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CNN Live At Daybreak

Killen Sentencing Today; Mississippi Justice; Sinking Ratings for President Bush; Commuter Control

Aired June 23, 2005 - 06:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: He faced the jury; now he faces the judge. One-time Klansman Edgar Ray Killen will be sentenced today for the 1964 killings of three civil rights workers. He was convicted on three counts of manslaughter.
Let's head live to Philadelphia, Mississippi, and Ed Lavandera.

Good morning -- Ed.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Well, at about 10:00 Central Time this morning, Edgar Ray Killen will be brought back here to the courthouse in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he will learn his punishment for the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers. He faces anywhere between 3 and 60 years in prison.

His defense attorneys say that pretty much no matter what time he gets, they consider it a life sentencing considering that Mr. Killen is now 80 years old and in frail and aging health -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Ed Lavandera reporting live from Philadelphia, Mississippi, this morning.

So, justice was finally served in Philadelphia, or was it? That's the reaction from plenty of folks in the town, including our next guest. James Prince is the editor and publisher of the "Neshoba Democrat" newspaper. He joins us live from Philadelphia, Mississippi, this morning.

Good morning.

JAMES PRINCE, EDITOR, "NESHOBA DEMOCRAT": Good morning.

COSTELLO: So, what do you think the judge will do?

PRINCE: Well, I have no idea. It would probably be foolish to speculate on what Judge Gordon will do.

Our newspaper editorialized this week that he ought to get the maximum sentence and no less. So, I hope that Mr. Killen receives the maximum sentence.

COSTELLO: You grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. What did this trial and the verdict mean to you, especially that he was convicted of manslaughter and not murder? PRINCE: Well, I think overall there is a sense of relief that the trial is over. And speaking yesterday with one of the jurors, it was evident they sought to do the right thing. And I think they grieved themselves over the fact that there was not enough evidence to convict on murder. I think they struggled with that. They were trying desperately to follow the jury instructions.

And I commend them, because they could have made a political decision and given a guilty verdict of murder, but I really believe they sought to follow the instructions, look at the evidence. And all of us who know all of the things that weren't presented to the jury, it's a lot easier to judge the case on murder. But you have to look strictly at what was presented to the jury. And I think they made a decision based on what they knew, what they had in front of them.

COSTELLO: I'd like to read to our viewers some of the comments in the "Neshoba Democrat." It says in your newspaper: "The trial rooted out one of the last vestiges of the evil and brutality, which ruled Mississippi for so long, terrorizing not only its black citizens, but many of their white neighbors as well."

Are things healed there?

PRINCE: Healed? Well, we'll never rid ourselves of the stain. But I think this trial is a first step toward recovery, toward moving on. We've acknowledged the problem, and we've addressed it. The call for justice came from within this community. I think that's important. It was state, local, especially the city government, the county government, the tribal government, all were part of the call for justice that went out last year, and I think that's important to remember.

But the sense of relief here is generally felt. I mean, you've got those who didn't want to see it happen. But I would say a majority, 70 percent at least, supported the call for justice.

COSTELLO: And saying that, James, here's another quote: "Thank God that these diabolical thinkers, the KKK, are being exposed for who they really are -- sad and sorry examples of an age of disgrace for the state of Mississippi and the old South in general."

Are there people still like Killen in Mississippi?

PRINCE: Oh, yes, they are everywhere. They're all over the country. And I think some of the hits we're getting to our Web sites, the comments, it's evident that hate is alive and well in America, not just Neshoba County. But I think we're doing a lot to rid ourselves. When good people do nothing, evil flourishes.

And I think that we've taken a step to get that element under control in Neshoba County and send a message that law and order prevails, and that you can't get away with murder, even if it was 41 years ago. Justice reigns in Mississippi now. And I think that's important, because so many people have an image of law enforcement. It was so unfortunate in this case that law enforcement was a part. But a majority of the people here didn't support that. COSTELLO: Understand. James Prince, thank you so much for joining DAYBREAK this morning. And we will await the judge's decision on what they sentence Edgar Ray Killen, how many -- because he could get what? Three to 60?

Still to come on DAYBREAK, from the war to Social Security to John Bolton's nomination, President Bush is jumping extra hurdles. He's losing momentum. How can he refocus?

And trimming traffic. A neighborhood plan is getting some criticism, and the developer could foot the bill.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And this just in to CNN. This is being reported by Reuters and the AP. It's saying Iraq's al Qaeda group said that a senior Saudi militant wanted by Riyadh has been killed in battles against U.S. forces in Iraq.

Now, this is according to an Internet posting. And that posting was from the group led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. And you know who he is. He's supposedly leading the insurgency in Iraq. He says this Saudi fighter died in fighting in Iraq with U.S. forces. And his name is on a list of 26 senior al Qaeda militants accused of carrying out a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia.

When we know more about this, of course, we'll pass more along to you.

On to politics now, American politics. Remember back in the day when President Bush could do no wrong? It wasn't all that long ago. Today, it is a different story. If you look at the polls, you see his approval rating is at a dismal 47 percent.

Kelly Wallace is here with the why of it all.

Good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. Good to be with you.

COSTELLO: OK. So, first of all, let's go down the list. He lost on his Social Security plan. John Bolton's nomination to the U.N. doesn't look good. Support for the war is dwindling. He has a Republican Congress behind him. So, what's up with all of this?

WALLACE: Things are not looking good, right?

COSTELLO: No.

WALLACE: Definitely. But here is the thing, a number of factors at play. Number one, the president has a pretty ambitious agenda for his second term: Social Security reform, energy, democracy in the Middle East. So that's one factor.

Secondly, Republicans in the Congress are not always staying with the president. Why? Well, they're looking at the poll numbers, Carol. And if the president is not so popular, well, guess what? He's not on the ballot next year. They are. And so, they are getting very concerned.

COSTELLO: Speaking of poll numbers, let's look at some. Forty- seven percent now approve of the way the president is doing his job. And if you take a look at how other presidents fared in their second term, only Nixon did worse. Nixon.

WALLACE: And he had some problems.

COSTELLO: Yes, he did have some problems. We always look to Karl Rove, because everybody says he's a genius. Can he turn the tide? And how can he do it?

WALLACE: Well, that's one thing is that don't count this team out, because also in second terms what you often have is people leave, you get some backstabbing, you get sort of a lack of discipline. This is a very disciplined White House. They stay on message, and they continue to. The message is tough. They're looking at the poll numbers with Iraq. They're looking at Social Security reform. But just don't count this team out, because they're sticking with the message right now.

COSTELLO: Yes, but see, you say stay on message, and a lot of the message was a positive spin on how the war is going in Iraq. Only 37 percent of people now support the war in Iraq. Remember back when? And we have a graphic on this, too. Remember back in 2003, 71 percent supported going to war with Iraq? Now, people don't think it's such a good idea.

So, you know, Donald Rumsfeld is going to appear before Congress today. He's going to try to say the Iraqi security forces are being trained. I mean, what can he say to turn the tide?

WALLACE: Well, what's interesting is you are hearing him starting to say a little bit more. You're hearing the president talking a bit about the anxieties people are feeling both in Iraq and her at home. He's meeting with the Iraqi prime minister in the Oval Office on Friday. Next week, a big speech marking one year after sovereignty was handed over to the Iraqi government there.

So, they are trying to sort of get a bigger communication strategy. But obviously, he doesn't have a lot of time, Carol. You know that. Lame duck is (INAUDIBLE) in about a year. So, he's got a lot of time -- not a lot of time to try and change the tide on Iraq and Social Security reform.

But, again, you know, some people say second terms, you could either sort of coast or you can try and do some tough things. They're trying to do some tough things. If they're successful, he'll have the greatest second term of any president. If he's not successful, his own party could suffer. COSTELLO: Yes. Well, we'll see what happens on the Hill today. Kelly Wallace, thanks for joining DAYBREAK this morning.

WALLACE: Sure.

COSTELLO: Vice President Dick Cheney will discuss the administration's position on Iraq and other issues live on CNN's "WOLF BLITZER REPORTS." So, don't miss the exclusive interview. That will come your way at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:42 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Fifteen minutes of terror in Baghdad today. Three car bombs went off within 15 minutes of each other. Fifteen people dead, another 50 wounded.

In money news, online stock broker Ameritrade is acquiring rival online broker T.D. Waterhouse. Ameritrade has acquired or merged with five companies since 2001.

In culture, luxury store Hermes in Paris is apologizing to Oprah Winfrey. The talk show host stopped in the store 15 minutes after it had closed, and she wanted in. She was turned away.

In sports, by the time you go to bed tonight the professional basketball season will finally be over. The Detroit Pistons play the Spurs in San Antonio for the championship.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Indy car racer Danica Patrick is wondering about a comment made to her by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone. Patrick receive a phone call from Ecclestone congratulating her on her fourth- place finish in the Indianapolis 500. And during the call, Ecclestone said -- and I quote -- "Women should be all dressed in white, like all other domestic appliances." Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Carol.

COSTELLO: I don't know what that means.

MYERS: I don't even know what you say to that. I don't know what you say to that comment. I mean, back in 2000, here is something else he said. He said, women should not compete in Formula One, but if one did, I would really like to see something happen to find the right girl. Perhaps a black girl with super looks, preferably Jewish or Muslim, who speak Spanish. I got nothing.

COSTELLO: Danica Patrick said when he said this to her over the phone, she said, it was so confusing to me. I didn't know what to say. So, she didn't say anything.

MYERS: Now, to be fair, an Indy car is the American version of what we think of as Formula One. Formula One will invite all of the best drivers, all of the best cars, and they do their circuit in Europe. They had one at the U.S. Grand Prix, which was an absolute disaster, because two-thirds of the cars didn't show up. People were throwing stuff on the track. It was ugly last week.

So, I don't think F. One has too many things to call the kettle, because they had an awful week, their darkest day in a long time last week at the U.S. Grand Prix.

COSTELLO: Well, I can't say I'm unhappy about that.

MYERS: That's right.

COSTELLO: All right. Still to come on DAYBREAK, graduation day for a prince. Will William's life change forever after this?

And if you contemplate that commute ahead of you this morning, imagine living in a place that limits the number of trips you make in and out of your neighborhood each day. Drive your car? It could cost you some money. We'll talk about that next.

But first, it's time to say happy birthday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: These are new pictures just in to CNN this morning of Prince William. He looks lonely, doesn't he? But see, there are people around him. He has just graduated from St. Andrews. He graduated with a master's degree in geography. He's 23 years old. Don't you feel old?

Anyway, once he gets out of the university, the paparazzi is free to take as many pictures -- oh, look, his dad and Camilla Parker Bowles are there. Oh, and the queen. This is cool.

Anyway, Prince William, when he leaves the university, they had this deal where the paparazzi couldn't take pictures or bother him too much while he was in school. But now that he's out of school -- I don't know. I have a feeling they'll be following him around everywhere.

All right. Here is what will be making news later today.

The Supreme Court will hand down key rulings this morning. The two biggies are displaying the Ten Commandments on government property and Internet file-sharing. Plus, there's also speculation that Chief Justice William Rehnquist will resign.

And we'll be keeping an eye on those wildfires out West. Firefighters are battling blazes in four states. Thousands of acres have been scorched in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Long-time evangelist Billy Graham holds his last American crusade this weekend here in New York.

CNN's Soledad O'Brien spoke to him, and she joins us now for a peek at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.

Yes, it is the 417th crusade. It's being held in New York this weekend. Because of his age and his poor health, though, he has been telling many people that he thinks it might be his last crusade here in America.

Well, this morning a little bit of my conservation with the Reverend Billy Graham. We'll talk about his six decades in the ministry. We'll talk about which president he says he liked the best. And we'll also ask if he ever thought about running for the presidency himself. His answer is actually pretty hilarious. At age 87, he's sharp and he is strong and pretty focused on the gospel. A little bit of our conservation is ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Also, Carol, this morning we're following Cub Scout Brennan Hawkins' four-day ordeal in the Utah wilderness. This morning, we're talking about camping and hiking survival tips that every parent should teach their kids about how to survive if they get lost in the woods.

That's ahead this morning on "AMERICAN MORNING." We'll see you right at the top of the hour -- Carol.

COSTELLO: We sure will. Thank you, Soledad.

Urban sprawl in many cities is making the daily commute a nightmare. So, how do you cut down on traffic? Money talks. Pay commuters to use trains and buses and force developers to pay up when transit plans do not work.

Joining me now is Gerry Connolly. He's the chairman of the Fairfax County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors, where they know a lot about traffic and commuting.

Good morning.

GERRY CONNOLLY, FAIRFAX CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Good morning. Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: So, tell us about this vision for a mini city, a mini city with few cars.

CONNOLLY: Well, "The Washington Post" has referred to it as a mini city. We're talking about 2,200 housing units, potentially, which is more like a large subdivision, frankly, in our community. But it is concentrated development next to a Metro station. And it's transit-oriented development that's being proposed, where, hopefully, a substantial percentage of the folks who would live here would use rail instead of getting in their cars to commute to work.

COSTELLO: So, they would use the Metro instead of getting into -- you know, how Americans love their cars. Even if they're stuck in traffic, they would rather drive. So, what incentives are you using to try to stop them from driving so much? CONNOLLY: Well, there's a whole array of incentives, everything from positive incentives like giving people smart cards to be able to ride on the Metro, having an educational campaign for the people who will live there, to putting it into the covenants that, you know, there's going to be a limitation in terms of how many cars you can have in the complex. So, limiting severely the amount of parking spaces available per unit, so that we encourage people to have not more than one vehicle so that they're focused on transit.

COSTELLO: So, you're talking about things like paying people steep prices to park in certain places.

CONNOLLY: Absolutely. And also, frankly, recruiting people who might live here from transit-oriented neighborhoods so that you're almost pre-screening the kinds of people who might live here, who are already transit-oriented commuters.

COSTELLO: Now, the controversial part of this plan is you're really sort of forcing developers to put these things into place. And if they don't cut down on the number of cars within the development, they could actually be fined.

CONNOLLY: Absolutely. If the developer wants higher density, justifying it as, well, we're right next to a Metro station, then the developer can't have it both ways. The developer is going to have to demonstrate that that higher density is justified because the people who live there are going to use that Metro. And we want to incentivize the developer to incentivize the would-be residents of that new development to do just that.

COSTELLO: Interesting. So, where is this plan? Is it a definite plan yet? Or does it have a few steps to go?

CONNOLLY: This still has several steps to go. The rezoning is not yet before the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County. There will be a number of public hearings. There will be a number of staff reviews and analyses of the proposal to make sure -- because the devil is in the details. You know, will this work? Does it work?

But if we don't go the route of transit-oriented development in Fairfax County, we're condemning ourselves to sprawl and pedestrian, which has been the bane of suburban existence throughout the country.

COSTELLO: You got that right. I'm sure a lot of people will be keeping their eye on Fairfax County, Virginia. Gerry Connolly...

CONNOLLY: Thank you, Carol.

COSTELLO: ... thank you for joining DAYBREAK.

CONNOLLY: Great being with you.

COSTELLO: Speaking of traffic, how often do you drive and talk on a cell phone? Well, maybe you'd better think twice about it. I'm sure you already have. Researchers at Johns Hopkins say using a cell phone, even one with a hands-free device, may distract drivers. And you know what happens when you're distracted: crash, bam, hello insurance agent.

The researchers say the brain has trouble handling visual input and auditory input, you know, listening and driving and looking at the same time, and that's why it's never safe to drive using your cell phone.

I think I could have told them that, Chad.

MYERS: Which means you can't talk to the guy next to you that's sitting in the passenger seat either, right?

COSTELLO: You're right about that, though.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: That's a distraction, too.

MYERS: Absolutely. And then kids in the back screaming and throwing things and trying to feed them Cheerios all at the same time.

COSTELLO: So move to Fairfax, Virginia, live in that development and take the Metro.

MYERS: And put your kid on the Metro, exactly right.

Here you go. Here are the questions for the mug from yesterday. What is the chance of a weapon of mass destruction attack in the next five years according to a new survey of the national safety experts? That's 50/50. And what movie line ranks third on the -- we did this from yesterday. What movie line ranks third on the AFI's top 100 list? I could have been a contender by Marlon Brando, "On The Waterfront."

And the winner, Chip Ledbetter from Huntsville, Alabama. I think that's our first Alabama winner. Congratulations, Chip.

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: There you go.

And now the questions for today. In what year did Congress pass the last constitutional amendment? And number two, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on a file-sharing case involving what service?

Go to CNN.com/daybreak, and there's a link right there. Give us your comments. Give us your answers. And, of course, maybe your address.

COSTELLO: It's always helpful if you want to win a mug.

MYERS: It sure is. That's right.

COSTELLO: When we come back, more headlines and a look at your travel forecast. This is DAYBREAK for a Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: If you're in the airport this morning, Chad has news.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: I'm just looking at the number of e-mails we got on our flag-burning question.

MYERS: Yes, lots.

COSTELLO: Well over 600.

MYERS: Wow!

COSTELLO: Thank you for your comments this morning.

"Now in the News."

Today the president's top military advisors head to Capitol Hill to face some tough questions about the conflict. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs Chair Myers will go before the Armed Services Committee to talk about U.S. troops training Iraqi troops.

The Klansman convicted in the 1964 slayings of three civil rights workers will hear his fate this morning. Sentencing for Edgar Ray Killen is set for 11:00 Eastern in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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