain ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Welcome back. Jack's got the "Question of the Day."
CAFFERTY: The battle has joined. We thought this would be a good fight, and it's going to be.
Ten of millions of dollars in advertising set to hit the air on this Social Security reform debate. The president wants to give workers private investment accounts where people born after 1950 could divert up to a third of their payroll taxes into private accounts. And emotions are running high, and there are big budgets, and the ad campaigns are ready to go.
The question this morning is, how are you planning for your retirement?
Guy in Flushing, New York, "I try to cover all the bases. One thing I don't even consider in my retirement plans is Social Security."
Ruthie in New York writes: "I'm a senior in college. I never thought I should be worrying about retirement at this age. But with all this debate about Social Security, I'm starting to reconsider. Now I'm concerned about retirement before I even have a job."
Vincent in Worcester, Massachusetts, "I'm a librarian. And each year I see my living expenses rise faster than my stagnating salary. My retirement plan is to die at my desk and then have my body shelved in the government document section behind the stack of failed budgets."
And Dennis writes from Palmdale, California, "My wife bought life insurance on me. That's how she's planning her retirement."
(LAUGHTER)
O'BRIEN: Nice to see at least people have a sense of humor about it.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes. Yes.
O'BRIEN: It is kind of ominous if you sort of do the math and everyone's admitted the numbers are very fuzzy on all of this.
CAFFERTY: Yes. I -- my hunch is this is not going to happen. I think there's too much resistance to it out there. But we'll see.
O'BRIEN: At the very least, there will be a huge, gigantic debate. I mean, as you pointed out, all the money being spent.
CAFFERTY: Oh, yes. Yes. No, it's going to be a great fight.
MARCIANO: Meantime, put your money away.
O'BRIEN: Yes.
MARCIANO: Put your own money away.
O'BRIEN: Well, the college student has it right. I mean, she should be afraid. She should be stashing away that money.
CAFFERTY: And she's talking about it before she has a job. There's another issue. Hope you can find one.
O'BRIEN: Right. OK. That was kind of a downer.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Try Bangladesh. They have calling centers over there. You can do Dell computer advice.
Back to you guys.
MARCIANO: Thanks, Jack.
(LAUGHTER)
CAFFERTY: I just light the fires. It's up to you to put them out.
O'BRIEN: I know.
MARCIANO: I'm just enjoying the show.
O'BRIEN: Here I am putting out the fires today.
Another short break. We'll be back in just a moment.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN (voice-over): Ahead on "90-Second Pop"...
(MUSIC)
O'BRIEN: Who was the biggest winner or of Super Bowl XXXIX? We're not talking about the game. We're talking about the commercials.
Plus, last year's halftime show was a skin-fest. Was this year's a snooze? Later on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
