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CNN Live At Daybreak
Mourners Wait Patiently; Kansas Voters Ban Same-Sex Marriage; Eric Rudolph Trial; Michael Jackson Trial
Aired April 06, 2005 - 06:28 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."
Monaco's Prince Rainier died overnight. He was one of the world's longest reigning monarchs and had been hospitalized for several weeks. The prince died of heart, lung and kidney failure. He was 81. His son, Albert, is heir to the throne.
We are expecting an update from the Vatican any minute now on plans to choose a new pope. In the meantime, that river of mourners continues to move through Rome's streets, flowing into St. Peter's Basilica. An estimated 1 million people viewed Pope John Paul II's body during the first 24 hours it lay in state.
Another step forward in Iraq. Just about three hours ago, the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly elected a Kurd as president. It also chose a Shiite Muslim and a Sunni Muslim as his two vice presidents. And a note about the election: Saddam Hussein was allowed to watch it on television, if he wanted to.
In Kansas, voters have approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex couples from marrying. Kansas law already bans gay marriage, but supporters of the ban want to bolster it by putting it in the state constitution.
To the forecast center now.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: They may be weary from hours of standing in line, but the thousands who traveled many miles to see their pope won't let mile-long lines stop them. They're still pouring into St. Peter's Basilica, where the body of John Paul II lies.
CNN's Diana Muriel is out among the crowd.
Good morning -- Diana.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
As you say, they are still coming in to the basilica in the hundreds of thousands. The queue now stretches back several miles in either direction. The authorities have had to split it. It's just too big. They've closed off many of the streets in central Rome, creating traffic chaos for the rest of the city and pedestrians having to make their way to join the queue.
And all of the media, all of the journalists that are covering this story, they, too, this morning had to make their way to the live location -- my crew included -- on foot. There was simply no other way to get here.
The authorities are deciding to close off sections of the street to stop high water. If I step out of the way, you'll see behind me that here, there is a large stockpile of water and also Red Cross ambulances waiting to take people who are suffering from heat exhaustion out of the crowd and to give them medical attention. We've seen a stream of ambulances over the past few hours with people who simply can't take anymore of the heat.
It's about 70 degrees in Rome, but in the middle of the crowd that, of course, rises to around 80 degrees. And think, there's a lot of children in that crowd, a lot of elderly people who are here. They want to come and say their last farewell to Pope John Paul II, lying in state in the Basilica, but some of them simply just can't make it -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Diana Muriel live from Rome this morning.
The pope and many Catholics in this country -- in this country, I should say, are also against gay marriage, that sentiment heard loud and clear in Kansas. Voters overwhelmingly decided to amend their constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.
CNN political editor John Mercurio joins us now live from Washington.
Good morning -- John.
JOHN MERCURIO, CNN POLITICAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: OK. First, let's explore more of this Kansas law. It's different, because it does ban civil unions as well. Catholics led the charge. Could this have a national impact?
MERCURIO: Absolutely. I mean, that's their goal. I mean, one of the ministers I talked to earlier this week on this story was saying that they were really pushing for a strong turnout, a strong vote, by their side, because they hope that President Bush and Congress would take note of this.
I mean, obviously, President Bush and Congress tried to do something on this. Republicans in Congress tried to do something on this last year and failed. So, whether or not they'll actually succeed now after this vote is also sort of unclear.
COSTELLO: I know conservatives donated a lot of money to the fight. Where were the voices and the money from the opposition?
MERCURIO: The voices, interestingly, were really quite muted. I mean, I talked to Kansans for Fairness, which was the group that was organized to oppose it. They didn't have any elected officials, any elected officeholders speaking out for them. They didn't emphasize their support from Democrats. Kathleen Sebelius, the governor, supported their cause. She opposed the amendment. But she wasn't really a vocal opponent of it.
Mostly moderate Republicans were out there speaking, some business groups that were afraid that this amendment would affect their ability to draw people into the state. But they were, as you mentioned, dramatically out-funded. I mean, by about 4 to 1 the supporters out-raised them.
COSTELLO: Today, the issue moves to the Connecticut legislature, but we're expecting a far different outcome, aren't we?
MERCURIO: It's a different outcome. It's a different -- you know, a different process that they're going through. Obviously, this would take place through the legislature as opposed to through, you know, the ballot box.
But, yes, in Connecticut, Democrats control the legislature, and you're about to see them vote to legalize civil unions. It will be the first state to have done so, unprompted by a court order. Massachusetts, obviously, did so last year. And the Republican governor of the state supports the bill and is likely to sign it.
So, yes, two very, very, very different states -- Kansas a red state, Connecticut a blue state.
COSTELLO: This brings up so many interesting dilemmas, because civil unions will be legal in Connecticut.
MERCURIO: Right.
COSTELLO: They will not be legal in Kansas. So, you've got to believe somebody is going to sue somewhere.
MERCURIO: Well, this is what a lot of people believe is the way that civil unions or marriage or whatever you want to call it is supposed to be decided by the state, you know, individually, and not at the federal level. So, yes.
But will these laws stand up to legal challenges? I'm sure they'll be going through the process. Jeffery Toobin might be drawn in at some point to talk about it.
But it's sort of, I think, at this point unclear as to which ones will and which ones won't. There are 18 states now with laws on their books, including Kansas, you know, or amendments to their constitutions.
COSTELLO: Interesting. John Mercurio live from Washington this morning. Thank you.
CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now live from Rome for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING." Good morning -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, another day here high above the Vatican. The mourning continues. The lines get longer by the day, which is just so phenomenal to us watching here from the Vatican. Every morning we get up, Carol, and we come to the Vatican, and we see more mourners outside, where that line just continues to snake further and further away from the Vatican. So, we'll have another look at that today.
Also, Cardinal Francis George is with us today. We will talk about what the cardinals are discussing behind closed doors. So much of that is held in secret. However, we do know another meeting took place today.
And we're going to learn much more today also about the funeral plans that we will see in about two days from now.
Archbishop Foley is also with us today from the Vatican Media Office. And so, we will speak with all of those people coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING," live again in Italy, Carol, in a few minutes.
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Bill.
If you want to know how that new pope will be chosen and when, log on to CNN.com. It will give you a timeline and an interactive guide to the selection process. You can also view a gallery of potential successors.
The trial of accused bomber Eric Rudolph begins today in Birmingham, Alabama, with preliminary jury selection. Prospective jurors will fill out questionnaires on subjects ranging from the death penalty to abortion.
CNN investigative producer Henry Shuster has been following the Rudolph investigation. He also authored the book, "Hunting Eric Rudolph." And Henry joins us now with more about this case.
Good morning -- Henry.
HENRY SCHUSTER, CNN INVESTIGATIVE PRODUCER: Good morning, Carol. How are you?
COSTELLO: I'm fine. So, I understand the prospective jurors had to meet in a ballroom in a hotel?
SCHUSTER: Yes. There is not enough room at the court. Right now, there is a big headline white-collar crime trial going on in the main courtroom at the federal courthouse here. And so, they're meeting in a ballroom, a place where two days ago they were having a hair care show. And today, 500 potential jurors will be filling out those questionnaires you mentioned.
COSTELLO: Interesting. The questionnaires themselves, I understand they're modeled after the questionnaires they used in the trial of Timothy McVeigh.
SCHUSTER: This whole trial is using the Tim McVeigh trial as a road map. The administration -- the previous administration of the Justice Department considered this a case of domestic terrorism. And the case that they could come to it that gave them the best road map would be the Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols trials. So that's the way this is rolling out.
COSTELLO: Will this be difficult to seat a jury? Because this man is accused of abortion clinic bombings. He's also accused of being the Olympic Park bomber.
SCHUSTER: Yes. He's not going on trial for the Atlanta charge, at least not yet. What they're doing -- I mean, this is an extraordinary number of jurors -- of potential jurors they're bringing in. The judge rejected a change of venue even though a defense poll showed that almost everybody in this area of Alabama knew who Eric Rudolph was and remembered the abortion clinic bombing. But he feels confident that he can seat a jury. So, 500 potential jurors from all over northern Alabama will show up today.
COSTELLO: He was hiding in the woods for such a long period of time, and many believe he had help. Is that entering into this as well?
SCHUSTER: Well, not exactly. They're not going to necessarily get into that. The prosecution will certainly raise the question of, why did he run if he was not guilty? And the defense has asked permission to introduce a -- quote/unquote -- "cultural expert on western North Carolina" to say that people there, frankly, just don't take well to outsiders. And if somebody comes looking for you, then you head to the hills.
COSTELLO: Interesting. OK. You'll be joining us in the days to come. Henry Schuster live from Birmingham, Alabama, this morning.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, more emotional testimony in the Michael Jackson trial. We'll hear what his former maid had to say.
Also ahead, feel like you should sign your paycheck over to your gas station each month? We'll have more on our collective pain at the pump.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." No matter where you live in the United States, you're likely paying more than $2.00 for a gallon of gas.
Carrie Lee joins us now with more on the rising gas prices.
So, you say in every state now it's $2.00 or above? CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: That's right. According to AAA, the motor company, every state now has an average of above $2.00 a gallon for gas. So, this is something people really need to know. Even in the state of New Jersey, which is typically the cheapest state, they passed the mark earlier this week. Also, California surprised Hawaii as the state with the most expensive gas, due to supply fears.
By region, gas is most expensive in the western states, and the summer driving season is likely going to lead to more increases.
Now, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan did speak yesterday to a refinery group. He says he sees lower prices on the horizon. In a speech to the oil industry, he said he expects the high prices to lead to a decrease in demand. Also, he says he expects that an increase in supply could help cut prices as well. So, we'll see if that happens or not, Carol.
We'll tell you the good thing to high oil prices is that oil prices coming down over the couple of days, we've seen stocks gain for two days in a row. So that inverse relationship is certainly taking place.
COSTELLO: But you have to own the stock.
LEE: Yes, that's true. Hey, I'm trying to be optimistic here.
COSTELLO: Exactly. Carrie Lee, thank you.
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Let's get right to our e-mail "Question of the Day" we're asking you this morning. At what, like -- here's the question: How high do gas prices need to go for you to change your driving habits? And we've been getting a lot of e-mails this morning, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. And, in fact, I just had to buy a new car, because the lease was up on my old one. And I did buy a much more fuel-efficient car this time, thinking that $2.00, although it's painful, may only be the beginning. I mean, $3.00, $4.00 is completely not out of the question.
But we're at 2.20 with no terrorism. I mean, you think what could happen if they take a supply line out or whatever, you know.
So, Carol, Ed from Indiana says: "How bad are gas prices? My wife wanted me to take her someplace expensive to dinner. I took her to a gas station for a soda pop."
COSTELLO: This is from Pete Randy from New Jersey: "My wife and I are changing our driving styles, largely to accommodate our wallets. Each of us had long preferred the electric chair to the passenger seat, while the other drives. We drive places together, just a little bit more now."
So, they're foregoing their luxury vehicle to drive the more gas- efficient one.
MYERS: Right. From David in Honolulu. He says: "Gas prices here are already over three bucks a gallon, and nobody is slowing down here."
It's a fixed cost for some folks. You can't shorten your trip to work unless you get a new house. I drive 19 miles to work. That's almost like three-quarters of a gallon of gas. So, now it's costing me almost two bucks to get here.
COSTELLO: Listen to this one. This is from Hawaii, David, our friend from Hawaii. He says -- I'm reading this off of my computer, which is why I'm having to turn away. "Gas prices are already over $3.00 in parts of Hawaii, and that's not enough to keep people from driving."
Now, if you can't -- of course, things are far apart in Hawaii. But it's beautiful weather there.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: But people still drive. I mean, there are traffic jams in Hawaii.
MYERS: Well, sure.
COSTELLO: You know, but what will it take for people to ride their bikes or walk or take mass transit?
MYERS: I don't know.
COSTELLO: Or take the bus? What will it take? Does it matter how much -- how high gas prices rise?
MYERS: I think it will. And when mass transit becomes cheaper than driving, then people are going to go that way. Until then, it's not.
COSTELLO: Well, when mass transit is available in all parts of the country...
MYERS: That's another thing as well.
COSTELLO: True. When DAYBREAK continues, Michael Jackson's former maid takes the stand to talk about the pop star's behavior toward her son. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:46 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Monaco's Prince Rainier has died at the age of 81. The prince is credited with putting its tiny country on the map. He had been married to actress Grace Kelly. We're still standing by for a briefing from the Vatican on plans to select a new pope. In the meantime, more than a million mourners have passed by the body of Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica. The College of Cardinals met today to finalize funeral arrangements and to possibly pick a date for their conclave.
In money news, Alan Greenspan expects hot oil prices to cool down. The Federal Reserve chief says energy markets are being strained right now, but he also believes oil supplies will grow and prices will decrease.
In culture, another celebrity enters the world of reality TV. Are you ready? Britney Spears and her husband, Kevin Federline, are creating their own reality series, mostly from home videos they shot themselves. It will reportedly air on UPN in May. And, boy, I bet that will be a big ratings there. It's a weird kind of TV world we live in now, isn't it?
In sports, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz has been a heck of a closer for nearly four years, but that was then. Tuesday he lasted only into the second inning in his first start. Florida Marlins 9, the Braves zip.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Let's check in with CNN's Bill Hemmer. He's live in Rome. He's going to tell us what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
HEMMER: Hey, Carol. In a moment here, we should get another press conference from the spokesperson for the Vatican, Joaquin Navarro-Valls. At that time, we may find out whether or not the will of Pope John Paul II has been opened. Yesterday at this hour, we learned here at the Vatican that will had not been even opened yet, so therefore it wasn't read. And fine details about the burial and the funeral still may be released any moment now.
Also, we'll meet the pope's personal assistant. He's a bishop from Ireland. He served the previous two popes prior to Pope John Paul II. But this man was very special, he says. He served with him for nine years, went to 64 different countries. You'll hear his stories and his memories, too, coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Our coverage continues live at the Vatican today. Also back live is Soledad in New York City. So, we'll see you in just a couple of minutes, Carol, top of the hour.
COSTELLO: Ten minutes. Thank you, Bill.
More allegations of inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson coming out in court, but at least one of the more salacious stories may not be true. We'll tell you more after a break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: More allegations of inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson are coming out in court. But at least one of the more salacious stories may not be true.
CNN's Miguel Marquez has more on what's being said on the witness stand in Santa Maria, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The mother of Jackson's past accuser testified that she twice saw her son in situations with the pop star that made her feel uncomfortable. She also testified she never saw Jackson molest her son.
Now, the woman, she's an immigrant from El Salvador, she worked as Jackson's personal maid for five years in the late '80s and early '90s. She testified that she also saw Jackson in the shower with another boy, an 8-year-old. But under cross-examination, she changed that and said she only assumed the boy was in the shower, because she heard two voices in Jackson's bedroom.
She also testified that she received $20,000 from the tabloid show, "Hard Copy," for an interview she did in the 1990s. She also said that she reached a financial settlement with Jackson rather than pressing molestation charges.
Still expected in court is the mother of Jackson's '93 accuser and several Neverland ranch employees who are expected to testify about what they say Jackson did with other young boys.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: It's 6:54 Eastern Time. Here is what will be making news today.
Monaco's Prince Rainier is dead. The 81-year-old prince died of heart, lung and kidney failure about seven hours ago. He died in the same hospital where he had been treated for several weeks.
President and Mrs. Bush head to Rome today for the pope's funeral. The president's father, former President Clinton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are also in the U.S. delegation.
Iraq's National Assembly has elected Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani as president and two others as vice presidents. The election was broadcast on television and reportedly watched by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
And convicted white supremacist Matt Hale could learn his fate soon. His sentencing hearing begins today. Last year, Hale was found guilty of plotting to murder U.S. district court judge Joan Lefkow. She's the judge whose husband and mother were murdered in Chicago in late February.
This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Let's talk about something good, Chad. What a beautiful shot of the Jefferson Memorial and the cherry blossoms this morning.
MYERS: And what a great day, 81 degrees in Washington, D.C., this afternoon.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MYERS: How about that? Now, you're not going until next weekend, right?
COSTELLO: I know. Hopefully, the wind won't blow very hard.
MYERS: Yes, yes.
COSTELLO: It can blow all of the cherry blossoms off the trees.
MYERS: It is beautiful, though, when the wind does blow. After you've already had the cherry blossom bloom and the wind blows, it looks like snow coming down. But it's snowing and 81. That's not so bad.
COSTELLO: That's the kind of snow I like, Chad.
MYERS: The Jefferson Memorial there, obviously, the Reflecting Pond.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: You know, Chad, I think there is no more beautiful city in springtime than Washington, D.C.
MYERS: Well, absolutely. All the way downtown, and the nice part about it, we've been talking about gas prices. The best part when I was living in Washington, D.C. working for the weather service, the best part was the Metro. You could get anywhere you wanted to. It wasn't cheap. But you could get anywhere you wanted to and not have to drive your car, because parking downtown can be a real nightmare.
COSTELLO: You got that right. Let's get to our mug winner from Monday actually, because we haven't been able to do our quizzes because of obvious events taking place in the world.
MYERS: The questions we asked: What is the name of the new book on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry? That is a "Tale of Two Cities." And who got slimed at the Kids' Choice Awards? That was Johnny Depp.
The winner from Enterprise, Alabama, Linda Klempner. She has been a longtime e-mailer and a longtime tryer (ph) to win a DAYBREAK mug, and she finally did it. Congratulations, Linda, the winner.
The questions now for today. When will new passport regulations for Canada take effect? And who is the latest star to get a reality TV show?
CNN.com/daybreak for your answers, please.
COSTELLO: Thanks for joining us this morning. That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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Aired April 6, 2005 - 06:28 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."
Monaco's Prince Rainier died overnight. He was one of the world's longest reigning monarchs and had been hospitalized for several weeks. The prince died of heart, lung and kidney failure. He was 81. His son, Albert, is heir to the throne.
We are expecting an update from the Vatican any minute now on plans to choose a new pope. In the meantime, that river of mourners continues to move through Rome's streets, flowing into St. Peter's Basilica. An estimated 1 million people viewed Pope John Paul II's body during the first 24 hours it lay in state.
Another step forward in Iraq. Just about three hours ago, the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly elected a Kurd as president. It also chose a Shiite Muslim and a Sunni Muslim as his two vice presidents. And a note about the election: Saddam Hussein was allowed to watch it on television, if he wanted to.
In Kansas, voters have approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex couples from marrying. Kansas law already bans gay marriage, but supporters of the ban want to bolster it by putting it in the state constitution.
To the forecast center now.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: They may be weary from hours of standing in line, but the thousands who traveled many miles to see their pope won't let mile-long lines stop them. They're still pouring into St. Peter's Basilica, where the body of John Paul II lies.
CNN's Diana Muriel is out among the crowd.
Good morning -- Diana.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
As you say, they are still coming in to the basilica in the hundreds of thousands. The queue now stretches back several miles in either direction. The authorities have had to split it. It's just too big. They've closed off many of the streets in central Rome, creating traffic chaos for the rest of the city and pedestrians having to make their way to join the queue.
And all of the media, all of the journalists that are covering this story, they, too, this morning had to make their way to the live location -- my crew included -- on foot. There was simply no other way to get here.
The authorities are deciding to close off sections of the street to stop high water. If I step out of the way, you'll see behind me that here, there is a large stockpile of water and also Red Cross ambulances waiting to take people who are suffering from heat exhaustion out of the crowd and to give them medical attention. We've seen a stream of ambulances over the past few hours with people who simply can't take anymore of the heat.
It's about 70 degrees in Rome, but in the middle of the crowd that, of course, rises to around 80 degrees. And think, there's a lot of children in that crowd, a lot of elderly people who are here. They want to come and say their last farewell to Pope John Paul II, lying in state in the Basilica, but some of them simply just can't make it -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Diana Muriel live from Rome this morning.
The pope and many Catholics in this country -- in this country, I should say, are also against gay marriage, that sentiment heard loud and clear in Kansas. Voters overwhelmingly decided to amend their constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.
CNN political editor John Mercurio joins us now live from Washington.
Good morning -- John.
JOHN MERCURIO, CNN POLITICAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: OK. First, let's explore more of this Kansas law. It's different, because it does ban civil unions as well. Catholics led the charge. Could this have a national impact?
MERCURIO: Absolutely. I mean, that's their goal. I mean, one of the ministers I talked to earlier this week on this story was saying that they were really pushing for a strong turnout, a strong vote, by their side, because they hope that President Bush and Congress would take note of this.
I mean, obviously, President Bush and Congress tried to do something on this. Republicans in Congress tried to do something on this last year and failed. So, whether or not they'll actually succeed now after this vote is also sort of unclear.
COSTELLO: I know conservatives donated a lot of money to the fight. Where were the voices and the money from the opposition?
MERCURIO: The voices, interestingly, were really quite muted. I mean, I talked to Kansans for Fairness, which was the group that was organized to oppose it. They didn't have any elected officials, any elected officeholders speaking out for them. They didn't emphasize their support from Democrats. Kathleen Sebelius, the governor, supported their cause. She opposed the amendment. But she wasn't really a vocal opponent of it.
Mostly moderate Republicans were out there speaking, some business groups that were afraid that this amendment would affect their ability to draw people into the state. But they were, as you mentioned, dramatically out-funded. I mean, by about 4 to 1 the supporters out-raised them.
COSTELLO: Today, the issue moves to the Connecticut legislature, but we're expecting a far different outcome, aren't we?
MERCURIO: It's a different outcome. It's a different -- you know, a different process that they're going through. Obviously, this would take place through the legislature as opposed to through, you know, the ballot box.
But, yes, in Connecticut, Democrats control the legislature, and you're about to see them vote to legalize civil unions. It will be the first state to have done so, unprompted by a court order. Massachusetts, obviously, did so last year. And the Republican governor of the state supports the bill and is likely to sign it.
So, yes, two very, very, very different states -- Kansas a red state, Connecticut a blue state.
COSTELLO: This brings up so many interesting dilemmas, because civil unions will be legal in Connecticut.
MERCURIO: Right.
COSTELLO: They will not be legal in Kansas. So, you've got to believe somebody is going to sue somewhere.
MERCURIO: Well, this is what a lot of people believe is the way that civil unions or marriage or whatever you want to call it is supposed to be decided by the state, you know, individually, and not at the federal level. So, yes.
But will these laws stand up to legal challenges? I'm sure they'll be going through the process. Jeffery Toobin might be drawn in at some point to talk about it.
But it's sort of, I think, at this point unclear as to which ones will and which ones won't. There are 18 states now with laws on their books, including Kansas, you know, or amendments to their constitutions.
COSTELLO: Interesting. John Mercurio live from Washington this morning. Thank you.
CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now live from Rome for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING." Good morning -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, another day here high above the Vatican. The mourning continues. The lines get longer by the day, which is just so phenomenal to us watching here from the Vatican. Every morning we get up, Carol, and we come to the Vatican, and we see more mourners outside, where that line just continues to snake further and further away from the Vatican. So, we'll have another look at that today.
Also, Cardinal Francis George is with us today. We will talk about what the cardinals are discussing behind closed doors. So much of that is held in secret. However, we do know another meeting took place today.
And we're going to learn much more today also about the funeral plans that we will see in about two days from now.
Archbishop Foley is also with us today from the Vatican Media Office. And so, we will speak with all of those people coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING," live again in Italy, Carol, in a few minutes.
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Bill.
If you want to know how that new pope will be chosen and when, log on to CNN.com. It will give you a timeline and an interactive guide to the selection process. You can also view a gallery of potential successors.
The trial of accused bomber Eric Rudolph begins today in Birmingham, Alabama, with preliminary jury selection. Prospective jurors will fill out questionnaires on subjects ranging from the death penalty to abortion.
CNN investigative producer Henry Shuster has been following the Rudolph investigation. He also authored the book, "Hunting Eric Rudolph." And Henry joins us now with more about this case.
Good morning -- Henry.
HENRY SCHUSTER, CNN INVESTIGATIVE PRODUCER: Good morning, Carol. How are you?
COSTELLO: I'm fine. So, I understand the prospective jurors had to meet in a ballroom in a hotel?
SCHUSTER: Yes. There is not enough room at the court. Right now, there is a big headline white-collar crime trial going on in the main courtroom at the federal courthouse here. And so, they're meeting in a ballroom, a place where two days ago they were having a hair care show. And today, 500 potential jurors will be filling out those questionnaires you mentioned.
COSTELLO: Interesting. The questionnaires themselves, I understand they're modeled after the questionnaires they used in the trial of Timothy McVeigh.
SCHUSTER: This whole trial is using the Tim McVeigh trial as a road map. The administration -- the previous administration of the Justice Department considered this a case of domestic terrorism. And the case that they could come to it that gave them the best road map would be the Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols trials. So that's the way this is rolling out.
COSTELLO: Will this be difficult to seat a jury? Because this man is accused of abortion clinic bombings. He's also accused of being the Olympic Park bomber.
SCHUSTER: Yes. He's not going on trial for the Atlanta charge, at least not yet. What they're doing -- I mean, this is an extraordinary number of jurors -- of potential jurors they're bringing in. The judge rejected a change of venue even though a defense poll showed that almost everybody in this area of Alabama knew who Eric Rudolph was and remembered the abortion clinic bombing. But he feels confident that he can seat a jury. So, 500 potential jurors from all over northern Alabama will show up today.
COSTELLO: He was hiding in the woods for such a long period of time, and many believe he had help. Is that entering into this as well?
SCHUSTER: Well, not exactly. They're not going to necessarily get into that. The prosecution will certainly raise the question of, why did he run if he was not guilty? And the defense has asked permission to introduce a -- quote/unquote -- "cultural expert on western North Carolina" to say that people there, frankly, just don't take well to outsiders. And if somebody comes looking for you, then you head to the hills.
COSTELLO: Interesting. OK. You'll be joining us in the days to come. Henry Schuster live from Birmingham, Alabama, this morning.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, more emotional testimony in the Michael Jackson trial. We'll hear what his former maid had to say.
Also ahead, feel like you should sign your paycheck over to your gas station each month? We'll have more on our collective pain at the pump.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." No matter where you live in the United States, you're likely paying more than $2.00 for a gallon of gas.
Carrie Lee joins us now with more on the rising gas prices.
So, you say in every state now it's $2.00 or above? CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: That's right. According to AAA, the motor company, every state now has an average of above $2.00 a gallon for gas. So, this is something people really need to know. Even in the state of New Jersey, which is typically the cheapest state, they passed the mark earlier this week. Also, California surprised Hawaii as the state with the most expensive gas, due to supply fears.
By region, gas is most expensive in the western states, and the summer driving season is likely going to lead to more increases.
Now, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan did speak yesterday to a refinery group. He says he sees lower prices on the horizon. In a speech to the oil industry, he said he expects the high prices to lead to a decrease in demand. Also, he says he expects that an increase in supply could help cut prices as well. So, we'll see if that happens or not, Carol.
We'll tell you the good thing to high oil prices is that oil prices coming down over the couple of days, we've seen stocks gain for two days in a row. So that inverse relationship is certainly taking place.
COSTELLO: But you have to own the stock.
LEE: Yes, that's true. Hey, I'm trying to be optimistic here.
COSTELLO: Exactly. Carrie Lee, thank you.
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Let's get right to our e-mail "Question of the Day" we're asking you this morning. At what, like -- here's the question: How high do gas prices need to go for you to change your driving habits? And we've been getting a lot of e-mails this morning, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. And, in fact, I just had to buy a new car, because the lease was up on my old one. And I did buy a much more fuel-efficient car this time, thinking that $2.00, although it's painful, may only be the beginning. I mean, $3.00, $4.00 is completely not out of the question.
But we're at 2.20 with no terrorism. I mean, you think what could happen if they take a supply line out or whatever, you know.
So, Carol, Ed from Indiana says: "How bad are gas prices? My wife wanted me to take her someplace expensive to dinner. I took her to a gas station for a soda pop."
COSTELLO: This is from Pete Randy from New Jersey: "My wife and I are changing our driving styles, largely to accommodate our wallets. Each of us had long preferred the electric chair to the passenger seat, while the other drives. We drive places together, just a little bit more now."
So, they're foregoing their luxury vehicle to drive the more gas- efficient one.
MYERS: Right. From David in Honolulu. He says: "Gas prices here are already over three bucks a gallon, and nobody is slowing down here."
It's a fixed cost for some folks. You can't shorten your trip to work unless you get a new house. I drive 19 miles to work. That's almost like three-quarters of a gallon of gas. So, now it's costing me almost two bucks to get here.
COSTELLO: Listen to this one. This is from Hawaii, David, our friend from Hawaii. He says -- I'm reading this off of my computer, which is why I'm having to turn away. "Gas prices are already over $3.00 in parts of Hawaii, and that's not enough to keep people from driving."
Now, if you can't -- of course, things are far apart in Hawaii. But it's beautiful weather there.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: But people still drive. I mean, there are traffic jams in Hawaii.
MYERS: Well, sure.
COSTELLO: You know, but what will it take for people to ride their bikes or walk or take mass transit?
MYERS: I don't know.
COSTELLO: Or take the bus? What will it take? Does it matter how much -- how high gas prices rise?
MYERS: I think it will. And when mass transit becomes cheaper than driving, then people are going to go that way. Until then, it's not.
COSTELLO: Well, when mass transit is available in all parts of the country...
MYERS: That's another thing as well.
COSTELLO: True. When DAYBREAK continues, Michael Jackson's former maid takes the stand to talk about the pop star's behavior toward her son. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:46 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Monaco's Prince Rainier has died at the age of 81. The prince is credited with putting its tiny country on the map. He had been married to actress Grace Kelly. We're still standing by for a briefing from the Vatican on plans to select a new pope. In the meantime, more than a million mourners have passed by the body of Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica. The College of Cardinals met today to finalize funeral arrangements and to possibly pick a date for their conclave.
In money news, Alan Greenspan expects hot oil prices to cool down. The Federal Reserve chief says energy markets are being strained right now, but he also believes oil supplies will grow and prices will decrease.
In culture, another celebrity enters the world of reality TV. Are you ready? Britney Spears and her husband, Kevin Federline, are creating their own reality series, mostly from home videos they shot themselves. It will reportedly air on UPN in May. And, boy, I bet that will be a big ratings there. It's a weird kind of TV world we live in now, isn't it?
In sports, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz has been a heck of a closer for nearly four years, but that was then. Tuesday he lasted only into the second inning in his first start. Florida Marlins 9, the Braves zip.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Let's check in with CNN's Bill Hemmer. He's live in Rome. He's going to tell us what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
HEMMER: Hey, Carol. In a moment here, we should get another press conference from the spokesperson for the Vatican, Joaquin Navarro-Valls. At that time, we may find out whether or not the will of Pope John Paul II has been opened. Yesterday at this hour, we learned here at the Vatican that will had not been even opened yet, so therefore it wasn't read. And fine details about the burial and the funeral still may be released any moment now.
Also, we'll meet the pope's personal assistant. He's a bishop from Ireland. He served the previous two popes prior to Pope John Paul II. But this man was very special, he says. He served with him for nine years, went to 64 different countries. You'll hear his stories and his memories, too, coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Our coverage continues live at the Vatican today. Also back live is Soledad in New York City. So, we'll see you in just a couple of minutes, Carol, top of the hour.
COSTELLO: Ten minutes. Thank you, Bill.
More allegations of inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson coming out in court, but at least one of the more salacious stories may not be true. We'll tell you more after a break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: More allegations of inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson are coming out in court. But at least one of the more salacious stories may not be true.
CNN's Miguel Marquez has more on what's being said on the witness stand in Santa Maria, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The mother of Jackson's past accuser testified that she twice saw her son in situations with the pop star that made her feel uncomfortable. She also testified she never saw Jackson molest her son.
Now, the woman, she's an immigrant from El Salvador, she worked as Jackson's personal maid for five years in the late '80s and early '90s. She testified that she also saw Jackson in the shower with another boy, an 8-year-old. But under cross-examination, she changed that and said she only assumed the boy was in the shower, because she heard two voices in Jackson's bedroom.
She also testified that she received $20,000 from the tabloid show, "Hard Copy," for an interview she did in the 1990s. She also said that she reached a financial settlement with Jackson rather than pressing molestation charges.
Still expected in court is the mother of Jackson's '93 accuser and several Neverland ranch employees who are expected to testify about what they say Jackson did with other young boys.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: It's 6:54 Eastern Time. Here is what will be making news today.
Monaco's Prince Rainier is dead. The 81-year-old prince died of heart, lung and kidney failure about seven hours ago. He died in the same hospital where he had been treated for several weeks.
President and Mrs. Bush head to Rome today for the pope's funeral. The president's father, former President Clinton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are also in the U.S. delegation.
Iraq's National Assembly has elected Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani as president and two others as vice presidents. The election was broadcast on television and reportedly watched by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
And convicted white supremacist Matt Hale could learn his fate soon. His sentencing hearing begins today. Last year, Hale was found guilty of plotting to murder U.S. district court judge Joan Lefkow. She's the judge whose husband and mother were murdered in Chicago in late February.
This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Let's talk about something good, Chad. What a beautiful shot of the Jefferson Memorial and the cherry blossoms this morning.
MYERS: And what a great day, 81 degrees in Washington, D.C., this afternoon.
COSTELLO: Oh!
MYERS: How about that? Now, you're not going until next weekend, right?
COSTELLO: I know. Hopefully, the wind won't blow very hard.
MYERS: Yes, yes.
COSTELLO: It can blow all of the cherry blossoms off the trees.
MYERS: It is beautiful, though, when the wind does blow. After you've already had the cherry blossom bloom and the wind blows, it looks like snow coming down. But it's snowing and 81. That's not so bad.
COSTELLO: That's the kind of snow I like, Chad.
MYERS: The Jefferson Memorial there, obviously, the Reflecting Pond.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: You know, Chad, I think there is no more beautiful city in springtime than Washington, D.C.
MYERS: Well, absolutely. All the way downtown, and the nice part about it, we've been talking about gas prices. The best part when I was living in Washington, D.C. working for the weather service, the best part was the Metro. You could get anywhere you wanted to. It wasn't cheap. But you could get anywhere you wanted to and not have to drive your car, because parking downtown can be a real nightmare.
COSTELLO: You got that right. Let's get to our mug winner from Monday actually, because we haven't been able to do our quizzes because of obvious events taking place in the world.
MYERS: The questions we asked: What is the name of the new book on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry? That is a "Tale of Two Cities." And who got slimed at the Kids' Choice Awards? That was Johnny Depp.
The winner from Enterprise, Alabama, Linda Klempner. She has been a longtime e-mailer and a longtime tryer (ph) to win a DAYBREAK mug, and she finally did it. Congratulations, Linda, the winner.
The questions now for today. When will new passport regulations for Canada take effect? And who is the latest star to get a reality TV show?
CNN.com/daybreak for your answers, please.
COSTELLO: Thanks for joining us this morning. That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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