Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Warrantless Wiretaps; A Visit From Santa

Aired December 23, 2005 - 11:33   ET

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

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: So Tom Daschle on the record this morning about the Bush administration's warrantless wiretaps. The president asserts Congress gave him the power of such activity in a use-of-force resolution passed days after 9/11. But the former Democratic leader insists no one in the Senate thought they were voting for warrantless wiretaps. He wrote an op-ed in today's "Washington Post." And Tom Daschle writes, quote, "I can state categorically that the subject of warrantless wiretaps of American citizens never came up."
The Bush administration is defending the wiretaps in a letter to Congress. We have Elaine Quijano at the White House this morning.

Elaine, good morning.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. And that letter went out from the Justice Department to the leadership of the Intelligence committees yesterday. And essentially what it does, it lays out in greater detail, more specifics, citing cases they say support what the bush administration, President Bush, has already argued, about the wiretap program, that it is within the president's authority, the administration believes, under Article 2 of the Constitution, and they say that the congressional use of force measure passed after 9/11 to go after terrorists also gives the president the authority, they believe.

At the same time, the administration also addresses some of the questions about civil liberties, saying, quote, "There is undeniably an important and legitimate privacy interest at stake with respect to the activities described by the president. That must be balanced, however, against the government's compelling interest in the security of the nation, end quote."

Now, again, of course, the administration contends that the program itself is highly limited, that it only targets the international communications of Americans in the U.S. who are suspected of having terror ties.

Nevertheless, lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns, and in fact the Republican head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter, says he plans to hold hearings on the issue early next year -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right, Elaine, thank you. And happy holidays to you.

Federal workers, including members of Congress and Vice President Cheney, will bring in the new year with a pay raise -- nothing to cry about, for some people. We have the kids in the studio here for Santa Claus.

Anyhow, President Bush outlined details of the cost-of-living raises yesterday. Members of the House and Senate will see a 1.9 percent hike. Their salaries increase from $162,000 a year to $165,200 next year. The pay for vice president, House Speaker Hastert and Chief Justice John Roberts will also increase. Their pay will go from 208,000 to $212,100 per year. President Bush's $400,000 a year salary will not change.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan get a holiday visit next week from several Congressmen. This is no stuff limousine team on official business; these guys really rock. I mean, they rock. Their band is called the Second Amendment. The bipartisan musicians are Colin Peterson of Minnesota. He's the only Democrat of the group. There's Dave Wheldon of Florida, John Porter of Nevada, and Kenny Hulshof of Missouri, and Thaddeus McCotter from Michigan. The little-know middle-aged guys cover the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. The Second Amendment even goes country with Mickey Gilley's "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time."

Well, you do know all of these names, Kris Kringle, Saint Nick, the old jolly Elf. What's the history behind Christmas?

First, CNN.com can help you prepare for your holiday trip. Let's check in with Veronica De La Cruz at the dot-com desk.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If you're one of the millions of people travelling this holiday season, CNN.com has a few tips for your next flight, or road trip. Dreading the airport screening shuffle, the Transportation Security Administration has stepped up the screening process at checkpoints with additional random searches of passengers and bags. Individuals who set off metal detectors should also expect the hand-wanding of shoes and thorough patdowns by screeners. So try to avoid wearing metal accessories that may set off those detectors.

But the TSA has also loosened rules on which items you can take with you. This list shows you which items you are allowed to carry on or check in. And you may now carry onboard tweezers or nail clippers.

Now if you're one of the 51 million expected motorists this holiday season, this interactive has a few smart tips for to you prepare for that road trip. It is all online at CNN.com/travel.

Happy holidays. From the dot-com desk, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Watch your step. There you go.

Kaetlin (ph)? Jaylin (ph), OK. We are making our way here. Lots of kids here. You don't want to see Santa? OK, we got close to Santa. I got this close. Maybe I can convince Jaylin to see Santa when we come back. Lots of kids just ahead. We're back after this.

I was this close!

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: I got you. Yes, giggles. This is Caitlin (ph) and she and her brother and sister turned two yesterday. They did. They're triplets and both mom and dad -- can you look in that camera right there and say hi? Right there. They turned two. Both their mom and dad are serving in Kuwait and grandma and grandpa have been taking care of them since September.

And they are some of the kids that came up today to see -- who's that? Is that Santa Claus? What do you think? No, you're not too sure. She's not too sure about that.

SANTA CLAUS: I'm taking it all in.

KAGAN: You were saying, Santa, that some kids are into it and some kids are not, but you don't take it personally.

CLAUS: No. Because the thing is, everybody has to do it at their own speed.

KAGAN: Right.

CLAUS: They've got to have a good experience of visiting with Santa.

KAGAN: We don't want this to be a terrorizing experience.

CLAUS: Definitely not.

KAGAN: No. Well, the kids are happy to see you. Who came up and -- where's Gabby (ph)? Gabby, come over here. Come here. I want to hear what you want to tell Santa that you want. Can you come sit on Santa's lap?

CLAUS: There's a knee right there.

KAGAN: There you go. Actually, why don't you do the other knee and then Robert can get a good picture of her?

CLAUS: All right, let's turn you over to this one.

KAGAN: There you go. You want to go?

CLAUS: You're very flexible.

KAGAN: There you go. OK.

CLAUS: Now, they were concerned what the thing was that you wanted most for Christmas? Can you say it again?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A Furby.

CLAUS: A Furby.

KAGAN: A Furby. What do you think the chances are, Santa?

CLAUS: Well, I've been getting very good reports on this young lady.

KAGAN: You have? .

CLAUS: And she's been doing very well. And so it would seem like it's within the realm of possibility.

KAGAN: Very good. Billy (ph), did you have a chance to talk to Santa?

CLAUS: Oh, he's been a regular.

KAGAN: Oh, he has been a regular. He has not been shy.

Who hasn't seen -- have you had a chance to talk to Santa? You have?

CLAUS: He did.

KAGAN: What did you tell Santa?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I did, I did.

KAGAN: OK. What did you want?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted the Xbox.

KAGAN: An Xbox. Xbox very big, big request here today. What kind of games are you looking to play on the Xbox?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Racing games.

KAGAN: Racing games. Are we getting someone else over here?

CLAUS: Well, I think we've got a young man way back there who'd like to have something...

KAGAN: Oh, yeah, Luke (ph).

CLAUS: Is this Luke?

KAGAN: Luke, come here, Luke. Will you come see Santa? What do you think? What do you think?

CLAUS: Hi, Luke.

KAGAN: Luke, remember the little baby I had in the last segment, Benjamin (ph)? This is Benjamin's big brother. CLAUS: Well, my gracious, boy.

KAGAN: Let's see if he'll go.

CLAUS: All right, let's see whether Luke can sit there and hold on --can you hold on?

KAGAN: What do you think?

CLAUS: Well, what's in my mouth at the moment.

KAGAN: Oh, it's all about the candy.

CLAUS: Well, we've got only got one, two, three fingers in will there in the candy, so we're doing pretty well.

KAGAN: And no crying.

CLAUS: We're not going to be able to say much.

KAGAN: Absolutely. OK.

CLAUS: You're about to slide down.

KAGAN: Next -- there you go. Good job. You want to get mama? There she is. Oh, no, you want to stay. OK.

CLAUS: Now, this young man right here.

KAGAN: Have you had a chance?

CLAUS: He hasn't had a chance.

KAGAN: OK, come on up. What's your name?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jacob (ph).

KAGAN: Hey, Jacob. Do you want to sit on Santa's lap or are you too big to do that? Go on, go try it. Try it.

CLAUS: There he is.

KAGAN: What do you think you want?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want a guitar.

KAGAN: A guitar?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To play with my big brother.

KAGAN: Do you know how to play yet? You'll take lessons?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I'll take lessons.

CLAUS: I see. Maybe you can get sister to join in with them.

KAGAN: Is this your sister over here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

KAGAN: What's your name?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ashley (ph).

KAGAN: Ashley. And what are you hoping for?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A sewing machine.

KAGAN: A sewing machine.

CLAUS: Well!

KAGAN: This is very industrious family.

CLAUS: It is indeed.

KAGAN: Musical. Yes, very good.

CLAUS: All right. Well, thank you very much.

KAGAN: Thank you. Have you -- oh, Santa, you know what we need here?

CLAUS: What's that?

KAGAN: We literally need two front teeth. Why don't you look in the camera there and give us a big smile. Yes! All right, come on. Come up and sit with Santa.

CLAUS: Want to get on this knee?

KAGAN: Yes. Let's put you on this knee. There you go. What's your name?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nick (ph).

KAGAN: Nick. Like Saint Nick? What happened to your teeth? Did you forget to bring them today?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, they fell out.

KAGAN: They fell out. And what are you hoping for Christmas? Tell Santa.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like a Star Wars the video game.

CLAUS: Oh, yes. Yes. That's pretty popular. There are a lot of requests for that.

KAGAN: Anything else?

CLAUS: Well, now, one item would probably be best.

KAGAN: Hold on. OK. Go ahead. What else do you want? What else were you saying?

CLAUS: I was just saying I appreciate the fact that he's asking for one item.

KAGAN: One item.

CLAUS: Because they ask for so much and then there may not be enough to go around. So it's a whole lot better to hope for one item.

KAGAN: Did you want to sit on Santa's lap? No, too big. Too cool. Who hasn't had a turn? Who hasn't -- have everyone had a turn? Oh, no, Billy's had a turn.

CLAUS: I think the young lady who's holding the baby sister over there...

KAGAN: Yes, is this your baby sister?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

KAGAN: OK, tell us who you are and who your baby sister.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm Ashley Krause (ph) and this is my sister, Abigail Krause (ph).

KAGAN: How old is Abigail?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's four weeks.

KAGAN: So you got your present a little early.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I did.

KAGAN: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She was born Thanksgiving Day.

KAGAN: Are you having fun with her?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am. Yes.

KAGAN: She is great. Now, besides her, what would you like to get for Christmas?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I kind of already got my gift, an iPod. It was an early Christmas present because I'm from Wisconsin and I'm -- I'm from Wisconsin.

KAGAN: So you got an iPod and a baby sister?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes

KAGAN: I mean, that's just going to be about the best Christmas ever.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes KAGAN: Very good.

CLAUS: Well, now, Daryn, we haven't asked about yourself. What about you for Christmas?

KAGAN: Oh, what am I hoping? Well, Santa, every year I hope to get a visit from you.

CLAUS: I see.

KAGAN: You came early this year.

CLAUS: But I understand you're taking off to Missouri?

KAGAN: Yes indeed. We'll have to see what's waiting for me there.

CLAUS: Yes. OK.

KAGAN: OK.

CLAUS: But I'm sure there'll be something.

KAGAN: You think so?

CLAUS: But I'm sure they'll be something.

KAGAN: You think so?

CLAUS: Oh, definitely.

KAGAN: I've been a good girl.

OK, we're going to take a break and we'll have more Santa coming up after this.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Most historians trace Santa Claus' roots back to Saint Nicholas. He was a fourth century Catholic bishop in the area that is today known as Turkey. Saint Nick was famous for his generous gifts to the poor and later became the patron saint of children.

Santa Claus also owes some of his traits to the British Father Christmas, dating back to at least the 1600s. He certainly got a white beard and he looks pretty jolly, but he's wearing green. Most historians say it was the Dutch that first brought the tradition to America. They call him Sinterklaas, based on the figure of Saint Nicholas. He leaves gifts in children's shoes on December 5th, the night before the saint's birthday.

Believe it or not, it wasn't until the late-19th century when Santa Claus started appearing as we know him today, a plump, jolly old elf in a red suit, visiting on Christmas Eve.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: It might seem like it's a little bit chilly for a swim out there. The water literally, freezing, 32 degrees. But that didn't Stop Lewis Pugh. He plunged into it off of Antarctica. The Brit says he set a record for the most southerly long-distance swim, and he made it all of the half mile. Pugh said he had a screaming pain all over his body. No wonder, look what he's wearing. Pugh also claims the record for Arctic swim as well.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: OK, well, it's out one last chance to say, Santa, Benjamin has now waken up. Now he's not so sure.

And we have Jaylin (ph) on Santa's lap. And we're going to let Santa -- any final words before we let you go on your way, on your route?

CLAUS: Well, just Merry Christmas to everyone, and happy holidays to all the folks and people out there in the wonderful world of CNN. Greetings. And hope that you're going to have a wonderful year in 2006, that we're going to have a lot of the people home who have been away for a long time, and get dads back with these children, and I think that's probably about it, the best thing we could hope for.

KAGAN: We wish you a safe journey, Santa. Thanks for making time for us. And thanks to all of the kids, especially kids from Fort Benning who came up, and to their families.

CLAUS: The only thing to say it ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas!

KAGAN: And that will be our final word. I'm Daryn Kagan.

International news coming up next. Happy holidays to all of you.

Stay tuned for YOUR WORLD TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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