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Florida Turnpike Killings; New FAA Restrictions on New York Airspace; Arizona Congressman Under Investigation in Page Scandal; North Korea Perm Five plus Japan Meeting; Minnesota House Race Considered Crucial; Jeffrey Goldberg Discusses New Book; Finding Deals On Cars

Aired October 14, 2006 - 12:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: The world still waits for confirmation on whether North Korea has joined the nuclear club. North Korea claims it conducted a nuclear test on Monday.
Now U.S. officials say there is evidence of radioactivity from the test site. That word for a statement obtained by CNN from a congressional source. Experts are still analyzing the data, the results expected in a few days.

Diplomats huddling at the United Nations this hour, to talk about North Korea's reported nuclear test. The United States is pushing for tough sanction, demanding that North Korea dismantle its nuclear program. Last-minute changes sought by Russia and China could delay a Security Council vote.

In Florida, the search for clues in a gruesome case goes on this hour. Four family members, including two young children, were shot to death along a Florida highway. We go live to the newser taking place right now.

SHERIFF KEN MASCARA, ST. LUCIE CO. FLORIDA: ...huge dividends for us. Now the facts, before you is, on the easel here, is the victims, their names, their dates of births. The male victim is Jose Luis Escobedo, Jr., his birthday is 10-14-77. The female victim is Yessica Guerrero Escobedo, her date of birth is 09-05-81. There has been a change in the children.

The children are two boys, not a boy and a girl. Their date of birth is -- Luis Damian Escobedo, his date of birth is September 28, 2003. And Luis Julian Escobido, his date of birth is March 7, 2002, which makes them 3 years old and 4 years old respectively.

This victim family moved recently to the Green Acres area of West Palm Beach on June 15. They moved here from the Brownsville, Texas area. Notification of kin occurred last night in two cities, one in Brownsville, and the other one in Spring Hill, Texas. Also last night, a search warrant was executed at their residence; the correct residence is 1244 Olympic Circle in Green Acres, Florida.

We are currently actively looking for the victim's family's Jeep. That Jeep, the description has changed it is a 1998 four-door. Last night, we reported it was a two-door, but it is actually a four-door Jeep Cherokee. It is black in color and we now have the addition of a temporary tag, it is a Florida temporary tag: M -- Mike, 952180. Repeating, Florida temporary tag, M -- Mike, 952180.

We continue to follow leads in this investigation and we are reviewing evidence from both the crime scene as well as the victims' homes last night. We continue to have our tips line activated and it continues to be manned 24 hours a day. That number is 772-462-3230 as well as we have a 1-800 number if someone wants to remain anonymous. And that number is 1-800-273-TIPS, 1-800-273-TIPS. And that number is 8477.

We wanted to put before you family pictures that we recovered from the victims' home. The only note that I have is the bottom picture is a year old. That was at the 2-year birthday party of the youngest victim.

Again, I want to thank you all for being here. And thank our public for continuing to call with leads in this case. Thank you.

WHITFIELD: You've been listening to a St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara there out of Florida talking about the four bodies that were found along the Florida turnpike yesterday. Our Susan Candiotti is in Fort Pierce with more on these details that the sheriff is now revealing more information about who these four people were -- Susan.

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Betty, I'm afraid we had an audio difficult, so I'm not able to tell you what the names are, but I'm hoping the viewers were able to make it out from hearing it. Sorry Fredricka, sorry about that.

But we can tell you that they have been identified now. If I understood it correctly, the two children are not a boy and a girl, but two boys. That they lived in Green Acres, Florida, which somewhat south of where we are in St. Lucie County, Florida. And that in fact, they are still looking for a Jeep Cherokee, they now know it is black in color, a four-door with Florida temporary tags. So, and they gave out the number as well which is M-952180. I'm sure we can repeat that later on.

But of course they're really concentrating on trying to find this vehicle because it is possible that the killer or killers might still be in that car or might have abandoned it somewhere. Authorities believe that the killer or killers was in the vehicle with this family in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, then made the victims get out of the car just off the Florida turnpike, south of the Ft. Pierce, Florida exit and then shot them multiple times.

The mother in this case, trying to use her body to shield her two children, one under each arm, but without success. The children were also aimed at, according to the authorities. For now, all we have known about the family had been that they are Hispanic and had moved to Florida recently. The father, 29 years old, the mother, 25 years old. Again this killer left their bodies abandoned in the rough grass off the side of the Florida turnpike. A motive for now remains a mystery -- Fredericka.

WHITFIELD: And so Susan, any more about eye witness accounts, meaning people who live in the area, saying that they heard gunshots around 3:00 a.m. and police were, yesterday, able to pinpoint when they thought this crime took place somewhere, you know, after midnight, before 3:00 a.m. Any more information? Are they receiving any tips based on that information now being publicized?

CANDIOTTI: Well, they've been getting some phone calls but for now, they're still using the parameters of between 1:30 and 3:00 in the morning. We did interview a woman who heard gunshots, a pop, pop, pop, pop, pop sound she said about 2:30 in the morning. Her house is right on the Florida turnpike, her windows open. But when she looked outside at that hour, heard nothing more and saw nothing. So, that's why they're concentrating on looking for this vehicle at this time.

WHITFIELD: OK. Susan Candiotti from Ft. pierce, Florida, thanks so much. Disturbing story.

Well, now to the North Korea nuclear threat and what to do about it. The United Nations Security Council could decide on sanction today. For the past couple of hours, the five permanent members and Japan have been hashing out details. The full Security Council is due to take up the issue this hour. U.S. intelligence course source now say there is evidence that North Korea did carry out an underground nuclear test on Monday.

A statement obtained by CNN says radioactive debris has been detected in the area of the blast, the findings are preliminary and officials say more analysis is need.

And new this morning, President Bush says the U.S. will strengthen defense ties with Japan and South Korea.

Let's begin at the United Nations, to get more on that, where members of the Security Council are gathered, Richard Roth is covering developments there.

And is the U.N. convinced a nuclear test did take place -- Richard.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's not their job here to analyze the samples, they're here to rewrite the international laws through resolutions about what to do about it in regarding diplomacy and sanction. And China and Russia still have concerns, that's why there's been no vote yet planned. The U.S., a few days ago, said they wanted the vote early Saturday morning and they want it unanimous, but that hasn't happened yet.

One diplomat, though, said the objections by China are more tactical and not a deal-breaker variety. The council members with veto powers plus Japan have been meeting, they're still meeting behind closed doors. China explained while the country disagrees with what North Korea did it is worried about provisions in the resolution which call on countries to inspect cargo that might be used inside North Korea for weapons use in the military missile or nuclear program.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WANG GUANGYA, CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I think that opposition is firmly opposed to the nuclear test by the North Korea.

ROTH: Does that require strong measures such as sanction regarding stopping or searching any goods going in.

GUANGYA: I think that is the concern because you see this interception idea, because once you put it in operation, it could easily lead, by one side or the other to lead to a provocation of conflict which would have serious implications for the region, for the countries.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: Russia has said the media is stereotyping Russia's view, but what concerns Moscow is any use through this resolution to enforce these sanction by military means, but the U.S. points out, that once again, they've made some accommodations and compromises in the language, Fredericka, that would make sure it is known that these sanction would not involve military use.

That is always a concern of China, especially since North Korea is in their region. So this is a big power showdown again here. Vote is still possible, though, but it may be hours away from now. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Richard Roth at the U.N., thanks so much. We'll be checking back with you.

Well meantime, U.S. officials are convinced, based on preliminary proof that North Korea did carry out a nuclear test on Monday. President Bush today is urging serious repercussions. Our Kathleen Koch is at the White House.

So Kathleen, repercussions like that what?

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, certainly sanction is, right now, what the United States is pushing very hard for, as Richard said, at the United Nations.

Let's talk about that test first. The CNN has obtained through a source, a congressional source, a draft statement from the office of the director of National Intelligence, it does say that the U.S. has evidence of radioactivity from a site where it is thought that North Korea did conduct that nuclear test on Sunday. But it's important to note that that statement does not say this is proof positive because it adds, "Additional analysis is ongoing and will be completed in a few days."

Still President Bush, in his Saturday morning radio address, today, called on allies to impose these very tough sanction to show North Korea that, "Its actions will not be tolerated."

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Our goals remain clear: Peace and security in northeast Asia and a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. We will do what is necessary to achieve these goals. We will support our allies in the region, we will work with the United Nations and together we will ensure that North Korea faces real consequences if it continues down its current path.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

KOCH: The bush administration does have high hopes that some time over the weekend this United Nations resolution will be passed and it has already, consequently, planned a trip to the region by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. She leaves Tuesday, will be in the region through the 22nd visiting with leaders of Japan, South Korea and China and talking about how they are going to implement this very tough resolution.

State Department officials say that another matter of great concern that they'll be discussing is the potential for proliferation, the potential that North Korea will now sell its nuclear technology to rogue states or to terrorists -- Fredericka.

WHITFIELD: Kathleen Koch at the White House, thanks so much for the update.

KOCH: You bet.

WHITFIELD: Straight ahead, a Jew, a Muslim in the Middle East, and their unlikely friendship. Goodwill takes root in prison, of all places, I'll talk to my guest about his experience.

And seal a deal on a 2006 model? Perhaps even a 2005. I know the 2007s are already in the showrooms. An expert tells you how to make out like a bandit in the showrooms.

And pole dancing? Not just in strip clubs these days, women are doing this to stay in shape. Stripper workouts, they're called. Next in the newsroom.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A look at the most popular stories right now on CNN.com, topping the list, the gruesome Florida turnpike killings, a man, a woman and two small children found shot dead. Authorities are looking for their missing Jeep.

And lots of people are also click on North Korea's nukes, new air samples seem to support Pyongyang's claims it will conduct nuclear tests this week. The U.N. Security Council is meeting right now to talk about whether to punish North Korea.

New FAA restrictions on New York airspace also getting lots of hits. Stricter rules on flying planes after the fatal crash involving Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor.

And the most watched video? No surprise here, stripper workouts. Pole dancing and chair dancing for everyday women including many moms. It's catching on across the country. Details on all these stories and more right at your fingertips at CNN.com.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: You're watching CNN, your sever weather headquarters.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: So bad news, snowed in, Buffalo, it may be next weekend before everyone gets their power back on. Nearly 350,000 customers are without electricity today thanks to that record busting October snow. Many scrambled to shelters to stay warm.

Some Erie County residents are boiling their water after a pumping station was knocked off line. And today, higher temperatures are promised. And the big meltdown just might begin.

Our Rob Marciano is in the Weather Center and so, higher temperatures by how much?

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, above freezing, that's the key. Temperatures right now are in the lower to mid 40s, and they'll peak out in maybe upper 40s. So, that's certainly warm enough to melt some of this snow.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks a lot -- Rob.

MARCIANO: You bet.

WHITFIELD: A congressman and male pages, new question, new allegations. This time, they concern the man right here at the mic, Arizona Republican Jim Kolbe.

And the North Korea's nuclear march, funny fallout from our Jeanne Moos, she's straight ahead, right here in the Newsroom.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Welcome to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, a place where more than just traditional Appalachian arts and crafts are taught.

JAN DAVIDSON, DIR. JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL: I think people come here looking for maybe a part of themselves that sometimes gets pushed into the background. We're in such hurry, we're so competitive that we don't get much encouragement to find that other part of ourselves.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: More than 800 classes are offered year- round from blacksmithing and woodturning to basketry and pottery, the classes are all hands-on.

DAVIDSON: A lot of people come here to add something to their life and some people come to maybe reconnect with their things they wish they'd done as children. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In fact, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, in the past three years, over 30 million adults in the U.S. have taken some form of an educational trip. And many of these learning vacations are all about finding and developing that creative spirit within.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You think you know nothing and by the end of the week you've done something that you never thought you would be able to do.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I'll take this home and it may not be to anybody's quality, but it's all mine.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And for many, it's not just about the end product.

DAVIDSON: Somebody told me one time last year, I got a tan, this year, I got a whole new attitude.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: The capitol scandal, the heavy hitters are still to come. Republican leaders and their top aides could testify before the House Ethics Committee next week. On Friday, the congressman who runs the page program spent more than three hours before the panel.

Representative John Shimkus says that 20/20 eyesight is a wonderful thing and yes, the Mark Foley e-mail matter could have been handled better, he says. He says he tried to stop the Foley's e-mails to pages last Fall. Shimkus says he kept things quiet then at the request of the page's parents.

A side player in the page scandal under investigation today, Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe's Grand Canyon camping trip is 1996 is now drawing scrutiny. The trip included two former male pages. The investigation stems from a single source, one person on the trip claims that Kolbe was overly friendly with the page. He says there was hugging but did not see sexual activity.

Kolbe's office says he shocked and stunned by the allegation and there is absolutely no truth to it. That coming from his office. Kolbe is the only openly gay Republican in the house. He retires in January.

The Mark Foley scandal apparently a factor in one Minnesota House race. All right we'll get to moment.

We want to go straight to John Bolton, the ambassador at the U.N. for this press conference.

JOHN BOLTON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: The ground is shaking.

WHITFIELD: All right, just as he's getting ready there, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, we're expecting to hear more about -- behind closed meetings that have been taking place involving North Korea. Let's listen. BOLTON: OK. We've just finished another perm five plus Japan meeting. We're going to go into consultation with the whole council where I intend to convey essentially some technical changes that have been made since last night's draft. And I expect we will go to a vote here imminently, perhaps within the hour, depends on what people feel they need to do.

I think it's significant, obviously, we're here on a Saturday, six days after the North Korean nuclear test -- we're here on a Saturday because it's important for the council to respond just as swiftly as possible. And I believe we are very close to the point where we'll be able to do that and our hope and expectation remains we will do it with the unanimous text.

A text, that I might say is entirely satisfactory to the United States that accomplishes all the major objectives we sought going into this drafting process. And that really is a significant step to deal with the North Korean nuclear problem.

Now we're not there yet, but we're very close and we hope to wrap it up essentially within a few hours.

Thanks very much.

WHITFIELD: All right, you were listening to the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, saying this is a significant step, meaning the five permanent members of the Security Council and Japan have been meeting behind closed doors about what kind of sanction to impose against North Korea after this week's nuclear test.

He says they are not there yet but this is a significant step and now he and others will be going to the full Security Council to further discuss these potential sanctions. We'll have much more right here from the Newsroom coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Half past the hour now. Here's what's happening in the news.

Preliminary evidence today that North Korea did carry out an underground nuclear test on Monday. That word from a statement obtained by CNN from a congressional source. Experts are still analyzing the data.

A vote on U.N. sanctions could come within the hour. That's the word from the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. The full Security Council is now considering the issue. The sanctions will not include a military option.

And still on the loose -- the killer or killers of a young Hispanic family whose bullet-riddled bodies were found alongside the Florida Turnpike yesterday. Police are searching for a black Jeep with temporary Florida tags.

Earlier this hour investigators identified the family including now two little boys, aged 3 and 4.

Underway this hour, the dedication of the nation's latest military monument. This one honors the sacrifices made by men and women of the U.S. Air Force. Until now, the U.S. Air Force was the only branch of the U.S. military without a memorial in the Washington area.

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN Breaking News.

WHITFIELD: So again, this story we're following now. Five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Japan have just met over the possible sanctions to be imposed over North Korea. They are now going to be heading to the full council. Our Richard Roth joins us now from the U.N.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. saying, Richard, that this is a significant step but they're not quite there yet. Still he underscored the importance of them meeting here on a Saturday. What exactly is at issue?

ROTH: Well, look, this standard negotiating procedures here at the U.N. when you have five powerful countries with veto right, the U.S. wants to get everybody on board on this North Korea sanctions resolution but also wants to respond quickly to North Korea.

The trouble? China and Russia have their own concerns and objections. So the big five just concluded a meeting. Afterwards, here's what John Bolton of the United States had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOLTON: We've just finished another perm five plus Japan meeting. We're going to go into consultations with the whole council where I intend to convey, essentially, some technical changes that have been made since last night's draft. And I expect we will go to a vote here imminently, perhaps within the hour. Depends on what people feel they need to do.

I think it's significant, obviously, we're here on a Saturday. Six days after the North Korean nuclear test, we're here on a Saturday because it's important for the council to respond just as swiftly as possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: Now we haven't heard from the Russian or Chinese ambassadors about how they feel, and it's their positions that have been holding up things a bit. The British ambassador a short time ago said, quote, "My working assumption is there will be a vote." So they've gathered the full 15 members of the council go over the latest draft resolution.

And it would appear the odds are that there will be a vote today, but we've heard that before. You can never predict these things. Russia and China have some issues with some aspects of the text. These are non-military sanctions that are going to be imposed on North Korea as punishment for whatever it tested the other day -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Richard Roth, thank you so much. We'll check back with you as the U.N. Council then sets to vote within the hour.

An unlikely friendship, a Jew and Muslim unite in prison. You've got to read it to believe it. And I'll talk to the author of the new book.

Plus, some big deals if you're looking to buy car. Hear from an expert straight ahead in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Well, back now to that Mark Foley story that we had to interrupt because of breaking news involving the U.N. Apparently, a factor now -- the Mark Foley case -- in one Minnesota House race. The Republican candidate once led the polls by a wide margin, but that lead evaporated after news of the scandal broke. Both candidates are women and this battle is considered crucial by both parties.

Here's CNN's Keith Oppenheim.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Minnesota, Patty Wetterling is well-known. Seventeen years ago, her 11-year-old son, Jacob, was kidnapped and never found. She later became a national advocate for child safety. Now, Wetterling, a Democrat, is running for an open seat in Minnesota's 6th congressional district.

PATTY WETTERLING (D), MINNESOTA CONG. CANDIDATE: I want to go to Washington to be a loud, strong voice for middle class families.

OPPENHEIM: In September, Wetterling's race against Republican opponent Michele Bachmann was losing stream.

MICHELE BACHMANN (R), MINNESOTA CONG. CANDIDATE: Now, I wanted to come by and say hi.

OPPENHEIM: Bachmann, a conservative state senator, was ahead in the polls by nine points.

BACHMANN: I want to get rid of the death tax for people in this country and do some major changes on capital gain.

OPPENHEIM: Political scientist Steven Smith says Bachmann appeared confident and Wetterling unsure, often relying on her notes.

STEVEN SMITH, POLITICAL SCIENTIST: Until she starts talking about child safety issues and then her intensity ratchets up a few notches, you can see her energy level rise. She becomes very, very effective.

OPPENHEIM: In a strange twist, Wetterling knew Mark Foley.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Patty Wetterling.

OPPENHEIM: She had worked on child safety legislation with him, so when the scandal broke, Wetterling believed she had the credibility to take a big swing and ran this ad.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Congressional leaders have admitted covering up the predatory behavior of a Congressman who used the Internet to molest children.

OPPENHEIM: The Bachmann camp cried foul, saying Republicans never admitted to a cover-up.

BACHMANN: My opponent took this issue and rather than being interested in making sure that children were protected, she was busy lopping off the head of Republicans.

OPPENHEIM: Still, analysts say Wetterling gained. and in the latest polls she is just three points behind Michele Bachmann.

BACHMANN: Thank you for your vote.

SMITH: This is a dead heat. I think this was a race that Michele Bachmann was likely to win and now you'd have to say it's a tossup.

OPPENHEIM (on camera): This race is not only close, it's considered to be crucial for both political parties. Both camps have now spent more than $2 million on this campaign, and it may go down as the most expensive congressional contest in Minnesota history.

Keith Oppenheim, CNN, Stillwater, Minnesota.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And now to the Middle East, another flare-up in violence. Palestinian sources say eight Palestinians were killed earlier today in two separate Israeli attacks in Gaza. Six of the deaths were during an Israeli incursion in northern Gaza. Israel says its forces were responding to a group of militants who were firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli forces. Two other deaths reported in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. Israel says it was targeting a car carrying terrorists.

And now a story of an unlikely friendship that offers a glimmer of hope for the Middle East. An American Jew joins the Israeli Army and serves as a guard watching over Palestinian prisoners. He and one of the prisoners slowly become friends, and in the midst of it all, a better understanding of each other and the long and tumultuous Middle East conflict rises.

Jeffrey Goldberg is that former guard. He is also the Washington correspondent for the "New Yorker," and his book is "Prisoners: A Muslim and a Jew Across the Middle East Divide."

Good to see you, Jeff.

JEFFREY GOLDBERG, AUTHOR, "A MUSLIM AND A JEW": Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: Intriguing story, but how is it that you, an American, became a prison guard in Israel?

GOLDBERG: Well, when I was young, I was full of idealism and I wanted to go help Israel and I wanted to join the army and carry a gun. And, you know, life takes strange twists and turns, and I ended up as a prison guard, and I wasn't very happy about it. But there I was, and I realized suddenly that I was surrounded by Palestinians. And I didn't know any Palestinians. I'm from ...

WHITFIELD: But you kind of had preconceived notions, didn't you?

GOLDBERG: I had -- well, everybody has preconceived notions in the Middle East, as you know. And -- but I realized then, we had 6,000 Palestinians prisoners in this place, and I realize that, you know, I'm from Long Island, originally. We don't have many Palestinians, but I thought to myself, you know what? I'm going to try to figure out who these guys are.

WHITFIELD: Really!

GOLDBERG: And that's what I did. That's what I set out to do.

WHITFIELD: So you decided that because of your preconceived notions or feelings you already had prior to this kind of face-to-face interaction with many of these Palestinian prisoners, you thought, well, let me try to get to know them to perhaps get a better understanding of really what's at issue here?

GOLDBERG: Right. Well, I had two reasons. One is, look, I'm like you. I'm a reporter. I'm curious about everybody. So I'm going to ask questions no matter where I am. But the other reason was I really felt that part of the problem with any conflict is a complete lack of understanding or lack of communication between the parties. And look, I was the guard, they were prisoners. It wasn't a fair power balance but nevertheless ...

WHITFIELD: So then how was it that you were able to forge this relationship with one prisoner in particular, Rafiq?

GOLDBERG: Yes, Rafiq, this guy I write about a lot about in my book, "Prisoners." He was different than a lot of the prisoners, he was open to conversation about the big issue, politics and culture and even religion. And he had a good sense of humor, and he had a little bit of detachment from the place. He saw the absurdity of the situation we were in. So we, in a way, struck up this kind of friendship across barbed wire.

WHITFIELD: Right, and a friendship that is still lasting, right? He's living now in the United Arab Emirates.

GOLDBERG: That's right

WHITFIELD: But you all still communicate, don't know?

GOLDBERG: Right.

WHITFIELD: What do you talk about?

GOLDBERG: We talk about the same things we've talked about for 15 years. We talk about why there's still a conflict. We talk about the possibility of ending this conflict.

WHITFIELD: Does he know about your book?

GOLDBERG: Oh, yes. Oh yes, he knows about the book.

WHITFIELD: He likes the idea?

GOLDBERG: He has it. He has the book. He told me he's reading it now, and I'm waiting for his reaction.

WHITFIELD: Well, something I thought that was very interesting about something you said, not necessarily in the book but prior to reading the book. You mentioned that we, as Americans, think that disagreements are the product of ignorance, but sometimes disagreement is a product of understanding.

GOLDBERG: Right.

WHITFIELD: And do you think that is, or just may be the case between the Israelis and Palestinians there in the Middle East?

GOLDBERG: Well, this is the problem. And the book is not -- the book is not not bleeped, but I'm not being Polyanna here. I mean, there are serious problems, as you know. But I -- and here's one of the issues.

I come with this basic American optimism to the Middle East and assume it's that, yes, it's just ignorance is what separates us. But you have to leave the door open for tragedy, and the tragedy is that maybe they understand each other and maybe that's why they don't like each other.

In other words, understanding doesn't automatically lead to the breaking out of peace. That said, I have reason for hope because I know so many Palestinians and so many Israelis who do actually talk this way with each other.

WHITFIELD: Jeffrey Goldberg, it is a fascinating story, and a really fascinating approach to telling this story. "Prisoners" is the book. Thanks so much for your time.

GOLDBERG: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Now perhaps you are looking to buy, not a book, but a car. You are in luck. Tips on how to get a real deal straight ahead.

And poking fun in the face of fear as North Korea puts its finger on the nuclear trigger straight ahead, straight ahead in the NEWSROOM.

(WEATHER REPORT) (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: So for most of us, it is still 2006, but for those of us who may be in the auto industry, it's already 2007, and that could be good news for you. Lauren Fix is here tell us how to get a good deal on the lot. She's the co-host of "Talk2 DIY Automotive," a show on the Do It Yourself Network. Good to see you.

LAUREN FIX, CO-HOST, TALK2 DIY AUTOMOTIVE: Good to see you too, Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, so all these brand new cars on the lot, why is now such a great time to get a good deal?

FIX: Well the '06s are still left on the lot. I've even seen some '05s left on the lot. What a great opportunity for you to get a great deal, because they need to get rid of them.

WHITFIELD: They want to move them.

FIX: Right. They've got '07s coming in. There's no place to park them.

WHITFIELD: All right, so that is your negotiating power. You say -- you know, you go to the lot and you say you know what? I want a brand new car, but don't even show me the 2007s. Show me the new stuff with the older years.

FIX: You can do that. Now, remember, some of the '07s are completely new. So if you're looking for something with an '07 model, you're going to have to step up. But if you're saying I just need great transportation, I need a good vehicle, I've got my heart set on something, this a great opportunity to get a good deal on something.

WHITFIELD: Now, we actually have a list of your favorite vehicles in various categories of the 2007s, and are these still the same ones that you need to look in terms of 2005 and 2006s?

FIX: Well, Some weren't available. Like, for example, the Toyota Yaris was not available as an '06. So that's a brand new car. After driving it I thought it was a great option instead of a hybrid, which -- there's no negotiations on hybrids, just sort of like Mini Coopers.

There really isn't much movement, so it's another option. It's a great vehicle, very safe. They've also redone the Camry this year, so that's another vehicle for '07 that's going to look totally different from the '06.

WHITFIELD: All right, well, like the hybrid, you said some vehicles are just not negotiable.

FIX: Right.

WHITFIELD: But perhaps, you know, you have your heart set on a certain item. How do you negotiate, because that's what's so intimidating to a lot of car buyers. They're not quite sure what to say and how to go about getting what they want.

FIX: Well, that's where you use the Internet, and the number one thing I tell everyone to do is do your homework, know what you want before you get there and know what the financing rates are in your area.

And also don't forget to go to the manufacturer's site whether you want Ford, Kia, Chrysler -- whatever it is. They're all having incentive programs that are running, some all the time. Like they'll have first-time buyer, or newly married or fresh out of college.

Make sure to use those are part of your financing took, and keep it separate from the financing deal. So when you negotiate a car, get the incentives, then do the financing. Don't let them roll it all into one for you.

WHITFIELD: Interesting. So a lot of folks who are in the market of buying a car think, you know what? There's no way I'm going to get a new car so instead I'm going to go used. But in the end, might buying a used car cost you as much, perhaps, as if you bought a new car? What do you have to look out for?

FIX: It depends on what you're looking for. They ask some really good questions, and I get a lot questions everyday on the Internet. And one of the most important things to look for is certified preowned car. You can get those at the manufacturer's choice. So if you're going to a BMW dealer, they will have certified preowneds. If you're looking at a Kia, they'll have certified preowneds. That's where you want to go if you're looking for a used car.

If you're looking to buy from a private owner or online or maybe a model that's not available to the dealer but they have it on their used car lot, please have an ASE-certified technician check it out, outside the dealership. Don't let them say, well, our technicians will check it out. No, no, no.

WHITFIELD: And why do you want to do that? Because, in part, so many cars that are on the used car lot may have been through something and there's no record, whether it's a flood or perhaps even a hurricane.

FIX: Exactly.

WHITFIELD: We've heard a lot about that happening.

FIX: Yes, I've talked to you many times about the 650,000 flood damaged cars that are out there. My cousin e-mailed me and said, you know what, I'm looking at this car -- and she lives in Denver -- and you know what? It was a flood-damaged vehicle. So they're all over the country. So don't think that you live in Seattle, Washington, you're not going to see it. They're everywhere.

Also if the car was in a bad collision or it was a totaled vehicle, sometimes you can wash those titles and a good technician should literally put it up on the lift, look underneath it, not just do a quick walkaround, say, hey, Fred, it looks good. No, you really want it checked out stem to stern.

WHITFIELD: All right, Lauren Fix, co-host of "Talk2 DIY Automotive" -- don't say that too fast. Thanks a lot, Lauren.

FIX: Thanks, Fred.

WHITFIELD: Thanks for helping us save a little money.

FIX: Glad to do it.

WHITFIELD: Well, how about this? Did you hear about the one about the dear leader? Only our Jeanne Moos could find something to snicker about during a nuclear crisis in North Korea. You are in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Does the North Korean nuclear threat have you worried? Take a moment, take a breath now, and take a look at the situation through the eyes of our Jeanne Moos.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Though no one was practicing duck and cover drills, news from North Korea is yet another stressful thing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's bad. It's bad.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It worries me a lot.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, it absolutely makes me nervous.

MOOS: On North Korean TV, the nuclear bombshell was dropped.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE).

MOOS: By an anchorwoman so enthusiastic, she rivaled Katie Couric's pre-"CBS Evening News" self.

(on camera): The "New York Times" had a straightforward, across the page, banner headline: "North Korea Says it Tested a Nuclear Device Underground." And the "New York Post?" "Nut With a Nuke."

(voice-over): After all, that is how Kim Jong-il is often portrayed in America.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am so crazy.

MOOS: "Mad TV" presented Kim as a talk show host, interviewing Donald Trump.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So Donald Trump, you have a head like a mushroom cloud.

MOOS: Whoever imagined Donald Trump's hair would be prophetic. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Omarosa, you're fired.

MOOS: North Korea's U.N. ambassador was the object of a media chase as we went by foot to the U.N. The press followed and followed, even when the ambassador said he had had enough.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's enough. That's enough.

MOOS: But at least he didn't do what Angelina Jolie's bodyguard did to a photographer staking out Angelina and Brad in India. At least the North Korean ambassador, despite his imperfect English, was able to pronounce the word.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nuclear test.

MOOS: Better than a certain president ...

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: A nuclear test.

MOOS: Nuclear is correct, though Merriam-Webster's notes "that while disapproved of, nuclear is widely used by educated speakers, including at least one U.S. president." And speaking of nukes ...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a real argument about why we can have it and they can't.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I don't have any. Do you have any?

MOOS (on camera): No, not on me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because I always have to go next door to my neighbors when I need one.

MOOS (voice-over): No depiction of Kim Jong-il

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hoorah!

MOOS: Has captured the dear leader quite the way the guys who created "South Park" did in their movie.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm so lonely, so lonely, so lonely and sad alone.

TREY PARKER, DIRECTOR, "TEAM AMERICA": I actually think if the real Kim Jong-il ever sees that, he'll probably start crying.

MOOS: Don't cry for me, North Korea.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: All right, a look at the stories in a moment. "IN THE MONEY" is next. Here's a preview.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thank you. Coming up on "IN THE MONEY," voter bait. We'll look at the issues that'll get people to the polls in November, dollar wise and otherwise.

Also ahead, following the crowd. With the U.S. population set to hit a milestone, we'll see how population shifts are changing politics and the economy. You will not want to miss that.

And the benefits package you give yourself. We'll talk with author Barbara Ehrenreich about her mission to help the unemployed, the underemployed, and the anxiously employed. All that and more, right after a quick check of the headlines.

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