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CNN Live At Daybreak

Looking Ahead; Military Death Toll Topping 2,000 in Iraq; New Tracks

Aired October 26, 2005 - 5:00   ET

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

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It is Wednesday, October 26. People in the Northeast are getting an early taste of winter. They're getting pummeled by wind, rain and snow. And that's leaving them wet, cold and in the dark.
Plus, the president's men, they could be in for the legal battle of their lives. And the first shots might be fired any day now.

Can I get you a burger, fries and a calorie count to go? McDonald's wants you to eat healthier by reading their wrappers.

ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello.

COSTELLO: And good morning to you. We'll have more on the CIA leak in just a moment.

Also ahead, Wilma goes to the zoo and leaves disaster in her wake. We'll show you what's next for the animals in Naples.

And what do milk and steroids have in common? The answer is a strange controversy behind a new series of TV ads.

But first, "Now in the News."

The Homeland Security secretary has Wilma on his mind. Michael Chertoff heads to Florida today to survey relief efforts after the hurricane. President Bush visits the state tomorrow.

Stepped-up violence in the Mideast this morning. A rocket was fired from Gaza into southern Israel. It hit a college but hit no injuries. In response, Israeli aircraft fired on fields that Palestinian militants use as launch sites.

There's word of a deal between the U.S. and Japan this morning. The two have agreed on where to relocate a U.S. military base on Okinawa. Debate over where it should go had held back a plan to realign U.S. troops in Japan.

And thousands of people are still without power in the Northeast this morning after a storm brought high winds, rain, and believe it or not, even some snow. Of course the storm was feeding off remnants of the horrible Hurricane Wilma.

To the forecast center and Jacqui.

Snow?

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes.

COSTELLO: In the Northeast/

JERAS: Plenty of snow.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Jacqui.

How do you think President Bush is handling his job? His job approval numbers don't seem to be going down, but they aren't going up either. In the latest CNN "USA-Today"-Gallup poll, 42 percent of those responding approve of the president's performance.

In the last poll, his approval rating was at 39 percent, which was an all-time low. But all the numbers fall within the poll's margin of error. So it's possible that your opinion has not changed at all.

In the meantime, the president is trying to put his problems behind him by looking ahead. CNN White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Insiders are calling this the darkest days for the White House as the president and his aides brace themselves for possible indictments out of the CIA leak investigation. One insider says Mr. Bush is ready for the outcome. His feeling being, whatever it is, let's get on with it.

Senior aides say getting on with it is part of their immediate damage control strategy.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The American people expect me to do my job, and I'm going to.

MALVEAUX: Should the president's top political adviser, Karl Rove, or the vice president's chief of staff, Scooter Libby, be indicted, insiders say it is widely assumed they will resign immediately, and trusted aides will move in to fill the void. The president will make a brief statement citing the legal process that is ongoing, and the White House and its friends will make a dramatic pivot to change the subject and move forward.

DAVID GERGEN, FORMER PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER: The administration has to reassure the country that the president can still govern, that he's still running things.

MALVEAUX: The U.S. mission in Iraq being a primary focus on this day, when the American death toll reached 2,000.

BUSH: We will not rest or tire until the war on terror is won. MALVEAUX: Wednesday, Mr. Bush will turn his attention to the economy, in a speech calling for fiscal discipline. Thursday, he'll travel to Florida to comfort victims of Hurricane Wilma. And Friday, on to Southern Virginia, to give a pep talk on the war on terror.

While one White House insider says losing Karl Rove would be a devastating blow to the president, Mr. Bush thinks that his own ability and authority derives from his policies; that Rove is an extension of the president, not a puppet master, that the administration can move forward on its long-term agenda, including tax reform and immigration.

GERGEN: They can and should move to get modest pieces of legislation through before the end of this year, but their legislative window will reopen in January with the State of the Union, and that's the time, if they've got some big initiatives to push, to come forward with them.

MALVEAUX (on camera): But making those initiatives happen may be difficult. Aside from whatever happens in the CIA leak investigation, the president must try to win back the support of his conservative base, fractured over the Harriet Miers' nomination.

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And President Bush is trying to revive U.S. support for the war in Iraq. You heard Suzanne say that.

Speaking at a Republican dinner, the president again made the case for not backing down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: Some say perhaps we ought to just pull out of Iraq. That is a foolhardy policy. It's a policy that would invite disaster not only for the Iraqis, but for the American citizens.

We will not allow Iraq to become a safe haven for the terrorists. We will promote democracy in Iraq. And we will lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Many Americans doubt President Bush will be successful in achieving that goal in Iraq. The latest CNN "USA-Today"-Gallup poll asked people -- asked if people think the U.S. will establish a stable government in Iraq. Forty percent said yes, 56 percent said no.

The nation is coming to terms with the grim milestone reached in Iraq, too. The military death toll topping 2,000. Each number represents a loved one, a friend, a comrade.

CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson looks beyond the numbers.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): A standard military news release about a Marine killed in action, but no mention that this incident marks the passing of the 2,000th U.S. serviceman. Like so many U.S. deaths here, no cameras to record the moment. Likely, but by no means certain the 2,000th to death.

No name yet either until the family is informed. For now, anonymity. Simply the 2,000th to be announced dead.

Here, pain and loss turns numbers back into men and women. Memorials like this rarely witnessed.

It's gut-wrenching. This memorial for numbers 337 through 383, killed aboard a helicopter shot down in western Iraq November 2, 2003.

Sergeant Ernest Bucklew (ph) among the 16 killed.

SGT. SALVADOR RUEDA-CARABALLO, U.S. ARMY: He's the kind of person who was a tough kind of guy. And he was just, "Come on, Sal." You know, "We can't stop right now. We've just got to continue."

ROBERTSON: Commanders come intent on taking every soldier home. Captain Patiolo (ph) was one such soldier. Much love and respected, an insurgent mortar cut him down on January 2, 2004.

He was number 487, maybe 490. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq that day.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yesterday they fired from northwest.

ROBERTSONL: But Lieutenant Nate Sassman (ph), his commanding officer, held him as he died. Sassman (ph) also lost others.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Two killed and 35 wounded. I shed a lot of tears over it. My heart's broken.

ROBERTSON: The desire of most commanders, to get even.

CPT. BOBBY TOON, U.S. ARMY: And I lost some soldiers. That was the starting point where we really got the resources and help from brigade and the higher command.

ROBERTSON: Perceived wisdom here is those who kill U.S. soldiers are killed or captured.

To the family of soldier 2,000, that may be of some comfort this day. Likely, they are at the beginning of unspeakable suffering and possible immeasurable pride.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE) COSTELLO: On Capitol Hill, the Senate observed a moment of silence to honor the 2,000 service members killed in Iraq. And senators paid tribute to the dead. The Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, said the fallen troops had given their lives for freedom.

In a very different observance of the 2,000th U.S. war death, antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan and other war opponents died symbolically on the sidewalk right in front of the White House. You know who Sheehan is. She is the woman who camped near President Bush's ranch in Texas this summer, demanding to talk to him about her son who was killed in Iraq.

Coming up, keeping the focus at the White House. But is chief strategist Karl Rove and the CIA leak story causing stress fractures in this administration?

Also, the cost of gas not only has your attention, members of Congress are taking notice, too. And they don't want to find themselves out of gas at the ballot box.

And now today from McDonald's a little something extra with that fries, burger and soft drink, educating consumers and weighing in on the obesity battle.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: International markets are trading solidly higher this morning. Tokyo's Nikkei up 114 points. The London FTSE adding 32. The German DAX is higher by 19 points -- 19.5.

In futures trading -- yes, let's take a look at crude oil -- it's easing a bit after yesterday's more than $2 jump. It's now trading down at 23 cents, at $62.21 a barrel this morning.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:13 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is heading to Florida today. He'll survey relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Wilma. President Bush visits tomorrow.

Louisiana's death toll from Hurricane Katrina stands at 1,053. Those are the latest numbers from the state coroner's office.

There are 228 storm-related deaths in Mississippi. Officials say only about half of those bodies in Louisiana have been identified.

In money news, Google may be branching out into classified ads. The Internet giant says it's testing new software to allow users to put information online. But it's unknown if the move is a step toward trying to challenge eBay in the online auction and sales market.

In pop culture, the Muppets may be coming back to primetime. But the old Muppet show it isn't. This time they're expected to try a reality show called "America's Next Muppet." They'll let viewers pick the newest member of the puppet ensemble.

Somehow that seems wrong to me, Jacqui. I don't know.

JERAS: I love the Muppets.

COSTELLO: I know, but...

JERAS: It was my favorite show when I was 8.

COSTELLO: Why can't they just put the old Muppets back on?

JERAS: Miss Piggy and Kermit? How could you miss?

COSTELLO: Exactly.

Anyhoo, let's move on to sports, shall we?

The Chicago White Sox are on the verge of their first World Series title in 88 years. It was the longest game in series history. The Sox beat the Astros 7-5 in 14 innings. The Sox take a 3-0 lead in the series. Game four tonight in Houston.

You know, the game just ended at 2:20 Eastern this morning, Jacqui.

JERAS: Jeez. You know, I was driving into work at that time. They were partying.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes. At least Chicago was.

JERAS: Oh, yes. Good for the White Sox. Good for them. Good for them.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Hey, you want some fries with that forecast?

JERAS: I had fries with my forecast last night.

COSTELLO: Great.

JERAS: I really did. I really did.

COSTELLO: This is on a totally different topic, but I ask all of you, how about some fries? How about a little reading material, too?

Starting next year, McDonald's will start putting nutrition information on its wrappers and boxes, so when you bite into that big fattening Big Mac, you'll know just exactly what you are putting into your body. McDonald's is trying to fend off critics who blame the fast food giant for making us fatter. McDonald's doesn't super-size anymore, and it's trying to promote exercise.

And by the way, the Big Mac contains almost half -- half of your recommended daily fat intake.

And, you know, we were wondering...

JERAS: I didn't have a Big Mac.

COSTELLO: We were wondering about this story, because if you're going to a fast-food restaurant and you're eating a Big Mac, do you really care how many calories it has? And aren't we making too big -- I mean, if you're -- if you're on a diet and you want to be healthy, do you go to a fast-food restaurant anyway?

JERAS: Once in a while. I'm not on a diet, but I try and eat healthy. And last night it was just kind of a convenience thing.

I went out with the kids and the whole family and just went through the drive-through. But I had a kiddy meal myself.

COSTELLO: I know. But as far as pushing nutrition and exercise, should fast-food restaurants really do that? Is that their role? Do you care?

JERAS: Good question. E-mail us the answer. Let us know what you think. DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

Reinforce the guilt, just looking at those numbers as you open it up. Take a big bite.

You think people aren't going to eat the whole thing if they see that?

COSTELLO: It will just make me feel guilty. I feel guilty already when I go to McDonald's.

JERAS: I do, too.

COSTELLO: All right. DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

Still to come this morning, listen up all you Aerosmith fans. A new double CD will be in stores soon, and we're going to tell you all about it just ahead.

You're watching DAYBREAK for a Wednesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Ooh, a little Aerosmith for you this morning, and some entertainment headlines, too. That's not Aerosmith. That's Bon Jovi. I apologize, because, you know, Jay, our lovely stage manager, is a big Aerosmith fan. I just slammed Steven Tyler.

We're going to get to that -- and there he is with his new CD.

We're going to tell you all about that later. Let's talk about this right now.

It's going to take more than one man to replace Howard Stern. Infinity Broadcasting announced that many different shows will replace Stern on 27 stations across the country. Stern's contract expires December 16.

Among the replacements will be comedian Adam Carolla, rocker David Lee Roth -- interesting. Some markets will get CNN Radio, which is much better than those people, don't you think?

A series of driving problems will likely land rapper DMX in jail for up to 60 days. He was first arrested for crashing a gate at JFK Airport in New York while on Valium. He has pleaded guilty to that. Two subsequent violations came while his license was suspended over both.

(INAUDIBLE) landed in the slammer. So he'll be sentenced next month.

Paul Simon and Jon Bon Jovi are going country. Both performers will be part of this year's Country Music Association Awards. Each will perform during the November 15 show. Simon's contribution will be a duet with the country legend Willie Nelson.

And whether you like rock 'n' roll, country, heavy metal or jazz, there is something new out this week that will be music to your ears. Now it's time for Aerosmith.

CNN's Sibila Vargas brings us some of the new sounds.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(MUSIC)

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Veteran band Aerosmith is still rocking the joint. Their new double CD features rare performances and classic cuts such as "Walk This Way" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."

You can take a walk on the wild side with Motley Crue "Carnival of Sins." The R-rated music DVD is chock full of all the mayhem fans have come to expect. The circus gone bad includes bonus footage, interviews and music videos.

Queen went into early retirement in 1986 when lead singer Freddie Mercury died. Now they're back with Bad Company's former front man on Queen Paul Rogers' "Return of the Champions." The double disc includes songs such as "Reaching Out" and "Tie Your Mother Down."

Country crooner Joe Nichols returns to the music scene with "III." The baritone brings his roots in traditional honky tonk to the 11-track disc. His first single, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," is already climbing the Billboard country charts.

Fans of the late George Harrison won't weep over the CD and DVD, "The Concert for Bangladesh, George Harrison and Friends." Organized by the ex-Beatle back in 1971, the Madison Square Garden raised funds for millions of refugees. And lots of fans love Bette Midler. The Divine Ms. M pays homage to one of the greatest female vocalists of all time on "Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Song Book." The 10-track dual disc includes signature Lee tunes such as "Fever" and "Big Spender."

And that's some of the new music on the radar this week.

I'm Sibila Vargas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: OK. So there are your choices. Now go out and buy.

We're going to show that pictures of New Sunapee -- Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire? Not yet. There it is.

Can you believe that? It's snowing. And I have just been informed by Jay, my stage manager, Aerosmith fan extraodinaire, what, his...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Their first gig was at...

COSTELLO: First gig -- Aerosmith's first gig was right here, where it's snowing this morning. Our thanks to WMUR for this picture.

Here's what's all new in the next half-hour of DAYBREAK.

Congress revs up the drive against high gas prices, telling oil companies to use their gigantic profits for the public good. Hmm.

Plus, Major League Baseball says a new ad campaign for milk is a foul ball.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello.

COSTELLO: And good morning to you. Welcome to the second half- hour of DAYBREAK.

Coming up in the next 30 minutes, blizzard-like conditions in the Northeast. Can you believe it? All of this thanks to Hurricane Wilma.

The storm's moving out to sea but leaving behind lots of snow. A live report from New Hampshire just ahead.

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