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CNN Live Saturday

Novak Zone: Interview with Jim Hewes of Willard Hotel

Aired May 21, 2005 - 14:00   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.


TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It is 2:00 p.m. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the president is about to give a college commencement address; 7:00 p.m. in London where "The Sun" newspaper has published more photos of Saddam Hussein in his underwear. Good afternoon, I'm Tony Harris in for Fredricka Whitfield at CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.
Ahead this hour why the U.S. military is so upset over newly published photos of Saddam Hussein. Is there a security leak in Baghdad?

The first lady in Jordan -- why her goodwill trip could ruffle feathers in the Arab world.

And, it started out as a ride to school -- why it ended up as a ride to jail. Those stories in a moment, but first a look at headlines "Now in the News."

President Bush is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this hour, headed for Calvin College, to deliver a commencement speech. It is one of two he will deliver this spring. Mr. Bush will address Annapolis grads on Friday. CNN will carry today's speech live. It is scheduled to begin in less than a half hour.

Here's new video of a missing Idaho girl. This was taken a few days before Shasta K. Groene and her brother Dylan disappeared from their home last Sunday. A possible lead went sour, a case of mistaken identity. Their mother, brother and the mother's boyfriend were all found dead. The search continues. Police say there are few clues to go on.

And a tragic house fire in Cleveland, Ohio. Seven children and two adults were killed when the blaze broke out around 3:00 a.m. this morning in a working class neighborhood. The children range in age from four to 17. The fire chief says at least one of the children was at the house for a sleepover. Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.

More photos of ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein printed in a British tabloid newspaper today. He's clad in more than just his underwear this time, but the pictures are still causing embarrassment on two fronts. They show how far Hussein has fallen, and they show the U.S. military's inability it keep the images private. Military officials are vowing to find who leaked the photos. Our Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: "Sun" newspapers splashed the picture of the underwear-clad former dictator on its front page. The British tabloid claimed the photo, along with several others showing Saddam Hussein in captivity, were handed over by U.S. military sources who had said hoped to deal a body blow to the resistance in Iraq. Instead, the unauthorized release dealt the U.S. military another public relation's nightmare, by provoking outrage from many Iraqis.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It is not acceptable to show a president in such way. They must respect the name a president all over the world regardless of if he is a dictator.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): What we saw on TV is not right. Saddam Hussein is an Iraqi and we are a civilized country.

MCINTYRE: In a statement, the U.S. military in Baghdad said the photos "were taken in clear violation of DoD directives and possibly Geneva Convention guidelines," and expressed disappointment that "someone responsible for the security, welfare, and detention of Saddam would...provide these photos for public release."

Military sources tell CNN, based on the way Saddam looks and the backgrounds, the images appear to have been taken between January and April of 2004, and may have come from a security camera that monitors Saddam around the clock. The military says it's taking the unauthorized release very seriously.

The last thing the U.S. needs is repeat of the violent demonstrations that followed an erroneous report that military investigators confirmed U.S. interrogators desecrated a Koran. "Newsweek" magazine retract the story and President Bush downplayed the idea that the Saddam pictures could spark similar protests.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't think a photo inspires murderers. I think they're inspired by an ideology that is so barbaric and backwards that it's hard many in the Western world to comprehend how they think.

MCINTYRE: A second set of picture published by "The Sun" Saturday showing Saddam Hussein praying behind barbed wire, but also shows two other captives, the man dubbed "Chemical Ali," for his alleged role in using poison gas against the Kurds, and a woman nicknamed "Chemical Sally" or "Mrs. Anthrax" for her part in Iraq's germ program.

The military says only a small number of people have access to the super-secure jail where Saddam Hussein is being held and that personal cameras are banned from the facility. The U.S. is promising an aggressive investigation.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HARRIS: So, here's the question, could the photos boost anger toward U.S. troops in Iraq, or will they have the opposite effect? Earlier I asked the commander of the U.S. Army's 3rd brigade in Iraq for his reaction to the pictures and their possible impact.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COL. DAVID BISHOP, U.S. ARMY: We share the same opinion as most other people, that you shouldn't treat people like that regardless of what they have done. Thus far, though, we haven't seen any backlash from the local community here regarding the photos.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: No outcry or protest in the Middle East over the photos. Some even say Saddam deserved the humiliation, but other Iraqis and Arabs say the pictures are another insult to Muslims. Our Ryan Chilcote is gauging reaction in Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: On the newsstands of Baghdad, beneath the glamour shots of Arab and Western models, front page photos of a half-naked Saddam Hussein. Iraqis snapped them up but draw different views. Dr. Amar Sabr (ph) found them distasteful and had no doubt about why they'd appeared in the newspapers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think to humiliate Iraqi people.

CHILCOTE: In a country where purpose opinion polls are impossible, our unscientific survey came up with one universal conclusion.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): These photos are unacceptable, immoral, and hurt all Iraqis regardless whether we like or dislike the previous regime. At the end of the day, Saddam was the president of Iraq. It is unacceptable for the American administration.

CHILCOTE: One man did get a kick out of them

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): He's sitting in the cell he deserves. With no A/C in there, maybe he got hot and decided to take off some clothes. Besides, he'd already humiliated himself and his country with what he did to it.

CHILCOTE: At an internet cafe we found two women who looked, but refused to talk. Kamal Hassan (ph) had just finished a Google search for Saddam and sex when we walked up. He, like everyone we spoke with, blamed the U.S. government for the photo's release

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I am sure the new photos were published on purpose. It's a clear message to all the Arab leaders who oppose America: they will end up in a small jail facing humiliation. CHILCOTE: Some of the people we talked to recalled the photos from Abu Ghraib. While few in Iraq have any pity for Saddam, the leak of the photos has done nothing for the reputation of the U.S. presence here. It's also raised the prospect of Saddam Hussein suing his captors.

Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And back in the States, three people are dead. Two children are missing in Idaho. State and federal authorities are continuing the relentless search for the brother and sister. New video gives us a better look at the missing girl.

CNN's Alina Cho joins us live from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with details. Alina?

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, this is the first time we have seen video of either of the children. This particular home video shows 8-year-old Shasta Groene at school, presenting a science project. It was taken nine days ago, four days before she and her brother, 9-year-old Dylan, disappeared. The video was shot, by the way, by a parent who's child is in Shasta's class. This parent apparently decided to release the video in the hopes that someone might get a better look at her and, ultimately, of course, that the children would be found alive and brought home.

Neither Dylan nor Shasta have been seen since the bodies of their mother, their 13-year-old brother and the mother's boyfriend were found at their home on Monday night. Crime scene investigators do hope to wrap up their work at the home sometime later today, and then the evidence will be sent off to the FBI's crime processing lab in Quantico, Virginia. They have already begun sealing up the home, we should mention, so that when they do wrap up their work, they can close the door and be done with it before the evidence is shipped off on Monday.

Today, we are also hearing from the neighbor who made a frantic 911 call to police.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB HOLLINGSWORTH, NEIGHBOR (voice-over): I went to the door to pay the little kid for mowing the lawn, and there's blood all over the door. No one comes to the door and their car is there. I tried to call them today and I didn't get 'em."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: More than 500 tips have been called in to the hot line, 40 investigators are chasing those leads, but so far nothing has panned out. Tony, interestingly enough, though, authorities here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, are still hopeful they will find the children alive. They say they're in it for the long haul. Tony?

HARRIS: Alina, just give us a sense of that town. Is it one of those towns where everyone knows everyone else?

CHO: I'm sorry, one of those towns were, what?

HARRIS: Is it one of those towns where everyone knows their neighbors?

CHO: You know you do get the sense of that, and certainly this is a very small town where the headlines are all over the papers, the local papers. People are talking about it. Everywhere we go, they say, what's the latest? As you know, very well, yesterday there was a possible sighting of two children who resembled Dylan and Shasta. Of course, that turned out not to be true.

So, people are watching this minute by minute. Of course, everyone is hoping that Dylan and Shasta will be found alive. It's been five days now, so of course hopes are dwindling a bit, but authorities are still hopeful. We will keep you up to date, of course, as the details come in.

HARRIS: CNN's Alina Cho. Alina, we appreciate it. Thank you.

A brawl breaks out on a school bus in Florida and it's all caught on tape. Take a look at this. Authorities in Puento Gorda, Florida, released video of the fight. They say it all began when the driver tried to get the student in front of the bus. Probably not the way to do it. Investigators claim the student began cursing at the driver and the fight escalated from there, as you can see here, pushing and shoving and more shoving and pushing. the bus driver is charged with misdemeanor battery. Two students who faces are blurred to protect their identities have been charged with felonies.

We are waiting to hear from President Bush. He'll be speaking at Calvin College in Michigan, and he may talk about two students -- about his threatened to veto stem cell research legislation. We'll also hear from Laura Bush -- a live picture there of the president.

Laura Bush is on the road in Jordan. Her remarks might upset another America's Mideast allies. You'll hear why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAURIE PUHN, AUTHOR "INSTANT PERSUASION": The secret is being persuasive all the time.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Harvard-educated lawyer and author Laurie Puhn believes using the right words is the key to success, a belief that led to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. award for increasing tolerance and understanding by improving communications.

PUHN: People can become empowered to be aware of their words and then make the changes so that they're constantly winning people over, reducing conflict and getting what they want each and every day.

Most important lesson is that everybody is important, and if we can learn to communicate in a way that is always respectful and appreciative, we come to surround ourselves with people who want to be in our lives. Our sphere of influence increases.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And, once again, a live picture from Calvin College in the Calvin Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The president is just a few minutes away from delivering the 85th commencement address at Calvin College, and when the president, as you see there, begins his address, we will take you back to Calvin College, live, for those remarks.

But first, First Lady Lady Bush is expanding her role a bit this weekend as she urges Middle Eastern leaders to expand the role of women in their countries. CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is traveling with the first lady and files this report from Jordan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: First Lady Laura Bush, atop the mountain where Moses once stood.

LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: It's a beautiful place to come. I'm really thrilled to be here.

MALVEAUX: Her focus, however, on this overseas' trip, promoting progress for women in the Middle East.

L. BUSH: All people, men and women, want to contribute to the success of their country, and all people, men and women, must have the opportunity to do so.

MALVEAUX: At World Economic Forum, the first lady delivered that no-nonsense message before a polite audience made up of mostly Middle Eastern government and business officials.

L. BUSH: Freedom, especially freedom for women, is more than the absence of oppression.

MALVEAUX: Mrs. Bush used the aftermath of America's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as some examples of women's liberation.

L. BUSH: Afghan women are relishing their new freedom. More than 2 million little girls are back in school.

MALVEAUX: New opportunities for women, a welcomed message for some.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's now more than ever coming from also within the countries to develop woman and empowering women.

MALVEAUX: But others here say, while they may agree with the first lady's message, the problem is with the messenger. Since the Iraq war and the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, the United States has suffered a poor image in the Middle East. Some here say the Bush administration would fare better if it changed its tone.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At least needs an emotional tone. It needs a friendship, emotional tone rather than a public speech.

MALVEAUX: Later in the day, Mrs. Bush visited students with Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Runia, to highlight their educational system as a model for the Middle East. Afterwards it was lunch with those who benefited from that education, Jordanian business women.

Mrs. Bush's next step, Israel and the West Bank to visit Christian, Muslim and Jewish holy societies, in an effort for the administration to focus on what they say is a new broader approach in the Middle East, rewarding those who are engaged in economic and political reforms.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the Dead Sea, Jordan.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: And back now to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where President Bush is delivering the 85th commencement address to the graduates at Calvin College. Let's listen in.

PRES. GEORGE W. BUSH, UNITED STATES: Just look at what it did for me.

(LAUGHTER, APPLAUSE)

I thanked the moms and dads here for your sacrifice and for your love.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to thank the faculty for your hard work and dedication.

(APPLAUSE)

And again, I congratulate the class of 2005. Soon you will collect your degrees and say good-byes to a school that has been your home, and you will take your rightful place in a country that offers you the greatest freedom and opportunity on earth.

(APPLAUSE)

I ask that you use what you've learned here to make your own contributions to the story of American freedom. The immigrants who founded Calvin College came to America for the freedom to worship, and they built this great school on the sturdy ground of liberty. They saw in the American experiment, the world's best hope for freedom, and they weren't the only ones excited about what they saw.

In 1835, a young civil servant and aristocrat from France named Alexis de Tocqueville would publish a book about America that still resonates today. The book is called "Democracy in America," and in it, this young Frenchman said that the secret to America's success was our talent for bringing people together for the common good. De Tocqueville wrote that tyrants maintained their power by isolating their citizens, and that Americans guaranteed their freedom by their remarkable ability to ban together without any direction from government.

The America he described offered the world something it had never seen before -- a working model of a thriving democracy, where opportunity was unbounded, where virtue was strong, and where citizens took responsibility for their neighbors. Tocqueville's account is not just the observations of one man; it is the story of our founding. It's not just a description of America at a point in time; it is an agenda for our time.

Our founders rejected both a radical individualism that makes no room for others, and the jury collectivism that crushes the individual. They gave us instead a society where individual freedom is anchored in communities, and in this hopeful new century, we have a great goal, to renew the spirit of community, and thereby renew the character and compassion of our country.

First, we must understand that the character of our citizens is essential to society. In a free and compassionate society, the public good depends on private character. That character's formed and shaped in institutions like family, faith, and the many civil, social and civic organizations from the Boy Scouts to the Rotary clubs. The future success of our nation depends on our ability to understand the difference between right and wrong, and to have the strength of character to make the right choices. Government cannot create character, but it can and should respect and support the institutions that do.

Second, we must understand the importance of keeping power close to the people. Local people know local problems. They know the names and faces of their neighbors. The heart and soul of America is in our local communities. It is in the citizen's school boards that determine how our children are educated. It's in the city council's and state legislators that reflect the unique needs and priorities of the people they serve. It's in the volunteer groups that transform towns and cities into caring communities and neighborhoods.

In the years to come, I hope that you will consider joining these associations, or serving in government, because when you come together to serve a cause greater than yourself, you'll energize your communities, and you'll help build a more just and compassionate America.

Finally, we must understand that it is by becoming active in our communities that we move beyond our narrow interests. In today's complex world, there are a lot of things that pull us apart. We need to support and encourage the institutions and pursuits that bring us together. And we learn how to come together by participating in our churches and temples and mosques and synagogues; civil rights organizations; in our PTAs and J.C.s; and in our gardening and book clubs; interest groups and chambers of commerce; in our service groups, from soup kitchens to homeless shelters. All of these organizations promote the spirit of community and help us acquire the habits of heart that are so vital to a free society. And because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our faith-based and community groups provide the armies of compassion that help people who wonder if the American dream is meant for them. These armies of compassion are the great engines of social change. They serve individual and local needs, and they have been found at the front of every great movement in American history.

The history of forming associations dedicated to serving others is as old as America itself, from abolition societies and suffrage movements, to immigrant aide groups and prison reform ministries, America's social entrepreneurs have often been far ahead of our government in identifying and meeting the needs of our fellow countrymen. Because they are closer to the people they serve, our faith-based and community organizations deliver better results than government. And they have a human touch. When a person in need knocks on the door of a faith-based or community organization, he or she is welcomed as a brother or a sister.

No one understood this better than another 19th century visitor to America whose name is well known to Calvin College, Abraham Kuyper. Kuyper was a Dutchman who would be elected his nation's prime minister, and he knew all about the importance of associations because he founded so many of them, including two newspapers, a political party, and a university. Kuyper contrasted the humanizing influence of independent social institutions with the mechanical character of government.

And in a famous speech right here in Grand Rapids, he urged Dutch immigrants to resist the temptation to retreat behind their own walls. He told them to go out into their adopted America, and make a true difference as true Christian citizens. Our government is encouraging all Americans to make a difference through our faith-based community initiative. We're mobilizing Americans to volunteer through the USA Freedom Corps. We'll do our part, but ultimately, service is up to you. It is your choice to make.

As your generation takes its place in the world, all of you must make this decision -- will you be a spectator or a citizen? To make a difference in this world, you must be involved. By serving a higher calling here or abroad, you'll make your lives richer and build a more hopeful future for our world.

Calvin College, you take this call to service to heart. You serve as agents of renewal across the earth. You volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters to mentor young people. You work at Bethany Christian service here in Grand Rapids, one of the best known adoption services in America. Former Calvin student and professor, Bern Elers (ph) serves in the halls of Congress.

As the class of 2005 goes out into the world, I ask you to embrace this tradition of service and help set an example for all Americans. As Americans, we share an agenda that calls us to action. A great responsibility to serve and love others, a responsibility that goes back to the greatest commandment. This isn't a Democrat idea. This isn't a Republican idea. This is an American idea.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: It has sustained our nation's liberty for more than 200 years. The founders knew that too much government leads to oppression. But that too little government can leave us helpless and alone. So they build a free society with many roots and community. And to keep the tree of liberty standing tall in the century before us, you must nourish those roots.

Today the Calvin class of 2005 looks out on America that continues to be defined by the promise of our declaration of independence. We're still the nation our founders imagined, with individual freedom and opportunity is unbounded. Where community is vibrant. Where compassion keeps us from resting until all our citizens take their place at the banquet of freedom and equality. And with your help, we'll all do our part to transform our great land one person and one community at a time.

Thank you for having me, and may God bless you. And may God continue to bless our country.

HARRIS: President George W. Bush at Calvin College speaking to the graduates there, the Calvin Field House about 900 graduates strong. The president encouraging the graduates to give back to their local communities and to work as social entrepreneurs in promoting freedom and democracy around the world. And asking the graduates, and everyone watching of course, will you be a spectator or a participant in making this a safer world for everyone? To do that, the president mentioned through faith-based programs here in the United States and around the world. The president enduring a rounding, rousing round of applause from the graduates. Again, at the Field House there in Calvin College in Grand Rapid, Michigan.

We'll take a break and come back with more right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The Michael Jackson trial is nearing its end. The defense could wrap up its case Tuesday after a week that saw CNN's own Larry King in court. We'll discuss the case in our legal round table joining me in New York is criminal defense attorney, Richard Herman. He is at the Time Warner Center in New York.

Richard, hi, how are you?

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good afternoon, Tony. How are you?

HARRIS: And with me -- well, thank you, sir. And with me in Atlanta, civil rights attorney and law professor, Avery Friedman.

All right, Richard, let me start with you. Clear up something for me here. The confusion over this attorney/client privilege with regards to Geragos, attorney Geragos and whether it was waived. And wouldn't it -- attorney Mesereau do here for Michael Jackson, and why is the judge saying he feels deceived? Help me!

HERMAN: Well, apparently what happened was Mesereau made a representation to the judge that there was an attorney/client privilege waiver. Based on that representation, Geragos was allowed to testify. During the course of Geragos' testimony, questions were asked of him concerning incidents post arrest after Michael was arrested. And Geragos told the judge, "Judge, I can't answer these questions, because I -- we only had a limited waiver." We didn't have a full waiver. So, then the judge almost fell out of his chair.

HARRIS: A limited waiver as opposed it a full waiver.

HERMAN: Absolutely. And apparently that day scribble on a piece of paper at courthouse was this purposed attorney/client waiver which only covered the period of time up until the time of arrest. Now, the judge was in a pickle last week because if he -- he had several options. One of which to striked all of Geragos' testimony. But you know, you really can't strike that because it's already been testified to and the jury heard it.

HARRIS: Right.

HERMAN: So, the judge basicly threaten -- he's going to put a sanction on Tom Mesereau. He allowed the testimony, subject to this limited waiver. And at the end of the day a big plus for the defense.

HARRIS: All right, and Avery, why does all of this matter?

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: It matters. It's a huge development. Let me tell you something, Tony, this whole thing was a set-up. The fact is that Mark Geragos knew exactly what was going on. Tom Mesereau knew was -- what was exactly going on here. The deal was, the judge and the jury thought that they were going to hear everything including what Michael Jackson said.

HARRIS: Right.

FRIEDMAN: Well, what happened is that they decided to pick and choose. And when it came right down to the hard stuff, when the prosecution got into, it Geragos all of a sudden says, "Hey, it's only a partial waiver by Michael Jackson." Bottom line, they ingrated evidence, there's no way the prosecution is going to get to the key stuff.

HARRIS: OK, so, Richard, talk about Geragos as a witness. And what was -- what were some of the key points that he was able to get into the jury's ears during his testimony?

HERMAN: Well, Tony, look you've seen him with the sunglasses and cell phone.

HARRIS: Yes.

HERMAN: He's very suave, debonair. You know, he's a great mouth piece. And from all reports -- and of course Avery and I weren't there. But from all report, he did a spectacular job for the defense. He deflected every defense -- every prosecution cross-examination question. The key point that I think Geragos elicited was, when he came on up on board, he felt that this accuser and the accuser's mother...

HARRIS: That it was a shakedown!

HERMAN: ... were trying to shake Michael down.

HARRIS: Yes.

HERMAN: He's the one that ordered the private investigators to watch over them, not Michael. And that give -- the reason why people were following this family.

FRIEDMAN: Oh wait.

HERMAN: The setup thought, the shakedown took place in that courtroom last week. What happened is that everybody knew. Mesereau knew, Geragos knew that they were going to tell half the story. And that's where Tom Mesereau found himself in a world of trouble.

HARRIS: So, did they concoct this little plan amongst themselves and not let the judge in on the deal. The judge had to know, well at least have some kind of red flag go up when saw that Geragos was...

FRIEDMAN: Well, of course. Of course he did, Tony. And that was them sham of it. The judge was outraged and he's considering sanctions. But the fact is the damage has been done. What Tom Mesereau did was dirty, but it was actually very effective. And hey, so goes the way of this kind of litigation.

HARRIS: Well, Richard, is there any kind of recourse for the judge.

HERMAN: The judge could sanction. He could fine him a few dollars. He could hold him in contempt of court or I guess he could report him to the Departmental Disciplinary Committee. Bottom line was, I don't believe anything is going to come of this. And it's just been a tremendous week for the defense. They're destroying the credibility of this prosecution case. And this prosecutor made a major blunder putting in this conspiracy count, because it's deflected the entire focus this trial to the conspiracy and there's just no case for it.

HARRIS: Avery, what kind of a job has the defense done here? We're talking about the defense case wrapping up on maybe Tuesday.

FRIEDMAN: Well, that is a surprise, because remember during opening statement, Tom Mesereau was promising us Elizabeth Taylor. We were going to see every star that's ever walked on Hollywood line.

HARRIS: But if Richard is correct you don't need it now.

FRIEDMAN: Yes, that's what they're arguing. There's no need for it. HERMAN: Hey, Tony, he's making the right move. Sometimes the lawyers don't know when to shut up. He's done it. The defense has been spectacular. Reasonable doubt -- it wreaks all over this case. Come on, this jury can't possibly convict Michael Jackson on anything.

FRIEDMAN: Well, lets see. Let's see what happens here. We really don't know yet.

HERMAN: OK, we'll watch it. The defense wraps on Tuesday. We've got closing arguments. We've got a rebuttal?

FRIEDMAN: Yes, rebuttal coming up after that.

HERMAN: A short case, very short.

HARRIS: Gentlemen, thank you.

HERMAN: Nice to see you, Tony.

FRIEDMAN: Thank you.

HARRIS: Good to see you guys.

All right, we're going to get a rare look at a world few of us few understand. Autism, as seen through the eyes of a woman who suffered from the affliction. Part of an Academy Award nominated film when CNN LIVE SATURDAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Let's check other stories making news across America now.

A Berkeley, California police officer is thanking his lucky star. His badge backed up by a bulletproof vest may have saved his life. A suspect shot the officer in the chest during a foot chase. The suspect is being held on attempted murder charges.

Former teacher, Mary Kay Letourneau is now married to the former sixth grade student she was convicted of raping. He's now 22-years- old. They got married last night outside a winery outside Seattle. Their two children were there. Letourneau spent more than seven years in prison for the rape. She was released last August.

The force invades the box office. "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" raked in a staggering record $50 million in a single day.

And in Breckenridge, Colorado, one skier is dead after an avalanche slid into the Erapoho (ph) base and ski area Friday morning. The unidentified man is the fifth skier killed in Colorado avalanches this season.

Now an unforgettable story. Until age 13, Sue Reuben (ph) was unable to communicate or control her unusual behavior. Most assumed she was mentally challenged, but they were wrong. She is autistic. Now 26, she's a college student with a top I.Q. She gives us an inside look into her strange and wonderful journey. And the documentary "Autism is a World," you can see it all on "CNN PRESENTS."

We have an excerpt. Actress Julianna Margowlis (ph) gives voice to the words Sue wrote.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm a junior at Wittier College majoring in history. I attend classes with Ashley, my friend and support staff.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You ready to go outside?

OK.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Two.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, the Cairo conference. Remember, he kept talking about that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ashland takes notes for me, and is available when I want to communicate.

All right, all right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brandy Calderra (ph). Jennifer Eastlake (ph). Sue Rubin. Suly Vega (ph).

The first thing we're going to do, I'm going to start talking a little bit about ideologies and philosophies that were brought into play by the arrival of colonialism first, and then the rise of the nationalist movement in various parts of the Arab world.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Autism is a constant struggle. It takes every ounce of energy I have to sit somewhat quietly during a two-hour lecture.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It gives rise to what we today know as nationalist movements.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love learning, yet being looked upon as feeble-minded is something I have been forced to endure my entire life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good job. You can make it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actually, in the times I'm not fully engaged in school, I find that I am more susceptible to awful autism.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: The Academy Award nominated documentary, "Autism is a World" will premiere on "CNN PRESENTS" tomorrow night at 8:00 Eastern.

Put on your belts, we're going into the "Novak Zone" when CNN LIVE SATURDAY continues.

And if you want to know more about Washington, D.C. history, and maybe an adult libation or two, Bob Novak is the man for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Washington has many historic watering holes. This week CNN's Robert Novak stopped by one of them to talk to the resident mythologist.

Now to the "Novak Zone."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to the "Novak Zone." We're at the Round Robin Bar in the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel, a block down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House in Washington, D.C. Talking to the bartender, Jim Hewes. He's been a bartender at the Round Robin Bar since this hotel reopened in 1986.

Jim, what is the -- this hotel first opened in 1847. What is it's place of history?

JIM HEWES, BARTENDER: Well, Mr. Novak, the word hotel has always occupied and ongoing place in history for every American. Being so close to the White House, being in the heartbeat of the nation, it holds a place culturally, economically and politically and as well as socially for many Americans.

Walt Whitman the great American poet immortalized the bar at Willard in a poem. Can you tell us about that?

HEWES: Well, Walt Whitman walked -- worked right across the street. He used to spend time at Willard Hotel. And when hostilities opened up during the Civil War or the war cessation as it was known, he spent time at the Willard Hotel carrying for the wounded and for the people coming back from battle. But right after the battle of Bull Run, many of the officers who fled the scene, the Union officers who fled the scene of battle actually resigned their commissions they decided at the bar at the Willard Hotel. In fact, they had to close the bar because so many officers were resigning their commissions because of the outcome of the battle. And he wrote the poem about the officers with their fancy uniforms and their shiny boots running down -- running across 14th Street and running away from the battle while the common soldier, who what Walt Whitman had a very, very close affinity to, the common man was left in the field.

NOVAK: Jim Hewes, many presidents have stayed at the Willard. Abraham Lincoln stayed here when he came in after his election. And President Wilson had historic meeting here, Woodrow Wilson. What can you tell us about that?

HEWES: Well, he actually planned his political -- his political agenda for going over and instituting the agenda for the League of Nations. And it caused a very, very tumultuous political battle between the Roosevelt Republicans and the Wilson Democrats.

NOVAK: Jim, I mentioned Abraham Lincoln staying here after his election. He was actually hidden in the Willard, wasn't he.

HEWES: Well, there was -- there was a talk of plot to actually either kidnap or assassinate Abraham Lincoln. And it was supposed to take place in Baltimore. So his Secret Service agents spirited him. They sent the baggage (ph) down to Washington. They spirited him down to Washington in a private coach. And he actually was -- he arrived at the hotel and didn't have his baggage with him. So the Willard family actually had to find some slippers and some robe and pajamas for him to wear.

NOVAK: Jim Hewes, a song that everybody in America knows well was inspired here by Julia Ward Howe from -- I believe from a room in the Willard.

HEWES: As a was saying earlier about the beginning of the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe was down here staying at the Willard Hotel. And the soldiers were coming by. And they were humming "John Brown's Body" which was a popular tune at the time. And as you know, "John Brown's Body" doesn't have a lot of lyrics to it. And she was somewhat inspired by hearing the song over and over again that she sat down and actually penned the words to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" from her room.

NOVAK: And a century later Martin Luther King worked on a piece of history here too, didn't he?

HEWES: Yes, he did. His famous -- his very, very famous speech, "I have a dream" was actually penned here, the evening before he went over to the Mall and addressed the huge crowd that had come here to listen to him speak about...

NOVAK: 1963.

HEWES: Exactly.

NOVAK: Just out the hall here, Jim, is the beautiful lobby of the Willard Hotel. And is there -- is it a myth or is it legend or is it the truth that the word lobbyist came from this lobby? Is that true?

HEWES: It sure did. Because gentlemen who were coming to Washington to exercise influence over the political process would actually stay at the Willard Hotel as did many politicians. Washington has always been a rather expensive town to live in. And so people who were coming to Washington in a political realm would take rooms in the hotel. Well, if you want to influence legislation and executive actions, you want to encounter these individuals in the lobby of the hotel and that's where the term came about. Lobbyist.

NOVAK: And now the big question for Jim Hewes the mythologist at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington. Jim Hewes, a signature drink of this hotel is the mint tulip -- why is that?

HEWES: Well, this cocktail I feel more than any other cocktail epitomizes hospitality, congeniality, keeping alive the gentle art of conversation and showcasing a truly American invention, Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. In order to make one of these drink us take sugar, fresh mint, I like to use a red thin mint, a small measure of bourbon -- and a little bit of a sparkling water or what is known as branch water. Now what I'm going to do is I'm going to pack some crushed ice, agitate this mixture. And what I'm making is a tea. The recipe we use at the Round Robin Bar is actually Henry Clay's original recipe for the southern style mint julip. In fact it was said that Mr. Clay would hold court at the old Willard Hotel and instruct yankees and others in the fine art of making this truly unique cocktail.

NOVAK: Put a little more on top.

HEWES: A little more on top and a little bit more of branch water. And now I shall garnish this with a fresh sprig of mint and a little zest of lemon -- and sugar. (INAUDIBLE) air of hospitality as I said that's unsurpassed by any other cocktail. Have a sip.

NOVAK: Very good. Thank you very much, Jim Hewes.

HEWES: Thank you, sir.

NOVAK: And thank you for being in "The Novak Zone."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And you can see more of Bob Novak tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on the "CAPITAL GANG." The gang's guest tonight is Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

There's much more ahead on CNN SATURDAY at top of the hour, our CNN 25 special looking at 2 the 5 most fascinating people of the last 25 years.

At 4:00, CNN LIVE SATURDAY and a new laser defense system protecting Washington, D.C.

At 5:00, PEOPLE IN THE NEWS, with three of the biggest names in reality television.

I will be back with the hour's top stories after this break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired May 21, 2005 - 14:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It is 2:00 p.m. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the president is about to give a college commencement address; 7:00 p.m. in London where "The Sun" newspaper has published more photos of Saddam Hussein in his underwear. Good afternoon, I'm Tony Harris in for Fredricka Whitfield at CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.
Ahead this hour why the U.S. military is so upset over newly published photos of Saddam Hussein. Is there a security leak in Baghdad?

The first lady in Jordan -- why her goodwill trip could ruffle feathers in the Arab world.

And, it started out as a ride to school -- why it ended up as a ride to jail. Those stories in a moment, but first a look at headlines "Now in the News."

President Bush is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this hour, headed for Calvin College, to deliver a commencement speech. It is one of two he will deliver this spring. Mr. Bush will address Annapolis grads on Friday. CNN will carry today's speech live. It is scheduled to begin in less than a half hour.

Here's new video of a missing Idaho girl. This was taken a few days before Shasta K. Groene and her brother Dylan disappeared from their home last Sunday. A possible lead went sour, a case of mistaken identity. Their mother, brother and the mother's boyfriend were all found dead. The search continues. Police say there are few clues to go on.

And a tragic house fire in Cleveland, Ohio. Seven children and two adults were killed when the blaze broke out around 3:00 a.m. this morning in a working class neighborhood. The children range in age from four to 17. The fire chief says at least one of the children was at the house for a sleepover. Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.

More photos of ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein printed in a British tabloid newspaper today. He's clad in more than just his underwear this time, but the pictures are still causing embarrassment on two fronts. They show how far Hussein has fallen, and they show the U.S. military's inability it keep the images private. Military officials are vowing to find who leaked the photos. Our Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: "Sun" newspapers splashed the picture of the underwear-clad former dictator on its front page. The British tabloid claimed the photo, along with several others showing Saddam Hussein in captivity, were handed over by U.S. military sources who had said hoped to deal a body blow to the resistance in Iraq. Instead, the unauthorized release dealt the U.S. military another public relation's nightmare, by provoking outrage from many Iraqis.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It is not acceptable to show a president in such way. They must respect the name a president all over the world regardless of if he is a dictator.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): What we saw on TV is not right. Saddam Hussein is an Iraqi and we are a civilized country.

MCINTYRE: In a statement, the U.S. military in Baghdad said the photos "were taken in clear violation of DoD directives and possibly Geneva Convention guidelines," and expressed disappointment that "someone responsible for the security, welfare, and detention of Saddam would...provide these photos for public release."

Military sources tell CNN, based on the way Saddam looks and the backgrounds, the images appear to have been taken between January and April of 2004, and may have come from a security camera that monitors Saddam around the clock. The military says it's taking the unauthorized release very seriously.

The last thing the U.S. needs is repeat of the violent demonstrations that followed an erroneous report that military investigators confirmed U.S. interrogators desecrated a Koran. "Newsweek" magazine retract the story and President Bush downplayed the idea that the Saddam pictures could spark similar protests.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't think a photo inspires murderers. I think they're inspired by an ideology that is so barbaric and backwards that it's hard many in the Western world to comprehend how they think.

MCINTYRE: A second set of picture published by "The Sun" Saturday showing Saddam Hussein praying behind barbed wire, but also shows two other captives, the man dubbed "Chemical Ali," for his alleged role in using poison gas against the Kurds, and a woman nicknamed "Chemical Sally" or "Mrs. Anthrax" for her part in Iraq's germ program.

The military says only a small number of people have access to the super-secure jail where Saddam Hussein is being held and that personal cameras are banned from the facility. The U.S. is promising an aggressive investigation.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HARRIS: So, here's the question, could the photos boost anger toward U.S. troops in Iraq, or will they have the opposite effect? Earlier I asked the commander of the U.S. Army's 3rd brigade in Iraq for his reaction to the pictures and their possible impact.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COL. DAVID BISHOP, U.S. ARMY: We share the same opinion as most other people, that you shouldn't treat people like that regardless of what they have done. Thus far, though, we haven't seen any backlash from the local community here regarding the photos.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: No outcry or protest in the Middle East over the photos. Some even say Saddam deserved the humiliation, but other Iraqis and Arabs say the pictures are another insult to Muslims. Our Ryan Chilcote is gauging reaction in Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: On the newsstands of Baghdad, beneath the glamour shots of Arab and Western models, front page photos of a half-naked Saddam Hussein. Iraqis snapped them up but draw different views. Dr. Amar Sabr (ph) found them distasteful and had no doubt about why they'd appeared in the newspapers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think to humiliate Iraqi people.

CHILCOTE: In a country where purpose opinion polls are impossible, our unscientific survey came up with one universal conclusion.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): These photos are unacceptable, immoral, and hurt all Iraqis regardless whether we like or dislike the previous regime. At the end of the day, Saddam was the president of Iraq. It is unacceptable for the American administration.

CHILCOTE: One man did get a kick out of them

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): He's sitting in the cell he deserves. With no A/C in there, maybe he got hot and decided to take off some clothes. Besides, he'd already humiliated himself and his country with what he did to it.

CHILCOTE: At an internet cafe we found two women who looked, but refused to talk. Kamal Hassan (ph) had just finished a Google search for Saddam and sex when we walked up. He, like everyone we spoke with, blamed the U.S. government for the photo's release

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I am sure the new photos were published on purpose. It's a clear message to all the Arab leaders who oppose America: they will end up in a small jail facing humiliation. CHILCOTE: Some of the people we talked to recalled the photos from Abu Ghraib. While few in Iraq have any pity for Saddam, the leak of the photos has done nothing for the reputation of the U.S. presence here. It's also raised the prospect of Saddam Hussein suing his captors.

Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And back in the States, three people are dead. Two children are missing in Idaho. State and federal authorities are continuing the relentless search for the brother and sister. New video gives us a better look at the missing girl.

CNN's Alina Cho joins us live from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with details. Alina?

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, this is the first time we have seen video of either of the children. This particular home video shows 8-year-old Shasta Groene at school, presenting a science project. It was taken nine days ago, four days before she and her brother, 9-year-old Dylan, disappeared. The video was shot, by the way, by a parent who's child is in Shasta's class. This parent apparently decided to release the video in the hopes that someone might get a better look at her and, ultimately, of course, that the children would be found alive and brought home.

Neither Dylan nor Shasta have been seen since the bodies of their mother, their 13-year-old brother and the mother's boyfriend were found at their home on Monday night. Crime scene investigators do hope to wrap up their work at the home sometime later today, and then the evidence will be sent off to the FBI's crime processing lab in Quantico, Virginia. They have already begun sealing up the home, we should mention, so that when they do wrap up their work, they can close the door and be done with it before the evidence is shipped off on Monday.

Today, we are also hearing from the neighbor who made a frantic 911 call to police.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB HOLLINGSWORTH, NEIGHBOR (voice-over): I went to the door to pay the little kid for mowing the lawn, and there's blood all over the door. No one comes to the door and their car is there. I tried to call them today and I didn't get 'em."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: More than 500 tips have been called in to the hot line, 40 investigators are chasing those leads, but so far nothing has panned out. Tony, interestingly enough, though, authorities here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, are still hopeful they will find the children alive. They say they're in it for the long haul. Tony?

HARRIS: Alina, just give us a sense of that town. Is it one of those towns where everyone knows everyone else?

CHO: I'm sorry, one of those towns were, what?

HARRIS: Is it one of those towns where everyone knows their neighbors?

CHO: You know you do get the sense of that, and certainly this is a very small town where the headlines are all over the papers, the local papers. People are talking about it. Everywhere we go, they say, what's the latest? As you know, very well, yesterday there was a possible sighting of two children who resembled Dylan and Shasta. Of course, that turned out not to be true.

So, people are watching this minute by minute. Of course, everyone is hoping that Dylan and Shasta will be found alive. It's been five days now, so of course hopes are dwindling a bit, but authorities are still hopeful. We will keep you up to date, of course, as the details come in.

HARRIS: CNN's Alina Cho. Alina, we appreciate it. Thank you.

A brawl breaks out on a school bus in Florida and it's all caught on tape. Take a look at this. Authorities in Puento Gorda, Florida, released video of the fight. They say it all began when the driver tried to get the student in front of the bus. Probably not the way to do it. Investigators claim the student began cursing at the driver and the fight escalated from there, as you can see here, pushing and shoving and more shoving and pushing. the bus driver is charged with misdemeanor battery. Two students who faces are blurred to protect their identities have been charged with felonies.

We are waiting to hear from President Bush. He'll be speaking at Calvin College in Michigan, and he may talk about two students -- about his threatened to veto stem cell research legislation. We'll also hear from Laura Bush -- a live picture there of the president.

Laura Bush is on the road in Jordan. Her remarks might upset another America's Mideast allies. You'll hear why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAURIE PUHN, AUTHOR "INSTANT PERSUASION": The secret is being persuasive all the time.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Harvard-educated lawyer and author Laurie Puhn believes using the right words is the key to success, a belief that led to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. award for increasing tolerance and understanding by improving communications.

PUHN: People can become empowered to be aware of their words and then make the changes so that they're constantly winning people over, reducing conflict and getting what they want each and every day.

Most important lesson is that everybody is important, and if we can learn to communicate in a way that is always respectful and appreciative, we come to surround ourselves with people who want to be in our lives. Our sphere of influence increases.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And, once again, a live picture from Calvin College in the Calvin Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The president is just a few minutes away from delivering the 85th commencement address at Calvin College, and when the president, as you see there, begins his address, we will take you back to Calvin College, live, for those remarks.

But first, First Lady Lady Bush is expanding her role a bit this weekend as she urges Middle Eastern leaders to expand the role of women in their countries. CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is traveling with the first lady and files this report from Jordan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: First Lady Laura Bush, atop the mountain where Moses once stood.

LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: It's a beautiful place to come. I'm really thrilled to be here.

MALVEAUX: Her focus, however, on this overseas' trip, promoting progress for women in the Middle East.

L. BUSH: All people, men and women, want to contribute to the success of their country, and all people, men and women, must have the opportunity to do so.

MALVEAUX: At World Economic Forum, the first lady delivered that no-nonsense message before a polite audience made up of mostly Middle Eastern government and business officials.

L. BUSH: Freedom, especially freedom for women, is more than the absence of oppression.

MALVEAUX: Mrs. Bush used the aftermath of America's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as some examples of women's liberation.

L. BUSH: Afghan women are relishing their new freedom. More than 2 million little girls are back in school.

MALVEAUX: New opportunities for women, a welcomed message for some.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's now more than ever coming from also within the countries to develop woman and empowering women.

MALVEAUX: But others here say, while they may agree with the first lady's message, the problem is with the messenger. Since the Iraq war and the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, the United States has suffered a poor image in the Middle East. Some here say the Bush administration would fare better if it changed its tone.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At least needs an emotional tone. It needs a friendship, emotional tone rather than a public speech.

MALVEAUX: Later in the day, Mrs. Bush visited students with Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Runia, to highlight their educational system as a model for the Middle East. Afterwards it was lunch with those who benefited from that education, Jordanian business women.

Mrs. Bush's next step, Israel and the West Bank to visit Christian, Muslim and Jewish holy societies, in an effort for the administration to focus on what they say is a new broader approach in the Middle East, rewarding those who are engaged in economic and political reforms.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the Dead Sea, Jordan.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: And back now to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where President Bush is delivering the 85th commencement address to the graduates at Calvin College. Let's listen in.

PRES. GEORGE W. BUSH, UNITED STATES: Just look at what it did for me.

(LAUGHTER, APPLAUSE)

I thanked the moms and dads here for your sacrifice and for your love.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to thank the faculty for your hard work and dedication.

(APPLAUSE)

And again, I congratulate the class of 2005. Soon you will collect your degrees and say good-byes to a school that has been your home, and you will take your rightful place in a country that offers you the greatest freedom and opportunity on earth.

(APPLAUSE)

I ask that you use what you've learned here to make your own contributions to the story of American freedom. The immigrants who founded Calvin College came to America for the freedom to worship, and they built this great school on the sturdy ground of liberty. They saw in the American experiment, the world's best hope for freedom, and they weren't the only ones excited about what they saw.

In 1835, a young civil servant and aristocrat from France named Alexis de Tocqueville would publish a book about America that still resonates today. The book is called "Democracy in America," and in it, this young Frenchman said that the secret to America's success was our talent for bringing people together for the common good. De Tocqueville wrote that tyrants maintained their power by isolating their citizens, and that Americans guaranteed their freedom by their remarkable ability to ban together without any direction from government.

The America he described offered the world something it had never seen before -- a working model of a thriving democracy, where opportunity was unbounded, where virtue was strong, and where citizens took responsibility for their neighbors. Tocqueville's account is not just the observations of one man; it is the story of our founding. It's not just a description of America at a point in time; it is an agenda for our time.

Our founders rejected both a radical individualism that makes no room for others, and the jury collectivism that crushes the individual. They gave us instead a society where individual freedom is anchored in communities, and in this hopeful new century, we have a great goal, to renew the spirit of community, and thereby renew the character and compassion of our country.

First, we must understand that the character of our citizens is essential to society. In a free and compassionate society, the public good depends on private character. That character's formed and shaped in institutions like family, faith, and the many civil, social and civic organizations from the Boy Scouts to the Rotary clubs. The future success of our nation depends on our ability to understand the difference between right and wrong, and to have the strength of character to make the right choices. Government cannot create character, but it can and should respect and support the institutions that do.

Second, we must understand the importance of keeping power close to the people. Local people know local problems. They know the names and faces of their neighbors. The heart and soul of America is in our local communities. It is in the citizen's school boards that determine how our children are educated. It's in the city council's and state legislators that reflect the unique needs and priorities of the people they serve. It's in the volunteer groups that transform towns and cities into caring communities and neighborhoods.

In the years to come, I hope that you will consider joining these associations, or serving in government, because when you come together to serve a cause greater than yourself, you'll energize your communities, and you'll help build a more just and compassionate America.

Finally, we must understand that it is by becoming active in our communities that we move beyond our narrow interests. In today's complex world, there are a lot of things that pull us apart. We need to support and encourage the institutions and pursuits that bring us together. And we learn how to come together by participating in our churches and temples and mosques and synagogues; civil rights organizations; in our PTAs and J.C.s; and in our gardening and book clubs; interest groups and chambers of commerce; in our service groups, from soup kitchens to homeless shelters. All of these organizations promote the spirit of community and help us acquire the habits of heart that are so vital to a free society. And because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our faith-based and community groups provide the armies of compassion that help people who wonder if the American dream is meant for them. These armies of compassion are the great engines of social change. They serve individual and local needs, and they have been found at the front of every great movement in American history.

The history of forming associations dedicated to serving others is as old as America itself, from abolition societies and suffrage movements, to immigrant aide groups and prison reform ministries, America's social entrepreneurs have often been far ahead of our government in identifying and meeting the needs of our fellow countrymen. Because they are closer to the people they serve, our faith-based and community organizations deliver better results than government. And they have a human touch. When a person in need knocks on the door of a faith-based or community organization, he or she is welcomed as a brother or a sister.

No one understood this better than another 19th century visitor to America whose name is well known to Calvin College, Abraham Kuyper. Kuyper was a Dutchman who would be elected his nation's prime minister, and he knew all about the importance of associations because he founded so many of them, including two newspapers, a political party, and a university. Kuyper contrasted the humanizing influence of independent social institutions with the mechanical character of government.

And in a famous speech right here in Grand Rapids, he urged Dutch immigrants to resist the temptation to retreat behind their own walls. He told them to go out into their adopted America, and make a true difference as true Christian citizens. Our government is encouraging all Americans to make a difference through our faith-based community initiative. We're mobilizing Americans to volunteer through the USA Freedom Corps. We'll do our part, but ultimately, service is up to you. It is your choice to make.

As your generation takes its place in the world, all of you must make this decision -- will you be a spectator or a citizen? To make a difference in this world, you must be involved. By serving a higher calling here or abroad, you'll make your lives richer and build a more hopeful future for our world.

Calvin College, you take this call to service to heart. You serve as agents of renewal across the earth. You volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters to mentor young people. You work at Bethany Christian service here in Grand Rapids, one of the best known adoption services in America. Former Calvin student and professor, Bern Elers (ph) serves in the halls of Congress.

As the class of 2005 goes out into the world, I ask you to embrace this tradition of service and help set an example for all Americans. As Americans, we share an agenda that calls us to action. A great responsibility to serve and love others, a responsibility that goes back to the greatest commandment. This isn't a Democrat idea. This isn't a Republican idea. This is an American idea.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: It has sustained our nation's liberty for more than 200 years. The founders knew that too much government leads to oppression. But that too little government can leave us helpless and alone. So they build a free society with many roots and community. And to keep the tree of liberty standing tall in the century before us, you must nourish those roots.

Today the Calvin class of 2005 looks out on America that continues to be defined by the promise of our declaration of independence. We're still the nation our founders imagined, with individual freedom and opportunity is unbounded. Where community is vibrant. Where compassion keeps us from resting until all our citizens take their place at the banquet of freedom and equality. And with your help, we'll all do our part to transform our great land one person and one community at a time.

Thank you for having me, and may God bless you. And may God continue to bless our country.

HARRIS: President George W. Bush at Calvin College speaking to the graduates there, the Calvin Field House about 900 graduates strong. The president encouraging the graduates to give back to their local communities and to work as social entrepreneurs in promoting freedom and democracy around the world. And asking the graduates, and everyone watching of course, will you be a spectator or a participant in making this a safer world for everyone? To do that, the president mentioned through faith-based programs here in the United States and around the world. The president enduring a rounding, rousing round of applause from the graduates. Again, at the Field House there in Calvin College in Grand Rapid, Michigan.

We'll take a break and come back with more right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The Michael Jackson trial is nearing its end. The defense could wrap up its case Tuesday after a week that saw CNN's own Larry King in court. We'll discuss the case in our legal round table joining me in New York is criminal defense attorney, Richard Herman. He is at the Time Warner Center in New York.

Richard, hi, how are you?

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good afternoon, Tony. How are you?

HARRIS: And with me -- well, thank you, sir. And with me in Atlanta, civil rights attorney and law professor, Avery Friedman.

All right, Richard, let me start with you. Clear up something for me here. The confusion over this attorney/client privilege with regards to Geragos, attorney Geragos and whether it was waived. And wouldn't it -- attorney Mesereau do here for Michael Jackson, and why is the judge saying he feels deceived? Help me!

HERMAN: Well, apparently what happened was Mesereau made a representation to the judge that there was an attorney/client privilege waiver. Based on that representation, Geragos was allowed to testify. During the course of Geragos' testimony, questions were asked of him concerning incidents post arrest after Michael was arrested. And Geragos told the judge, "Judge, I can't answer these questions, because I -- we only had a limited waiver." We didn't have a full waiver. So, then the judge almost fell out of his chair.

HARRIS: A limited waiver as opposed it a full waiver.

HERMAN: Absolutely. And apparently that day scribble on a piece of paper at courthouse was this purposed attorney/client waiver which only covered the period of time up until the time of arrest. Now, the judge was in a pickle last week because if he -- he had several options. One of which to striked all of Geragos' testimony. But you know, you really can't strike that because it's already been testified to and the jury heard it.

HARRIS: Right.

HERMAN: So, the judge basicly threaten -- he's going to put a sanction on Tom Mesereau. He allowed the testimony, subject to this limited waiver. And at the end of the day a big plus for the defense.

HARRIS: All right, and Avery, why does all of this matter?

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: It matters. It's a huge development. Let me tell you something, Tony, this whole thing was a set-up. The fact is that Mark Geragos knew exactly what was going on. Tom Mesereau knew was -- what was exactly going on here. The deal was, the judge and the jury thought that they were going to hear everything including what Michael Jackson said.

HARRIS: Right.

FRIEDMAN: Well, what happened is that they decided to pick and choose. And when it came right down to the hard stuff, when the prosecution got into, it Geragos all of a sudden says, "Hey, it's only a partial waiver by Michael Jackson." Bottom line, they ingrated evidence, there's no way the prosecution is going to get to the key stuff.

HARRIS: OK, so, Richard, talk about Geragos as a witness. And what was -- what were some of the key points that he was able to get into the jury's ears during his testimony?

HERMAN: Well, Tony, look you've seen him with the sunglasses and cell phone.

HARRIS: Yes.

HERMAN: He's very suave, debonair. You know, he's a great mouth piece. And from all reports -- and of course Avery and I weren't there. But from all report, he did a spectacular job for the defense. He deflected every defense -- every prosecution cross-examination question. The key point that I think Geragos elicited was, when he came on up on board, he felt that this accuser and the accuser's mother...

HARRIS: That it was a shakedown!

HERMAN: ... were trying to shake Michael down.

HARRIS: Yes.

HERMAN: He's the one that ordered the private investigators to watch over them, not Michael. And that give -- the reason why people were following this family.

FRIEDMAN: Oh wait.

HERMAN: The setup thought, the shakedown took place in that courtroom last week. What happened is that everybody knew. Mesereau knew, Geragos knew that they were going to tell half the story. And that's where Tom Mesereau found himself in a world of trouble.

HARRIS: So, did they concoct this little plan amongst themselves and not let the judge in on the deal. The judge had to know, well at least have some kind of red flag go up when saw that Geragos was...

FRIEDMAN: Well, of course. Of course he did, Tony. And that was them sham of it. The judge was outraged and he's considering sanctions. But the fact is the damage has been done. What Tom Mesereau did was dirty, but it was actually very effective. And hey, so goes the way of this kind of litigation.

HARRIS: Well, Richard, is there any kind of recourse for the judge.

HERMAN: The judge could sanction. He could fine him a few dollars. He could hold him in contempt of court or I guess he could report him to the Departmental Disciplinary Committee. Bottom line was, I don't believe anything is going to come of this. And it's just been a tremendous week for the defense. They're destroying the credibility of this prosecution case. And this prosecutor made a major blunder putting in this conspiracy count, because it's deflected the entire focus this trial to the conspiracy and there's just no case for it.

HARRIS: Avery, what kind of a job has the defense done here? We're talking about the defense case wrapping up on maybe Tuesday.

FRIEDMAN: Well, that is a surprise, because remember during opening statement, Tom Mesereau was promising us Elizabeth Taylor. We were going to see every star that's ever walked on Hollywood line.

HARRIS: But if Richard is correct you don't need it now.

FRIEDMAN: Yes, that's what they're arguing. There's no need for it. HERMAN: Hey, Tony, he's making the right move. Sometimes the lawyers don't know when to shut up. He's done it. The defense has been spectacular. Reasonable doubt -- it wreaks all over this case. Come on, this jury can't possibly convict Michael Jackson on anything.

FRIEDMAN: Well, lets see. Let's see what happens here. We really don't know yet.

HERMAN: OK, we'll watch it. The defense wraps on Tuesday. We've got closing arguments. We've got a rebuttal?

FRIEDMAN: Yes, rebuttal coming up after that.

HERMAN: A short case, very short.

HARRIS: Gentlemen, thank you.

HERMAN: Nice to see you, Tony.

FRIEDMAN: Thank you.

HARRIS: Good to see you guys.

All right, we're going to get a rare look at a world few of us few understand. Autism, as seen through the eyes of a woman who suffered from the affliction. Part of an Academy Award nominated film when CNN LIVE SATURDAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Let's check other stories making news across America now.

A Berkeley, California police officer is thanking his lucky star. His badge backed up by a bulletproof vest may have saved his life. A suspect shot the officer in the chest during a foot chase. The suspect is being held on attempted murder charges.

Former teacher, Mary Kay Letourneau is now married to the former sixth grade student she was convicted of raping. He's now 22-years- old. They got married last night outside a winery outside Seattle. Their two children were there. Letourneau spent more than seven years in prison for the rape. She was released last August.

The force invades the box office. "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" raked in a staggering record $50 million in a single day.

And in Breckenridge, Colorado, one skier is dead after an avalanche slid into the Erapoho (ph) base and ski area Friday morning. The unidentified man is the fifth skier killed in Colorado avalanches this season.

Now an unforgettable story. Until age 13, Sue Reuben (ph) was unable to communicate or control her unusual behavior. Most assumed she was mentally challenged, but they were wrong. She is autistic. Now 26, she's a college student with a top I.Q. She gives us an inside look into her strange and wonderful journey. And the documentary "Autism is a World," you can see it all on "CNN PRESENTS."

We have an excerpt. Actress Julianna Margowlis (ph) gives voice to the words Sue wrote.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm a junior at Wittier College majoring in history. I attend classes with Ashley, my friend and support staff.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You ready to go outside?

OK.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Two.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, the Cairo conference. Remember, he kept talking about that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ashland takes notes for me, and is available when I want to communicate.

All right, all right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brandy Calderra (ph). Jennifer Eastlake (ph). Sue Rubin. Suly Vega (ph).

The first thing we're going to do, I'm going to start talking a little bit about ideologies and philosophies that were brought into play by the arrival of colonialism first, and then the rise of the nationalist movement in various parts of the Arab world.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Autism is a constant struggle. It takes every ounce of energy I have to sit somewhat quietly during a two-hour lecture.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It gives rise to what we today know as nationalist movements.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love learning, yet being looked upon as feeble-minded is something I have been forced to endure my entire life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good job. You can make it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actually, in the times I'm not fully engaged in school, I find that I am more susceptible to awful autism.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: The Academy Award nominated documentary, "Autism is a World" will premiere on "CNN PRESENTS" tomorrow night at 8:00 Eastern.

Put on your belts, we're going into the "Novak Zone" when CNN LIVE SATURDAY continues.

And if you want to know more about Washington, D.C. history, and maybe an adult libation or two, Bob Novak is the man for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Washington has many historic watering holes. This week CNN's Robert Novak stopped by one of them to talk to the resident mythologist.

Now to the "Novak Zone."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to the "Novak Zone." We're at the Round Robin Bar in the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel, a block down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House in Washington, D.C. Talking to the bartender, Jim Hewes. He's been a bartender at the Round Robin Bar since this hotel reopened in 1986.

Jim, what is the -- this hotel first opened in 1847. What is it's place of history?

JIM HEWES, BARTENDER: Well, Mr. Novak, the word hotel has always occupied and ongoing place in history for every American. Being so close to the White House, being in the heartbeat of the nation, it holds a place culturally, economically and politically and as well as socially for many Americans.

Walt Whitman the great American poet immortalized the bar at Willard in a poem. Can you tell us about that?

HEWES: Well, Walt Whitman walked -- worked right across the street. He used to spend time at Willard Hotel. And when hostilities opened up during the Civil War or the war cessation as it was known, he spent time at the Willard Hotel carrying for the wounded and for the people coming back from battle. But right after the battle of Bull Run, many of the officers who fled the scene, the Union officers who fled the scene of battle actually resigned their commissions they decided at the bar at the Willard Hotel. In fact, they had to close the bar because so many officers were resigning their commissions because of the outcome of the battle. And he wrote the poem about the officers with their fancy uniforms and their shiny boots running down -- running across 14th Street and running away from the battle while the common soldier, who what Walt Whitman had a very, very close affinity to, the common man was left in the field.

NOVAK: Jim Hewes, many presidents have stayed at the Willard. Abraham Lincoln stayed here when he came in after his election. And President Wilson had historic meeting here, Woodrow Wilson. What can you tell us about that?

HEWES: Well, he actually planned his political -- his political agenda for going over and instituting the agenda for the League of Nations. And it caused a very, very tumultuous political battle between the Roosevelt Republicans and the Wilson Democrats.

NOVAK: Jim, I mentioned Abraham Lincoln staying here after his election. He was actually hidden in the Willard, wasn't he.

HEWES: Well, there was -- there was a talk of plot to actually either kidnap or assassinate Abraham Lincoln. And it was supposed to take place in Baltimore. So his Secret Service agents spirited him. They sent the baggage (ph) down to Washington. They spirited him down to Washington in a private coach. And he actually was -- he arrived at the hotel and didn't have his baggage with him. So the Willard family actually had to find some slippers and some robe and pajamas for him to wear.

NOVAK: Jim Hewes, a song that everybody in America knows well was inspired here by Julia Ward Howe from -- I believe from a room in the Willard.

HEWES: As a was saying earlier about the beginning of the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe was down here staying at the Willard Hotel. And the soldiers were coming by. And they were humming "John Brown's Body" which was a popular tune at the time. And as you know, "John Brown's Body" doesn't have a lot of lyrics to it. And she was somewhat inspired by hearing the song over and over again that she sat down and actually penned the words to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" from her room.

NOVAK: And a century later Martin Luther King worked on a piece of history here too, didn't he?

HEWES: Yes, he did. His famous -- his very, very famous speech, "I have a dream" was actually penned here, the evening before he went over to the Mall and addressed the huge crowd that had come here to listen to him speak about...

NOVAK: 1963.

HEWES: Exactly.

NOVAK: Just out the hall here, Jim, is the beautiful lobby of the Willard Hotel. And is there -- is it a myth or is it legend or is it the truth that the word lobbyist came from this lobby? Is that true?

HEWES: It sure did. Because gentlemen who were coming to Washington to exercise influence over the political process would actually stay at the Willard Hotel as did many politicians. Washington has always been a rather expensive town to live in. And so people who were coming to Washington in a political realm would take rooms in the hotel. Well, if you want to influence legislation and executive actions, you want to encounter these individuals in the lobby of the hotel and that's where the term came about. Lobbyist.

NOVAK: And now the big question for Jim Hewes the mythologist at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington. Jim Hewes, a signature drink of this hotel is the mint tulip -- why is that?

HEWES: Well, this cocktail I feel more than any other cocktail epitomizes hospitality, congeniality, keeping alive the gentle art of conversation and showcasing a truly American invention, Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. In order to make one of these drink us take sugar, fresh mint, I like to use a red thin mint, a small measure of bourbon -- and a little bit of a sparkling water or what is known as branch water. Now what I'm going to do is I'm going to pack some crushed ice, agitate this mixture. And what I'm making is a tea. The recipe we use at the Round Robin Bar is actually Henry Clay's original recipe for the southern style mint julip. In fact it was said that Mr. Clay would hold court at the old Willard Hotel and instruct yankees and others in the fine art of making this truly unique cocktail.

NOVAK: Put a little more on top.

HEWES: A little more on top and a little bit more of branch water. And now I shall garnish this with a fresh sprig of mint and a little zest of lemon -- and sugar. (INAUDIBLE) air of hospitality as I said that's unsurpassed by any other cocktail. Have a sip.

NOVAK: Very good. Thank you very much, Jim Hewes.

HEWES: Thank you, sir.

NOVAK: And thank you for being in "The Novak Zone."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And you can see more of Bob Novak tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on the "CAPITAL GANG." The gang's guest tonight is Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

There's much more ahead on CNN SATURDAY at top of the hour, our CNN 25 special looking at 2 the 5 most fascinating people of the last 25 years.

At 4:00, CNN LIVE SATURDAY and a new laser defense system protecting Washington, D.C.

At 5:00, PEOPLE IN THE NEWS, with three of the biggest names in reality television.

I will be back with the hour's top stories after this break.

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