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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

As Appeals Run Out, Governor Bush Considers Intervention for Terri Schiavo; Funerals Delayed for Victims of School Massacre

Aired March 23, 2005 - 17:00   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.


WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Happening now in the Persian Gulf, a new U.S. aircraft carrier has just arrived in the region and is already flying missions against insurgents in Iraq.
Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Final appeal...

BOBBY SCHNEIDER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: I'm going ask them to do what they can to help save my sister's life.

ANNOUNCER: What can America learn from the Terri Schiavo case?

Weighing in, but do they carry any more weight?

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We felt like the actions taken with Congress was the best course of action.

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: I'm doing everything within my power to make sure that Terri's afforded at least the same rights that criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes take for granted.

ANNOUNCER: The president and his brother speak out on the Schiavo case.

In harm's way in the Persian Gulf, we'll take you aboard the USS Carl Vinson, one of the world's biggest war ships brings U.S. muscle to a world hot spot.

Security at sea in a combat control center, hunting insurgents and on guard against them.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS from the Persian Gulf, reporting aboard the USS Carl Vinson, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Thanks for joining us.

The USS Carl Vinson arrived here in the region only four days ago. It's already flying missions over Iraq. I got my first glance of this huge aircraft carrier earlier today when I flew in from another ship in the northern Persian Gulf. We'll have a complete report on what the Carl Vinson is doing later this hour, but first let's go to CNN's Bill Hemmer in New York for all the day's other news.

BILL HEMMER, ANCHOR: Wolf, thank you.

It is a race against time for Terri Schiavo. At this hour, a short time ago, the Florida Senate rejecting a bill to reconnect the feeding tube to the brain-damaged woman.

The question now is will the U.S. Supreme Court step in to prolong her life? A lawyer for Schiavo's parents say they could appeal to the high court today.

And earlier, a federal appeals court in Atlanta for the second time in less than a day rejected a bid by Schiavo's parents to have her feeding tube re-inserted.

Also, the Florida governor, Jeb Bush, just moments ago weighing in on the case, saying Schiavo's condition may have been misdiagnosed. A spokesman for Schiavo's parents says that, having been off the feeding tube since Friday, she's now showing signs of starving to death at her hospice in Florida.

CNN correspondents covering every aspect of this highly emotional and controversial case. Tony Harris is outside the court building in Atlanta. Joe Jones outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. Dana Bash is with the president at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. But we begin this hour with Bob Franken outside Schiavo's hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

And Bob, there are a number of developments to talk about. Reaction you're gathering from there is what now at this hour?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: First of all, the Senate vote was 21-18 against legislation that would have required the reconnection of the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo. But that might clear the way for Governor Jeb Bush to take action that he has been contemplating.

There is a hearing going on with the judge here, the state judge, George Greer, who's the one who originally allowed the feeding tube to be disconnected. Whether the state's Department of Children and Family has the right to take custody of Terri Schiavo, that is being actively pursued. We are told by officials, if clearance is gained, that things could happen fairly quickly. This is an idea that was discussed by the governor in a news conference this afternoon.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J. BUSH: Terri is now going on her sixth day without food or water. It is imperative that she be stabilized so that the Adult Protective Services team can fulfill their statutory duty and thoroughly review all of the facts surrounding her case. If there's any uncertainty, we should err on the side of protecting her.

(END VIDEO CLIP) FRANKEN: Meanwhile, the activity here has gotten more intense through the day. Those activists who are here in support of the blood relatives who are trying to get the feeding tube reconnected had a civil disobedience that was very carefully arranged with the police.

Ten were arrested, including three children, the children of one of those others who had been arrested. They were handcuffed. They were put into a police car. In the case of the children, you can see they're being handcuffed. They were put into a squad car separate from the adults and taken to a juvenile center. They're going to all be charged with trespassing -- Bill.

HEMMER: Bob, quickly, have you seen Schiavo's parents at all today?

FRANKEN: I have not seen -- I've seen Schiavo's parents. I've talked to them repeatedly. They are very uncertain what's going on. They've resigned to the fact that they're probably not going to get the judicial relief they were seeking, and now they're trying to see if there's some hope in what the state government is doing.

I should tell you, they're sort of feel emotionally battered themselves and are not really ready yet to place their hopes to high on anything, but they're, of course, watching things very closely.

HEMMER: All right, Bob. Bob Franken, thanks for that in Pinellas Park, Florida.

CNN's Tony Harris also outside the federal court building in Atlanta with the latest on that court's key ruling. That came out a short time ago. Tony, what was what ruling?

TONY HARRIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Bill. Yes, that's right, Bill. It was -- it was on a petition for an expedited rehearing of the emergency appeal for temporary restraining order to reattach Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.

And at about 3:10 this afternoon came this document from the court that the judges in the court had decided to deny that expedited rehearing, not by a three-judge panel that ruled this morning, but by all 12 judges in this court.

Just a brief recap of the day here. At about 2:30 a.m. this morning, as you know, the three-judge panel decided not to -- to deny the request for an emergency intervention here that would have done two things: restored the feeding tube immediately of Terri Schiavo, and then the second part of that injunction would have set the stage for a brand new process to hear the case all over again.

Now, after that decision was made, there was a flurry of activity of filings by David Gibbs, the attorney for the Schindlers, asking that the entire court, all 12 members, all 12 judges of the court, not the three-judge panel, take a look at this.

And then a little bit later in the afternoon, there was a filing by the Justice Department, the third such filing in three days, in support of the Schindler's position on this, and asking for this expedited rehearing by the entire court.

And then, again, at about 3:10 this afternoon came this ruling from the court, denying the petition for expedited rehearing, at least for the moment, Bill, bringing this case to a close here in Atlanta.

HEMMER: And a 10-2 vote. Again, the story leaves Atlanta now. It may end up next -- Tony, thanks for that.

Next to the U.S. Supreme Court. That's where Joe Johns is stationed again today. And Joe, I understand the at this point it's a waiting game there outside the court.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Certainly is, and it has been that all day, quite frankly, Bill. We heard earlier today, much earlier, in fact, in the morning, that there was a possibility of an appeal here before the Supreme Court. We had not gotten any word of a notice of an appeal, which would come customarily, haven't even gotten word of an application for an appeal, which is, of course, interesting, but doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot.

There have been, however, some preparations around Capitol Hill here, where the Supreme Court is located, for that appeal to arrive at the Supreme Court, including some writings coming out of the House of Representatives from the speaker of the house, House Majority Leader Tom Delay, who's been so involved in this, as well as Jim Sensenbrenner, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

They've put out a couple of things that they want to send to the court, including an amicus brief, that's a friend of the court brief, as well as a letter stating their intent when they passed the legislation over the weekend. The gist of it really is that the court, they say, in the first case failed to properly assess the legislative history of their bill on the Terri Schiavo case, and that the legislation requires reinsertion of the feeding tube.

Once it gets here, assuming it does, Justice Anthony Kennedy is the person who's likely to take it up, not likely to take it up by himself, probably will kick it up to the full court.

First question, of course, is whether the court really wants to consider the case at all.

Back to you, Bill.

HEMMER: We have heard them pass in the past. Joe Johns, thanks, outside the Supreme Court there.

We mentioned a short time ago with Bob Franken the parents of Terri Schiavo. They were out in public again today. It's been about four hours since we have seen them, however. And since that time, we've had the reaction from Jeb Bush in Tallahassee. We've had the ruling from the circuit court in Atlanta.

Here is what Mary Schindler, the mother of Terri Schiavo, had to say at about 12:30 this afternoon.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARY SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S MOTHER: When I close my eyes at night, all I can see is Terri's face in front of me, dying. Starving to death. Please, someone out there, stop this cruelty, stop the insanity. Please, let my daughter live.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Again, Mary Schindler from earlier today. And since she spoke, we heard the president speaking today, as well. He suggested that he and Congress have given it their best shot when it comes to the Terri Schiavo matter.

Our White House correspondent, Dana Bash, live at the ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Dana, what's happening there?

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you remember, Bill, it was the president's signature in the middle of the night on an unprecedented piece of legislation that even got this case into the federal court system at all. And over the past couple of days at every level, as we've just been hearing, the federal court has rebuffed the president and the U.S. Congress with their efforts to get them to hear the Schiavo case.

So the Bush legal team has been working, both at the Justice Department and in the White House counsel's office, to try to figure out if this does end up going all way to the U.S. Supreme Court and they exhaust all of those options, what more the president can do. And they have come to a conclusion, and that is, nothing.

Scott McClellan said earlier today the following, "There really are not other legal options available to us." That was Scott McClellan telling CNN earlier today.

And before that the president himself spoke. He was at a press conference in Waco, Texas, after meeting with leaders from Mexico and Canada.

Here's what he has to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

G. BUSH: This is an extraordinary and sad case. And I believe that, in a case such as this, the legislative branch, the executive branch ought to err on the side of life, which we have, and now we'll watch the courts make its decisions. But we look at all options from the executive branch perspective.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, as we mentioned, the president has been hosting his counterparts from Mexico and from Canada, and while he has been playing host, talking about things like security and free trade, his Justice Department has been filing briefs. Just as you heard Joe Johns talking about, Congress, the Justice Department has made clear throughout the federal system, first at the district level, then at the appellate level, probably we expect at the Supreme Court level if it gets to that point, that he will do that.

But, again, the conclusion at the White House from the president is that he has no other option, if it is exhausted at the federal court level, for him to use any other power, essentially saying that they've done what they can do -- Bill.

HEMMER: Dana, do you know at this point, has the president had any direct contact with his brother, the governor in Tallahassee, today?

BASH: You know, we've been asking that question several times a day. The latest we've heard even from the president himself is that he had not talked to his governor -- brother, the governor of Florida, whether or not he's spoken with him in the past few hours, it's unclear, as this has moved quite rapidly.

I can tell you that his aides have been in contact with -- with members of the governor's staff, but he personally, we don't understand, has spoken to the governor, perhaps even since Friday, last Friday, when President Bush was in Florida with the governor. And then they did talk about the case.

HEMMER: Dana Bash in Crawford, Texas, for us. In a moment here we'll look at the medical aspects of the Terri Schiavo matter. Also a bit later on, the legal aspects of that case, and there are many to talk about just developing in the past several hours.

Also back overseas, Wolf talks with Rear Admiral Chris Ames how the Navy is protecting its fleet from terrorists today. Wolf also reports on an aircraft carrier that has played a crucial role in the Persian Gulf region. He's on board the USS Carl Vinson, only here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: U.S. Supreme Court building there in Washington. That could be the next step and possibly the last hope for Terri Schiavo. We will watch that again as we progress through the evening here.

In the meantime, though, the lawyers and the lawmakers are in the spotlight in this life and death battle over Terri. But where are the doctors in this story?

Doctor Marc Siegel of New York University Medical School, my guest now here in New York. He says core medical issues are being ignored and distorted in this case. He's also against the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.

Doctor, good evening to you.

DR. MARC SIEGEL, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL: Hi, Bill. HEMMER: A couple things I want to get to. The news that just broke in the past hour with Governor Jeb Bush down in Florida, saying that Terri Schiavo most likely is in a state of minimal consciousness. How can he state that and how could he know that?

SIEGEL: Well, first of all, the only way you can really tell what kind of state she's in is by examining her and looking at, hopefully, an MRI scan. Telling by a videotape or pictures or reports is very, very difficult. And many neurologists have said that she's actually in a persistent vegetative state.

HEMMER: Yes, it's interesting you say that, because what he referred to in his briefing about 90 minutes ago is that a neurosurgeon has looked at her medical records, watched the videotapes, observed her at the hospice, but never one on one, and you cannot get a complete picture unless you're examining that patient up close, as you point out.

SIEGEL: You need a neurological exam and generally a neurologist, actually, rather than a neurosurgeon.

HEMMER: Jeb Bush was talking about that. Listen to how he characterized it a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J. BUSH: The neurologist's review indicates that Terri may have been misdiagnosed and is more likely that she is in a state of minimal consciousness, rather than in a state of persistent vegetative state.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Is that the next step? Is that the next fight in this battle?

SIEGEL: Well, it could be. I mean, again, this can be made at the bedside with a careful neurological exam, and MRI scans should have actually been done in this case a long time ago. Because that's the way to really tell how much damage is done.

HEMMER: You wrote an article today in the "USA Today." Very intriguing article. You say medicine has become an afterthought.

SIEGEL: Well, it shouldn't be. It shouldn't be. I mean, look at this case. You have doctors on the sidelines, waiting like marionettes to either pull the tube, put the tube back in. That's not the way it's supposed to be. This is supposed to be a situation where a doctor, working together with a patient, or a family in this case, makes a determination and sticks by it, a standard of care.

HEMMER: Do you believe, based on your medical knowledge in a case similar to Terri Schiavo's, that she's feeling pain at this point?

SIEGEL: I don't think she's feeling pain at this point. And many neurologists have commented on this and said they actually don't think she's feeling anything. But I take issue with that, because I don't think a neurologist can know what is actually going on.

HEMMER: So what then -- what is her body feeling at this point?

SIEGEL: Well, we can't tell. We know that it's minimal, whatever it is. But keep in mind, Bill, even animals feel something. And when you starve a living being, there may be a sensation. I do think we should stop short of saying she's not feeling anything. We also have other methods besides starvation, and I don't really like that as a way to go.

HEMMER: What do you want the judges -- what do you want the lawyers to know about what you believe she's experiencing at this point and maybe what you believe as a doctor needs to be done.

SIEGEL: OK. Well, first of all, what she experiences is as follows: when she gets very, very dehydrated, you build up a lot of acid. Your kidneys are among the first thing to shut down. You get toxins building up. You get electrolytes, potassium. This can cause a rhythm problem with the heart. That's a problem that she could be experiencing.

I think a doctor has to have a consistent role here. Our role as physicians is to either prolong life or reduce suffering. Sometimes we can shorten life by reducing suffering. That's euthanasia. That is not such a case.

HEMMER: And you state that at the end of your article today, about the Hippocratic Oath.

SIEGEL: Right. We have to stick to the guidelines of the Hippocratic Oath, which is to do no harm.

HEMMER: Dr. Marc Siegel, thank you for your time. In a nutshell, how long do you think she could live if this feeding tube is not reattached?

SIEGEL: Well, at the most another couple weeks. Really.

HEMMER: Thank you for your time.

SIEGEL: Thank you.

HEMMER: Dr. Marc Siegel here in New York.

Let's get a break here. In a moment we're going to get to the fine legal points at the heart of this case, and we'll show you what they are and why they matter so much. And what may be the next step for Terri Schiavo.

Also, this huge explosion at a Texas oil refinery. Now late word today of deaths and injuries.

And we'll take you live to Red Lake, Minnesota, and learn why the funerals of some school massacre victims are now being postponed.

Plus, back overseas with Wolf on board the USS Carl Vinson. He'll give you a tour that you will only see here on CNN.

Break here. Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: At least one death now reported at an explosion at a BPO Oil refinery that's near Houston, Texas, a short time ago. A firefighter still on the scene of this blast in Texas said that it was enormous at one point. Witnesses say the explosion was so powerful, it shook the entire building, knocked out windows in homes and businesses miles away. Again, that story out of southeastern Texas.

Funerals for some of the victims of the school shooting in Red Lake, Minnesota, are now being postponed. We're also learning more about the young gunman who authorities say killed nine people before taking his own life.

Sean Callebs is on the story and joins us now live with an update there.

Sean, hello.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.

Indeed, authorities spent part of the day collecting evidence from the suspected gunman's home as the FBI is continuing its investigation here.

But you're exactly right, attention is shifting somewhat here to the upcoming funerals, and the tribal leader at the reservation says he did not want to see a series of very public funerals. And he is urging families and loved ones to mourn in private.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS (voice-over): Red Lake High School remains closed. Instead, the teachers and staff met at a nearby elementary school to discuss how they'll help students cope with the worst U.S. school massacre since Columbine in 1999.

CHRIS DUNSHEE, PRINCIPAL: We have a lot of support staff, a lot of community support staff, as well. We're a small high school. And we have community relations people that work with our kids a lot. And I think we do as good of a job, if not better, than most schools.

CALLEBS: At the Minnesota state capitol in St. Paul Tuesday night, a Native American prayer service was held to remember the victims. According to Chippewa tribal tradition, bodies should be buried within 48 hours of death, but tribal leaders have agreed to a delay in order to give the FBI more time to investigate.

Authorities say 16-year-old Jeff Weise killed his grandfather and his grandfather's girlfriend before going to the school, killing a security guard, then chasing down and murdering a teacher and five students.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You could hear people crying and screaming, and you'd hear gunshots, and no more screaming anymore.

CALLEBS: Authorities say Weise then killed himself, leaving survivors to speculate on the reason for the rampage.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most people teased him for being just, you know, weird. He did all kinds of drawings. He showed me a lot of them, and most of them are pretty messed up.

CALLEBS (on camera): What were they of? Drawings of what?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like people dying. I don't know. You know, like that Nazi symbol or something.

CALLEBS: Swastika?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

CALLEBS: The Red Lake Indian Reservation was restricted.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS: And to give you an idea, the reservation is located in a very rural stretch of northern Minnesota, only about 100 miles or so from the Canadian border. Now, it is considered sovereign land, and tribal members are giving journalists very limited access. And the reporters and photographers are told not to venture into the heart of the reservation or risk, Bill, being arrested.

HEMMER: Sean Callebs, everyone has been touched by that story in northern Minnesota, clearly. Thanks for that.

We want to get back to the Terri Schiavo matter. Just about every hour throughout the day here we've had developments, and apparently we have more developments now.

Matt Sloan, CNN producer, is in Clearwater, Florida. Matt, if you can hear me, what do you have there? Developments in Florida are what now?

MATT SLOAN, CNN PRODUCER: Yes. What we're hearing now. We're here at the courthouse, and Michael Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, has put a motion in front of the judge to enforce his previous order to allow Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to stay out.

The judge confirmed that motion and has prevented the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from taking Miss Schiavo from the hospice and transferring her to a hospital location. The motion was originally put forth by the Department of Children and Families here, and they were being escorted to the hospice by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to remove her from the scene.

HEMMER: So they were essentially trying to get custody of her, is that right, Matt?

SLOAN: Essentially, yes. They had a motion in front of -- in front of the judge to remove her from the facility and keep her in the custody of the Department of Children and Families so that they could further assess their role in this, whether or not they could get an order to put the feeding tube back in.

HEMMER: You know, Matt, had they gotten custody of her body, where were they going to take her?

SLOAN: It's unclear as to where they were going to take her. According to the Florida statute that the Department of Children and Families presented, they say that they're well within their right to take Terri into custody for emergency medical treatment and keep her in custody for 24 hours before they can file a motion before the court.

But Judge Greer said that it is somewhat illogical to take Terri out of court's custody to put her back in the Department of Children and Families' custody for 24 hours, only to have her returned back to court custody.

HEMMER: Just to be clear then, Matt, she's staying in that hospice, so far as you know, at this point?

SLOAN: At this point she is staying in the hospice. They have faxed the order -- they are faxing the order over to the hospice to prevent law enforcement from removing her from the hospice.

HEMMER: All right. Matt Sloan, thanks for that. CNN producer working that story in Clearwater, Florida. We will get back to this case in a moment.

What does the law say about Terri Schiavo's case? A top legal scholar weighs in now as we monitor the fast moving developments. And again, every hour they're coming to us here.

Also, from overseas, a critical mission continues. Wolf is on board the USS Carl Vinson. He explains its role in post-war Iraq. And he'll show us how another ship is adding security.

A lot more to come right after this on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone.

I want to update you right now on the top story for this hour. The fight over the fate of Terri Schiavo continues. Now, for the second time in less than a day, a federal appeals court has rejected a plea to order Schiavo's feeding tube reconnected. Her parents say they'll take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. That may be the next stop and the last hope for Terri Schiavo.

Terri Schiavo's mother says her daughter is dying, starving to death, she says. An attorney for the parents say Schiavo's eyes are sunken and her skin is parched.

And, late today, the Florida Senate rejected a bill that would have forced the reconnection of Schiavo's feeding tube. Stay with CNN, continued updates as we get them here from Tallahassee, out of Atlanta, and also the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.

Professor Richard Pildes of the New York University Law School is now with me to talk about the next legal step in this and the fate and the hope for Terri Schiavo's parents.

Good evening to you. Thank you for your time here.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: Everything is flowing towards Washington and the U.S. Supreme Court. On three different occasions, they've decided not to take this case in the past. Based on what then?

RICK PILDES, NYU LAW SCHOOL: The question is whether there's any federal constitution al right or federal law that's being violated. No courts have found anything like that up to this point. And so, up until now, there's been no basis for the U.S. Supreme Court to get involved.

HEMMER: So, are things different now? If the feeding tube is not applied, if the nutrition is not coming in, if she's essentially starving, as we were told through her mother, given the circumstances today, is there a reason why the Supreme Court would take this up?

PILDES: Well, the question is whether Congress' statute would give the Supreme Court a new reason to get involved in this, Congress' legislation. And the lower federal courts, have said no, and they've been uniform in that so far, and I think it is extremely unlikely the U.S. Supreme Court would get involved, even at this stage.

HEMMER: Are you suggesting this case would have to go back to Congress in order for the Supreme Court to step in?

PILDES: Well, what Congress did is, they passed a law that opened the federal court, but didn't say what they ought to do, and Congress didn't try to create any new rights here. So, the federal courts have said, nothing's really changed.

HEMMER: The 11th Circuit voted 10-2 in rejecting this just about 2 1/2 hours ago. Did the Schiavos -- or did her parents, rather -- did they stand a better chance of winning the argument in Atlanta, as opposed to Washington?

PILDES: I think they stand a lower chance as they go up the system. And I think it's very unlikely the Supreme Court is going to get involved at this stage.

Now, remember, you have a lot of federal judges who have looked at this now. None of them say there are federal rights here, despite Congress enacting this law. And the Supreme Court doesn't like to rush into these public crises and sort of make itself the center of attention, especially if there's no disagreement among the lower federal court judges.

HEMMER: So, if you move away Washington and the U.S. Supreme Court, if you move away from Atlanta, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, is there anything that can be done at the Florida Statehouse knowing, that in the past hour, the Senate there has rejected a bill to reinsert the tube as well?

PILDES: Well, they've had full litigation in the court system. The courts have made a judgment here. It's going to be very, very difficult for a legislature to step into the picture and change the status quo.

HEMMER: Then, Professor, can any jurisdiction at this point say reinsert the tube while the legal process plays its way out, so that Terri Schiavo is not further physically damaged?

PILDES: If Congress legislated at the 11th hour and created new federal rights here, then, conceivably, there might be a basis for doing that, but Congress really hasn't been willing to go that far. All they did is open the doors of the federal courthouse. They just -- they haven't stepped up to the plate to do anything more to give her any more substantive rights.

HEMMER: It sounds like options are running out.

(CROSSTALK)

PILDES: Options are certainly running out, and it's very unlikely the Supreme Court will get involved in this.

HEMMER: Richard Pildes, professor here, NYU in New York, nice to talk with you.

PILDES: Nice to talk to you, Bill.

HEMMER: You thank you for your time.

As we continue now, want to check back in with Wolf Blitzer, traveling to an oil platform in the Gulf, a vital link in Iraq's economic lifeline.

Here's Wolf from overseas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Flying from Kuwait City to the northern Persian Gulf, one senses the power of oil, now more powerful than ever, with the price per barrel reaching record levels.

As we approach the USS Rushmore following a 45-minute flight, we spot the Al-Basra oil terminal. It's our first glance of this critical source of income for Iraq. On this day, three huge oil tankers are filling up, all anxious to move Iraqi oil around the world. After landing aboard the ship, we board a fast-speed boat for the quick ride to the terminal. It's huge, 1.2 miles from tip to tip.

But the walk, complete with the ups and downs of the jagged course, makes it seem even longer.

(on camera): We're inside Iraq right now, inside Iraq's territorial waters, only about 11 miles behind me, Iraqi land. But five miles in this direction, Iran, Iranian territorial waters. This is a very, very sensitive part of the Persian Gulf, critically important to Iraq's oil pipeline, this oil terminal so valuable to Iraqi oil exports.

As a result, it's also become a very high-value target for insurgents.

LT. CMDR. PATRICK FULGHAM, U.S. NAVY: Basically, all the money revenue that Iraq needs to rebuild flows from this terminal. And the more money they get, the faster our guys get to go home.

BLITZER (voice-over): U.S. Navy Captain Michelle Howard (ph) knows security is priority No. 1.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is the economic engine for the country right now. As they continue to build their infrastructure up on land, it will have less importance. But, right now, this provides the money for them to fund everything they need to fund, from schools to starting up their militaries to becoming a government.

BLITZER: U.S. troops live aboard this terminal and are largely responsible for security, though Iraqi civilians operate the facility. It's a cooperative venture. For the U.S., the more Iraq exports oil, especially during these times of high prices, the less money it will need from the U.S. and its coalition partners.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: More from Wolf from overseas in a moment here, including among the world's largest ships.

Now, the USS Carl Vinson is in the Gulf. Wolf is on board to show us what he is doing there.

Also, the USS Bonhomme Richard, how it's keeping the region's seas secure.

Back in a moment here after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS from the Persian Gulf.

Reporting aboard the USS Carl Vinson, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: The USS Carl Vinson has been in service now for about a quarter of a century. Shortly, it will go under renovation. Three years, it will take to get it ready for another quarter century. In the meantime, it's here in the Persian Gulf doing what it's always done, supporting U.S. forces on the ground.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): A father of modern American sea power, Carl Vinson served more than 50 years in Congress. He once said, the most expensive thing in the world is a cheap Army and Navy. There's nothing cheap about the aircraft carrier that bears his name. The USS Carl Vinson is one of the eight Nimitz class carriers, the largest warships in the world. Each cost about $4.5 billion.

Launched in 1980 and constantly upgraded, the Carl Vinson powered by two nuclear reactors. It's longer than three football fields, end zones included. About 3,000 people serve in the ship's crew, and another 2,500 in its air wing. The Carl Vinson can launch some 80 aircraft, from helicopters, to the latest F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters. An aircraft carrier's mission is forward presence, to bring U.S. might to any part of the world, to show the flag, and act a deterrent.

In times of crisis, carriers are the linchpins of joint forces, with their ability to control the seas or strike deep inland. At the end of 1998, the Carl Vinson showed its muscle, attacking Iraqi targets as part of Operation Desert Fox. That massive U.S. and British air campaign followed Saddam Hussein's showdown with the United Nations weapons inspectors.

Over the next few months, the Vinson also struck targets in Iraq's southern no-fly zone. In 2001, the carrier was heading back to the Gulf for another round of no-fly patrols. It was rounding the tip of India when word came of the September 11 attacks. The ship immediately changed course for the North Arabian Sea. On October 7, it launched the first strikes against Taliban and al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Over the next two months, its fighters flew thousands of combat sorties. At the start of this year, Carl Vinson left on a round-the- world deployment that will end at its new home port of Norfolk, Virginia. There, a three-year overhaul will prepare the carrier for another generation of service.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: More from the Persian Gulf in a moment here. Up next, security at sea and a combat control center, hunting insurgents, on guard against them.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

Aboard the USS Carl Vinson, once again, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Ames oversees several ships in the Northern Persian Gulf. His mission is by no means simple.

I had a chance to speak with him earlier today aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in the command and control center.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: We're here in the joint operation center of the USS Bonhomme Richard. We're joined by Rear Admiral Chris Americans.

This ship and other ships here in the Persian Gulf your responsibility. What exactly is your mission?

REAR ADMIRAL CHRIS AMES, U.S. NAVY: My mission is to deny the terrorists access to the Northern Arabian Gulf, to protect this battle space from their use and the underbelly of Iraq.

And to do that, we have a series of coalition ships, and our function, frankly, is to be prepared should a threat be posed, to detect, deter, and engage if they move against the Iraqi oil infrastructure, commercial shipping, or engage coalition forces.

BLITZER: Because, if this area is not secure, Iraq is not going to be Iraq developed. Iraq is not going to become stable.

AMES: Well, it's a strategically important area to Iraq, for many reasons. There are oil platforms here that generate revenue for the country. That's critical to the accelerated recovery of the country. And so, part of our responsibility is to ensure the protection of those platforms.

BLITZER: How active are the Iraqi insurgents here in the Gulf?

AMES: The terrorist insurgents are always active. And we are on our guard 24/7, around the clock, so that, should they attempt something, we're prepared to defend and deter them.

Now, we're linked into an intelligence organization that eclipses this one ship, but certainly we contribute to that. And we stand guard to ensure that they have no opportunity to engage us.

BLITZER: How many U.S. ships are you responsible for in this area?

AMES: If varies with time, but I would estimate 12 ships.

BLITZER: All right, every time I get aboard a ship, since the USS Cole, I'm worried about a small little boat with explosives and suiciders just coming up. What are you doing now differently, the lessons learned from the USS Cole, to make sure that can never happen again?

AMES: Well, I mentioned first the intelligence is fine-tuned and highly active. So that's step one. Step two, is we have a layered defense.

We have an electronic web across this area to detect the movement of all craft and to determine whether they have hostile intent, to determine whether they're transporting terrorists or smuggling weapons of mass destruction or weapons of any type that might subsequently be used ashore. And then...

BLITZER: But if a little boat -- excuse me for interrupting, Admiral.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: But if a little boat starts getting close to a big U.S. warship, what are the steps you do to make sure that it's not just a simple fishing vessel or something along those lines?

AMES: Well, in that case, we have a series of preplanned responses that we execute to warn them off, to separate, to ensure they don't close and cause harm.

BLITZER: At what point do you just blow up that boat?

AMES: Well, we do that with great discretion and only if we determine that there is in fact hostile intent or if such vessel demonstrates a hostile act toward us or one of our coalition ships.

BLITZER: Has that happened in recent months?

AMES: No, it has not happened. And in so saying that, it would appear you've complimented us, because our very purpose out here is to prevent the use of this area from such activity.

So, on the one hand, that's a good news story. On the other hand, as you point out, these are waterborne, potentially waterborne explosive devices. And, in so doing, we have to be on our toes, because any dhow -- or any speedboat or any fishing boat out here could in fact be a waterborne terrorist.

So, at the one hand, we're thankful we haven't seen it, which shows we're successful in mission deterring terrorist activity in the Northern Arabian Gulf. On the other hand, we cannot be complacent, because, as you know, almost a year ago, April 24, 2004, a dhow attacked the oil platforms, and that day began as any other, but you never know how it will end.

BLITZER: And I was on those one of those platforms yesterday, and I saw the vital nature, the economic lifeblood of Iraq, if you will, goes through that oil terminal.

AMES: It does; 95 percent, I'm told, of the oil exports from Iraq flow through there. And if you look at a period from about June of '03 until now, that's equated to 16 billion -- with a B -- dollars worth of oil flowing through. That's great revenue.

And that's the economic engine that we feel that will drive the recovery of Iraq. So it is a strategic piece of territory or battle space here in the Northern Arabian Gulf for many reasons, but certainly one is to ensure the production of that oil continues to flow unabated.

BLITZER: I saw some of the Iraqi Navy yesterday when we were in Umm Qasr, modest. It's going to be a long time before they have a robust navy that can really take charge of this area.

AMES: It is, but it's an exciting period, because they're developing. And it's our great pleasure to help contribute to that through interoperability training and training assistance to see them grow into a professional organization that is competent at some point to help relieve some of the responsibilities that we have. And I would be quick to point out that, in fact, we do integrate them into our tasking order. They conduct patrols, security patrols within their territorial waters. So, in a sense, they're already a part of our team and they're growing at leaps and bounds.

BLITZER: Do they have equipment, do they have ships that can actually be the basis for a future navy?

AMES: They do have ships right now, of course, patrol craft, so they're fairly small but suited to patrol territorial waters.

And they have an acquisition plan now in place, believe it or not, that will deliver even more larger, more competent ships.

BLITZER: What do you need most? What are you lacking that you feel would really help your mission if you could get it?

AMES: I would be hard-pressed to say what we're lacking. We have the best coalition navy in the world out here, the finest ships that the United States has and other nations.

We have the top sailors, and we have the support above and from regional neighbors in the area. So, I tell you, I think we're well- positioned for success.

BLITZER: It's a hardship for sailors nowadays and Marines to be on duty away from their families, away from their homes for long periods of time. What's the impact on the morale of the men and women under your command?

AMES: Well, I'll tell you, the morale is great, even though we left December 6, so we missed the Christmas holidays and all that period, a happy time of year.

But let there be no doubt. The morale, I'm sure as you've seen, aboard the ship is very high. And the reason is, we're performing a mission. We know it's an important mission to the recovery of Iraq. We know it's important to our country. And we're not going to let anyone down. And I think is what sustains people every day as they remain on heightened alert to a potential terrorist attack.

BLITZER: Admiral, good luck.

AMES: Thank you very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Rear Admiral Chris Ames speaking with me earlier today.

More news from the Persian Gulf coming up.

Once again, though, Bill Hemmer back in New York -- Bill. HEMMER: Wolf, thank you.

Let's get a break here.

In a moment, an update on Terri Schiavo. That's next.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is known as the king of Italian fashion. Giorgio Armani became a household name in the 1980s, when Richard Gere in American Gigolo famously showed off his collection of shirts, jackets and ties.

In 1982, he was the first fashion designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1950s. Armani revolutionized the wardrobe of men and women alike, introducing a style of relaxed elegance and pale colors.

In the 1990s, he became the designer of choice for Hollywood stars, and was among the first to approach celebrities to wear his creations.

GIORGIO ARMANI, DESIGNER (through translator): I'm perceived as one who makes only serious clothes, for the working woman, the woman who has no strange ideas when, in fact, I'd like to think I have a clientele who is a little crazy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Armani expanded quickly, licensing eyewear, cosmetics and a fragrance, turning his business into a multibillion- dollar fashion powerhouse.

In 1998, he opened his first store in china. And last year, he inaugurated his winter collection in Shanghai. Fashion, he says, has no boundaries. At 70, Armani is celebrating 30 years running his own fashion line.

ARMANI (thought translator): It seems like yesterday. In fact, it's been 30 years of commitment.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Before we get out of here, want to update you on the very latest we have on the Terri Schiavo matter, at this point, a question of life and death that may ultimately end up at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A short time ago, the Florida Senate rejected a bill to reconnect Schiavo's feeding tube. That vote followed a refusal by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to reconsider an appeal by Schiavo's parents to grant an emergency injunction to reconnect the tube.

Also, in Tallahassee, the fight continues there with Florida's governor. We will update you throughout the evening as we get more developments on this fast-moving story from Atlanta to Tallahassee and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court.

For Wolf Blitzer reporting in the Persian Gulf, I'm Bill Hemmer. Thanks for watching us.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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 March 23, 2005 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Happening now in the Persian Gulf, a new U.S. aircraft carrier has just arrived in the region and is already flying missions against insurgents in Iraq.
Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Final appeal...

BOBBY SCHNEIDER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: I'm going ask them to do what they can to help save my sister's life.

ANNOUNCER: What can America learn from the Terri Schiavo case?

Weighing in, but do they carry any more weight?

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We felt like the actions taken with Congress was the best course of action.

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: I'm doing everything within my power to make sure that Terri's afforded at least the same rights that criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes take for granted.

ANNOUNCER: The president and his brother speak out on the Schiavo case.

In harm's way in the Persian Gulf, we'll take you aboard the USS Carl Vinson, one of the world's biggest war ships brings U.S. muscle to a world hot spot.

Security at sea in a combat control center, hunting insurgents and on guard against them.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS from the Persian Gulf, reporting aboard the USS Carl Vinson, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Thanks for joining us.

The USS Carl Vinson arrived here in the region only four days ago. It's already flying missions over Iraq. I got my first glance of this huge aircraft carrier earlier today when I flew in from another ship in the northern Persian Gulf. We'll have a complete report on what the Carl Vinson is doing later this hour, but first let's go to CNN's Bill Hemmer in New York for all the day's other news.

BILL HEMMER, ANCHOR: Wolf, thank you.

It is a race against time for Terri Schiavo. At this hour, a short time ago, the Florida Senate rejecting a bill to reconnect the feeding tube to the brain-damaged woman.

The question now is will the U.S. Supreme Court step in to prolong her life? A lawyer for Schiavo's parents say they could appeal to the high court today.

And earlier, a federal appeals court in Atlanta for the second time in less than a day rejected a bid by Schiavo's parents to have her feeding tube re-inserted.

Also, the Florida governor, Jeb Bush, just moments ago weighing in on the case, saying Schiavo's condition may have been misdiagnosed. A spokesman for Schiavo's parents says that, having been off the feeding tube since Friday, she's now showing signs of starving to death at her hospice in Florida.

CNN correspondents covering every aspect of this highly emotional and controversial case. Tony Harris is outside the court building in Atlanta. Joe Jones outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. Dana Bash is with the president at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. But we begin this hour with Bob Franken outside Schiavo's hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

And Bob, there are a number of developments to talk about. Reaction you're gathering from there is what now at this hour?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: First of all, the Senate vote was 21-18 against legislation that would have required the reconnection of the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo. But that might clear the way for Governor Jeb Bush to take action that he has been contemplating.

There is a hearing going on with the judge here, the state judge, George Greer, who's the one who originally allowed the feeding tube to be disconnected. Whether the state's Department of Children and Family has the right to take custody of Terri Schiavo, that is being actively pursued. We are told by officials, if clearance is gained, that things could happen fairly quickly. This is an idea that was discussed by the governor in a news conference this afternoon.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J. BUSH: Terri is now going on her sixth day without food or water. It is imperative that she be stabilized so that the Adult Protective Services team can fulfill their statutory duty and thoroughly review all of the facts surrounding her case. If there's any uncertainty, we should err on the side of protecting her.

(END VIDEO CLIP) FRANKEN: Meanwhile, the activity here has gotten more intense through the day. Those activists who are here in support of the blood relatives who are trying to get the feeding tube reconnected had a civil disobedience that was very carefully arranged with the police.

Ten were arrested, including three children, the children of one of those others who had been arrested. They were handcuffed. They were put into a police car. In the case of the children, you can see they're being handcuffed. They were put into a squad car separate from the adults and taken to a juvenile center. They're going to all be charged with trespassing -- Bill.

HEMMER: Bob, quickly, have you seen Schiavo's parents at all today?

FRANKEN: I have not seen -- I've seen Schiavo's parents. I've talked to them repeatedly. They are very uncertain what's going on. They've resigned to the fact that they're probably not going to get the judicial relief they were seeking, and now they're trying to see if there's some hope in what the state government is doing.

I should tell you, they're sort of feel emotionally battered themselves and are not really ready yet to place their hopes to high on anything, but they're, of course, watching things very closely.

HEMMER: All right, Bob. Bob Franken, thanks for that in Pinellas Park, Florida.

CNN's Tony Harris also outside the federal court building in Atlanta with the latest on that court's key ruling. That came out a short time ago. Tony, what was what ruling?

TONY HARRIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Bill. Yes, that's right, Bill. It was -- it was on a petition for an expedited rehearing of the emergency appeal for temporary restraining order to reattach Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.

And at about 3:10 this afternoon came this document from the court that the judges in the court had decided to deny that expedited rehearing, not by a three-judge panel that ruled this morning, but by all 12 judges in this court.

Just a brief recap of the day here. At about 2:30 a.m. this morning, as you know, the three-judge panel decided not to -- to deny the request for an emergency intervention here that would have done two things: restored the feeding tube immediately of Terri Schiavo, and then the second part of that injunction would have set the stage for a brand new process to hear the case all over again.

Now, after that decision was made, there was a flurry of activity of filings by David Gibbs, the attorney for the Schindlers, asking that the entire court, all 12 members, all 12 judges of the court, not the three-judge panel, take a look at this.

And then a little bit later in the afternoon, there was a filing by the Justice Department, the third such filing in three days, in support of the Schindler's position on this, and asking for this expedited rehearing by the entire court.

And then, again, at about 3:10 this afternoon came this ruling from the court, denying the petition for expedited rehearing, at least for the moment, Bill, bringing this case to a close here in Atlanta.

HEMMER: And a 10-2 vote. Again, the story leaves Atlanta now. It may end up next -- Tony, thanks for that.

Next to the U.S. Supreme Court. That's where Joe Johns is stationed again today. And Joe, I understand the at this point it's a waiting game there outside the court.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Certainly is, and it has been that all day, quite frankly, Bill. We heard earlier today, much earlier, in fact, in the morning, that there was a possibility of an appeal here before the Supreme Court. We had not gotten any word of a notice of an appeal, which would come customarily, haven't even gotten word of an application for an appeal, which is, of course, interesting, but doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot.

There have been, however, some preparations around Capitol Hill here, where the Supreme Court is located, for that appeal to arrive at the Supreme Court, including some writings coming out of the House of Representatives from the speaker of the house, House Majority Leader Tom Delay, who's been so involved in this, as well as Jim Sensenbrenner, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

They've put out a couple of things that they want to send to the court, including an amicus brief, that's a friend of the court brief, as well as a letter stating their intent when they passed the legislation over the weekend. The gist of it really is that the court, they say, in the first case failed to properly assess the legislative history of their bill on the Terri Schiavo case, and that the legislation requires reinsertion of the feeding tube.

Once it gets here, assuming it does, Justice Anthony Kennedy is the person who's likely to take it up, not likely to take it up by himself, probably will kick it up to the full court.

First question, of course, is whether the court really wants to consider the case at all.

Back to you, Bill.

HEMMER: We have heard them pass in the past. Joe Johns, thanks, outside the Supreme Court there.

We mentioned a short time ago with Bob Franken the parents of Terri Schiavo. They were out in public again today. It's been about four hours since we have seen them, however. And since that time, we've had the reaction from Jeb Bush in Tallahassee. We've had the ruling from the circuit court in Atlanta.

Here is what Mary Schindler, the mother of Terri Schiavo, had to say at about 12:30 this afternoon.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARY SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S MOTHER: When I close my eyes at night, all I can see is Terri's face in front of me, dying. Starving to death. Please, someone out there, stop this cruelty, stop the insanity. Please, let my daughter live.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Again, Mary Schindler from earlier today. And since she spoke, we heard the president speaking today, as well. He suggested that he and Congress have given it their best shot when it comes to the Terri Schiavo matter.

Our White House correspondent, Dana Bash, live at the ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Dana, what's happening there?

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you remember, Bill, it was the president's signature in the middle of the night on an unprecedented piece of legislation that even got this case into the federal court system at all. And over the past couple of days at every level, as we've just been hearing, the federal court has rebuffed the president and the U.S. Congress with their efforts to get them to hear the Schiavo case.

So the Bush legal team has been working, both at the Justice Department and in the White House counsel's office, to try to figure out if this does end up going all way to the U.S. Supreme Court and they exhaust all of those options, what more the president can do. And they have come to a conclusion, and that is, nothing.

Scott McClellan said earlier today the following, "There really are not other legal options available to us." That was Scott McClellan telling CNN earlier today.

And before that the president himself spoke. He was at a press conference in Waco, Texas, after meeting with leaders from Mexico and Canada.

Here's what he has to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

G. BUSH: This is an extraordinary and sad case. And I believe that, in a case such as this, the legislative branch, the executive branch ought to err on the side of life, which we have, and now we'll watch the courts make its decisions. But we look at all options from the executive branch perspective.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, as we mentioned, the president has been hosting his counterparts from Mexico and from Canada, and while he has been playing host, talking about things like security and free trade, his Justice Department has been filing briefs. Just as you heard Joe Johns talking about, Congress, the Justice Department has made clear throughout the federal system, first at the district level, then at the appellate level, probably we expect at the Supreme Court level if it gets to that point, that he will do that.

But, again, the conclusion at the White House from the president is that he has no other option, if it is exhausted at the federal court level, for him to use any other power, essentially saying that they've done what they can do -- Bill.

HEMMER: Dana, do you know at this point, has the president had any direct contact with his brother, the governor in Tallahassee, today?

BASH: You know, we've been asking that question several times a day. The latest we've heard even from the president himself is that he had not talked to his governor -- brother, the governor of Florida, whether or not he's spoken with him in the past few hours, it's unclear, as this has moved quite rapidly.

I can tell you that his aides have been in contact with -- with members of the governor's staff, but he personally, we don't understand, has spoken to the governor, perhaps even since Friday, last Friday, when President Bush was in Florida with the governor. And then they did talk about the case.

HEMMER: Dana Bash in Crawford, Texas, for us. In a moment here we'll look at the medical aspects of the Terri Schiavo matter. Also a bit later on, the legal aspects of that case, and there are many to talk about just developing in the past several hours.

Also back overseas, Wolf talks with Rear Admiral Chris Ames how the Navy is protecting its fleet from terrorists today. Wolf also reports on an aircraft carrier that has played a crucial role in the Persian Gulf region. He's on board the USS Carl Vinson, only here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: U.S. Supreme Court building there in Washington. That could be the next step and possibly the last hope for Terri Schiavo. We will watch that again as we progress through the evening here.

In the meantime, though, the lawyers and the lawmakers are in the spotlight in this life and death battle over Terri. But where are the doctors in this story?

Doctor Marc Siegel of New York University Medical School, my guest now here in New York. He says core medical issues are being ignored and distorted in this case. He's also against the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.

Doctor, good evening to you.

DR. MARC SIEGEL, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL: Hi, Bill. HEMMER: A couple things I want to get to. The news that just broke in the past hour with Governor Jeb Bush down in Florida, saying that Terri Schiavo most likely is in a state of minimal consciousness. How can he state that and how could he know that?

SIEGEL: Well, first of all, the only way you can really tell what kind of state she's in is by examining her and looking at, hopefully, an MRI scan. Telling by a videotape or pictures or reports is very, very difficult. And many neurologists have said that she's actually in a persistent vegetative state.

HEMMER: Yes, it's interesting you say that, because what he referred to in his briefing about 90 minutes ago is that a neurosurgeon has looked at her medical records, watched the videotapes, observed her at the hospice, but never one on one, and you cannot get a complete picture unless you're examining that patient up close, as you point out.

SIEGEL: You need a neurological exam and generally a neurologist, actually, rather than a neurosurgeon.

HEMMER: Jeb Bush was talking about that. Listen to how he characterized it a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J. BUSH: The neurologist's review indicates that Terri may have been misdiagnosed and is more likely that she is in a state of minimal consciousness, rather than in a state of persistent vegetative state.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Is that the next step? Is that the next fight in this battle?

SIEGEL: Well, it could be. I mean, again, this can be made at the bedside with a careful neurological exam, and MRI scans should have actually been done in this case a long time ago. Because that's the way to really tell how much damage is done.

HEMMER: You wrote an article today in the "USA Today." Very intriguing article. You say medicine has become an afterthought.

SIEGEL: Well, it shouldn't be. It shouldn't be. I mean, look at this case. You have doctors on the sidelines, waiting like marionettes to either pull the tube, put the tube back in. That's not the way it's supposed to be. This is supposed to be a situation where a doctor, working together with a patient, or a family in this case, makes a determination and sticks by it, a standard of care.

HEMMER: Do you believe, based on your medical knowledge in a case similar to Terri Schiavo's, that she's feeling pain at this point?

SIEGEL: I don't think she's feeling pain at this point. And many neurologists have commented on this and said they actually don't think she's feeling anything. But I take issue with that, because I don't think a neurologist can know what is actually going on.

HEMMER: So what then -- what is her body feeling at this point?

SIEGEL: Well, we can't tell. We know that it's minimal, whatever it is. But keep in mind, Bill, even animals feel something. And when you starve a living being, there may be a sensation. I do think we should stop short of saying she's not feeling anything. We also have other methods besides starvation, and I don't really like that as a way to go.

HEMMER: What do you want the judges -- what do you want the lawyers to know about what you believe she's experiencing at this point and maybe what you believe as a doctor needs to be done.

SIEGEL: OK. Well, first of all, what she experiences is as follows: when she gets very, very dehydrated, you build up a lot of acid. Your kidneys are among the first thing to shut down. You get toxins building up. You get electrolytes, potassium. This can cause a rhythm problem with the heart. That's a problem that she could be experiencing.

I think a doctor has to have a consistent role here. Our role as physicians is to either prolong life or reduce suffering. Sometimes we can shorten life by reducing suffering. That's euthanasia. That is not such a case.

HEMMER: And you state that at the end of your article today, about the Hippocratic Oath.

SIEGEL: Right. We have to stick to the guidelines of the Hippocratic Oath, which is to do no harm.

HEMMER: Dr. Marc Siegel, thank you for your time. In a nutshell, how long do you think she could live if this feeding tube is not reattached?

SIEGEL: Well, at the most another couple weeks. Really.

HEMMER: Thank you for your time.

SIEGEL: Thank you.

HEMMER: Dr. Marc Siegel here in New York.

Let's get a break here. In a moment we're going to get to the fine legal points at the heart of this case, and we'll show you what they are and why they matter so much. And what may be the next step for Terri Schiavo.

Also, this huge explosion at a Texas oil refinery. Now late word today of deaths and injuries.

And we'll take you live to Red Lake, Minnesota, and learn why the funerals of some school massacre victims are now being postponed.

Plus, back overseas with Wolf on board the USS Carl Vinson. He'll give you a tour that you will only see here on CNN.

Break here. Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: At least one death now reported at an explosion at a BPO Oil refinery that's near Houston, Texas, a short time ago. A firefighter still on the scene of this blast in Texas said that it was enormous at one point. Witnesses say the explosion was so powerful, it shook the entire building, knocked out windows in homes and businesses miles away. Again, that story out of southeastern Texas.

Funerals for some of the victims of the school shooting in Red Lake, Minnesota, are now being postponed. We're also learning more about the young gunman who authorities say killed nine people before taking his own life.

Sean Callebs is on the story and joins us now live with an update there.

Sean, hello.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.

Indeed, authorities spent part of the day collecting evidence from the suspected gunman's home as the FBI is continuing its investigation here.

But you're exactly right, attention is shifting somewhat here to the upcoming funerals, and the tribal leader at the reservation says he did not want to see a series of very public funerals. And he is urging families and loved ones to mourn in private.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS (voice-over): Red Lake High School remains closed. Instead, the teachers and staff met at a nearby elementary school to discuss how they'll help students cope with the worst U.S. school massacre since Columbine in 1999.

CHRIS DUNSHEE, PRINCIPAL: We have a lot of support staff, a lot of community support staff, as well. We're a small high school. And we have community relations people that work with our kids a lot. And I think we do as good of a job, if not better, than most schools.

CALLEBS: At the Minnesota state capitol in St. Paul Tuesday night, a Native American prayer service was held to remember the victims. According to Chippewa tribal tradition, bodies should be buried within 48 hours of death, but tribal leaders have agreed to a delay in order to give the FBI more time to investigate.

Authorities say 16-year-old Jeff Weise killed his grandfather and his grandfather's girlfriend before going to the school, killing a security guard, then chasing down and murdering a teacher and five students.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You could hear people crying and screaming, and you'd hear gunshots, and no more screaming anymore.

CALLEBS: Authorities say Weise then killed himself, leaving survivors to speculate on the reason for the rampage.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most people teased him for being just, you know, weird. He did all kinds of drawings. He showed me a lot of them, and most of them are pretty messed up.

CALLEBS (on camera): What were they of? Drawings of what?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like people dying. I don't know. You know, like that Nazi symbol or something.

CALLEBS: Swastika?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

CALLEBS: The Red Lake Indian Reservation was restricted.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS: And to give you an idea, the reservation is located in a very rural stretch of northern Minnesota, only about 100 miles or so from the Canadian border. Now, it is considered sovereign land, and tribal members are giving journalists very limited access. And the reporters and photographers are told not to venture into the heart of the reservation or risk, Bill, being arrested.

HEMMER: Sean Callebs, everyone has been touched by that story in northern Minnesota, clearly. Thanks for that.

We want to get back to the Terri Schiavo matter. Just about every hour throughout the day here we've had developments, and apparently we have more developments now.

Matt Sloan, CNN producer, is in Clearwater, Florida. Matt, if you can hear me, what do you have there? Developments in Florida are what now?

MATT SLOAN, CNN PRODUCER: Yes. What we're hearing now. We're here at the courthouse, and Michael Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, has put a motion in front of the judge to enforce his previous order to allow Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to stay out.

The judge confirmed that motion and has prevented the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from taking Miss Schiavo from the hospice and transferring her to a hospital location. The motion was originally put forth by the Department of Children and Families here, and they were being escorted to the hospice by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to remove her from the scene.

HEMMER: So they were essentially trying to get custody of her, is that right, Matt?

SLOAN: Essentially, yes. They had a motion in front of -- in front of the judge to remove her from the facility and keep her in the custody of the Department of Children and Families so that they could further assess their role in this, whether or not they could get an order to put the feeding tube back in.

HEMMER: You know, Matt, had they gotten custody of her body, where were they going to take her?

SLOAN: It's unclear as to where they were going to take her. According to the Florida statute that the Department of Children and Families presented, they say that they're well within their right to take Terri into custody for emergency medical treatment and keep her in custody for 24 hours before they can file a motion before the court.

But Judge Greer said that it is somewhat illogical to take Terri out of court's custody to put her back in the Department of Children and Families' custody for 24 hours, only to have her returned back to court custody.

HEMMER: Just to be clear then, Matt, she's staying in that hospice, so far as you know, at this point?

SLOAN: At this point she is staying in the hospice. They have faxed the order -- they are faxing the order over to the hospice to prevent law enforcement from removing her from the hospice.

HEMMER: All right. Matt Sloan, thanks for that. CNN producer working that story in Clearwater, Florida. We will get back to this case in a moment.

What does the law say about Terri Schiavo's case? A top legal scholar weighs in now as we monitor the fast moving developments. And again, every hour they're coming to us here.

Also, from overseas, a critical mission continues. Wolf is on board the USS Carl Vinson. He explains its role in post-war Iraq. And he'll show us how another ship is adding security.

A lot more to come right after this on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone.

I want to update you right now on the top story for this hour. The fight over the fate of Terri Schiavo continues. Now, for the second time in less than a day, a federal appeals court has rejected a plea to order Schiavo's feeding tube reconnected. Her parents say they'll take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. That may be the next stop and the last hope for Terri Schiavo.

Terri Schiavo's mother says her daughter is dying, starving to death, she says. An attorney for the parents say Schiavo's eyes are sunken and her skin is parched.

And, late today, the Florida Senate rejected a bill that would have forced the reconnection of Schiavo's feeding tube. Stay with CNN, continued updates as we get them here from Tallahassee, out of Atlanta, and also the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.

Professor Richard Pildes of the New York University Law School is now with me to talk about the next legal step in this and the fate and the hope for Terri Schiavo's parents.

Good evening to you. Thank you for your time here.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: Everything is flowing towards Washington and the U.S. Supreme Court. On three different occasions, they've decided not to take this case in the past. Based on what then?

RICK PILDES, NYU LAW SCHOOL: The question is whether there's any federal constitution al right or federal law that's being violated. No courts have found anything like that up to this point. And so, up until now, there's been no basis for the U.S. Supreme Court to get involved.

HEMMER: So, are things different now? If the feeding tube is not applied, if the nutrition is not coming in, if she's essentially starving, as we were told through her mother, given the circumstances today, is there a reason why the Supreme Court would take this up?

PILDES: Well, the question is whether Congress' statute would give the Supreme Court a new reason to get involved in this, Congress' legislation. And the lower federal courts, have said no, and they've been uniform in that so far, and I think it is extremely unlikely the U.S. Supreme Court would get involved, even at this stage.

HEMMER: Are you suggesting this case would have to go back to Congress in order for the Supreme Court to step in?

PILDES: Well, what Congress did is, they passed a law that opened the federal court, but didn't say what they ought to do, and Congress didn't try to create any new rights here. So, the federal courts have said, nothing's really changed.

HEMMER: The 11th Circuit voted 10-2 in rejecting this just about 2 1/2 hours ago. Did the Schiavos -- or did her parents, rather -- did they stand a better chance of winning the argument in Atlanta, as opposed to Washington?

PILDES: I think they stand a lower chance as they go up the system. And I think it's very unlikely the Supreme Court is going to get involved at this stage.

Now, remember, you have a lot of federal judges who have looked at this now. None of them say there are federal rights here, despite Congress enacting this law. And the Supreme Court doesn't like to rush into these public crises and sort of make itself the center of attention, especially if there's no disagreement among the lower federal court judges.

HEMMER: So, if you move away Washington and the U.S. Supreme Court, if you move away from Atlanta, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, is there anything that can be done at the Florida Statehouse knowing, that in the past hour, the Senate there has rejected a bill to reinsert the tube as well?

PILDES: Well, they've had full litigation in the court system. The courts have made a judgment here. It's going to be very, very difficult for a legislature to step into the picture and change the status quo.

HEMMER: Then, Professor, can any jurisdiction at this point say reinsert the tube while the legal process plays its way out, so that Terri Schiavo is not further physically damaged?

PILDES: If Congress legislated at the 11th hour and created new federal rights here, then, conceivably, there might be a basis for doing that, but Congress really hasn't been willing to go that far. All they did is open the doors of the federal courthouse. They just -- they haven't stepped up to the plate to do anything more to give her any more substantive rights.

HEMMER: It sounds like options are running out.

(CROSSTALK)

PILDES: Options are certainly running out, and it's very unlikely the Supreme Court will get involved in this.

HEMMER: Richard Pildes, professor here, NYU in New York, nice to talk with you.

PILDES: Nice to talk to you, Bill.

HEMMER: You thank you for your time.

As we continue now, want to check back in with Wolf Blitzer, traveling to an oil platform in the Gulf, a vital link in Iraq's economic lifeline.

Here's Wolf from overseas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Flying from Kuwait City to the northern Persian Gulf, one senses the power of oil, now more powerful than ever, with the price per barrel reaching record levels.

As we approach the USS Rushmore following a 45-minute flight, we spot the Al-Basra oil terminal. It's our first glance of this critical source of income for Iraq. On this day, three huge oil tankers are filling up, all anxious to move Iraqi oil around the world. After landing aboard the ship, we board a fast-speed boat for the quick ride to the terminal. It's huge, 1.2 miles from tip to tip.

But the walk, complete with the ups and downs of the jagged course, makes it seem even longer.

(on camera): We're inside Iraq right now, inside Iraq's territorial waters, only about 11 miles behind me, Iraqi land. But five miles in this direction, Iran, Iranian territorial waters. This is a very, very sensitive part of the Persian Gulf, critically important to Iraq's oil pipeline, this oil terminal so valuable to Iraqi oil exports.

As a result, it's also become a very high-value target for insurgents.

LT. CMDR. PATRICK FULGHAM, U.S. NAVY: Basically, all the money revenue that Iraq needs to rebuild flows from this terminal. And the more money they get, the faster our guys get to go home.

BLITZER (voice-over): U.S. Navy Captain Michelle Howard (ph) knows security is priority No. 1.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is the economic engine for the country right now. As they continue to build their infrastructure up on land, it will have less importance. But, right now, this provides the money for them to fund everything they need to fund, from schools to starting up their militaries to becoming a government.

BLITZER: U.S. troops live aboard this terminal and are largely responsible for security, though Iraqi civilians operate the facility. It's a cooperative venture. For the U.S., the more Iraq exports oil, especially during these times of high prices, the less money it will need from the U.S. and its coalition partners.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: More from Wolf from overseas in a moment here, including among the world's largest ships.

Now, the USS Carl Vinson is in the Gulf. Wolf is on board to show us what he is doing there.

Also, the USS Bonhomme Richard, how it's keeping the region's seas secure.

Back in a moment here after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS from the Persian Gulf.

Reporting aboard the USS Carl Vinson, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: The USS Carl Vinson has been in service now for about a quarter of a century. Shortly, it will go under renovation. Three years, it will take to get it ready for another quarter century. In the meantime, it's here in the Persian Gulf doing what it's always done, supporting U.S. forces on the ground.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): A father of modern American sea power, Carl Vinson served more than 50 years in Congress. He once said, the most expensive thing in the world is a cheap Army and Navy. There's nothing cheap about the aircraft carrier that bears his name. The USS Carl Vinson is one of the eight Nimitz class carriers, the largest warships in the world. Each cost about $4.5 billion.

Launched in 1980 and constantly upgraded, the Carl Vinson powered by two nuclear reactors. It's longer than three football fields, end zones included. About 3,000 people serve in the ship's crew, and another 2,500 in its air wing. The Carl Vinson can launch some 80 aircraft, from helicopters, to the latest F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters. An aircraft carrier's mission is forward presence, to bring U.S. might to any part of the world, to show the flag, and act a deterrent.

In times of crisis, carriers are the linchpins of joint forces, with their ability to control the seas or strike deep inland. At the end of 1998, the Carl Vinson showed its muscle, attacking Iraqi targets as part of Operation Desert Fox. That massive U.S. and British air campaign followed Saddam Hussein's showdown with the United Nations weapons inspectors.

Over the next few months, the Vinson also struck targets in Iraq's southern no-fly zone. In 2001, the carrier was heading back to the Gulf for another round of no-fly patrols. It was rounding the tip of India when word came of the September 11 attacks. The ship immediately changed course for the North Arabian Sea. On October 7, it launched the first strikes against Taliban and al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Over the next two months, its fighters flew thousands of combat sorties. At the start of this year, Carl Vinson left on a round-the- world deployment that will end at its new home port of Norfolk, Virginia. There, a three-year overhaul will prepare the carrier for another generation of service.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: More from the Persian Gulf in a moment here. Up next, security at sea and a combat control center, hunting insurgents, on guard against them.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

Aboard the USS Carl Vinson, once again, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Ames oversees several ships in the Northern Persian Gulf. His mission is by no means simple.

I had a chance to speak with him earlier today aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in the command and control center.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: We're here in the joint operation center of the USS Bonhomme Richard. We're joined by Rear Admiral Chris Americans.

This ship and other ships here in the Persian Gulf your responsibility. What exactly is your mission?

REAR ADMIRAL CHRIS AMES, U.S. NAVY: My mission is to deny the terrorists access to the Northern Arabian Gulf, to protect this battle space from their use and the underbelly of Iraq.

And to do that, we have a series of coalition ships, and our function, frankly, is to be prepared should a threat be posed, to detect, deter, and engage if they move against the Iraqi oil infrastructure, commercial shipping, or engage coalition forces.

BLITZER: Because, if this area is not secure, Iraq is not going to be Iraq developed. Iraq is not going to become stable.

AMES: Well, it's a strategically important area to Iraq, for many reasons. There are oil platforms here that generate revenue for the country. That's critical to the accelerated recovery of the country. And so, part of our responsibility is to ensure the protection of those platforms.

BLITZER: How active are the Iraqi insurgents here in the Gulf?

AMES: The terrorist insurgents are always active. And we are on our guard 24/7, around the clock, so that, should they attempt something, we're prepared to defend and deter them.

Now, we're linked into an intelligence organization that eclipses this one ship, but certainly we contribute to that. And we stand guard to ensure that they have no opportunity to engage us.

BLITZER: How many U.S. ships are you responsible for in this area?

AMES: If varies with time, but I would estimate 12 ships.

BLITZER: All right, every time I get aboard a ship, since the USS Cole, I'm worried about a small little boat with explosives and suiciders just coming up. What are you doing now differently, the lessons learned from the USS Cole, to make sure that can never happen again?

AMES: Well, I mentioned first the intelligence is fine-tuned and highly active. So that's step one. Step two, is we have a layered defense.

We have an electronic web across this area to detect the movement of all craft and to determine whether they have hostile intent, to determine whether they're transporting terrorists or smuggling weapons of mass destruction or weapons of any type that might subsequently be used ashore. And then...

BLITZER: But if a little boat -- excuse me for interrupting, Admiral.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: But if a little boat starts getting close to a big U.S. warship, what are the steps you do to make sure that it's not just a simple fishing vessel or something along those lines?

AMES: Well, in that case, we have a series of preplanned responses that we execute to warn them off, to separate, to ensure they don't close and cause harm.

BLITZER: At what point do you just blow up that boat?

AMES: Well, we do that with great discretion and only if we determine that there is in fact hostile intent or if such vessel demonstrates a hostile act toward us or one of our coalition ships.

BLITZER: Has that happened in recent months?

AMES: No, it has not happened. And in so saying that, it would appear you've complimented us, because our very purpose out here is to prevent the use of this area from such activity.

So, on the one hand, that's a good news story. On the other hand, as you point out, these are waterborne, potentially waterborne explosive devices. And, in so doing, we have to be on our toes, because any dhow -- or any speedboat or any fishing boat out here could in fact be a waterborne terrorist.

So, at the one hand, we're thankful we haven't seen it, which shows we're successful in mission deterring terrorist activity in the Northern Arabian Gulf. On the other hand, we cannot be complacent, because, as you know, almost a year ago, April 24, 2004, a dhow attacked the oil platforms, and that day began as any other, but you never know how it will end.

BLITZER: And I was on those one of those platforms yesterday, and I saw the vital nature, the economic lifeblood of Iraq, if you will, goes through that oil terminal.

AMES: It does; 95 percent, I'm told, of the oil exports from Iraq flow through there. And if you look at a period from about June of '03 until now, that's equated to 16 billion -- with a B -- dollars worth of oil flowing through. That's great revenue.

And that's the economic engine that we feel that will drive the recovery of Iraq. So it is a strategic piece of territory or battle space here in the Northern Arabian Gulf for many reasons, but certainly one is to ensure the production of that oil continues to flow unabated.

BLITZER: I saw some of the Iraqi Navy yesterday when we were in Umm Qasr, modest. It's going to be a long time before they have a robust navy that can really take charge of this area.

AMES: It is, but it's an exciting period, because they're developing. And it's our great pleasure to help contribute to that through interoperability training and training assistance to see them grow into a professional organization that is competent at some point to help relieve some of the responsibilities that we have. And I would be quick to point out that, in fact, we do integrate them into our tasking order. They conduct patrols, security patrols within their territorial waters. So, in a sense, they're already a part of our team and they're growing at leaps and bounds.

BLITZER: Do they have equipment, do they have ships that can actually be the basis for a future navy?

AMES: They do have ships right now, of course, patrol craft, so they're fairly small but suited to patrol territorial waters.

And they have an acquisition plan now in place, believe it or not, that will deliver even more larger, more competent ships.

BLITZER: What do you need most? What are you lacking that you feel would really help your mission if you could get it?

AMES: I would be hard-pressed to say what we're lacking. We have the best coalition navy in the world out here, the finest ships that the United States has and other nations.

We have the top sailors, and we have the support above and from regional neighbors in the area. So, I tell you, I think we're well- positioned for success.

BLITZER: It's a hardship for sailors nowadays and Marines to be on duty away from their families, away from their homes for long periods of time. What's the impact on the morale of the men and women under your command?

AMES: Well, I'll tell you, the morale is great, even though we left December 6, so we missed the Christmas holidays and all that period, a happy time of year.

But let there be no doubt. The morale, I'm sure as you've seen, aboard the ship is very high. And the reason is, we're performing a mission. We know it's an important mission to the recovery of Iraq. We know it's important to our country. And we're not going to let anyone down. And I think is what sustains people every day as they remain on heightened alert to a potential terrorist attack.

BLITZER: Admiral, good luck.

AMES: Thank you very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Rear Admiral Chris Ames speaking with me earlier today.

More news from the Persian Gulf coming up.

Once again, though, Bill Hemmer back in New York -- Bill. HEMMER: Wolf, thank you.

Let's get a break here.

In a moment, an update on Terri Schiavo. That's next.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is known as the king of Italian fashion. Giorgio Armani became a household name in the 1980s, when Richard Gere in American Gigolo famously showed off his collection of shirts, jackets and ties.

In 1982, he was the first fashion designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1950s. Armani revolutionized the wardrobe of men and women alike, introducing a style of relaxed elegance and pale colors.

In the 1990s, he became the designer of choice for Hollywood stars, and was among the first to approach celebrities to wear his creations.

GIORGIO ARMANI, DESIGNER (through translator): I'm perceived as one who makes only serious clothes, for the working woman, the woman who has no strange ideas when, in fact, I'd like to think I have a clientele who is a little crazy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Armani expanded quickly, licensing eyewear, cosmetics and a fragrance, turning his business into a multibillion- dollar fashion powerhouse.

In 1998, he opened his first store in china. And last year, he inaugurated his winter collection in Shanghai. Fashion, he says, has no boundaries. At 70, Armani is celebrating 30 years running his own fashion line.

ARMANI (thought translator): It seems like yesterday. In fact, it's been 30 years of commitment.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Before we get out of here, want to update you on the very latest we have on the Terri Schiavo matter, at this point, a question of life and death that may ultimately end up at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A short time ago, the Florida Senate rejected a bill to reconnect Schiavo's feeding tube. That vote followed a refusal by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to reconsider an appeal by Schiavo's parents to grant an emergency injunction to reconnect the tube.

Also, in Tallahassee, the fight continues there with Florida's governor. We will update you throughout the evening as we get more developments on this fast-moving story from Atlanta to Tallahassee and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court.

For Wolf Blitzer reporting in the Persian Gulf, I'm Bill Hemmer. Thanks for watching us.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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