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American Morning
Deadliest Tornado in Years; President in Panama; Sex Offender Laws
Aired November 07, 2005 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Searching piles of rubble in southern Indiana after one of the deadliest tornadoes in years there. Dozens of homes flattened. Any chance of finding more survivors? We'll have a live report for you.
Have authorities in France lost control? An 11th night of rioting and arson. A national crisis getting worse, not better this morning.
And a U.S. manhunt is over. Convicted killer Charles Victor Thompson, captured in a drunken stupor, back in custody on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Miles O'Brien.
O'BRIEN: Good morning to you. It's a new week. A beautiful day in Manhattan. And you're glad you're with us.
COSTELLO: It is a gorgeous day. I'm Carol Costello, in for Soledad this morning
We're keeping an eye on two things that will probably happen shortly. President Bush is going to speak to reporters from Panama. We expect that to happen in just a few minutes. Of course when it does we'll bring that to you live.
These are live pictures. And you can see the reporters gathering already.
O'BRIEN: And we will bring that to you as it happens.
And meanwhile, aboard the International Space Station, a space walk set to begin in about a half-hour. A matter of fact, the two-man crew has suited up and has begun the depressurization process which ultimately will send them out once that is done. And we'll keep you posted on that as well. They're out there fixing a few things, doing a few do-dads.
COSTELLO: They're installing a camera.
O'BRIEN: It's kind of a honey-do list. Just a little more high tech. And the tool belt doesn't fit so well in that suit.
Let's talk about those tornadoes, though. We begin with that subject this morning. In Indiana, it was very deadly. Twenty-two are dead, as a matter of fact. Hundreds are injured. Some of those injuries very serious, and there's still quite a few people unaccounted for. Evansville, just across the Kentucky border in Indiana, was hardest hit.
Ed Lavandera is live there with a situation report for us.
Go ahead, Ed.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Miles.
Well, this is the area where the initial strike of this tornado struck. And if you imagine, it came this way and just cut a 20-mile path of destruction back this way.
If you look back in, this is where the mobile home park is clearly behind me. If you look back into the tree line here, look at the -- look at the top of the tree line. There are pieces of metal sheets just wrapped around the trees right there.
The force with which this tornado struck here was very powerful, and obviously catching everybody in their sleep, quite frankly. Sirens had gone off moments before the storm struck, but at that hour of the night it is obvious that many people did not hear this.
And there's heavy machinery that's being brought in. Search and rescue teams will be coming back here shortly to continue their search.
The sheriff here says that there are about 200 people still unaccounted for, and a lot of that may be accounted to the fact that, you know, people left, haven't checked in, that sort of thing. So they're not exactly convinced that there are still 200 people trapped out here. But until they can get everyone checked off that list that they're keeping, they're not going to feel very comfortable.
So clearly this year area here one of the hardest-struck areas.
And we were talking about the sirens. Nobody heard them. Even the sheriff from the county -- the next county over didn't hear the sirens as well.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF MARVIN HEILMAN, WARRICK COUNTY, INDIANA: That's my understanding, that the warning sirens did function. In Warrick County we have audible sirens that are strategically located throughout the country. I can speak from my own personal experience. There is a siren within one mile of my home. At 2:00 a.m. I did not hear that siren, and I'm sure the same situation with most of our residents.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LAVANDERA: You know, and because of that, Miles, we've been hearing over the last day or so some incredible stories of what people experienced here as this storm was hitting. People essentially in their beds sleeping. The roof falling apart, debris and their belongings flying around. All about then, people using their sheets to take cover. And clearly for at least two dozen people that wasn't enough -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Ed Lavandera, talk about waking up to a nightmare. Thank you very much.
Let's check in with Kelly Wallace now, here with some headlines.
Hello, Kelly.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello again to you, Miles.
And we are beginning in France. Rioting there now resulting in at least one death. The first fatality in 11 days of unrest.
Overnight, rioters burned some 1,400 cars. Groups also hurled flaming molotov cocktails at churches and schools. The violence has now spread to about 300 towns, and there are also reports of similar uprisings in Belgium and possibly even Germany.
To Iraq now, where U.S. Marines and Iraqi troops are going door to door to root out suspected al Qaeda members. It is the third day of the mission near the Syrian border called Operation Steel Curtain. A CNN producer is embedded with the troops, and she says they are expecting fierce resistance, with the possibility of insurgents planning booby traps inside some homes and lining the streets with explosive devices. Since Saturday, at least one Marine has been killed.
After four days on the run, death row inmate Charles Thompson is now back behind bars. Thompson walked out of Harris County Jail in Houston, Texas, on Thursday after telling deputies he was meeting with a lawyer. A tip led officers to a liquor store in Shreveport, Louisiana. They found Thompson outside, apparently drunk.
Thompson is set to appear in court later this morning. And the investigation into how he broke out of jail in the first place definitely continuing.
Archaeologists in Israel say they found the remains of the oldest Christian church in the Middle East. The mosaic on the building's floor has a picture of two fish side by side, an early Christian symbol. The building is near the biblical site of Armageddon and could date back to the third century. The site also happens to be behind the walls of one of the country's maximum security prisons.
And Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I know, hard to believe. Also around the corner, the annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. And this year there are some new helium-filled faces.
Scooby-Doo and Mr. Potato Head are among the four newest additions. The new balloons getting a pre-parade workout this weekend in New Jersey. Also joining the cast, Dora the Explora, the first Latina character balloon. Dora...
O'BRIEN: That was not Dora. That was Frosty, I think.
WALLACE: That was not Dora. Frosty.
O'BRIEN: Where is Dora? We didn't have a picture of Dora.
WALLACE: I don't know if we -- we should have a picture of Dora. That's still Scooby-Doo.
COSTELLO: Dora is still trying to figure out what to wear.
O'BRIEN: That's it. And Dora is rather mysterious, you might say.
WALLACE: Ah, very good. We'll find Dora...
COSTELLO: Very good.
WALLACE: ... and track her down for all of you.
WALLACE: Didn't want these paparazzi around her. She said, oh, you're all full of hot air.
(LAUGHTER)
WALLACE: Ba-dum-bum.
COSTELLO: Ba-dum-bum -- yes
O'BRIEN: All right.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Kelly.
Let's take a look at what's going on right now in Panama City. We told you at the top of this hour that President Bush is in that city right now.
We're standing by for a news conference. You probably can tell with the podiums on the stage there, and reporters gathering, ready to take their seats, waiting for the president and Panama's president to speak. That should happen around 9:20 Eastern Time. When that happens we'll dip in for you.
White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano is somewhere around that room. She's on the phone because of a security sweep.
Elaine, what's on the schedule today?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi to you, Carol.
Actually, we're a little distance from where that press conference is taking place. We're here at the Panama Canal, which is on the president's itinerary today. But as you mentioned, shortly here we expect President Bush to appear with the president of Panama, Martin Torrijos, for a news conference.
The two leaders met earlier this morning. On their agenda, of course, the issue of free trade. The two countries working toward a bilateral trade agreement. And President Bush said to be emphasizing the importance of moving ahead on that.
And on that front, as I mentioned, Mr. Bush later today will be visiting the area where we are here, the Panama Canal, talking about how the Panamanian people have made great progress on the democratic front, but also talking about how they've been great stewards on the Panama Canal, in the U.S.' opinion.
Of course, it was in 1989, 16 years ago, when the U.S. invaded Panama. And it was President Bush's father, George H. W. Bush, ordering that invasion. But since then, U.S. officials say Panama has made great strides in its democratic institution.
Now, on the issue of free trade, this coming, of course, after President Bush left the Summit of the Americas without being able to secure the agreement that they had hoped for. All 34 nations, the U.S. had hoped would sign off on a free trade hemisphere. And the U.S. unsuccessful at that. Nevertheless, today officials emphasizing the positive.
Now, one other interesting point to note. Of course U.S. officials are hoping for an uneventful visit, at least compared to what happened in 1992. That is when President Bush's father was here for a visit and there were some tense moments when police actually fired tear gas at some protesters nearby. And certainly U.S. officials are hoping this visit will be much less eventful -- Carol.
COSTELLO: I understand that. And again, the president will be speaking at about 9:20 Eastern Time. And Elaine, we'll check back with you.
Elaine Quijano reporting live from the Panama Canal this morning -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Here's a tough story this morning. Opening statements in the murder trial of Joseph Smith. He is accused of kidnapping and then killing an 11-year-old girl in Sarasota, Florida, last year.
You remember these horrifying pictures. Carlie Brucia is the girl's name. You probably remember that as we'll.
Her abduction caught just right there on that surveillance tape. Carlie's case and others like it have sparked a debate about laws to protect the public from sex offenders.
Susan Candiotti joining us now from Miami.
Susan, what are we to expect at this trial?
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Miles, it's not clear how long it will take, but the evidence, police say, is quite clear on this. Clearly, there is that surveillance tape on which Joseph Smith is said to be recognizable on that tape, has been identified as the man who allegedly abducted, then raped, then murdered -- that's the charge against him -- 11-year-old Carlie Brucia.
It happened on a Super Bowl Sunday as she was walking home.
Now, because of that tape, his defense is said to want to challenge that, has already tried but failed to get it thrown out of court. They will challenge not only that, but the fact that he has a drug past. And they will try to at least mitigate his alleged role in this case because of that -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: It is so hard to look at that tape, Susan.
Let's talk about what laws there could be. Were there holes in the laws to protect kids against these sex offenders?
CANDIOTTI: Now, in -- what's interesting here is that Joseph Smith is not a sex offender. In fact, he did have a string of crimes in his past. Only one of them being a violent crime.
But what happened after she died was that there was a big hubbub over trying to get a lot of laws passed. In Congress, Congresswoman Katherine Harris tried but failed to get something passed to try and stiffen the laws. And then in the state of Florida, the attorney general tried but failed to get a law passed that would require any convicted felon who was subsequently arrested, released from jail and subsequently arrested for a violent crime -- for any kind of crime, rather, could not be released unless there was a required hearing. But again, that failed.
Then came along Jessica Lunsford. We all remember her case as well, the little girl who was abducted from her home by an alleged killer, John Couey. After that case happened, her father, among others, tried to get laws passed in her behalf.
He even traveled to Washington, D.C. And in fact, there was a law passed. And in this case, John Couey, her alleged killer, is and was a registered sex offender.
In this case, it is now required in the state of Florida that if you are convicted of a crime, a registered sex offender, you must wear an ankle bracelet and be monitored for the rest of your life, among other aspects of the act.
O'BRIEN: All right. Let's hope that some of that will help and protect some kids in the future. Susan Candiotti, in Miami, thank you very much -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Looking at some possible rough weather in the Midwest right on the heels of that tornado in Indiana. Jacqui Jeras is at the CNN center to tell us more.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Coming up, tomorrow is Election Day. We have a preview, including a look at the governor's race -- I should say a governor's race that's really nasty. But it could change the nation's political landscape. We'll tell you how.
O'BRIEN: It is Jersey, after all. You know?
Also, a new concern for parents, like we need any more concerns. But we'll look at the warning signs of pre-diabetes in kids.
COSTELLO: And later, we'll meet some of the biggest winners in the New York City Marathon. The fact that they even made it to New York was a victory in itself. Their story is ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: A reminder once again. You're looking at live pictures from Panama City, Panama. The president, President Bush, is visiting there, along with his wife. He'll be speaking with reporters, along with the Panamanian president, we believe in a couple of minutes. When that happens, of course we'll go back to Panama City to listen to what he has to say.
Right now we're going to talk about a new study, because it suggests some two million teenagers have what is called pre-diabetes. That puts them at risk for full-blown diabetes, as well as heart disease.
Dr. Marc Jacobson is a pediatrician at Schneider Children's Hospital on Long Island, and he's here with us now.
Welcome, Dr. Jacobson.
DR. MARC JACOBSON, SCHNEIDER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: Good morning.
COSTELLO: Well, this is pretty disturbing. First of all, let's talk about the syndrome itself that seems to indicate you might get Type 2 diabetes later on. It's called Metabolic Syndrome.
What exactly is that?
JACOBSON: That's right. It's a -- it's a group of five factors: high triglicerides, a low good cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance.
COSTELLO: And how young -- I mean, can you -- nine years old you can get this syndrome?
JACOBSON: You could. We are certainly seeing it. As we see more children overweight, we are seeing more kids with Metabolic Syndrome.
COSTELLO: So, what does this do to your body, Metabolic Syndrome?
JACOBSON: Well, it puts you at risk for a lot of unpleasant things, like you said, Type 2 diabetes and early heart disease.
COSTELLO: And how long would it take for you to develop Type 2 diabetes, let's say, if you get this syndrome at the age of 9, 10 or 11?
JACOBSON: We're seeing it now in teenagers, 15 to 20-year-olds who are getting Type 2 diabetes.
COSTELLO: How can you tell if your child has it? Because it's not so obvious as just the child being overweight, is it?
JACOBSON: Overweight is one of the biggest factors. That -- in fact, without that, the child probably doesn't have it for sure. So, among the overweight kids, these are the ones at greatest risk. You find out by having a couple of simple blood tests and checking your blood pressure.
COSTELLO: So doesn't it have something to do with your waist to hip ratio?
JACOBSON: Yes. It's the kind of obesity that comes with a spare tire that's bigger around the waist than it is around the hips.
COSTELLO: So if your child is -- I mean, is there -- I don't know, is there some measurement you can take on your child to...
JACOBSON: Well, you can do waist circumference. This study showed that girls -- girls above 34 inches of waist were the ones at highest risk.
COSTELLO: OK. So, if your child fits that description, you take them to the doctor and they get these special types of blood tests.
JACOBSON: Yes. And then they need to go on a healthy diet and get more exercise. It's pretty simple, really.
COSTELLO: Yes, it sounds simple, but it's not.
JACOBSON: The best news -- the best news is that we do at least know what to do to prevent this. And that's eat right and get the right amount of exercise.
COSTELLO: OK. So you're a doctor, and you probably treat patients like this.
JACOBSON: Yes.
COSTELLO: And it isn't as simple as saying to the parent, you know, junior's got to exercise, not spend so much time in front of the television set, got to eat right. Like how often do they listen to you, or does the kid listen to the parent?
JACOBSON: Yes. Less than we would like, but we all have to work on this. This is reality. This is what kids have to change and parents have to change and we as a society have to change if we're going prevent this problem.
COSTELLO: So lay down ground rules and be tough.
JACOBSON: Yes, that's right. COSTELLO: Really tough. Dr. Jacobson, thanks for coming in this morning. We appreciate it.
JACOBSON: Oh, I'm happy to do it. Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: We're happy to have you -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right. Thank you, Carol. Thank you, doctor.
Let's take a look at some live pictures coming out of Panama City this morning. Trying to make out everybody in the crowd there.
I believe that is part of the delegation headed into the news conference room. The president is there. Just had a little tete-a- tete with the president of Panama, Martin Torrijos, and they'll be giving a news conference in just a little bit. And we're going to share with you some portions of that in just a little bit.
This comes in the wake of the president's trip to South America, Central America, on his way ultimately to Virginia today for a fund- raiser and then back to Washington.
Coming up on the program, a controversial comic strip goes from the funny pages to the TV screen. But it's making some waves and got some people real upset over a very ugly word. "AM Pop" next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We have been following President Bush's visit to Panama this morning. As you can see, he's now heading to the podium, along with the Panamanian president. Again, when he begins speaking we're going to dip in for you to see what the president has to say. But as you can see, we're still awaiting them to get to the podium and do their opening remarks, and after that of course they'll begin the speech.
Actually, we're going to stay with this for just a little bit, Miles, because hopefully the president will soon join -- or will soon be up on the stage at the podium. And of course they're talking about free trade with Latin American countries and Central American countries, and the president has a real friend in the Panamanian president because he's all for free trade with the United States.
O'BRIEN: Yes, the free trade area of the Americas. The FTAA, we know you know that by heart already, is what the president is pushing. And the Panamanian president, Martin Torrijos, is a supporter. The president has found less support than he would like, however, through the course of this trip.
COSTELLO: Of course, the problem is the Panamanian president and part of the FT -- free trade movement -- the FTAA, so to speak.
O'BRIEN: The FTAA.
COSTELLO: That's what I was searching for. O'BRIEN: Yes.
And so at the conclusion of this trip he's ending on a high note by having this conversation with the Panamanian president. Panama not a part of CAFTA, which is the Central American Free Trade Agreement which was recently ratified by Congress.
Let's listen to two leaders and we'll sort of figure out free trade in the meantime.
PRES. MARTIN TORRIJOS, PANAMA (through translator): Very good morning, esteemed journalists. I'm pleased to welcome you, to welcome the president of the United States to Panama.
On this rainy morning we've had a working meeting with President Bush. And we've had the opportunity to exchange viewpoints on various subjects of interest to Panama as well as of interest to the United States.
We've discussed the advantages and opportunities offered by free trade. And we've reviewed our agenda, starting with past April's visit, when I had the opportunity to visit President Bush in Washington.
Panama has had a special relationship with the United States throughout the various stages of its history. And the president and I are committed to maintain and strengthen this through dialogue and through an open relationship such as we have had so far.
There will not always be agreement, such as in the unexploded ordnance issue, but there will always be a frankness, sincerity between us so that we can discuss as friends on the various viewpoints of our countries.
In a few moments, I'll have the opportunity to take President Bush to the Miraflores Locks. The first time that a sitting U.S. president left the United States, he did so to observe the construction of the Panama Canal.
TORRIJOS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): And today the president of the United States, George W. Bush, will have the opportunity to see how we Panamanians feel proud not only of the process of reversion of the Panama Canal from U.S. to Panamanian hand, but we feel proud of the way the canal is being managed and of the opportunities it will offer into the future.
Welcome, Mr. President.
And we will now offer an opportunity for press from both sides to ask a couple of questions.
QUESTION: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I look forward to going to the Panama Canal. I am most impressed by the management of the canal. Those who are responsible for the Panama Canal have done an excellent job. And this is beneficial to the world.
And I congratulate you for that. And I'm really looking forward to seeing it.
I'm also looking forward to paying our respects by laying a wreath.
BUSH: And I'm also looking forward to seeing some of the Panamanian baseball stars.
People around here know how to play baseball. And I'm looking forward to seeing some of your stars, Mr. President.
So thanks for letting us come. Thanks for inviting me.
We have had a very good discussion. And it's important we have discussions because we're friends.
And one of the matters we discussed was how do we work together to improve the lives of our respective citizens, and one way is through trade.
We're in the midst of negotiating a free trade agreement with Panama. And I told the president this free trade agreement is important for America, as he told me it's important for Panama.
And we're close to coming to an agreement, and we'll continue to work on that agreement for the good of our respective peoples.
I also told him that I was pleased with the leadership of Panama and Argentina.
BUSH: Twenty-nine nations said loud and clear, "It's important for us to continue to advance a trade agenda that is positive for the people of this hemisphere."
And I appreciated your government's stance on that, Mr. President. You're acting in the interest of your people.
And speaking about the interest of the people, I do want to say something about the tornadoes that recently hit America.
I called the governor of Indiana this morning and expressed my deepest condolences for the families who lost lives. I asked him if there was more federal response needed; he felt like the response that we had given was appropriate at the time.
And many Americans are now asking God's blessings on those who suffered through this natural disaster.
Mr. President, I'm fully aware that 25,000 of our citizens live in your beautiful country. I can see why. It is a beautiful country. Panama City is a modern, progressive city. 56
BUSH: And your government is a modern, progressive government. I congratulate you for your fiscal reforms. I congratulate you for the strong growth of your economy. I appreciate your transparency. I appreciate your strong commitment to fighting corruption.
That sends a clear signal not only to the people of this important country, but also to people throughout the region. And it's noble. And it's important that you continue -- which I know you will -- your very strong leadership.
I look forward to continuing to discuss ways for us to fight narcotrafficking. You've been strong on that. And that's important for our hemisphere, not to allow narcotraffickers and narcoterrorists to be able to threaten the stability of democracies.
I also appreciate your strong commitment to democracy itself, to rule of law and freedom to worship, freedom of the press, the ability for government to be transparent and government to have checks and balances so we deal with the rule of law, not the rule of man.
BUSH: And it's your example, which is an important example for others to see.
And again, I want to thank you very much for your leadership.
I also thank you very much for helping another part of the world become free and democratic, and that's in Iraq. And I appreciate the supervisors that you sent to help monitor the elections, to see to it that the vote on the constitution was free and fair.
And I congratulate you for that. It's an important gesture: a gesture that recognizes that freedom is universal in its application and that democracy is the best way to lay the groundwork for peace.
And I, finally, want to thank you very much for the condolences and offers for the assistance you gave to our people after Hurricane Katrina. You're indeed a good friend, and I'm proud to be here to confirm that friendship.
Thank you.
TORRIJOS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We would at this time open the floor to two questions per side for the journalist group.
QUESTION: Good morning, you discussed the free trade agreement. There have been some remarks, Mr. President, that your support in Congress has lessened and that the CAFTA was approved by a very narrow margin.
But what are the real probabilities of getting support in Congress for the ratification of a free trade agreement between Panama and the United States?
And there's also concern in Panama regarding the subject of the unexplored ordnance in areas contaminated in Empirador (ph), San Jose, et cetera and the commitment from the United States as to whether those areas can be decontaminated.
BUSH: Let me start with the chances of getting an agreement passed.
The first step is to get the agreement done and we're getting close. And we talked to trade minister Portman yesterday on the way here to Panama.
BUSH: He understands the importance I place and the priority I place on this agreement. And just got to continue to work it and to get it done.
Secondly, look, we're going to have to work the Congress. We talked about working the Congress. I'll do my best to work in the Congress. And the Panamanian government understands that once they get an agreement that ministers and friends and allies of Panama will go work the Congress.
And one area that we need to make progress on is with the Democrat Party. The Democrat Party, for many sessions, was a free trade party. Not totally -- let me rephrase that, the Democrat Party had free trade members who were willing to make the right decisions based not on politics, but based on what's best for the interests of the country. And that spirit has dissipated in recent votes, and Panama can help reinvigorate the spirit.
BUSH: We can help to make sure this isn't just such a partisan issue that people are unwilling to make a vote based upon their principle and what's right for our respective countries.
Secondly, we had obligations under the treaty and we felt like we met those obligations. There is a difference of opinion and so we have a disagreement that we will continue to discuss. And we're able to do so in a way that I think is constructive because we're friends.
QUESTION: Back in October of 2000, Mr. President...
BUSH: October of 2000?
QUESTION: Yes, sir. Back in October of 2000, this is what you said...
BUSH: OK. Whew!
QUESTION: "We will ask not only what is legal, but what is right, not what the lawyers allow, but what the public deserves."
So in the CIA leak case, has your administration lived up to this campaign promise?
BUSH: Pardon? I didn't hear you.
QUESTION: In the CIA leak case, has your administration lived up to this campaign promise?
BUSH: Oh, look, I said the other day to the press corps that was assembled in Argentina that there's still an ongoing investigation. We take this investigation very seriously, and we'll continue to cooperate during the investigation.
QUESTION (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): President Bush, how would the United States look upon mainland China's participation in the subject of the widening of the Panama Canal? And would this participation affect interests of the United States?
And on the other hand, in the recent FTAA summit held in South America, there were deep divisions. And what do you feel these deep divisions are all about? Are these ideological issues among the countries of Mercosur?
BUSH: First, let me start with the Panama Canal.
BUSH: I think it is wise for the government to consider modernizing the canal. Things have changed since the canal was first built and there needs to be a continued appraisal of the canal to make sure that it's used. It's in the nation's interest that this canal be modernized.
And so, we didn't discuss the financing mechanisms, but I'm confident that however the widening or the modernization is financed, that the government and those authorities over the canal recognize that it is to be used by everybody, that the canal is international, that there ought to be, you know, equal access. It's in the interests of those who run the canal not only to modernize it but make sure it's used properly.
At the FTAA, 29 countries -- I mean, at the summit on the FTAA, 29 countries said, "Let's make sure, in 2006, we continue discussing a way forward for the FTAA" -- 29 of the 34 countries.
There was a strong approval for the concept of working together to put agreements in place that will enable us to compete with China in the long run, for example.
BUSH: And so I found the spirit for free trade to be strong.
There was five nations that said, "Well, we don't want to do it as soon as 2006." On the other hand, I went to Brazil yesterday and there was strong agreement in Brazil that we work together to advance the Doha round of the WTO.
The impression that I came away with, which is an accurate impression, is that there's a lot of people recognize -- by far, the vast majority of the countries recognize -- it's in our nations' interests to advance the trade agenda.
QUESTION: Mr. President, there has been a bit of an international outcry over reports of secret U.S. prisons in Europe for terrorism suspects. Will you let the Red Cross have access to them? And do you agree with Vice President Cheney that the CIA should be exempt from legislation to ban torture?
BUSH: Our country is at war, and our government has the obligation to protect the American people. The executive branch has the obligation to protect the American people; the legislative branch has the obligation to protect the American people.
BUSH: And we are aggressively doing that. We are finding terrorists and bringing them to justice. We are gathering information about where the terrorists may be hiding. We are trying to disrupt their plots and plans.
Anything we do to that end in this effort, any activity we conduct, is within the law. We do not torture.
And therefore, we're working with Congress to make sure that as we go forward, we make it possible -- more possible -- to do our job.
BUSH: There's an enemy that lurks and plots and plans and wants to hurt America again. And so you bet we'll aggressively pursue them. But we will do so under the law.
And that's why you're seeing members of my administration go and brief the Congress. We want to work together in this matter. All of us have an obligation, and it's a solemn obligation and a solemn responsibility.
And, you know, I'm confident that when people see the facts. that they'll recognize that they've got more work to do and that we must protect ourselves in a way that is lawful.
Mr. President, thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
COSTELLO: And we're going to drop out right now. You heard President Bush addressing reporters in Panama, and he's talking about free trade with Latin American countries. This essentially wraps up a very messy four-day visit to the Latin Americas, and he'll return to -- actually, he's going to go to a fund-raiser in Virginia, and then he'll head back to Washington later today.
O'BRIEN: About 250 miles above us, the International Space Station, they're just about to step out and do a few chores, a little honey-do list. Bill McArthur, Valerie Tokarev, all suited up. The depressurization is continuing, and we're watching the spacewalk as well. And there you see -- that's not space. That's Houston. That's mission control. We don't have a picture yet from the International Space Station. When we do, we will, of course, bring it to you forthwith.
COSTELLO: Forthwith that seems to be the theme of the day, fortnight.
O'BRIEN: Fortnight, yes.
COSTELLO: All right, well, let's talk more politics now. Voters go to the polls in a few states tomorrow, and there's a lot at stake for both parties. Ron Brownstein, CNN political analyst and "L.A. Times Columnist," joins us now from Washington. Where do we start, Ron?
RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN POL. ANALYST: Good morning, Carol.
Well, you know, we have sort of a small, but intense menu for tomorrow. We have governors races in New Jersey and Virginia, with the one in Virginia being especially watched by political observers. And we ballot initiatives in California and Ohio. The ones in California will be seen as signals of the political health of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor. And in Ohio and California both, they're looking at initiatives that would change the way congressional district lines are drawn. That sounds very dry, but in fact, it could begin a snowball that could significantly change the way members of Congress are elected in terms of how their districts are created, to created more competitive districts.
COSTELLO: See, it will be a very busy election day. But let's start in Virginia, since I mentioned that just a short time ago, that President Bush is going to go to this fund-raiser for the Republican candidate, which is interesting, because that same Republican candidate kind of skipped an event that he could have gone to featuring President Bush. So why is he welcoming President Bush now?
BROWNSTEIN: Actually, as I understand it, the get-out-the-vote rally today. But, look, Virginia is the marquee race of the year, the one that's being watched most closely by political observers. It is a red state. It is a state that leans Republican, but it has a very popular, outgoing Democratic governor, Mark Warner, who's approval rating is about 80 percent. President Bush's approval has fallen in the state to under 45 percent in the most recent "Washington Post" poll, and it is, I think, being seen as a maker of the degree to which his troubles will affect Republicans, especially in other red states, and that's critical because if the Democrats are going to make a serious bid for retaking the house or the Senate next year, they're not only going to have to win in places like Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, that lean in their direction, they're going to have to break through in those red states, and that's why this race is being watched so closely, as a possible early signal.
COSTELLO: OK, let's move on to New Jersey, because this is one of the nastiest -- I mean, I get to see the television commercials day after day after day, and they're just flat-out nasty. Republican and Democrat, both really wealthy guys, both great businessmen, and all they can find to say about each other are nasty things.
BROWNSTEIN: This year's episode of when bad things happen to rich people. It has been a bruising race with a real roller coaster feel. Corruption is always an issue in New Jersey. I mean, it sort of goes with the water. The outgoing governor, the former Governor Jim McGreevy and Democratic scandal seemed to put a good opportunity there for Doug Forrester and the Republicans, who's the Republican nominee, and then President Bush's troubles and the general sagging of Republican fortunes around the country put Jon Corzine, the Democratic senator, in the lead and holding now in the late final stages, attacks on Jon Corzine from his former wife, which have been amplified...
(CROSSTALK) COSTELLO: Now want to read people the quote just so they get a sense of how nasty this has become. The Republican, as you said, Douglas Forrester. He releases this 15-second television spot, and it features a quote from Jon Corzine's ex-wife, and I'm going read, because I don't want to misquote him. So the wife says Corzine, he let his family down, and she's quoted as telling "The New York Times," referring to her former husband's affair with a state labor leader, and then she goes on to say "He'll probably let New Jersey down, too."
BROWNSTEIN: That's about as tough as it gets to put that on television from the Republican. The polls are all over the place since that ad went up. Several have the race closing. Jersey has become -- has been moving, trending toward becoming a more Democratic state as suburban voters, affluent white-collar suburban voters, have been more comfortable voting Democratic on social issues. That should still carry Corzine over, but it's become very unpredictable.
COSTELLO: OK, well, we'll be watching it, of course. Ron Brownstein, thanks for joining us this morning.
BROWNSTEIN: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: Some new questions about pre-war intelligence and how the White House used it. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon with that. Barbara, good morning.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Miles.
Well, the Democratic members of the Senate Intelligence Committee have now released portions of a declassified 2002 report from the defense intelligence agency here at the Pentagon that raised questions about whether a key al Qaeda operative, in fact, was lying about links between Saddam Hussein, al Qaeda and weapons of mass destruction.
Now, this DIA document says a man named Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi, who was captured in Pakistan back in 2001, in fact, most likely was intentionally misleading his interrogators about al Qaeda's links to Iraq. All of that, of course, becoming a major foundation for the Bush administration's case for going war. Al-Libi eventually did recant his allegations, but DIA now says they had a pretty good indication long before that.
Over the weekend, Senator Rockefeller, a key member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, talked about all of this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER (D), WEST VIRGINIA: As soon as we -- since I'm on the Intelligence Committee and as soon as we did our report on weapons of mass destruction and before we completed it, I realized that I have just been living off of this information, this false information, intelligence. We blasted the folks who created the intelligence. And I went down to the floor of the Senate and I said look, I'm wrong. I would never vote for a war knowing what I know now. (END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: Pentagon officials now say they are looking into all of this. They're trying to get a better handle on where this report went, who read it, who had access to the intelligence. But nonetheless, they say that even so, there is no indication so far that they have that the administration deliberately, in their words, misled Congress about the WMD intelligence.
Over the weekend, the chief Pentagon spokesman Larry DiRita released a statement to CNN, saying, quote, "for a single report or a small number of reports to be released now out of context, without the analysis or any other indication as to how it may have been factored in, is troubling and ironic." So, politics of WMD certainly go on in this town, Miles. Expect to hear a lot more about all of this -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: That does not surprise us. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon, thank you -- Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: You know, it's hard enough training for a marathon, you know, like the one just run through New York. But imagine doing it after a hurricane destroys your home and your running trail. We'll talk to three runners who managed to do it, and they did it successfully. That's just ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's time to "Mind Your Business" now. One low cost airline lands in bankruptcy court. With that story to check on Wall Street, Andy is here. Sounds like a broken record.
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" COLUMNIST: Here we again.
COSTELLO: Another airline in a bankruptcy court.
SERWER: That's it, that's it.
Let's talk about the market, though, first of all. And you could almost see this coming, Carol. Lower oil prices, lower gas prices powering stocks yet again, up 17 points in the Dow Jones Industrials this morning. Oil hovering around $60 a barrel and the price of gas now down 20 cents more over the past two weeks.
We'll talk about that airline story. It's Independence Air, which is a discount carrier out of Dulles, Virginia. And they are filing for bankruptcy this morning. Competition and high fuel prices to blame there. And we'll check out the stock, which has been losing altitude for two years now. Sorry. Corny.
COSTELLO: So bad.
SERWER: They are going to continue flying this morning, though, Carol. So if you're flying on Independence, check with your local airport, but it is likely that they'll still be up and running.
COSTELLO: What can they do? They can't cut the price of the tickets because they're already so darn low.
SERWER: Right. Well, you know, that's the interesting thing. None of these airlines have folded up the tents yet. They just reorganize. And it's the people who lend them the money -- don't get paid back. And so far none of them have actually gone out of business yet.
COSTELLO: Interesting. Thank you, Andy.
SERWER: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: "CNN LIVE TODAY" coming up next. Daryn, good morning. What are you working on?
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Carol, oh, we got a busy one ahead for a Monday morning. We are watching President Bush. He's visiting the Panama Canal next hour. Also, France on fire. We're live from Paris as unrest spreads there. Also more on this weekend's pirate attack. A close call for cruise ship passengers.
And then, tax tips. The deadline might be a couple of months away, but it is time to start planning now. And our top five tips could actually save you some money. Which is always a great way to stop your Monday, by saving money.
COSTELLO: I know, but I don't want to think of taxes right now.
SERWER: It's too early.
KAGAN: We're going to repackage it so that you think of it in a positive light.
COSTELLO: OK. I'll be watching with my glass half full. Thank you, Daryn.
Coming up on AMERICAN MORNING, a story of training and triumph. We'll meet some runners who took part in the New York City marathon just two months after Hurricane Katrina devastated their hometown. Stay with us on this AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Oh, it is a beautiful day in New York City. You're taking a live look at Central Park South, right across the street from the large Time Warner Center. And Somewhere in there is Miles O'Brien. He's put on his running shoes, and he's run -- which isn't fast, he's just made it to his live shot, as we say, in the industry, and there you can see him.
You're looking good, though, Miles.
O'BRIEN: Hello, Carol. And we're here with some very special runners. You know, we've been talking all morning about that finish, that spectacular finish. These guys didn't see that one, except on tape, but their finish was equally spectacular. These are all people from the crescent city, the Big Easy, whatever you want to call it, New Orleans.
Welcome. You actually ran -- most of you ran together.
How's everyone feeling this morning. Is everyone feeling good?
I can't hear you. All right, much better, much better.
This is Vilma, Vilma Cervantes. How was your time, first of all?
VILMA CERVANTES, N.O. RESIDENT, RAN NYC MARATHON: Three hours, 59 minutes and 41 seconds.
O'BRIEN: Outstanding! Outstanding! Very good job.
CERVANTES: My first marathon.
O'BRIEN: Your first marathon.
CERVANTES: Yes.
O'BRIEN: You were in St. Bernard Parish.
CERVANTES: Orleans, Orleans.
O'BRIEN: And you lost your house, though, right?
CERVANTES: No.
O'BRIEN: Oh, you didn't lose your house?
CERVANTES: No, I did have minor wind damage.
O'BRIEN: You would be excused for not doing the marathon training. You pressed on, why?
CERVANTES: Well, because we were given this opportunity and, you know, it was the last minute, and we just trained for what, three weeks, four weeks, and you know, that's all we could have gotten in, I mean, long runs, just to train for this.
O'BRIEN: And it was worth doing.
CERVANTES: It was worth doing.
O'BRIEN: And you're Andrew? Andrew, you also, you're from the French Quarter, so you were spared your home.
ANDREW LILLY, CATCH 22 TRACK CLUB: Yes.
O'BRIEN: It was difficult to stay focused, because really the time when you were supposed to be ramping up your training was right in the midst of Katrina. LILLY: None of us planned to do the race to begin with. And when we were given this opportunity, I think it was a matter much less of competing, much more of coming up here and finishing and making some friends.
O'BRIEN: And did you? I notice you're wearing the T-shirts similar to what you wore, "New Orleans, Proud to Call It Home." And of course there's nothing like the -- I ran this race once, still recovering, that was back in 1988, but what you put on your T-shirt was important. I bet you got a big rise out of the crowd.
LILLY: Definitely. This was, for me, myself, there's no reason to continue running. This is the ultimate road race. I can't imagine having as much fun in any type of sporting event as you can come here and have. So yes, the crowd was amazing, and very receptive and, you know, you guys have 24 friends from New Orleans if you ever want to come down, New Yorkers.
O'BRIEN: Hey, Daniel, you did lose your home. I'm sorry, I got you confused, on St. Bernard Parish. We spent a lot of time there. It is so devastating and it must have been difficult to do this, or did it actually help in a way?
DANIEL SIMPSON, LA RESIDENT, RAN NYC MARATHON: I mean, it really did help. This was a great opportunity to come up here and show the people of New York that New Orleans and New Orleanians, we're getting back on our feet, and we came here, we ran as a group, and we showed the crowd a good time. And what I want everybody to take from this is that the spirit of New Orleans is still alive. We need to rebuild, but we're still there, and there's a lot of great cities in this country, but I think people around this country know that if you want to come and have a good time, and you want to celebrate something, New Orleans is the place to do it.
O'BRIEN: Did you plan to do the race before Katrina? Or all of you sort of got this idea after.
SIMPSON: No, this was a last-minute opportunity that the New York Road Runners club gave us, and we were really glad that they were able to let us come and do this and show everybody that, you know, and we were kicked down, and but we're back on our feet and we're able to do this, and New Orleans is coming back.
O'BRIEN: And you lost your home. Who else lost their home here? Raise your hand if you lost your home? Anybody else?
Back over here. Where were you?
(LAUGHTER)
So you would have the same house, and therefore -- you lost your place?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In Metairie (ph).
O'BRIEN: In Metairie. And so was this difficult, particular difficult?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I was living in Alexandria. I had to leave because I have no place to live, and I lost my job, so I relocated. And the first thing I defense find the running club, find the Travelon (ph) club, and make new friends to help me train. You can do running anywhere, you just walk outside and go, so...
O'BRIEN: Even in the midst of all that. Great job, guys. It was good to see you. Give yourself a round of applause and a cheer.
(APPLAUSE)
O'BRIEN: Three hour, 59 minute and 45 seconds, that is an under four-hour marathon. Let the record show.
Back with more in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Miles is now jogging in Central Park with those marathoners in his suit. So he can't make it back to the studio. So I am here to say that's all from us here on AMERICAN MORNING.
Daryn Kagan is at the CNN Center to take you through the next couple of hours on "CNN LIVE TODAY."
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