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CNN Live At Daybreak
Background on Negroponte; Two Mosque Attacks in Baghdad
Aired February 18, 2005 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BARBARA MIKULSKI (D), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: I remember your testimony that said this war isn't going to cost us anything. It's going to be paid for...
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: I never said anything like that...
MIKULSKI: ... by frozen assets...
RUMSFELD: ... ever.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Back and forth, the Secretary and the Senators. Donald Rumsfeld defending his decisions on the Hill.
Academy Award anticipation -- what will host Chris Rock say and why is he catching heat before the first Oscars are even handed out?
Ah, the Fleet Center by any other name. We've got some moniker mayhem surrounding Boston's big venue.
And speaking of famous names, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. hangs out with DAYBREAK'S own Carol Costello before heading to Daytona for the 500.
It is Friday, February 18, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
Good morning and happy Friday to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace in for Carol Costello.
Now in the news, just a short time ago, a suicide bomber struck near a Shia mosque in Baghdad. The blast has killed at least 15 people and injured 22. Our Nic Robertson, on the ground in Baghdad, tells us a religious procession outside the mosque was targeted.
Also in Iraq, two Indonesian television journalists have been kidnapped. It happened in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Television reports say the two were stopped by men in military uniforms and taken away.
Vioxx could be returning to your pharmacy. Drug maker Merck says it may put the pain killer back on the shelves, that is, if an advisory panel to the FDA finds the benefits outweighing the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
And for the first time, Pope John Paul II reveals his thoughts when he was shot back in 1981. In a new book, the pope recalls believing the bullet missed his vital organs because of divine intervention.
Head to the Weather Center now.
Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers.
A pleasure to spend this Friday with your -- Mr. Marciano.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, likewise, Kelly.
Looking forward to the rest of this hour.
WALLACE: OK.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: And we want to keep updating you on this developing story we are following on DAYBREAK.
Number one, an explosion near a mosque in southern Baghdad. We had been reporting 15 killed. CNN now confirming that the death toll is up to 17. CNN also confirming that there was a second blast, a second explosion near another mosque, also in Baghdad. We are hoping to hook up with our chief international correspondent, Nic Robertson, who is on the ground in Baghdad when he is available.
Again as we've been saying, this coming just one day after the Iraqi electoral commission finalizing the election results for the election which took place back on January 30.
Nic, during a report with us just a short time ago, had been talking about how there were fears that there could be increasing violence following the election, following the certification of those results. And at this pretty much one of the highest religious holiday times for the religious Shia group. And that group maintaining a slight majority in the national assembly coming from those election results.
Again, we have confirmed, the death toll up to 17 in one explosion near a mosque. CNN confirming a second blast near a second mosque. More information as we get it.
Well, based on lawmakers' reactions, President Bush's choice to be the nation's first intelligence chief will likely win Senate confirmation. The president nominated veteran diplomat John Negroponte. His challenge will be to stop terrorist attacks and strengthen intelligence gathering and sharing.
The president thinks he's up to the job.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: His service in Iraq during these past few historic months has given him something that will prove an incalculable advantage for an intelligence chief, an unvarnished and up close look at a deadly enemy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: Some background now on Negroponte.
He is the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Negroponte is also former deputy to the president for national security affairs, former ambassador to Mexico and the Philippines and a graduate of Yale University.
If confirmed by the Senate, Negroponte will have his work cut out for him. He will be in charge of everything from recruiting spies to steering satellites, overseeing 15 different intelligence agencies. But some say the power of the intelligence chief is too vague.
Is it mission impossible?
Joining us to talk about that is Dick Uliano of CNN Radio -- Dick, great to talk to you.
DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you.
WALLACE: Thanks for being with us.
ULIANO: Good morning to you, Kelly.
It is going to be a tough job for John Negroponte, assuming the role of first -- the nation's first director of national intelligence. Essentially everybody knows in Washington what Negroponte must do, Kelly. He must marshal the forces of all the nation's intelligence collecting agencies, 15 of them; oversee their budgets and, in his own words, provide the president of the United States and other policy makers with objective and accurate intelligence."
And he's got his work cut out for him.
WALLACE: Also, Dick, talk to us, because it's interesting, two other former administration officials, including former CIA Director Robert Gates, turned down the job.
What does that say about the job and the responsibilities that are going to go with it?
ULIANO: Kelly, everybody in Washington seems to have known that this is going to be a very difficult job and there are reports that, for example, Robert Gates, a former CIA chief, turned down the job. But also the administration is saying, Andrew Card, the chief of staff, that those reports aren't true, that the president did not have trouble filling this job.
But here we have Negroponte, a career diplomat. Washington's reaction really quite pleased. Both the chairman and the ranking Democrat of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must confirm him, very pleased by the choice. So are the leaders of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas Keane and Lee Hamilton. And that's the Commission that recommended this job as a way of averting another 9/11.
WALLACE: Privately, Dick, because publicly it seems the reaction has been extremely positive. I wonder if you've picked up any criticism behind-the-scenes, any concerns that he doesn't really have vast intelligence agency experience? And also concerns that he will be coming out of Iraq, as U.S. ambassador to that country, at a very important time on this day, as we're talking about more violence inside Iraq.
ULIANO: Well, there -- for example, 9/11 families, one of the groups, the widows' group, is criticizing this choice, saying that he comes from the diplomatic corps, the foreign service, he doesn't have the intelligence experience. But remember, Kelly, this is kind of a twofer. The president picked not only Negroponte to be the director of national intelligence, but also deputy director, Lieutenant General Michael Hayden, who is the current head of the National Security Agency. So he's been there for six years. He's got the intelligence experience. And Kean and Hamilton from the 9/11 Commission point out that Negroponte has a "deep understanding of the world."
This man is battle hardened in Iraq. He's also been in other tough assignments, including the U.N. when intelligence was faulty about weapons of mass destruction, and in Honduras, when the administration then faced the threat of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua.
WALLACE: All right, Dick, we have to leave it there.
Interesting times in Washington.
Dick Uliano from CNN Radio joining us.
We appreciate it very much.
And let's get back to the developing story out of Baghdad.
We want to turn to our chief international correspondent, Nic Roberts on the ground -- Nic, what can you tell us about word of a second blast near a mosque?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kelly, we're just getting confirmation from U.S. military sources here, telling us that on the western side of Baghdad there has been an attack at another mosque. We don't have any more details other than they can confirm that a blast occurred at that mosque a little, about 15 minutes or so ago.
We do -- we are getting a few more details in about the attack on a mosque on the southern outskirts of Baghdad. Police now say that at least 17 people have been killed, at least 20 wounded. U.S. officials advise us that they expect those numbers to climb. Perhaps, they say, that those numbers could climb significantly.
The U.S. officials also confirm that it was a suicide bomber who perpetrated the attack on religious worshipers as they were on their way to the mosque. This is a very holy time for Shia Muslims. The attack was on Shia Muslims as they were celebrating the Ashura festival in a procession leading toward the mosque.
According to an eyewitness, a man with a suicide vest entered the crowd there then detonated his suicide vest, killing the people, wounding the others.
Again, this is still early in reporting this particular story and we do expect some of the details, in particular the casualty numbers, very likely to change in the coming few hours -- Kelly.
WALLACE: And, Nic, give our viewers some sense, there were obviously some fears on the ground because this is such an important holy time for the Shia, going into this weekend, increased fears of more violence, weren't there?
ROBERTSON: Absolutely. The borders of Iraq have been closed for the last two days and will remain closed during this festival. Security forces suspected there may be a round of attacks, as there were last year, for the Ashura festival. More than 180 Shia Muslim worshipers were killed last year in a series of attacks in Baghdad and in the holy city of Karbala. And that's what security officials were concerned about this year.
The Sunni Muslim insurgents in Iraq seem to be on a course set to try and spark sectarian violence. Over the last year, there have been multiple attacks, almost week by week, on Shia Muslim worshippers, even striking at such places as a bakery run by Shia Muslims in a Shia neighborhood.
This day, the day before the very holy day of the Ashura festival, now hearing that there have been two blasts, an indication that perhaps the security forces concerns here are valid and that the insurgents, the Sunni Muslim insurgents, seem set on a track of trying to spark this sectarian violence, which all experts here say could really lead to an outbreak of civil war.
It hasn't happened. Why? Because the Shia Muslim leaders so far have been calling on their people not to retaliate and just to hold back -- Kelly.
WALLACE: All right, Nic, we'll leave it there.
But, of course, we'll be checking in with you as you get more developments on the ground there in Baghdad throughout this hour on DAYBREAK.
Coming up next here, pain killer problems? Well, now could Vioxx be the first comeback kid from the drug industry debacle?
What's in a name? A whole lot if you win the right to hand out a title for a day. We'll share one bidder's ideas for the Fleet Center in Boston.
And later, NASCAR's image in the world of sports. We'll get off track with one of racing's most popular drivers.
But first, here is a look at what else is making news this Friday morning, February 18.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: Still to come, would you want your kids to bring home a report card with their weight on it?
All that, and Britney gets bummed out about some photos of her going public.
We'll be right back in 60 seconds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: And welcome back.
The death toll at a blast near a mosque in southern Baghdad has grown to 17. It happened just a short while ago. Also, there has been an explosion near another mosque, this one in western Baghdad. No word yet on casualties there.
Former Baltimore priest Morris Blackwell has been convicted of sexual abuse. He was found guilty of molesting altar boy Dante Stokes more than 10 years ago. Three years ago, Stokes shot and wounded the former priest. Blackwell will remain free until his sentencing in mid-April.
In money, Starbucks is moving beyond coffee, at least a little bit. The company has partnered with Jim Beam to market a coffee flavored liqueur. It is Starbucks' first foray into alcoholic drinks.
In culture, CBS is planning a prime time tribute to anchorman Dan Rather. The network says the career retrospective will coincide with his last day at a anchor desk on March 9. Rather has hosted the CBS Evening News for 24 years.
In sports, Michael Waltrip won the first of two duals at Daytona. The 150-mile races set the starting lineup for Sunday's Daytona 500. Tony Stewart won the second dual race.
Time to check with Rob Marciano, in for Chad Myers today and weather.
Lots of excitement for NASCAR fans -- Rob, for Sunday -- the weekend's big race.
MARCIANO: Oh, yes, the big race kicks off the season for them. It looks like it's going to be good weather, too. So a dry race track. There shouldn't be any sort of delays because of the weather.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: Turning back to Iraq, it was the topic when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was the witness at Senate budget hearings this week. Committee members had a lot of questions for the defense secretary.
But as Jamie McIntyre reports from the Pentagon, he had few answers for them.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Donald Rumsfeld is a hard man to pin down.
RUMSFELD: I'd dearly love to be able to give you a specific date. I can't.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was wondering, do you have any comment on that?
RUMSFELD: Congressman, I don't. I'm not familiar with the cuts you're referring to.
MCINTYRE: "It's unknowable," is Rumsfeld's rote response to everything from how long the war in Iraq will last to how much it will cost.
RUMSFELD: There's never been a war that was predictable as to length, casualty or cost in the history of mankind.
MCINTYRE: A crafty political infighter, Rumsfeld knows anything he says can and will be used against him. So he rarely goes out on a limb.
MIKULSKI: I remember your testimony that said this war isn't going to cost us anything. It's going to be paid for...
RUMSFELD: I never said anything like that --
MIKULSKI: ... by frozen assets.
RUMSFELD: ... ever.
MCINTYRE: Rumsfeld was right, of course. It was his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, who made that rosy prediction. But Rumsfeld's routine refusal to share even his informed opinion infuriates his critics.
Senator John McCain pressed for numbers of Iraqi insurgents, only to watch Rumsfeld easily evade the question.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: Shouldn't the American people also know the size and shape and nature of the enemy that we're facing, since it's their sons and daughters who are going to serve?
RUMSFELD: On the insurgency question, you -- one can't help but agree with you. In a perfect world, you would like very much to have a good grip on the numbers.
MCINTYRE (on camera): But Rumsfeld's world is never perfect. And unless he has that perfect bullet bulletproof answer, he's loathe to give his detractors any ammunition to use against him. It may be smart politics, but to some members of Congress, it's decidedly unsatisfying.
Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE: Well, he's already entered the Matrix. Now, hell wants Keanu Reeves. We'll preview his latest role as a supernatural detective.
Plus, the new letters that could soon be showing up on your child's report card, BMI. It is a weighted grade, but not what you think.
This is DAYBREAK for a Friday.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CONSTANTINE, COURTESY WARNER BROTHERS)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, what's the action?
KEANU REEVES, ACTOR: I just pulled a soldier demon out of a little girl. It looked like he was trying to come through.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: They don't call them movie critics for nothing.
Tom O'Neil of "In-Touch Weekly" is here with some criticism of a new movie and some comments about the man who will host this year's Academy Awards.
We will get to this, too.
You brought your very own Oscar.
But first, Keanu Reeves playing a chain smoking exorcist?
What do you make of this?
I heard someone describe it that way. I love it.
TOM O'NEIL, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN-TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, let's actually not criticize this thing, because we know how bad the premise is. This is someone who theoretically tries to kill himself, and he straddles the dark world between heaven and hell, fighting to get his way into heaven. But it doesn't matter. This is just a good chase movie. This is "The Matrix" gone to hell, is what it is, as he fends off these demons.
WALLACE: This is what he said. He said, Keanu Reeves, while he was plugging the movie, "Constantine." He said: "I did "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." They made a serial out of it. So once you've had a serial, it doesn't get much more surreal than that."
O'NEIL: That's pretty good. He's got a good sense of humor about this movie. It's going to make a lot of serious money this weekend, at least $30 million.
WALLACE: It may not get an Oscar, though.
O'NEIL: No, but the Matrix movies did very well in the Oscar tech category.
WALLACE: All right, turning to the Academy Awards a week from Sunday. The host, Chris Rock, already making waves, upsetting members of the Academy before he even hosts the big show.
What's going on and could he go the way of David Letterman?
O'NEIL: I think that's where he's headed, actually. This is very dangerous. It's one thing to skewer the Academy, which is what he's doing. He's rocking the boat, and that's a good thing. It needs to be hipped up and his outrageous comments like "it's an idiotic fashion show that only gay guys watch" is kind of half true, and we all know that. And that's hilarious.
But you don't commit the cardinal sin that David Letterman committed, which is try to upstage Hollywood's family reunion. Even Whoopi Goldberg, who is a combat comedian, knew enough to step back and just play ringmaster. That's your job. And Chris, I'm not sure he knows that.
WALLACE: You know, Gil Cates, who is the producer of the show, he said: "The Academy has heard no grumbling from its members and has no intention of even suggesting that Chris step aside."
No grumbling?
O'NEIL: No, I think we're all excited by this. This is a high wire act that could become quite a freak show. So, go Chris. We're all on his side. But watch out.
WALLACE: And did you bring an Oscar for DAYBREAK?
O'NEIL: Yes.
WALLACE: Is it winning the Academy Award for best morning...
O'NEIL: What would your acceptance speech be here?
WALLACE: Well, Carol Costello would deserve it. She is not here. But I could...
O'NEIL: I knew Carol was going to...
WALLACE: ... I could accept this in her honor. Don't you think DAYBREAK is deserving of an Academy Award?
O'NEIL: At least an Academy Award. But, you know what? He's doing exactly what Chris Rock is doing. What few people realize about the Oscar is he's plunging a sword into a reel of film. He's skewering the film business.
Now, if you want to know who's going to win next Sunday, go to my Web site, goldderby.com. We issue real race track odds. And it looks like it's going to be a "Million Dollar Baby" sweep.
WALLACE: Really? We will be checking out your Web site, looking ahead.
Good to see you, Tom O'Neil.
O'NEIL: Thanks, Kelly.
WALLACE: Terrific.
Look forward to you, as well, evaluating all the beautiful fashions, as well.
OK, well, evaluating your child's weight -- it might be printed on their report card. Are public school systems in some states going too far or are they right to call attention to the serious problem of childhood obesity?
And renaming a major sports venue. What would you name Boston's Fleet Center if you could? One guy gets his chance.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: What's safe and what's not when it comes to painkillers? The FDA weighs in.
And a bonus for customers or bogus giveaways? Before you sign up for a free gadget, listen up.
It is Friday, February 18, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
Good Friday morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
Now in the news, there has been a suicide bombing attack near a mosque in southern Baghdad. At least 17 people are dead, another 20 injured. The U.S. military reports there has been a second explosion near a mosque in western Baghdad. No word on casualties there. The blasts come a day before Ashura, the holiest day of the year for Shia Muslims.
President and Mrs. Bush leave Sunday for some fence mending in Europe. The president says he plans to remind European leaders of the interests shared by Americans and Europeans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is defending Iran. He says he is convinced Iran does not have nuclear weapons and he pledges to keep cooperating with Iran on its nuclear program. The U.S. has criticized Tehran's nuclear program, fearing it is developing nuclear weapons.
Prosecutors have investigated a Canadian woman's charge that comedian Bill Cosby drugged her and groped her. The prosecutors found insufficient evidence to file any charges against Cosby.
Time to check the weather again with Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers -- happy Friday, Rob.
Lots of smiles around here when it's Friday.
MARCIANO: Yes, you know, you get the buzz out of the control room, too, as people get a little, you know, excited, a little bit giddy and...
WALLACE: The weekend's almost here. Sure.
MARCIANO: That's right. And I think a lot of folks will enjoy the weather that we have in store for big events like in Florida, where the Daytona 500 is happening. It should be a nice weekend there.
(WEATHER REPORT)
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 18, 2005 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BARBARA MIKULSKI (D), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: I remember your testimony that said this war isn't going to cost us anything. It's going to be paid for...
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: I never said anything like that...
MIKULSKI: ... by frozen assets...
RUMSFELD: ... ever.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Back and forth, the Secretary and the Senators. Donald Rumsfeld defending his decisions on the Hill.
Academy Award anticipation -- what will host Chris Rock say and why is he catching heat before the first Oscars are even handed out?
Ah, the Fleet Center by any other name. We've got some moniker mayhem surrounding Boston's big venue.
And speaking of famous names, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. hangs out with DAYBREAK'S own Carol Costello before heading to Daytona for the 500.
It is Friday, February 18, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
Good morning and happy Friday to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace in for Carol Costello.
Now in the news, just a short time ago, a suicide bomber struck near a Shia mosque in Baghdad. The blast has killed at least 15 people and injured 22. Our Nic Robertson, on the ground in Baghdad, tells us a religious procession outside the mosque was targeted.
Also in Iraq, two Indonesian television journalists have been kidnapped. It happened in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Television reports say the two were stopped by men in military uniforms and taken away.
Vioxx could be returning to your pharmacy. Drug maker Merck says it may put the pain killer back on the shelves, that is, if an advisory panel to the FDA finds the benefits outweighing the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
And for the first time, Pope John Paul II reveals his thoughts when he was shot back in 1981. In a new book, the pope recalls believing the bullet missed his vital organs because of divine intervention.
Head to the Weather Center now.
Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers.
A pleasure to spend this Friday with your -- Mr. Marciano.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, likewise, Kelly.
Looking forward to the rest of this hour.
WALLACE: OK.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: And we want to keep updating you on this developing story we are following on DAYBREAK.
Number one, an explosion near a mosque in southern Baghdad. We had been reporting 15 killed. CNN now confirming that the death toll is up to 17. CNN also confirming that there was a second blast, a second explosion near another mosque, also in Baghdad. We are hoping to hook up with our chief international correspondent, Nic Robertson, who is on the ground in Baghdad when he is available.
Again as we've been saying, this coming just one day after the Iraqi electoral commission finalizing the election results for the election which took place back on January 30.
Nic, during a report with us just a short time ago, had been talking about how there were fears that there could be increasing violence following the election, following the certification of those results. And at this pretty much one of the highest religious holiday times for the religious Shia group. And that group maintaining a slight majority in the national assembly coming from those election results.
Again, we have confirmed, the death toll up to 17 in one explosion near a mosque. CNN confirming a second blast near a second mosque. More information as we get it.
Well, based on lawmakers' reactions, President Bush's choice to be the nation's first intelligence chief will likely win Senate confirmation. The president nominated veteran diplomat John Negroponte. His challenge will be to stop terrorist attacks and strengthen intelligence gathering and sharing.
The president thinks he's up to the job.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: His service in Iraq during these past few historic months has given him something that will prove an incalculable advantage for an intelligence chief, an unvarnished and up close look at a deadly enemy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: Some background now on Negroponte.
He is the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Negroponte is also former deputy to the president for national security affairs, former ambassador to Mexico and the Philippines and a graduate of Yale University.
If confirmed by the Senate, Negroponte will have his work cut out for him. He will be in charge of everything from recruiting spies to steering satellites, overseeing 15 different intelligence agencies. But some say the power of the intelligence chief is too vague.
Is it mission impossible?
Joining us to talk about that is Dick Uliano of CNN Radio -- Dick, great to talk to you.
DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you.
WALLACE: Thanks for being with us.
ULIANO: Good morning to you, Kelly.
It is going to be a tough job for John Negroponte, assuming the role of first -- the nation's first director of national intelligence. Essentially everybody knows in Washington what Negroponte must do, Kelly. He must marshal the forces of all the nation's intelligence collecting agencies, 15 of them; oversee their budgets and, in his own words, provide the president of the United States and other policy makers with objective and accurate intelligence."
And he's got his work cut out for him.
WALLACE: Also, Dick, talk to us, because it's interesting, two other former administration officials, including former CIA Director Robert Gates, turned down the job.
What does that say about the job and the responsibilities that are going to go with it?
ULIANO: Kelly, everybody in Washington seems to have known that this is going to be a very difficult job and there are reports that, for example, Robert Gates, a former CIA chief, turned down the job. But also the administration is saying, Andrew Card, the chief of staff, that those reports aren't true, that the president did not have trouble filling this job.
But here we have Negroponte, a career diplomat. Washington's reaction really quite pleased. Both the chairman and the ranking Democrat of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must confirm him, very pleased by the choice. So are the leaders of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas Keane and Lee Hamilton. And that's the Commission that recommended this job as a way of averting another 9/11.
WALLACE: Privately, Dick, because publicly it seems the reaction has been extremely positive. I wonder if you've picked up any criticism behind-the-scenes, any concerns that he doesn't really have vast intelligence agency experience? And also concerns that he will be coming out of Iraq, as U.S. ambassador to that country, at a very important time on this day, as we're talking about more violence inside Iraq.
ULIANO: Well, there -- for example, 9/11 families, one of the groups, the widows' group, is criticizing this choice, saying that he comes from the diplomatic corps, the foreign service, he doesn't have the intelligence experience. But remember, Kelly, this is kind of a twofer. The president picked not only Negroponte to be the director of national intelligence, but also deputy director, Lieutenant General Michael Hayden, who is the current head of the National Security Agency. So he's been there for six years. He's got the intelligence experience. And Kean and Hamilton from the 9/11 Commission point out that Negroponte has a "deep understanding of the world."
This man is battle hardened in Iraq. He's also been in other tough assignments, including the U.N. when intelligence was faulty about weapons of mass destruction, and in Honduras, when the administration then faced the threat of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua.
WALLACE: All right, Dick, we have to leave it there.
Interesting times in Washington.
Dick Uliano from CNN Radio joining us.
We appreciate it very much.
And let's get back to the developing story out of Baghdad.
We want to turn to our chief international correspondent, Nic Roberts on the ground -- Nic, what can you tell us about word of a second blast near a mosque?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kelly, we're just getting confirmation from U.S. military sources here, telling us that on the western side of Baghdad there has been an attack at another mosque. We don't have any more details other than they can confirm that a blast occurred at that mosque a little, about 15 minutes or so ago.
We do -- we are getting a few more details in about the attack on a mosque on the southern outskirts of Baghdad. Police now say that at least 17 people have been killed, at least 20 wounded. U.S. officials advise us that they expect those numbers to climb. Perhaps, they say, that those numbers could climb significantly.
The U.S. officials also confirm that it was a suicide bomber who perpetrated the attack on religious worshipers as they were on their way to the mosque. This is a very holy time for Shia Muslims. The attack was on Shia Muslims as they were celebrating the Ashura festival in a procession leading toward the mosque.
According to an eyewitness, a man with a suicide vest entered the crowd there then detonated his suicide vest, killing the people, wounding the others.
Again, this is still early in reporting this particular story and we do expect some of the details, in particular the casualty numbers, very likely to change in the coming few hours -- Kelly.
WALLACE: And, Nic, give our viewers some sense, there were obviously some fears on the ground because this is such an important holy time for the Shia, going into this weekend, increased fears of more violence, weren't there?
ROBERTSON: Absolutely. The borders of Iraq have been closed for the last two days and will remain closed during this festival. Security forces suspected there may be a round of attacks, as there were last year, for the Ashura festival. More than 180 Shia Muslim worshipers were killed last year in a series of attacks in Baghdad and in the holy city of Karbala. And that's what security officials were concerned about this year.
The Sunni Muslim insurgents in Iraq seem to be on a course set to try and spark sectarian violence. Over the last year, there have been multiple attacks, almost week by week, on Shia Muslim worshippers, even striking at such places as a bakery run by Shia Muslims in a Shia neighborhood.
This day, the day before the very holy day of the Ashura festival, now hearing that there have been two blasts, an indication that perhaps the security forces concerns here are valid and that the insurgents, the Sunni Muslim insurgents, seem set on a track of trying to spark this sectarian violence, which all experts here say could really lead to an outbreak of civil war.
It hasn't happened. Why? Because the Shia Muslim leaders so far have been calling on their people not to retaliate and just to hold back -- Kelly.
WALLACE: All right, Nic, we'll leave it there.
But, of course, we'll be checking in with you as you get more developments on the ground there in Baghdad throughout this hour on DAYBREAK.
Coming up next here, pain killer problems? Well, now could Vioxx be the first comeback kid from the drug industry debacle?
What's in a name? A whole lot if you win the right to hand out a title for a day. We'll share one bidder's ideas for the Fleet Center in Boston.
And later, NASCAR's image in the world of sports. We'll get off track with one of racing's most popular drivers.
But first, here is a look at what else is making news this Friday morning, February 18.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: Still to come, would you want your kids to bring home a report card with their weight on it?
All that, and Britney gets bummed out about some photos of her going public.
We'll be right back in 60 seconds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: And welcome back.
The death toll at a blast near a mosque in southern Baghdad has grown to 17. It happened just a short while ago. Also, there has been an explosion near another mosque, this one in western Baghdad. No word yet on casualties there.
Former Baltimore priest Morris Blackwell has been convicted of sexual abuse. He was found guilty of molesting altar boy Dante Stokes more than 10 years ago. Three years ago, Stokes shot and wounded the former priest. Blackwell will remain free until his sentencing in mid-April.
In money, Starbucks is moving beyond coffee, at least a little bit. The company has partnered with Jim Beam to market a coffee flavored liqueur. It is Starbucks' first foray into alcoholic drinks.
In culture, CBS is planning a prime time tribute to anchorman Dan Rather. The network says the career retrospective will coincide with his last day at a anchor desk on March 9. Rather has hosted the CBS Evening News for 24 years.
In sports, Michael Waltrip won the first of two duals at Daytona. The 150-mile races set the starting lineup for Sunday's Daytona 500. Tony Stewart won the second dual race.
Time to check with Rob Marciano, in for Chad Myers today and weather.
Lots of excitement for NASCAR fans -- Rob, for Sunday -- the weekend's big race.
MARCIANO: Oh, yes, the big race kicks off the season for them. It looks like it's going to be good weather, too. So a dry race track. There shouldn't be any sort of delays because of the weather.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: Turning back to Iraq, it was the topic when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was the witness at Senate budget hearings this week. Committee members had a lot of questions for the defense secretary.
But as Jamie McIntyre reports from the Pentagon, he had few answers for them.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Donald Rumsfeld is a hard man to pin down.
RUMSFELD: I'd dearly love to be able to give you a specific date. I can't.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was wondering, do you have any comment on that?
RUMSFELD: Congressman, I don't. I'm not familiar with the cuts you're referring to.
MCINTYRE: "It's unknowable," is Rumsfeld's rote response to everything from how long the war in Iraq will last to how much it will cost.
RUMSFELD: There's never been a war that was predictable as to length, casualty or cost in the history of mankind.
MCINTYRE: A crafty political infighter, Rumsfeld knows anything he says can and will be used against him. So he rarely goes out on a limb.
MIKULSKI: I remember your testimony that said this war isn't going to cost us anything. It's going to be paid for...
RUMSFELD: I never said anything like that --
MIKULSKI: ... by frozen assets.
RUMSFELD: ... ever.
MCINTYRE: Rumsfeld was right, of course. It was his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, who made that rosy prediction. But Rumsfeld's routine refusal to share even his informed opinion infuriates his critics.
Senator John McCain pressed for numbers of Iraqi insurgents, only to watch Rumsfeld easily evade the question.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: Shouldn't the American people also know the size and shape and nature of the enemy that we're facing, since it's their sons and daughters who are going to serve?
RUMSFELD: On the insurgency question, you -- one can't help but agree with you. In a perfect world, you would like very much to have a good grip on the numbers.
MCINTYRE (on camera): But Rumsfeld's world is never perfect. And unless he has that perfect bullet bulletproof answer, he's loathe to give his detractors any ammunition to use against him. It may be smart politics, but to some members of Congress, it's decidedly unsatisfying.
Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE: Well, he's already entered the Matrix. Now, hell wants Keanu Reeves. We'll preview his latest role as a supernatural detective.
Plus, the new letters that could soon be showing up on your child's report card, BMI. It is a weighted grade, but not what you think.
This is DAYBREAK for a Friday.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CONSTANTINE, COURTESY WARNER BROTHERS)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, what's the action?
KEANU REEVES, ACTOR: I just pulled a soldier demon out of a little girl. It looked like he was trying to come through.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: They don't call them movie critics for nothing.
Tom O'Neil of "In-Touch Weekly" is here with some criticism of a new movie and some comments about the man who will host this year's Academy Awards.
We will get to this, too.
You brought your very own Oscar.
But first, Keanu Reeves playing a chain smoking exorcist?
What do you make of this?
I heard someone describe it that way. I love it.
TOM O'NEIL, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN-TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, let's actually not criticize this thing, because we know how bad the premise is. This is someone who theoretically tries to kill himself, and he straddles the dark world between heaven and hell, fighting to get his way into heaven. But it doesn't matter. This is just a good chase movie. This is "The Matrix" gone to hell, is what it is, as he fends off these demons.
WALLACE: This is what he said. He said, Keanu Reeves, while he was plugging the movie, "Constantine." He said: "I did "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." They made a serial out of it. So once you've had a serial, it doesn't get much more surreal than that."
O'NEIL: That's pretty good. He's got a good sense of humor about this movie. It's going to make a lot of serious money this weekend, at least $30 million.
WALLACE: It may not get an Oscar, though.
O'NEIL: No, but the Matrix movies did very well in the Oscar tech category.
WALLACE: All right, turning to the Academy Awards a week from Sunday. The host, Chris Rock, already making waves, upsetting members of the Academy before he even hosts the big show.
What's going on and could he go the way of David Letterman?
O'NEIL: I think that's where he's headed, actually. This is very dangerous. It's one thing to skewer the Academy, which is what he's doing. He's rocking the boat, and that's a good thing. It needs to be hipped up and his outrageous comments like "it's an idiotic fashion show that only gay guys watch" is kind of half true, and we all know that. And that's hilarious.
But you don't commit the cardinal sin that David Letterman committed, which is try to upstage Hollywood's family reunion. Even Whoopi Goldberg, who is a combat comedian, knew enough to step back and just play ringmaster. That's your job. And Chris, I'm not sure he knows that.
WALLACE: You know, Gil Cates, who is the producer of the show, he said: "The Academy has heard no grumbling from its members and has no intention of even suggesting that Chris step aside."
No grumbling?
O'NEIL: No, I think we're all excited by this. This is a high wire act that could become quite a freak show. So, go Chris. We're all on his side. But watch out.
WALLACE: And did you bring an Oscar for DAYBREAK?
O'NEIL: Yes.
WALLACE: Is it winning the Academy Award for best morning...
O'NEIL: What would your acceptance speech be here?
WALLACE: Well, Carol Costello would deserve it. She is not here. But I could...
O'NEIL: I knew Carol was going to...
WALLACE: ... I could accept this in her honor. Don't you think DAYBREAK is deserving of an Academy Award?
O'NEIL: At least an Academy Award. But, you know what? He's doing exactly what Chris Rock is doing. What few people realize about the Oscar is he's plunging a sword into a reel of film. He's skewering the film business.
Now, if you want to know who's going to win next Sunday, go to my Web site, goldderby.com. We issue real race track odds. And it looks like it's going to be a "Million Dollar Baby" sweep.
WALLACE: Really? We will be checking out your Web site, looking ahead.
Good to see you, Tom O'Neil.
O'NEIL: Thanks, Kelly.
WALLACE: Terrific.
Look forward to you, as well, evaluating all the beautiful fashions, as well.
OK, well, evaluating your child's weight -- it might be printed on their report card. Are public school systems in some states going too far or are they right to call attention to the serious problem of childhood obesity?
And renaming a major sports venue. What would you name Boston's Fleet Center if you could? One guy gets his chance.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: What's safe and what's not when it comes to painkillers? The FDA weighs in.
And a bonus for customers or bogus giveaways? Before you sign up for a free gadget, listen up.
It is Friday, February 18, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
Good Friday morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
Now in the news, there has been a suicide bombing attack near a mosque in southern Baghdad. At least 17 people are dead, another 20 injured. The U.S. military reports there has been a second explosion near a mosque in western Baghdad. No word on casualties there. The blasts come a day before Ashura, the holiest day of the year for Shia Muslims.
President and Mrs. Bush leave Sunday for some fence mending in Europe. The president says he plans to remind European leaders of the interests shared by Americans and Europeans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is defending Iran. He says he is convinced Iran does not have nuclear weapons and he pledges to keep cooperating with Iran on its nuclear program. The U.S. has criticized Tehran's nuclear program, fearing it is developing nuclear weapons.
Prosecutors have investigated a Canadian woman's charge that comedian Bill Cosby drugged her and groped her. The prosecutors found insufficient evidence to file any charges against Cosby.
Time to check the weather again with Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers -- happy Friday, Rob.
Lots of smiles around here when it's Friday.
MARCIANO: Yes, you know, you get the buzz out of the control room, too, as people get a little, you know, excited, a little bit giddy and...
WALLACE: The weekend's almost here. Sure.
MARCIANO: That's right. And I think a lot of folks will enjoy the weather that we have in store for big events like in Florida, where the Daytona 500 is happening. It should be a nice weekend there.
(WEATHER REPORT)
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