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CNN Live Today

Airline Safety; On the Border

Aired June 08, 2005 - 10:30   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: The Senate is scheduled to hold a long- awaited final vote on one of President Bush's judicial nominees. A nearly two-year filibuster blocked the nomination of Janice Rogers Brown to the U.S. Appeals Court in D.C. Some say the post is second only to the U.S. Supreme Court. Critics have accused Brown of being a conservative activist who would use the bench to advance her beliefs.
This hour at the White House, the prime minister of Turkey meets with President Bush. The Turkish leader is expected to repeat concerns that Kurdish militants are streaming in from northern Iraq and carrying out attacks. Turkey has been calling for a U.S. crackdown.

Let's talk about your traveling and safety right now. The FAA has substantial work to do to improve airline safety oversight. That is the finding of an audit that was released just minutes ago. Our Kathleen Koch is in Washington with details on that.

Kathleen, good morning.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The transportation department's inspector general looked at five struggling major carriers and five low-cost carriers to see if FAA inspectors were keeping up with the rapid changes in the airline industry today. For instance, airlines are turning staff, planes and crews are in the air longer; there is less time for maintenance on the ground between flights. And the inspector general believes these changes could pose risks.

The report out this morning found that the FAA's oversight of distressed an low-cost carriers is inconsistent. Some get stepped-up inspections, some not, and low-cost carriers are inspected using different rules, and protocols than those applied to the major airlines. The report cited a lack of emphasis on outsource maintenance. That's farming it outside the airline, and the airlines examined in the report now do outsource some 53 percent of their maintenance. The report also found inadequate inspections of overnight maintenance. Some 90 percent of airline maintenance is done now overnight, but just 3 percent of inspections are conducted overnight. Inspectors generally just review the paperwork the next morning.

The report also discovered that a quarter of planned inspections of airlines are never done. The FAA blaming insufficient staffing and budget, and indeed that problem could get worse since the number of fashion FAA inspectors is due to drop this year by 233. The FAA in its response said, quote, we respectfully disagree with the report's inference that changes occurring in the industry are unknown and unaccounted for, and that these industry changes represent risks requiring increased inspections. The FAA does point out that what it's doing must be working since accident rates have dropped, making the last three years the safest aviation history. Still, Daryn, it has agreed to make some of the changes that the report recommends.

KAGAN: Kathleen Koch in Washington, thank you.

KOCH: You bet.

KAGAN: President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair say they are close to a deal on a plan to cancel much of Africa's debt. Mr. Blair was back in London today speaking before parliament. The prime minister is pushing what he calls the Marshall Plan for Africa. It's a package that calls on rich nations to double development aid.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: So it's a comprehensive package. Trade is a very important part of it. I hope that at the G- 8 summit, we can make progress on that issue as well and make sure when we come to the WTO negotiations later on in the year, which will then try to set the trade rules for the coming years, we have a bold and radical package that will help Africa and also other parts of the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: President Bush didn't fully sign on to Mr. Blair's package. The president has pledged $674 million in additional funds from the U.S. for Africa.

Also on the subject of Africa, investigating the violence in Sudan. A crisis in Darfur has raised allegations of crimes against humanity. Now the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is opening an investigation. He will be in New York today, outlining the details. The prosecutor is expected to issue a report to the United Nations Security Council on June 29th.

Now to the fight for Iraq and the latest violence there. A suicide car bomb exploded at a gas station in Baqubah this morning. Three civilians were killed and one wounded. Three U.S. soldiers have died in two insurgent attacks in Tikrit. That is the hometown of Saddam Hussein. Earlier today, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier on patrol. Last night two soldiers with the 42nd Infantry Division died in an attack on their coalition base.

And we're learning about the detention of security guards working for a U.S. engineering firm in Iraq. The civilians had allegedly fired on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians in the city of Fallujah. The 19 contractors included 16 Americans. All were released after questioning, and the incident remains under investigation.

U.S. and Iraqi troops are sweeping through Tal Afar. It's the city near the Syrian border. It's believed to be a staging area for insurgents. This is a story you're only going to see here on CNN. It includes our Jane Arraf, who is embedded with the troops and has this view of the offensive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): This is modern warfare in an ancient city -- U.S. attack helicopters overhead, tanks in the streets. The danger is insurgents lying in wait in the alleys, where these vehicles can't go. With the buildup of U.S. forces along the Syrian border, this was a major show of force by the American and Iraqi Army in Tal Afar.

As they moved into town, gunfire flew. An American officer working with Iraqi soldiers was killed. Three suspected insurgents also died. The Suriya (ph) neighborhood is believed to be a stronghold of insurgents. On the walls of one of the houses was scrolled "Long Live the Mujahedeen."

Some of the raids focused on specific targets. Others were looking for anything suspicious.

(on camera): This is one of the series of houses on this block that U.S. and Iraqi forces have gone through to see if there are insurgents here. They've blown open the doors and gone through the entire house, but they haven't found anyone here or anything in it.

(voice-over): This Iraqi Army lieutenant says the insurgents here have fled. But he promises "We'll find them."

In a nearby house, Iraqi soldiers find what appears to be a manual for explosives and land mines. "These tracts are further proof these are terrorists," this soldier says, but he won't say how.

They round up weapons, including rocket propelled grenades and warheads found in a cemetery. They detain at least 28 suspected insurgents, all Iraqi and most of them on their wanted list for launching or organizing attacks.

The U.S. and Iraqi Army commanders try to win over the few civilians they see. This one is an assistant school principal.

UNIDENTIFIED U.S. SOLDIER: Tell him that the Iraqi Army coalition forces are here to rid his neighborhood of terrorists.

ARRAF: The man says he hasn't seen any terrorists. Iraqi General Mohsen Dosek (ph) tells him there are people in the neighborhood helping the insurgents. He says the neighborhood has to help the Iraqi Army fight them. At the same time, the army is trying to separate friend from foe.

Jane Arraf, CNN, Tal Afar, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: Back here in the U.S. when you order a pizza, you want it hot, you want it fast. One determined delivery man knows that, which is why he would stop at nothing to get you your order, even if he was shot. True story. Coming up.

And two sisters, one mission, lifting listeners with their song. The gospel group Mary Mary will drop by to tell us about their new album.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Right now we're going to take a look at other stories making news coast to coast. This was not your typical Southern California freeway pursuit. Nice hit there. Police say a man who had attempted to abduct a woman led them on a 75-mile chase. Officers used that nudge from a squad car to stop the suspect's car. A four- hour standoff followed with the suspect threatening to kill himself. Traffic on I-10 was backed up for miles in both directions. The standoff ended when deputies pushed a tear gas grenade into the car and dragged the man out.

And now here's a pizza delivery guy that's taking the postman's motto to a new level. Not rain, nor sleet, nor even a gunshot wound kept Thomas Stefanelli from his appointed rounds. Stefanelli was shot in the thigh during an attempted hold up. After the shooting, he delivered four more pizzas before getting treatment. An X-ray showed no serious damage. Later Stefanelli had two requests for his boss. One -- the delivery man told CNN what they were.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THOMAS STEFANELLI, PIZZA DELIVERY MAN: That was what I told him when I got back to the shop. I said, two things, I want a raise and I want hazard pay, is what I told him when I got back.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: And he said?

STEFANELLI: He laughed about the raise, and gave me $50 for hazard pay.

O'BRIEN: Wow. Was it worth it?

STEFANELLI: Not really.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Fifty bucks? He deserves a better tip than that.

OK, here's a Virginia woman had a too-close encounter with a bear. The woman was out walking, apparently gets between mother bear and baby bear, not a good idea. The bears charges the woman, pins her behind her front door. The woman was able to make it back outside, trapping the animal in her home, but the bear thrashed around for 40 minutes, as you can see, making a big mess. Finally, officers were able to lure the bear back outside with, of all things bird feed.

And here's a wedding cake, picture you probably haven't seen before. Brides took a dive into a giant cake in New York's Times Square yesterday. They were searching and sometimes grabbing for the winning ticket number. One lucky bride took home -- oh, my goodness -- $50,000. You can put on a nice wedding with that. The event was held to promote a new TV show. It is called "Bridezilla."

Speaking of brides, June; June is not only a wedding month it's a black music month. Entertainers are celebrating the musical achievements of African-Americans. Coming up next, sisters of the gospel duo Mary Mary. Stick around for their soulful sound coming up next.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(MUSIC)

KAGAN: They are quite a sister act, Grammy-winning members of a platinum-selling group, respected artists invited to perform for the president of the United States. Now out with a third album to follow two other chart toppers. They are Mary Mary, two sisters with one mission: they want to inspire the world with memorable music.

Tina and Erica Campbell are my guests this morning. Good morning.

TINA CAMPBELL, MARY MARY: Good morning.

ERICA CAMPBELL, MARY MARY: Good morning.

KAGAN: Ladies, sister, Mary Mary. There's just so many ways to address you. You have been pretty busy.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

T. CAMPBELL: Well, you know, we're grateful because when you have new CD coming out, you don't want to be at home counting...

E. CAMPBELL: Right.

T. CAMPBELL: ... as the time passes by. So busy is good.

KAGAN: OK. But it's one thing not to be at home. It's another to be performing at the White House.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes.

E. CAMPBELL: That was so incredible. First of all, just to be invited, you know, and then to have...

KAGAN: OK, tell me about that phone call. I mean, how does the White House invite you?

T. CAMPBELL: You know, we don't really know how the process happened. All we know is management called and said you all have been invited to come sing at the White House. And we're like, you mean, President Bush wants us to come sing? Tell him we'll be there.

KAGAN: Didn't even ask when, you just RSVP.

E. CAMPBELL: Exactly. It was such an honor. It's crazy that when you first start your careers in music, you have all these different things that you would like to do. You know, once I do I will have made it. And once I do this, I'll really be successful. And to actually be singing in the White House before our president and to have him and the First Lady to give us a standing ovation and say that song was -- ooh, I like that song, it really touched me, I think that's an awesome thing.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes.

E. CAMPBELL: It just really -- it really makes us feel like we're doing the right thing.

KAGAN: Well, and let's talk about what you're doing and the kind of music you're doing. I mean, there's no doubt you're talented and you guys sing well together, not just as sisters, but as musicians. But you've dedicated your life to gospel music.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

KAGAN: Why not cross over? There's a whole pop world.

T. CAMPBELL: Right.

E. CAMPBELL: Well, there's so many people doing that, you know. There's not a lot of people doing what we do. And growing up in church and believing so firmly that God is greater than anything we could ever encounter or face.

And there's so many people who need heart and help and hope and love and inspiration. And if we can offer that in our way, you know, in our way, you know, just being ourselves, not in choir robes or, you know, long traditional suits or anything like that, just being us, then I think it's time well-served and I feel like my purpose on Earth is really time well spent. You know, for the time that I'm here.

T. CAMPBELL: I think what's amazing about it is our intention was not to be any music, any kind of music other than gospel music. That message is definitely what's dear to our heart. It's definitely what was important to us to stay true to, but fortunately for us, we have been able to cross over or we like to say take the cross over into the mainstream markets.

And I think it's an amazing thing to be said about gospel music. When the masses are paying attention -- it's not just the people going to church, you know, or considered spiritual or religious, it's the world. Because music inspires, it uplifts, it touches the hearts of people, it pushes them to change and become better. I'm just glad that I can be one of the people out there singing this great gospel music.

KAGAN: Let's talk about how the whole family thing works. T. CAMPBELL: The family.

KAGAN: Sisters. You guys are partners, you're sisters in real life. Two of nine kids, is that right?

T. CAMPBELL: Two of nine kids. Seven girls.

E. CAMPBELL: We are two years apart.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes, it was two boys. It's one boy now. So it's eight of us left. We're two years apart. Birthdays are two days apart.

KAGAN: You're close.

T. CAMPBELL: We went through high school together.

KAGAN: You've now both had babies in the last couple years.

T. CAMPBELL: Got the same new last name.

E. CAMPBELL: Married guys with the same last name. Babies birthdays are the same month, four days apart. So my mother and father recently said maybe you guys are twins, just born two years apart.

T. CAMPBELL: Erica, I say we going to have to start doing something different. Because this is getting to be a little ridiculous. You have to have some of your own stuff.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

T. CAMPBELL: And I need some of my own stuff.

KAGAN: Well, when you figure that out, you come back and you tell us.

T. CAMPBELL: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, the new album is called "Mary Mary."

E. CAMPBELL: Yes. So excited.

KAGAN: Comes out next month.

E. CAMPBELL: July 19th.

T. CAMPBELL: July 19th.

KAGAN: You said it together. Beautiful thing. On that note, we're going to go to break. But can I put you on the spot and ask you to sing us something to break? Just look into that camera and...

T. CAMPBELL: Uh.

E. CAMPBELL: A "Little Bit of Heaven." You ready? (SINGING)

KAGAN: We're going to go to break on that. Erica and Tina Campbell, Mary Mary, thank you.

We're back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Some amazing video from Los Angeles to look at in the next hour. A wild car chase ends in a tense standoff. You're going to hear how it started, also how it ended.

And a history-making medical procedure pays off. One doctor is even using the word miracle. We'll tell you why, as 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 June 8, 2005 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The Senate is scheduled to hold a long- awaited final vote on one of President Bush's judicial nominees. A nearly two-year filibuster blocked the nomination of Janice Rogers Brown to the U.S. Appeals Court in D.C. Some say the post is second only to the U.S. Supreme Court. Critics have accused Brown of being a conservative activist who would use the bench to advance her beliefs.
This hour at the White House, the prime minister of Turkey meets with President Bush. The Turkish leader is expected to repeat concerns that Kurdish militants are streaming in from northern Iraq and carrying out attacks. Turkey has been calling for a U.S. crackdown.

Let's talk about your traveling and safety right now. The FAA has substantial work to do to improve airline safety oversight. That is the finding of an audit that was released just minutes ago. Our Kathleen Koch is in Washington with details on that.

Kathleen, good morning.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The transportation department's inspector general looked at five struggling major carriers and five low-cost carriers to see if FAA inspectors were keeping up with the rapid changes in the airline industry today. For instance, airlines are turning staff, planes and crews are in the air longer; there is less time for maintenance on the ground between flights. And the inspector general believes these changes could pose risks.

The report out this morning found that the FAA's oversight of distressed an low-cost carriers is inconsistent. Some get stepped-up inspections, some not, and low-cost carriers are inspected using different rules, and protocols than those applied to the major airlines. The report cited a lack of emphasis on outsource maintenance. That's farming it outside the airline, and the airlines examined in the report now do outsource some 53 percent of their maintenance. The report also found inadequate inspections of overnight maintenance. Some 90 percent of airline maintenance is done now overnight, but just 3 percent of inspections are conducted overnight. Inspectors generally just review the paperwork the next morning.

The report also discovered that a quarter of planned inspections of airlines are never done. The FAA blaming insufficient staffing and budget, and indeed that problem could get worse since the number of fashion FAA inspectors is due to drop this year by 233. The FAA in its response said, quote, we respectfully disagree with the report's inference that changes occurring in the industry are unknown and unaccounted for, and that these industry changes represent risks requiring increased inspections. The FAA does point out that what it's doing must be working since accident rates have dropped, making the last three years the safest aviation history. Still, Daryn, it has agreed to make some of the changes that the report recommends.

KAGAN: Kathleen Koch in Washington, thank you.

KOCH: You bet.

KAGAN: President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair say they are close to a deal on a plan to cancel much of Africa's debt. Mr. Blair was back in London today speaking before parliament. The prime minister is pushing what he calls the Marshall Plan for Africa. It's a package that calls on rich nations to double development aid.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: So it's a comprehensive package. Trade is a very important part of it. I hope that at the G- 8 summit, we can make progress on that issue as well and make sure when we come to the WTO negotiations later on in the year, which will then try to set the trade rules for the coming years, we have a bold and radical package that will help Africa and also other parts of the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: President Bush didn't fully sign on to Mr. Blair's package. The president has pledged $674 million in additional funds from the U.S. for Africa.

Also on the subject of Africa, investigating the violence in Sudan. A crisis in Darfur has raised allegations of crimes against humanity. Now the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is opening an investigation. He will be in New York today, outlining the details. The prosecutor is expected to issue a report to the United Nations Security Council on June 29th.

Now to the fight for Iraq and the latest violence there. A suicide car bomb exploded at a gas station in Baqubah this morning. Three civilians were killed and one wounded. Three U.S. soldiers have died in two insurgent attacks in Tikrit. That is the hometown of Saddam Hussein. Earlier today, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier on patrol. Last night two soldiers with the 42nd Infantry Division died in an attack on their coalition base.

And we're learning about the detention of security guards working for a U.S. engineering firm in Iraq. The civilians had allegedly fired on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians in the city of Fallujah. The 19 contractors included 16 Americans. All were released after questioning, and the incident remains under investigation.

U.S. and Iraqi troops are sweeping through Tal Afar. It's the city near the Syrian border. It's believed to be a staging area for insurgents. This is a story you're only going to see here on CNN. It includes our Jane Arraf, who is embedded with the troops and has this view of the offensive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): This is modern warfare in an ancient city -- U.S. attack helicopters overhead, tanks in the streets. The danger is insurgents lying in wait in the alleys, where these vehicles can't go. With the buildup of U.S. forces along the Syrian border, this was a major show of force by the American and Iraqi Army in Tal Afar.

As they moved into town, gunfire flew. An American officer working with Iraqi soldiers was killed. Three suspected insurgents also died. The Suriya (ph) neighborhood is believed to be a stronghold of insurgents. On the walls of one of the houses was scrolled "Long Live the Mujahedeen."

Some of the raids focused on specific targets. Others were looking for anything suspicious.

(on camera): This is one of the series of houses on this block that U.S. and Iraqi forces have gone through to see if there are insurgents here. They've blown open the doors and gone through the entire house, but they haven't found anyone here or anything in it.

(voice-over): This Iraqi Army lieutenant says the insurgents here have fled. But he promises "We'll find them."

In a nearby house, Iraqi soldiers find what appears to be a manual for explosives and land mines. "These tracts are further proof these are terrorists," this soldier says, but he won't say how.

They round up weapons, including rocket propelled grenades and warheads found in a cemetery. They detain at least 28 suspected insurgents, all Iraqi and most of them on their wanted list for launching or organizing attacks.

The U.S. and Iraqi Army commanders try to win over the few civilians they see. This one is an assistant school principal.

UNIDENTIFIED U.S. SOLDIER: Tell him that the Iraqi Army coalition forces are here to rid his neighborhood of terrorists.

ARRAF: The man says he hasn't seen any terrorists. Iraqi General Mohsen Dosek (ph) tells him there are people in the neighborhood helping the insurgents. He says the neighborhood has to help the Iraqi Army fight them. At the same time, the army is trying to separate friend from foe.

Jane Arraf, CNN, Tal Afar, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: Back here in the U.S. when you order a pizza, you want it hot, you want it fast. One determined delivery man knows that, which is why he would stop at nothing to get you your order, even if he was shot. True story. Coming up.

And two sisters, one mission, lifting listeners with their song. The gospel group Mary Mary will drop by to tell us about their new album.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Right now we're going to take a look at other stories making news coast to coast. This was not your typical Southern California freeway pursuit. Nice hit there. Police say a man who had attempted to abduct a woman led them on a 75-mile chase. Officers used that nudge from a squad car to stop the suspect's car. A four- hour standoff followed with the suspect threatening to kill himself. Traffic on I-10 was backed up for miles in both directions. The standoff ended when deputies pushed a tear gas grenade into the car and dragged the man out.

And now here's a pizza delivery guy that's taking the postman's motto to a new level. Not rain, nor sleet, nor even a gunshot wound kept Thomas Stefanelli from his appointed rounds. Stefanelli was shot in the thigh during an attempted hold up. After the shooting, he delivered four more pizzas before getting treatment. An X-ray showed no serious damage. Later Stefanelli had two requests for his boss. One -- the delivery man told CNN what they were.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THOMAS STEFANELLI, PIZZA DELIVERY MAN: That was what I told him when I got back to the shop. I said, two things, I want a raise and I want hazard pay, is what I told him when I got back.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: And he said?

STEFANELLI: He laughed about the raise, and gave me $50 for hazard pay.

O'BRIEN: Wow. Was it worth it?

STEFANELLI: Not really.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Fifty bucks? He deserves a better tip than that.

OK, here's a Virginia woman had a too-close encounter with a bear. The woman was out walking, apparently gets between mother bear and baby bear, not a good idea. The bears charges the woman, pins her behind her front door. The woman was able to make it back outside, trapping the animal in her home, but the bear thrashed around for 40 minutes, as you can see, making a big mess. Finally, officers were able to lure the bear back outside with, of all things bird feed.

And here's a wedding cake, picture you probably haven't seen before. Brides took a dive into a giant cake in New York's Times Square yesterday. They were searching and sometimes grabbing for the winning ticket number. One lucky bride took home -- oh, my goodness -- $50,000. You can put on a nice wedding with that. The event was held to promote a new TV show. It is called "Bridezilla."

Speaking of brides, June; June is not only a wedding month it's a black music month. Entertainers are celebrating the musical achievements of African-Americans. Coming up next, sisters of the gospel duo Mary Mary. Stick around for their soulful sound coming up next.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(MUSIC)

KAGAN: They are quite a sister act, Grammy-winning members of a platinum-selling group, respected artists invited to perform for the president of the United States. Now out with a third album to follow two other chart toppers. They are Mary Mary, two sisters with one mission: they want to inspire the world with memorable music.

Tina and Erica Campbell are my guests this morning. Good morning.

TINA CAMPBELL, MARY MARY: Good morning.

ERICA CAMPBELL, MARY MARY: Good morning.

KAGAN: Ladies, sister, Mary Mary. There's just so many ways to address you. You have been pretty busy.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

T. CAMPBELL: Well, you know, we're grateful because when you have new CD coming out, you don't want to be at home counting...

E. CAMPBELL: Right.

T. CAMPBELL: ... as the time passes by. So busy is good.

KAGAN: OK. But it's one thing not to be at home. It's another to be performing at the White House.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes.

E. CAMPBELL: That was so incredible. First of all, just to be invited, you know, and then to have...

KAGAN: OK, tell me about that phone call. I mean, how does the White House invite you?

T. CAMPBELL: You know, we don't really know how the process happened. All we know is management called and said you all have been invited to come sing at the White House. And we're like, you mean, President Bush wants us to come sing? Tell him we'll be there.

KAGAN: Didn't even ask when, you just RSVP.

E. CAMPBELL: Exactly. It was such an honor. It's crazy that when you first start your careers in music, you have all these different things that you would like to do. You know, once I do I will have made it. And once I do this, I'll really be successful. And to actually be singing in the White House before our president and to have him and the First Lady to give us a standing ovation and say that song was -- ooh, I like that song, it really touched me, I think that's an awesome thing.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes.

E. CAMPBELL: It just really -- it really makes us feel like we're doing the right thing.

KAGAN: Well, and let's talk about what you're doing and the kind of music you're doing. I mean, there's no doubt you're talented and you guys sing well together, not just as sisters, but as musicians. But you've dedicated your life to gospel music.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

KAGAN: Why not cross over? There's a whole pop world.

T. CAMPBELL: Right.

E. CAMPBELL: Well, there's so many people doing that, you know. There's not a lot of people doing what we do. And growing up in church and believing so firmly that God is greater than anything we could ever encounter or face.

And there's so many people who need heart and help and hope and love and inspiration. And if we can offer that in our way, you know, in our way, you know, just being ourselves, not in choir robes or, you know, long traditional suits or anything like that, just being us, then I think it's time well-served and I feel like my purpose on Earth is really time well spent. You know, for the time that I'm here.

T. CAMPBELL: I think what's amazing about it is our intention was not to be any music, any kind of music other than gospel music. That message is definitely what's dear to our heart. It's definitely what was important to us to stay true to, but fortunately for us, we have been able to cross over or we like to say take the cross over into the mainstream markets.

And I think it's an amazing thing to be said about gospel music. When the masses are paying attention -- it's not just the people going to church, you know, or considered spiritual or religious, it's the world. Because music inspires, it uplifts, it touches the hearts of people, it pushes them to change and become better. I'm just glad that I can be one of the people out there singing this great gospel music.

KAGAN: Let's talk about how the whole family thing works. T. CAMPBELL: The family.

KAGAN: Sisters. You guys are partners, you're sisters in real life. Two of nine kids, is that right?

T. CAMPBELL: Two of nine kids. Seven girls.

E. CAMPBELL: We are two years apart.

T. CAMPBELL: Yes, it was two boys. It's one boy now. So it's eight of us left. We're two years apart. Birthdays are two days apart.

KAGAN: You're close.

T. CAMPBELL: We went through high school together.

KAGAN: You've now both had babies in the last couple years.

T. CAMPBELL: Got the same new last name.

E. CAMPBELL: Married guys with the same last name. Babies birthdays are the same month, four days apart. So my mother and father recently said maybe you guys are twins, just born two years apart.

T. CAMPBELL: Erica, I say we going to have to start doing something different. Because this is getting to be a little ridiculous. You have to have some of your own stuff.

E. CAMPBELL: Yes.

T. CAMPBELL: And I need some of my own stuff.

KAGAN: Well, when you figure that out, you come back and you tell us.

T. CAMPBELL: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, the new album is called "Mary Mary."

E. CAMPBELL: Yes. So excited.

KAGAN: Comes out next month.

E. CAMPBELL: July 19th.

T. CAMPBELL: July 19th.

KAGAN: You said it together. Beautiful thing. On that note, we're going to go to break. But can I put you on the spot and ask you to sing us something to break? Just look into that camera and...

T. CAMPBELL: Uh.

E. CAMPBELL: A "Little Bit of Heaven." You ready? (SINGING)

KAGAN: We're going to go to break on that. Erica and Tina Campbell, Mary Mary, thank you.

We're back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Some amazing video from Los Angeles to look at in the next hour. A wild car chase ends in a tense standoff. You're going to hear how it started, also how it ended.

And a history-making medical procedure pays off. One doctor is even using the word miracle. We'll tell you why, as the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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