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CNN Live Today

British Lawmaker Faces Congressional Accusers; Cat & Mouse

Aired May 17, 2005 - 10:31   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are just a minute past the half hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.
Alleged Atlanta courthouse shooter Brian Nichols has pleaded not guilty. Nichols entered his plea to a 54-count indictment at the top of the hour. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Nichols. He's accused of three killings in and outside the courthouse, and a fourth elsewhere.

The Amber Alert system will soon have millions of new eyes and ears. Right now the wireless industry is announcing an initiative that will allow some 180 million cell phone users to help in the recovery of missing children.

Hundreds of thousands of Cubans today joined Fidel Castro's campaign against an elderly exile. Marchers outside the U.S. mission in Havana called for the arrest of Louis Posada Carriles. Posoda is wanted in Venezuela in connection with the 1976 airliner bombing that killed 73 people. Posada is believed to be hiding in the U.S. and seeking political asylum.

Later this hour in Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses aspiring diplomats in a model United Nations conference. Some 400 teenagers taking part, and Merrill Lynch will announce a multimillion-dollar grant to expand this program around the world.

Also on Capitol Hill this morning, a British lawmaker faces congressional accusers. Senate investigators said last week that several politicians around the world profited from a corrupt Oil-for- Food program in pre-war Iraq. Parliament member George Galloway is one of those accused.

Our senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth is on Capitol Hill with the latest.

Richard, good morning.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

There could be an interesting confrontation on Capitol Hill today when minister British parliament George Galloway comes face to face with a Senate subcommittee which is accusing him of accepting kickbacks, paying surcharges, definitely getting into bed with Saddam Hussein. So far the hearing has dealt tangentially with some of the allegations against Galloway. There's been more on the charges against Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the Russian politician. The committee over the last few days lobbying allegations against Galloway, Zhirinovsky and former French interior minister Pasqua.

But the focus today will be on the tough talking, former Labor party member George Galloway.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD ROTH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): George Galloway left the U.K. promising, in his words, to give the Senate hell.

GEORGE GALLOWAY, BRITISH PARLIAMENT MEMBER: The truth is I have never bought or sold a drop of oil from Iraq or sold or bought a drop of oil from anybody. And if I had, I'd be a very rich man.

ROTH: At London's Heathrow airport he ridiculed the Senate report that revived allegations that deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein granted him vouchers to import 20 million barrels of Iraqi crude between 2000 and 2003.

GALLOWAY: The story, at least a year old, which boils down to my name being insulted on pieces of paper. If I had actually performed any oil deals, you'd know about it now. The person who gave me the millions and millions of dollars would already be in front of the television cameras.

ROTH: Galloway has been a leading critic of Britain's alliance with the U.S. on the war with Iraq and was recently reelected on that platform. He is accused of steering his oil to a Jordanian businessman, who financed a foundation that sent medical aid to Iraq. Galloway will be the top witness before Senator Norm Coleman's investigative subcommittee, which in recent days condemned a number of European politicians, it says, were awarded for supporting Iraq's bid to lift sanctions. Among them, former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua. The subcommittee says he was allocated 11 million barrels.

CHARLES PASQUA, FMR. FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTER: I wrote to Mr. Coleman, the president of subcommittee, and I tell him that all allegations about myself are false.

ROTH: And Russian deputy parliament speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky, allegedly granted more allocations than a number of top Russian officials cited, 76 million barrels.

VLADIMIR ZHIRINOVSKY, DEP. SPKR., RUSSIAN PARLIAMENT (through translator): I've never received any contract and never received a cent from Iraq.

ROTH: Coleman says the evidence, including interviews with former top Saddam loyalists, speaks for itself.

SEN. NORM COLEMAN, INVESTIGATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE: All we've done is report what we've found, and what we've found were Iraqi documents made at a time when Saddam was in power that specifically listed these individuals by name, laid out the allocations they were given. (END VIDEOTAPE)

ROTH: The U.S. senator wants the British parliamentarian sworn in so that he could be hit with a perjury charge should the allegations be later proven true, though it's unclear how long the law would be extending to Britain, based upon this committee, because Senator Coleman earlier said today we're not a court of law. But the heat will be on George Galloway in about an hour or so here at the U.S. Capitol -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, and as you were telling us as early as yesterday, it should be very interesting viewing. We'll be looking later today.

Thank you, Richard Roth on Capitol Hill.

Also on Capitol Hill today, some are hoping that a late-night compromise may prevent a dreaded showdown over judicial filibusters. A bipartisan group of senators says this is how the proposal breaks down: Democrats would allow voting on five of the president's judicial nominees. In exchange, Republicans would block a procedural change that would disallow filibusters against judicial nominees. We're told that details on a possible timeframe are still being negotiated.

In today's Security Watch, the dangers of unscreened cargo on passenger flights. Relatives of 9/11 victims gathered last hour with lawmakers, drawing attention to what they say is a security loophole. They were joined by pilots and flight attendants. They warned that items in the plane's cargohold may not have been screened for explosives or other dangerous materials.

So on the topic of in-flight safety, the Transportation Safety Administration has reversed its recent ban on all lighters in checked baggage. The TSA now says lighters that have not been filled with fuel will be allowed in the checked luggage. The feds faced complaints from both passengers and the makers of Zippo lighters who said the ban would penalize collectors and hurt sales by as much as 30 percent.

Well, either today or tomorrow federal officials are expected to announce their action against the private pilot who breached Washington's airspace last week. The stray flight was later deemed accidental. It triggered evacuations at the White House and on Capitol Hill. A government aviation official says that action is eminent. The penalty could be fines and also a suspension of the license.

Less than an hour from now, we're going to talk to a terrorism expert on the mounting global threat. Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Meanwhile, let's take another look at stories making news coast to coast. First to Arizona, where firefighters hoping to rein in this fire by Friday. Stiff winds aren't helping out in the Valley of the Sun. So far, what they're calling the Bart Fire, has swept across some 9,500 acres. It's about 20 percent contained. No structures are being threatened.

Nearly 1,500 homes and businesses were still without power this morning in northern Utah. Winds gusting to more than 80 miles an hour ripped through that area, toppling big-rig trucks and downing trees.

In Ohio's Amish country, a retail fixture comes to town. Wal- Mart recently opens its doors in Middlefield, Ohio. The retailer does know its target customers. The store sells nonelectric appliances, and the parking lot has hitching posts for parking the family horse and buggy.

And now a burglary victim and a crime caper that played out like a game of cat and mouse, a computer mouse, that is.

We're going to get details from reporter Karen Myers. She's with our affiliate WTTG in Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREN MYERS, WTTG REPORTER (voice-over): John Hiatt's song, "Have a Little Faith" connects with Karen Todd and her husband. Karen had those very lyrics inscribed on an iPod she gave her husband for Christmas. The words hold special meaning.

KAREN TODD, AMATEUR DETECTIVE: You'll be there for the other person. You know, when your back's against the wall, I'll be there.

MYERS: One day last month, while the couple was at work, a burglar broke into their house, smashing the sliding glass down door in the kitchen.

TODD: There was a patio stone sitting over here on the floor, broken glass all over the floor.

MYERS: The burglar stole a laptop computer, digital camera, a ring inherited from her grandmother and the sentimental iPod.

TODD: Apple quit making that particular model, and so I couldn't order it from Apple again and have it inscribed again. So that was a little disappointing.

MYERS: Karen, trying to think like the burglar, jumped on the Internet auction site eBay.

TODD: 5769.

MYERS: Hoping to find the stolen goods.

TODD: I was surfing, and I was just shocked. It's like, it's mine! It's mine! I couldn't believe it was there.

MYERS: The inscription in plain view. She called police, who traced it to this shop, J&K Sports Cards in Beltsville. The owner says he bought it from 21-year-old Ibrahima Toure (ph), who police tracked down and arrested, all because the detective work of this wife, mother, government worker, and now supersleuth. TODD: All of those Spencer books paid off.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Good for her! Police presented Karen Todd with a special commendation for her investigative work. They also gave her a $100 gift certificate to Best Buy.

Still to come on CNN live today, it is soaring high and it's not a bird, it's not a plane; it's incredible, though. It is a portrait of hope. A look at how this blimp is meant to inspire thousands of children across the country.

Plus a new deal could keep cash-strapped United Airlines flying. We'll have that story and a check of the financial markets right ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Something big is in the air, and depending on where you live, you just might catch a glimpse. Kids behind this project, special kids. Still to come, this is no ordinary blimp; it is a special airship full of dreams. The story of inspiration is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to be a doctor.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to be a family therapist.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When I grow up, I want to be a superstar.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Big hopes from little kids, all inspired by a display of dreams cast in red, blue and green. A while back, you might remember, we told you about this colorful craft. Partly created by kids, it was part of a program to help them dream big. Well, now a new kaleidoscope of color is crisscrossing the country. The Soaring Dreams Airship was also co-created, painted and signed by kids.

Ed Massey is founder of "Portraits of Hope." He's in Los Angeles with more about the mission. Ed, good morning.

ED MASSEY, FOUNDER, "PORTRAITS OF HOPE": Good morning, Daryn.

KAGAN: So you guys think big. A plane wasn't enough. You had to go for a blimp.

MASSEY: The larger the canvas, the better it is.

KAGAN: And that canvas built by 5,000 different kids?

MASSEY: Absolutely. We've worked with children from the Southwest part of the United States in after-school programs, in schools and pediatric care units, as well. So this is really a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of these children. The collaborative team effort with kids that may not actually get a chance to visit one another from Texas, from California and all working together to accomplish, really, the unimaginable.

KAGAN: And because all of these different types of kids have different challenges, sometimes you had to come up with special types of paint brushes and things, like we're seeing right here.

MASSEY: Absolutely. We designed special brushes -- the shoe brush, which you just saw, which is designed for children who have no mobility perhaps with their healthy painting hand. And put mouth brushes with special fruit flavoring in their mouths. This way they can have a good taste, as well. And telescope brushes that extend out to eight feet, almost like large hockey sticks for the kids, to all be active participants.

KAGAN: So they paint and sign and then how did it transfer onto the blimp?

MASSEY: After the kids all autographed their paintings, what we do is we had it in the hangar back in California, where we had a special team of installers do the first of its kind application. They came in from Great Britain. There's nothing like this anywhere in the world. And each panel is overlapped, one by one. It's almost piece- mealing. It's truly a remarkable installation and hopefully, people all across the country -- it's just starting its national tour right now. It's in Texas this morning and hopefully you'll get an incredible chance to see it fly overhead in the very near future.

KAGAN: You see this thing fly overhead. Now you know what it is. The other neat part of this is some of the children who painted, when it comes to their town, are they going to get to fly on the airship?

MASSEY: Absolutely. There's children from different regions of the different states that participated, that not only will get a chance -- but also for anyone who taps into soaringdreams.org, can actually see how they can also be -- get a chance of a lifetime to actually fly on board, as well. There's a competition and it's open to kids throughout the country. And this airship used to have a different pattern on it and we partnered with Ameriquest and Ameriquest has been incredible partners to get the kids all involved in this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

KAGAN: Now, I bet anybody watching this segment right now has a big smile on their face. Besides that, what's the purpose of doing this?

MASSEY: This gets kids actively engaged in thinking big. It's about dreaming big and going after your goals. All the kids -- when we go into a facility, whether its a pediatric care unit or into a after-school program. we asked the kids to think about their goals and that no hurdles are too large. And this is just one part of their whole learning experience, growing up, in later years, to know that you know what? They were part of a team effort.

It's rare in life that a child can say that they were part of something that the whole world gets to see. Unless you're a famous architect and you can say you created that bridge, how often does a child get the chance to really say hey, you know, I did something that's going to affect millions of people. And hopefully, as you said, Daryn, put a big smile on the face. No matter what you're going through on a day-to-day basis, if you have a tough day at school or work, hopefully this will bring a big smile and for all of those kids, be part of something that's just huge.

KAGAN: So you're in the business of making kids realize that dreams can come true.

MASSEY: I'll tell you something. It has been fantastic and for these kids, when they see it fly over their school yards or the after- school programs or over those pediatric care units and this airship, this blimp, will fly overhead, those kids will have a big smile on their face. And it's just a great feeling for all of the participants and for all of us, as well.

KAGAN: Well, as you said, there's a contest involved. And I'm suer a lot of people are going to be inspired to find out how they can be a part of it. So once again, the Web site with the schedule of where the blimp will be where -- there you go -- there's the airship tour schedule. And it's portraitsofhope.org. Very good.

MASSEY: That's right.

KAGAN: Ed Massey. I know the next thing is going to be bigger, because you just keep getting bigger and bigger. So you'll have to stop by when you dream up whatever that next thing is going to be.

MASSEY: OK. It's in the back of our head right now, so we'll be back.

KAGAN: Yes, I bet it is. Ed Massey, "Portraits of Hope." Thanks, Ed.

MASSEY: Thank you, Daryn. Thank you so much.

KAGAN: Let's check the time. 10:54 in Middlefield, Ohio, 7:54 in Los Angeles, California. Voters going to the polls for the city's mayoral race. Stay with us. We'll be back with a quick check of your morning's forecast.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Well, he's been acquitted of his wife's murder, but you're about to hear a candid conversation with actor Robert Blake. Some very surprising things that he said, ahead for you. And a new feature for your cell phone. It could help save a life. The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins 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 May 17, 2005 - 10:31   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are just a minute past the half hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.
Alleged Atlanta courthouse shooter Brian Nichols has pleaded not guilty. Nichols entered his plea to a 54-count indictment at the top of the hour. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Nichols. He's accused of three killings in and outside the courthouse, and a fourth elsewhere.

The Amber Alert system will soon have millions of new eyes and ears. Right now the wireless industry is announcing an initiative that will allow some 180 million cell phone users to help in the recovery of missing children.

Hundreds of thousands of Cubans today joined Fidel Castro's campaign against an elderly exile. Marchers outside the U.S. mission in Havana called for the arrest of Louis Posada Carriles. Posoda is wanted in Venezuela in connection with the 1976 airliner bombing that killed 73 people. Posada is believed to be hiding in the U.S. and seeking political asylum.

Later this hour in Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses aspiring diplomats in a model United Nations conference. Some 400 teenagers taking part, and Merrill Lynch will announce a multimillion-dollar grant to expand this program around the world.

Also on Capitol Hill this morning, a British lawmaker faces congressional accusers. Senate investigators said last week that several politicians around the world profited from a corrupt Oil-for- Food program in pre-war Iraq. Parliament member George Galloway is one of those accused.

Our senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth is on Capitol Hill with the latest.

Richard, good morning.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

There could be an interesting confrontation on Capitol Hill today when minister British parliament George Galloway comes face to face with a Senate subcommittee which is accusing him of accepting kickbacks, paying surcharges, definitely getting into bed with Saddam Hussein. So far the hearing has dealt tangentially with some of the allegations against Galloway. There's been more on the charges against Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the Russian politician. The committee over the last few days lobbying allegations against Galloway, Zhirinovsky and former French interior minister Pasqua.

But the focus today will be on the tough talking, former Labor party member George Galloway.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD ROTH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): George Galloway left the U.K. promising, in his words, to give the Senate hell.

GEORGE GALLOWAY, BRITISH PARLIAMENT MEMBER: The truth is I have never bought or sold a drop of oil from Iraq or sold or bought a drop of oil from anybody. And if I had, I'd be a very rich man.

ROTH: At London's Heathrow airport he ridiculed the Senate report that revived allegations that deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein granted him vouchers to import 20 million barrels of Iraqi crude between 2000 and 2003.

GALLOWAY: The story, at least a year old, which boils down to my name being insulted on pieces of paper. If I had actually performed any oil deals, you'd know about it now. The person who gave me the millions and millions of dollars would already be in front of the television cameras.

ROTH: Galloway has been a leading critic of Britain's alliance with the U.S. on the war with Iraq and was recently reelected on that platform. He is accused of steering his oil to a Jordanian businessman, who financed a foundation that sent medical aid to Iraq. Galloway will be the top witness before Senator Norm Coleman's investigative subcommittee, which in recent days condemned a number of European politicians, it says, were awarded for supporting Iraq's bid to lift sanctions. Among them, former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua. The subcommittee says he was allocated 11 million barrels.

CHARLES PASQUA, FMR. FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTER: I wrote to Mr. Coleman, the president of subcommittee, and I tell him that all allegations about myself are false.

ROTH: And Russian deputy parliament speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky, allegedly granted more allocations than a number of top Russian officials cited, 76 million barrels.

VLADIMIR ZHIRINOVSKY, DEP. SPKR., RUSSIAN PARLIAMENT (through translator): I've never received any contract and never received a cent from Iraq.

ROTH: Coleman says the evidence, including interviews with former top Saddam loyalists, speaks for itself.

SEN. NORM COLEMAN, INVESTIGATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE: All we've done is report what we've found, and what we've found were Iraqi documents made at a time when Saddam was in power that specifically listed these individuals by name, laid out the allocations they were given. (END VIDEOTAPE)

ROTH: The U.S. senator wants the British parliamentarian sworn in so that he could be hit with a perjury charge should the allegations be later proven true, though it's unclear how long the law would be extending to Britain, based upon this committee, because Senator Coleman earlier said today we're not a court of law. But the heat will be on George Galloway in about an hour or so here at the U.S. Capitol -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, and as you were telling us as early as yesterday, it should be very interesting viewing. We'll be looking later today.

Thank you, Richard Roth on Capitol Hill.

Also on Capitol Hill today, some are hoping that a late-night compromise may prevent a dreaded showdown over judicial filibusters. A bipartisan group of senators says this is how the proposal breaks down: Democrats would allow voting on five of the president's judicial nominees. In exchange, Republicans would block a procedural change that would disallow filibusters against judicial nominees. We're told that details on a possible timeframe are still being negotiated.

In today's Security Watch, the dangers of unscreened cargo on passenger flights. Relatives of 9/11 victims gathered last hour with lawmakers, drawing attention to what they say is a security loophole. They were joined by pilots and flight attendants. They warned that items in the plane's cargohold may not have been screened for explosives or other dangerous materials.

So on the topic of in-flight safety, the Transportation Safety Administration has reversed its recent ban on all lighters in checked baggage. The TSA now says lighters that have not been filled with fuel will be allowed in the checked luggage. The feds faced complaints from both passengers and the makers of Zippo lighters who said the ban would penalize collectors and hurt sales by as much as 30 percent.

Well, either today or tomorrow federal officials are expected to announce their action against the private pilot who breached Washington's airspace last week. The stray flight was later deemed accidental. It triggered evacuations at the White House and on Capitol Hill. A government aviation official says that action is eminent. The penalty could be fines and also a suspension of the license.

Less than an hour from now, we're going to talk to a terrorism expert on the mounting global threat. Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Meanwhile, let's take another look at stories making news coast to coast. First to Arizona, where firefighters hoping to rein in this fire by Friday. Stiff winds aren't helping out in the Valley of the Sun. So far, what they're calling the Bart Fire, has swept across some 9,500 acres. It's about 20 percent contained. No structures are being threatened.

Nearly 1,500 homes and businesses were still without power this morning in northern Utah. Winds gusting to more than 80 miles an hour ripped through that area, toppling big-rig trucks and downing trees.

In Ohio's Amish country, a retail fixture comes to town. Wal- Mart recently opens its doors in Middlefield, Ohio. The retailer does know its target customers. The store sells nonelectric appliances, and the parking lot has hitching posts for parking the family horse and buggy.

And now a burglary victim and a crime caper that played out like a game of cat and mouse, a computer mouse, that is.

We're going to get details from reporter Karen Myers. She's with our affiliate WTTG in Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREN MYERS, WTTG REPORTER (voice-over): John Hiatt's song, "Have a Little Faith" connects with Karen Todd and her husband. Karen had those very lyrics inscribed on an iPod she gave her husband for Christmas. The words hold special meaning.

KAREN TODD, AMATEUR DETECTIVE: You'll be there for the other person. You know, when your back's against the wall, I'll be there.

MYERS: One day last month, while the couple was at work, a burglar broke into their house, smashing the sliding glass down door in the kitchen.

TODD: There was a patio stone sitting over here on the floor, broken glass all over the floor.

MYERS: The burglar stole a laptop computer, digital camera, a ring inherited from her grandmother and the sentimental iPod.

TODD: Apple quit making that particular model, and so I couldn't order it from Apple again and have it inscribed again. So that was a little disappointing.

MYERS: Karen, trying to think like the burglar, jumped on the Internet auction site eBay.

TODD: 5769.

MYERS: Hoping to find the stolen goods.

TODD: I was surfing, and I was just shocked. It's like, it's mine! It's mine! I couldn't believe it was there.

MYERS: The inscription in plain view. She called police, who traced it to this shop, J&K Sports Cards in Beltsville. The owner says he bought it from 21-year-old Ibrahima Toure (ph), who police tracked down and arrested, all because the detective work of this wife, mother, government worker, and now supersleuth. TODD: All of those Spencer books paid off.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Good for her! Police presented Karen Todd with a special commendation for her investigative work. They also gave her a $100 gift certificate to Best Buy.

Still to come on CNN live today, it is soaring high and it's not a bird, it's not a plane; it's incredible, though. It is a portrait of hope. A look at how this blimp is meant to inspire thousands of children across the country.

Plus a new deal could keep cash-strapped United Airlines flying. We'll have that story and a check of the financial markets right ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Something big is in the air, and depending on where you live, you just might catch a glimpse. Kids behind this project, special kids. Still to come, this is no ordinary blimp; it is a special airship full of dreams. The story of inspiration is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to be a doctor.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to be a family therapist.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When I grow up, I want to be a superstar.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Big hopes from little kids, all inspired by a display of dreams cast in red, blue and green. A while back, you might remember, we told you about this colorful craft. Partly created by kids, it was part of a program to help them dream big. Well, now a new kaleidoscope of color is crisscrossing the country. The Soaring Dreams Airship was also co-created, painted and signed by kids.

Ed Massey is founder of "Portraits of Hope." He's in Los Angeles with more about the mission. Ed, good morning.

ED MASSEY, FOUNDER, "PORTRAITS OF HOPE": Good morning, Daryn.

KAGAN: So you guys think big. A plane wasn't enough. You had to go for a blimp.

MASSEY: The larger the canvas, the better it is.

KAGAN: And that canvas built by 5,000 different kids?

MASSEY: Absolutely. We've worked with children from the Southwest part of the United States in after-school programs, in schools and pediatric care units, as well. So this is really a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of these children. The collaborative team effort with kids that may not actually get a chance to visit one another from Texas, from California and all working together to accomplish, really, the unimaginable.

KAGAN: And because all of these different types of kids have different challenges, sometimes you had to come up with special types of paint brushes and things, like we're seeing right here.

MASSEY: Absolutely. We designed special brushes -- the shoe brush, which you just saw, which is designed for children who have no mobility perhaps with their healthy painting hand. And put mouth brushes with special fruit flavoring in their mouths. This way they can have a good taste, as well. And telescope brushes that extend out to eight feet, almost like large hockey sticks for the kids, to all be active participants.

KAGAN: So they paint and sign and then how did it transfer onto the blimp?

MASSEY: After the kids all autographed their paintings, what we do is we had it in the hangar back in California, where we had a special team of installers do the first of its kind application. They came in from Great Britain. There's nothing like this anywhere in the world. And each panel is overlapped, one by one. It's almost piece- mealing. It's truly a remarkable installation and hopefully, people all across the country -- it's just starting its national tour right now. It's in Texas this morning and hopefully you'll get an incredible chance to see it fly overhead in the very near future.

KAGAN: You see this thing fly overhead. Now you know what it is. The other neat part of this is some of the children who painted, when it comes to their town, are they going to get to fly on the airship?

MASSEY: Absolutely. There's children from different regions of the different states that participated, that not only will get a chance -- but also for anyone who taps into soaringdreams.org, can actually see how they can also be -- get a chance of a lifetime to actually fly on board, as well. There's a competition and it's open to kids throughout the country. And this airship used to have a different pattern on it and we partnered with Ameriquest and Ameriquest has been incredible partners to get the kids all involved in this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

KAGAN: Now, I bet anybody watching this segment right now has a big smile on their face. Besides that, what's the purpose of doing this?

MASSEY: This gets kids actively engaged in thinking big. It's about dreaming big and going after your goals. All the kids -- when we go into a facility, whether its a pediatric care unit or into a after-school program. we asked the kids to think about their goals and that no hurdles are too large. And this is just one part of their whole learning experience, growing up, in later years, to know that you know what? They were part of a team effort.

It's rare in life that a child can say that they were part of something that the whole world gets to see. Unless you're a famous architect and you can say you created that bridge, how often does a child get the chance to really say hey, you know, I did something that's going to affect millions of people. And hopefully, as you said, Daryn, put a big smile on the face. No matter what you're going through on a day-to-day basis, if you have a tough day at school or work, hopefully this will bring a big smile and for all of those kids, be part of something that's just huge.

KAGAN: So you're in the business of making kids realize that dreams can come true.

MASSEY: I'll tell you something. It has been fantastic and for these kids, when they see it fly over their school yards or the after- school programs or over those pediatric care units and this airship, this blimp, will fly overhead, those kids will have a big smile on their face. And it's just a great feeling for all of the participants and for all of us, as well.

KAGAN: Well, as you said, there's a contest involved. And I'm suer a lot of people are going to be inspired to find out how they can be a part of it. So once again, the Web site with the schedule of where the blimp will be where -- there you go -- there's the airship tour schedule. And it's portraitsofhope.org. Very good.

MASSEY: That's right.

KAGAN: Ed Massey. I know the next thing is going to be bigger, because you just keep getting bigger and bigger. So you'll have to stop by when you dream up whatever that next thing is going to be.

MASSEY: OK. It's in the back of our head right now, so we'll be back.

KAGAN: Yes, I bet it is. Ed Massey, "Portraits of Hope." Thanks, Ed.

MASSEY: Thank you, Daryn. Thank you so much.

KAGAN: Let's check the time. 10:54 in Middlefield, Ohio, 7:54 in Los Angeles, California. Voters going to the polls for the city's mayoral race. Stay with us. We'll be back with a quick check of your morning's forecast.

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KAGAN: Well, he's been acquitted of his wife's murder, but you're about to hear a candid conversation with actor Robert Blake. Some very surprising things that he said, ahead for you. And a new feature for your cell phone. It could help save a life. The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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