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James Brown Remembered; John Edwards Announces Presidential Bid

Aired December 28, 2006 - 15:00   ET

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

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone. I'm Don Lemon at the CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Fredricka Whitfield, in today for Kyra Phillips.

Fans stand for hours for the chance to get one last look at a legendary performer. We're live at the Apollo Theater with more farewell ceremonies for James Brown.

LEMON: If you're traveling, if you're waiting for someone, let the cancellations begin. One Denver-based airline scratches at least 50 flights for today and tomorrow, as another blizzard bears down on Colorado. And that's not the only place getting ugly.

We have got your eyes -- we have got our eyes, at least, on the forecast right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.

We begin this hour with this -- long lines expected tomorrow for the first public viewing of the late former President Gerald R. Ford. The body will lie in repose Friday night, into Saturday morning, at a church in Southern California. Preparations are under way for a rare state funeral Saturday evening in the nation's capital.

With the latest, live from Palm Desert, CNN's Dan Simon -- Dan.

DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, hey, Don. We just heard a Marine Corps band practicing "Hail to the Chief." You can see the hearse behind me that will be carrying Mr. Ford's casket.

Let me tell you a little bit about this church behind me, the Saint Margaret's Episcopal Church, and why it means so much to the Fords. They had been coming here for the last 30 years. There's a pew dedicated to them inside, this new addition behind me, a beautiful new addition, built in 1998, and the Fords helped raised money for it. One of their daughters was also married here.

They also have a longstanding relationship with the pastor. And he explained to us how things will proceed tomorrow.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REVEREND ROBERT CERTAIN, SAINT MARGARET'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: I will meet the body here and receive him for the beginning of the burial -- burial day, as we will be going until about Wednesday, before he is finally interred up at Grand Rapids. Now, we will come inside the church with the family and their close friends. We will have a very brief service of prayer. And the family will be able to stay in there with the president for as long as they like.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SIMON: And that service is going to take place tomorrow afternoon. It will be followed by a public viewing.

On Saturday, Mr. Ford's body is going to be flown to Washington, D.C. There will be public viewings on Sunday and Monday in the Rotunda. And, then, Don, on Wednesday, Mr. Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he will ultimately be laid to rest in his presidential museum -- back to you.

LEMON: All right, Dan.

And for all that coverage, of course, keep it right here on CNN.

Thank you so much for your report.

WHITFIELD: Well, something is going to change, we think. But what and how much? President Bush and his national security circle are in Crawford, Texas, today hashing out options on Iraq.

CNN's Brianna Keilar joins us now from the White House.

When might we get some details?

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, at this point, Fredricka, a senior administration official is saying it's possible that it could come the first few weeks of January, so, certainly more of a clue than we have been given.

But this was a meeting today that Mr. Bush had at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, with his national security team. It was actually the second meeting in less than a week. We learned from a senior administration official that it lasted about three hours, and that it was -- quote -- "very productive," according to that official -- that official also saying that the president's new defense secretary, Robert Gates, expanded on the briefing that he gave President Bush on Saturday at Camp David.

That was a briefing about his three-day trip to Iraq last week, where he met with Iraqi leaders, as well as U.S. commanders on the ground, and some members -- some other members of the U.S. military.

And President Bush, he did have some brief remarks after this meeting. Here is some of what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're making good progress toward coming up with a plan that we think will help us achieve our objective. As I think about this plan, I always have our troops in mind.

Nobody more important in this global war on terror than the men and women who wear the uniform and their families. And as we head into a new year, my thoughts are with them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: All along, the White House billed this meeting as, in their words, non-decisional, more of a chance for President Bush to consult more with his advisers, as he looks forward to making a decision toward a revamping his strategy in Iraq.

But the president did say that today's discussion was an important part of coming to closure on that new strategy in the Iraq war -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And, Brianna, how about any reaction from the White House on this taped interview between Bob Woodward and the former President Ford?

KEILAR: Well, President Bush did not take any questions today, but the White House certainly has been asked about this. This was an interview conducted by "The Washington Post's Bob Woodward, as you said, with President Ford back in 2004.

It was actually part of a book project, but Ford gave Woodward the go-ahead to release these comments if and any time after he did die. Now, it reveals that President Ford actually thinks -- or thought -- that the Bush administration made a -- quote -- "big mistake" by invading Iraq.

In fact, Mr. Ford said, judging by the facts as he saw them publicly, he never would have ordered the Iraq war. Here is what he said that he would have done instead.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

GERALD FORD, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I would have maximized our efforts through sanctions, through restrictions, whatever, to find another answer.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

KEILAR: So, of course, a White House spokesperson was asked to comment on this Ford interview -- that spokesperson saying that the administration and the president are focused on grieving right now and keeping the family in our prayers -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, Brianna Keilar, at the White House, thank you.

LEMON: Oh, boy, snow on top of snow. Denver is getting dumped on again. It's the second time in two weeks. Will this blizzard be as bad or as worse as the last one?

CNN meteorologist Reynolds Wolf is in the Mile High City to see for himself.

What can you tell us? Is it going to be worse, or do you know?

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, it's a little bit of deja vu.

Right now, it's a little bit of -- of guesswork, I will tell you that much, in terms of just how bad it's going to be. Right now, the local National Weather Service office is going anywhere from 10 to 20 inches of snowfall.

But I will tell you, some places could get a little bit less. Other places could get a whole lot more. And the snowfall is only part of the story. Now, we're going to have a lot of wind. Already, that's picked up since the last time we spoke. As you can tell, you viewers at home, you are starting to see the snowflakes go from the right to left in the corner of your television screen.

Now, if you pan out a little bit, you are going to see some snow here on the ground. Much of that is from the snowfall that we had just over a week ago. So, again, the new stuff is falling as we speak. The old stuff is on the ground. And we're looking at that possibility of anywhere from 10 to 20 inches of snowfall.

I want you, also, to look behind me. You can just see I-70, a few cars still out there. They're still moving at a pretty rapid rate, too. So, I mean, all things considered, roads are doing fine.

Take a look at another shot that we have, compliments of KMGH. This is from high above, which shows parts of I-70 and the interchange. Not really sure which one it is, but it really doesn't matter at this point, because all the conditions are pretty similar throughout the Denver metropolitan area.

We are going to be seeing more of this, more snowfall as we make our way into the late afternoon hours, into the evening as well -- the storm expected to reach its peak right near the midnight hour. And that winter storm warning will remain in effect until 6:00 in the morning, local time, right here in Denver.

Now, one -- one thing that's really interesting about this storm system is, let's say you happen to be tuning in and you're from, say, I don't know, maybe Alabama, maybe Austin, Texas. You might be thinking, well, what is this storm going to mean to me? This is happening up in Denver.

Well, the storm could mean quite a bit to you, because, as the storm ejects from the central Rockies into the open Plains, this is going to go from a big snowmaker to a big rainmaker. And there is going to be the potential for a severe weather outbreak, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail, possibly tornadoes as well.

So, it's going to be a big, big metamorphosis that we are going to see over the next 24 to 48 to 72 hours. It's going to be something to see. And I will tell you, here in Denver, we're going to be seeing white, and possibly a great deal of it. (LAUGHTER)

LEMON: That's a good way of putting it.

WOLF: Let's send it back to you.

(CROSSTALK)

WOLF: I'm sure it's nice -- I'm sorry. Go ahead, Don.

LEMON: No, I was going to say, you're the man to ask, because I have been out there covering that. And there is a difference between the soft, fluffy snow, right, and then the one that stings. What does that mean? Does that mean the difference in storms or the type of systems?

WOLF: Right now -- I will be honest with you. Right now, it's -- with the wind coming in, it just feels like you're being sandblasted.

(LAUGHTER)

WOLF: So, I mean, I know that people talk about the wet snow, that people talk about the nice powder. This feels kind of like sand right now.

LEMON: Yes.

(CROSSTALK)

WOLF: So, I guess it's a sand-like snow.

LEMON: Yes.

WOLF: Later on tonight, when I'm on later on, it is going to feel like B.B.s.

(LAUGHTER)

WOLF: So, it is what it is.

LEMON: It is what it is. And you're trying to talk, and keep your concentration.

WOLF: Absolutely.

LEMON: You're getting pelted and -- and it's going into your mouth. But, you know, that's what we do. So, stay safe out there.

WOLF: But I will tell -- but, for the time being, things do look good around Denver. So, they seem to be taking -- they are on top of it for the time being. So, we will see how all this unfolds. I mean, the possibility of 20 inches of snowfall, possibly more, that's hard to deal with by any stretch of the imagination.

LEMON: Yes, absolutely. All right, Reynolds, thank you very much.

(CROSSTALK)

LEMON: And, of course, you know your partner is back here. She's watching it all from our Severe Weather Center.

Bonnie Schneider, tell us, what is up? Elaborate.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, Reynolds is not going to want to hear this, because we do have an update for you.

The winter storm warning that is in effect until 6:00 a.m., that will continue for the Denver area. But a new winter storm watch has been issued. And that will begin when the warning expires. So, starting tomorrow morning, straight through Saturday night, that means this storm will be a one-two punch, first the blast of up to 20 inches, possibly, of snow, a lull a little bit on Friday afternoon.

But, then, the snow starts again. So, we will more snow Friday night, into Saturday morning. Originally, we thought it would just be blowing snow. But, according to the National Weather Service out of the Denver metropolitan area, we are looking at more snow coming in as the back half of that storm works its way through.

So, right now, this is the winter storm warning we're talking about that is in effect until tomorrow morning for Denver and for a good portion of Colorado, into Wyoming.

But the big picture of this storm does show that we have lots of moisture still coming in from the south -- there, as you can see, New Mexico getting snow towards the Albuquerque area.

And, as we look at it on a wide scale, this storm is kind of just getting wound up. In fact, take a look at what is happening, if we take a look at our map for the next 48 hours, and looking at the snowfall totals. This is what we're expecting, the heaviest snow toward the Front Range and back up towards Nebraska, into Rapid City, South Dakota, and to Wyoming.

But watch the track of the areas of low pressure. Here we have two right here, one in Colorado, and then one to the south in Oklahoma. What will happen is, both of these systems will work their way to the south and east.

And, as they do, when they pull away in that second half of the storm that we were talking about by Friday, they drop down into the Oklahoma Panhandle, into northern Texas. We will get the threat for severe storms, as you can see here, down through Louisiana and Texas.

But what we're expecting now is, later on Friday, as that storm tightens and intensifies right here, another blast of snow straight through Saturday. As this storm pulls away, we're kind of getting what we call the back half of the storm coming in.

And, really, when the cold air hits the mountains in the Front Range, it rides up the mountain, so it's an upslope effect. And, then, as that air rushes upwards, and the air gets colder in the higher elevations, the cold air can't hold the moisture. And that is why we see the snow.

And that is why we see such varying amounts of snow, depending on where you are in Colorado. So, once again, now we have a winter storm watch that will continue starting tomorrow morning, when the warning expires, now going into Saturday.

So, this will be a prolonged weather event for the Denver area, with snow straight into the weekend -- Don.

LEMON: All right, thank you, Bonnie Schneider, for all that.

Do you have any -- some I-Reports for us?

(CROSSTALK)

SCHNEIDER: Yes. Yes, we do.

LEMON: Can we take a look at them?

SCHNEIDER: Absolutely. You know, we have a great picture of what the storm looked like when it was just getting started in the Grand Junction area.

This I-Report, you can see, this was taken near a mill. And it does show that -- this photo is from Derek Malone. He sent it in from the Rio Blanco area of Colorado, kind of when the storm was just getting started.

So, this was the beginning. And, actually, the sun isn't even out yet, so it was early in the morning. And we appreciate that report.

I think we're going to be getting a lot more in. And we would love to get your I-Reports in. So, please click on CNN.com. Just go to I-Report, and send in your photos, not just in Colorado, but anywhere.

As Reynolds mentioned, this is a major storm that will be affecting a good part of the country with the threat of severe weather in the form of large-sized hail right through areas into Texas and Louisiana today and tomorrow. We will be watching that as well -- Don.

LEMON: And we always say, when weather becomes the news, you, too, can become a CNN reporter. All right.

(LAUGHTER)

LEMON: Thank you, Bonnie Schneider, for that.

SCHNEIDER: Sure.

WHITFIELD: Well, Don, paying respects to a legend at the Apollo, the public viewing of the late James Brown. And they are, indeed, lined up. You can see it in the live pictures. We will take you there straight ahead in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: James Brown always attracted a crowd at New York's Apollo Theater. And he always left them wanting more. That's never been true more than today, where you see right there in live pictures thousands have converged on the Harlem landmark to show their love for the godfather of soul one last time. He passed away on Christmas Day.

Ruschell Boone of CNN affiliate New York 1 is there in the crowd -- Ruschell.

RUSCHELL BOONE, NEW YORK 1 REPORTER: Hi there, Fredricka.

Well, there are thousands of people who are lined up out here at the Apollo Theater to get a chance to view James Brown's body. Now, many people got here as early as midnight to try to get a chance to see him. I went in earlier to see him. And the Reverend Al Sharpton was standing next to his body.

Of course, Reverend Al Sharpton let everyone know that James Brown was more than the godfather of soul. To him, he was like a father. He was a father figure to Sharpton, who said he didn't have his own father growing up.

Now, many people are getting a chance to go into the Apollo Theater single file. They will get a chance to walk by Brown's body, look at it briefly, and then exit out of the building, as there are thousands of people who are waiting to go in.

And some of the people are standing here with me who have been waiting for hours on line.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hours. Hours.

BOONE: How important is it for you to be here today?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (singing): I feel good. I knew that I would now.

I love James Brown. I saw him when he performed live. I loved him then. I love him now. And God bless his family.

BOONE: And there are other people who are waiting with you who are waiting for hours.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. Yes.

BOONE: How important -- what an impact -- what impact did he make your on life, his music and his legacy?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, in the beginning, when he said don't be a dropout in the '60s, it helped me a lot. And I'm successful. You know, I finished school and everything. So, it was great. BOONE: And what about you, sir? How long have you been standing on line?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: About four hours now.

BOONE: Why was it important for you to be here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, he was an influence. The excitement in his music, it really just makes you feel good. And we were in town and thought we would come by and pay our respects.

BOONE: And for you, ma'am, you said, when he said, say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud, it meant a lot to you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it did.

BOONE: What did James Brown mean for the black community and the people here of Harlem? He gave so much to the Apollo Theater, the famous Apollo Theater, and to many people in Harlem.

What does his legacy mean to you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It means a lot, because he brought a lot of us together, the closeness, like a family unity -- you know, unity.

BOONE: So, there you have it.

Even though this is a remembrance, a lot of people on 125th Street here in Harlem are celebrating James Brown's life. You can hear a lot of singing on the line. In a lot of the stores on 125th Street, you can hear his music blaring -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: As, so, Ruschell, as I look at the shot behind you, they have got the barricades on the other side of the street, which also looks like a line of people. Is that one long continuous line, or is that another line of folks who are observing the line across the street in the theater?

(LAUGHTER)

BOONE: I think those people across the street are starting their own line. I guess a lot of those people say they are not going to be able to make it in, but they just want a chance to see what is going on. They're taking pictures. They just want to be a part of this momentous day.

WHITFIELD: Ruschell Boone, thanks so much for bringing us that report from Harlem, 125th Street.

LEMON: Chaos descends in Mogadishu, as Ethiopia gets the upper hand over Islamic troops. But it's clear the fight for control isn't over -- a live report up next in the CNN NEWSROOM.

Plus: Meat from cloned animals, would you eat it? Well, it may be coming to a restaurant or a supermarket for you. Food for thought straight ahead right here in the CNN NEWSROOM. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Food from cloned animals, is it safe? Well, the government says, yes. Are special labels called for? Apparently not, though a final decision on that won't be made until spring. After five years of study, the Food and Drug Administration has found that cloned livestock is virtually undistinguishable from ordinary livestock after six to 18 months.

And experts point out that most of the meat and milk will likely come from offspring of cloned animals, not the clones themselves.

WHITFIELD: Well, the shopping malls are brimming with consumers cashing in on those holiday gift cards, and taking advantage of post- Christmas discounts.

But we hear that price wasn't that big of a factor when deciding where to buy your Christmas presents.

Stephanie Elam is at the New York Stock Exchange with the explainer on all of that.

Happy holidays to you, Stephanie.

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And to you, too, Fred.

I don't know. I think this is kind of surprising, if you ask me.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

ELAM: Don't you think?

WHITFIELD: I think it is.

ELAM: Yes. When it comes down to it, you would think a lot of people think about price.

But, according to a survey by the accounting firm KPMG, shoppers this holiday season said price was not the main factor in choosing which stores to visit.

Instead, many people wanted to make sure that they had the items that they wanted in stock, and that the store had a good return policy, and, of course, a major factor here, convenience. They wanted to make sure it was easy for them to get to. Now, 81 percent said they selected a store because it had their item. And three-quarters said favorable return policies also influenced their decision.

Online coupons and newspaper inserts actually proved to be less effective. I thought that would actually help people out. So, I guess people are changing the way they're shopping -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: I guess they are, even though most of us are creatures of habit.

(LAUGHTER) ELAM: Yes.

WHITFIELD: Well, meantime, let's switch gears a little bit. Ford is launching a new vehicle. So, what is the marketing that is attached to all that?

ELAM: Yes, that's right. It's the new Ford crossover. And it's called the Edge. Some models are priced under $26,000. So, it's relatively cheap there. And U.S. dealers should have it in stock by the end of January.

And Ford does have a lot riding on this launch. And it's trying to create a lot of buzz for the -- for the new car by keying into the urban audience.

Hip-hop singer Kelis has actually created a new song for the marketing campaign. And Ford is offering seats to a concert in Mexico starring Beyonce. And online ads feature her singing in Spanish as well.

Ford sees a lot of support, potentially, there in the black community, because many of the artists coming out of the hip-hop world and that genre have actually stayed loyal to American car brands, and have celebrated the cars in their lyrics and their videos. So, obviously, they are hoping to capitalize on that.

Taking a look at on stocks on Wall Street, they're rebounding from some early weakness. And, once again, we're seeing a late- session recovery. Let's take a look at the Dow. The blue chips have hit new highs right now. We're on the upside by about 2.5 points, at 12513. Now, of course, if we close anywhere on the upside, it will be a new record, because yesterday was a record. So, that's a pretty easy one there.

The Nasdaq, at this point, is down about 2.5 points, pretty much flatlining there as well. So, we're right around that dancing line. We have an half-an-hour to go, just about, for the closing bell. So, we will have to see if we actually close here with a gain. We will keep our eyes on it.

That's the latest from Wall Street. I will be back with the closing numbers in about 40 minutes.

NEWSROOM continues after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Hello, everyone. I'm Don Lemon at the CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta.

WHITFIELD: And I'm Fredricka Whitfield, in today for Kyra Phillips.

If at first you don't succeed, John Edwards hopes the second time is the charm, as he formally announces as a Democratic presidential candidate. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WHITFIELD: Well, Iraqis are divided on the court ruling that clears the way for Saddam Hussein to be executed, as on so many other issues. But most everyone agrees Hussein's hanging whenever, however it happens will trigger a profound reaction.

CNN's Ryan Chilcote is in Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As Iraq awaits the execution of Saddam Hussein, the violence continues. In just 24 hours in the Iraqi capital, a double bombing at a second-hand clothes market kills at least seven and sends dozens more to the hospital. Another roadside bomb at a gas station kills at least ten and wounds at least two dozen. A mortar attack on a mostly Shiite neighborhood in the Iraqi capital, killing and wounding more innocent bystanders, along them a child.

And attacks on American troops continue. December has been the second deadliest month this year for U.S. forces, the fifth deadliest since the beginning of the war.

(on camera): Will executing Saddam lead to a more peaceful Iraq? The government hopes it will by demoralizing his supporters into giving up their fight.

(voice-over): Mussab al-Zawbay is a Baathist from Saddam's party. He asked that we not show his face for his own protection. He predicts the violence will increase and it will only get worse for the Americans.

MUSSAB AL-ZAWBAY, BAATH PARTY MEMBER (through translator): They will not be able to walk the streets anymore, just like the first Fallujah battle. It will happen again. Saddam is great man. They will lose, we will lose, the whole world will lose if Saddam dies.

CHILCOTE: Many loyalists say that the fight has been going on without Saddam since he was captured more than three years ago and will continue after his death.

But Saddam's supporters only make up one part of the insurgency. In Baqubah, some extremists who want to build an Islamic state in Iraq took to streets in a show of force. For them, Saddam never mattered. The chaos will continue and only a complete American withdrawal will do.

Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In the meantime, we have heard from Saddam Hussein's chief defense attorney, who says that Mr. Hussein has met with two of his defense attorneys, where they informed him that the sentence had been upheld. He was not surprised, according to Khalil al-Dulami (ph) and he believes in his fate, and his only concern is the unity of the Iraqi people. That, quoting Saddam Hussein.

When asked about Saddam's -- Saddam Hussein's morale, the attorney said normal. He believes in his destiny. In the meantime, neither the family of Saddam Hussein nor the attorneys have been notified of an exact execution date.

LEMON: We now salute fallen heroes, the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to the United States. Marine Lance Corporal William C. Koprince, Jr. was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Iraq on Wednesday. His parents got the news over breakfast yesterday morning. Koprince was in the middle of his second tour in Iraq.

Army Specialist Chad J. Vollmer was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on Saturday. A neighbor he called Aunt Jill says when he left to join the National Guard, he hugged her goodbye and they both cried. Vollmer was 24.

Any yesterday the family of Marine Corporal Joshua Pickard laid him to rest. The 20 year-old was killed by small arms fire last week while on his second tour of duty in Iraq. More than 2,000 people gathered to pay their respects to Pickard at the Gateway Community Church in Merced, California. His brother Darren, who always is a Marine -- who also is a Marine, choked back tears as he thanked Pickard for his brotherly love and his service to his country. The Marine handed his mother Cheri (ph) the flag that covered his casket.

These are just three of the 2,988 men and women who have lost their lives in the Iraq War.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Chaos in Somalia's capital. Islamist fighters in full retreat ahead of government troops supported by troops from Ethiopia.

The latest from CNN's Frederik Pleitgen in the Ethiopian capitol.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FREDERIK PLEITGEN (voice-over): Looting and gunfire in the streets of Somalia's capitol Mogadishu. Islamist fighters retreated from the city as troops of Somalia's interim government moved in. But order has yet to be restored.

MOHAMED AHMED, MOGADISHU RESIDENT: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

PLEITGEN: "Security was tight before but violence started again today. And I don't know where the Islamic Courts militia and officials have gone," this Mogadishu residents says.

Somalia's transitional government fears the situation could get out of hand. It is calling on local warlords and clansmen to help curb the looting and violence.

The Islamists had vowed to stay in Mogadishu. Now, some vow to fight on. But others concede defeat.

SHEIKH ABDIRAHMAN JANAQOW, ISLAMIC COURTS VICE CHAIRMAN: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

PLEITGEN: "The Islamic Courts Council will accept and let the Somali people choose whatever administration they want. And we are ready to give up power," says the vice chairman of the Islamic Courts Council.

The tide turned against the Islamist fighters when Somalia's neighbor Ethiopia entered the conflict with its superior forces. It says about 2,000 Islamist fighters have died, another 5,000 wounded.

MELES ZENAWI, ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER: Well, I believe something like 75 percent of our mission is complete. But we still have things to do. First of all, there are still are remnants of the extremist elements.

PLEITGEN: Ethiopia says it intends to continue tracking down what it calls hardline jihadists in southern Somalia.

(on camera): Ethiopia promises its troops will stay in Somalia for several days maybe weeks but not any longer. Those troops have not entered Mogadishu yet, but Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says that while his country does not want to offend Somalians, he will not let Mogadishu burn.

Fredrik Pleitgen, CNN, Addas Ababa.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(WEATHER REPORT)

WHITFIELD: A familiar face, a call to action, a reminder about responsibility. John Edwards made it official this morning in New Orleans. He still wants to be president.

Here is CNN's congressional correspondent Dana Bash.

DANA BASH, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: John Edwards came to New Orleans east to shovel.

JOHN EDWARDS, FMR. SENATOR (D-NC): We want more dirt over here to build this area up a little bit.

BASH: Lay bricks and build a patio for a woman still not back in her hurricane-ravaged house and he came to do something else.

(on camera): You're here to make an announcement?

EDWARDS: I am. I'm here to announce that I will be a candidate for the president of the United States. BASH (voice-over): The former senator from North Carolina chose to say that in New Orleans to stake claim to ground he's targeted since his unsuccessful 2004 White House run.

Then it was the fight against two Americas. The haves and the have not's. This time, it's a call to citizen action.

EDWARDS: My campaign, which be will be a grassroots campaign, is going to ask people to join us. We want people to help, we want people to figure out what they can do to help. It's the natural attitude of the American people but it's not something they've been asked to do.

BASH: In a crowded Democratic field, Edwards will be a familiar face. John Kerry's 2004 running mate, a son of a millworker, rags to riches story and photogenic family.

DONNA BRAZILE, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: If there are any crumbs left over from the Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton fest, John Edwards is the candidate who can scoop them up.

BASH: He has one clear advantage over other Democratic senators eying the White House, he is a former senator -- no longer tethered to Washington. In fact, Edwards has pretty much been campaigning full- time since he lost in 2004. Launching a center on poverty to push his populous platform and staying in the political mix by campaigning with Democratic candidates in 39 states.

And appealing to the Democratic blogosphere. Click on his web site and find podcasts, diaries, videos of his travels with links to YouTube.

Edwards challenges though are many. Leftover criticism from 2004 the one-term senator lacks experience and allies admit being part of a losing team brings baggage.

ROB TULLY, FMR. IOWA DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN: Some people may say well, you know, John Edwards had a shot at this before and maybe we should give somebody new a chance.

BASH: To that, Edwards says.

EDWARDS: They need to see who I am. The way that I hope I have evolved since the 2004 election.

BASH (on camera): After the 2004 campaign, former senator Edwards was one of the first Democrats to say he regretted his vote for the Iraq war. As he entered the 2008 campaign he took aim at a possible Republican presidential contender John McCain saying in a video for his web side that, the quote, McCain Doctrine, to increase troops in Iraq would escalate the Iraq's war in Senator Edwards' opinion and would be a mistake.

Dana Bash, CNN, New Orleans.

(END VIDEOTAPE) LEMON: A new course from the old guard? President Bush is huddling with his military, diplomatic, and national security chiefs today on the future of Iraq. With one exception, Defense Secretary Robert Gates. It's the same group that has managed the war since its darkest days. The venue is at the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he talked briefly to reporters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I got more consultation to do until I talk to the country about the plan. Obviously, we'll continue to work with the Iraqi government. The key to success in Iraq is to have a government that's willing to deal with the elements there that are trying to prevent this young democracy from succeeding. We want to help them succeed.

And so we will continue to consult with Iraqis. I'm going to talk to Congress. Not only will I continue to reach out to Congress, but members of my team will do so well. I fully understand it's important to have both Democrats and Republicans understanding the importance of this mission.

It's important for the American people to understand. Success in Iraq is vital for our own security. If we were not to succeed in Iraq, the enemy, the extremists, the radicals would have safe haven to launch further attacks and they would be emboldened, they would be in a position to threaten the United States of America.

This is an important part of the war on terror. I'm making good progress toward coming up with a plan we think will help us achieve our objective.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: We're told Mr. Bush is strongly considering the so-called surge option, temporarily boosting U.S. troop strength in Iraq, but we should know for sure soon after the new year.

WHITFIELD: A spiritual quest shared with three million other travelers. The Muslims masses meet at Mecca as the Hajj gets under way. We will take you there straight ahead in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The Hajj has begun. An annual rite in Mecca. A one time duty for all able Muslims. Millions have answered the call this year, including many Americans.

Here is CNN's Zain Verjee.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One of the youngest in the United States leading American Muslims through the holiest moment in their lives.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much.

VERJEE: Iman Tahir Anwar from California, arriving in Saudi Arabia to make the trek to Mecca.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a lot of fun. A bit stressful. But it's always challenging.

VERJEE: 150 members of his congregation looking to their Imam for guidance. He knows the ropes here -- the rules, the times, places and spaces can be confusing.

(on camera): What are some of the things they've talked to you about on the way here?

TAHIR ANWAR, AMERICAN MUSLIM: How long is it going to take? Where are we going to go? How long is the wait? What are we going to do next.

VERJEE (voice-over): Iman's congregation in San Jose are among about seven million Muslims in the U.S. He says many American Muslims are more aware of their identity.

ANWAR: I don't know if it's due to 9/11 or if it's just due to the fact that people are just sort of waking up and they feel they want to be more devout.

VERJEE: The Hajj is the ultimate expression of devotion.

ANWAR: In the meantime, get on the bus, get something to eat.

VERJEE: For Imam Tahir, it's also about logistics. Many pilgrims walk out to the desert to perform key rituals, get on motor bikes or take taxis. Iman Tahir's group is taking a vip coach, air- conditioned and with good food.

ANWAR: You know, as Americans, we have a lifestyle. So for us to come to this lifestyle is a challenge within itself. So, I think for everyone, it's a relative Hajj if I may.

VERJEE: At the Hajj, Americans seem to get some perks.

ANWAR: There's a lot of places where, at checkpoints, all you have to do is tell them we're Americans and we just keep on going.

VERJEE (on camera): And they let you in because you're American?

ANWAR: They just let us in because we're American.

VERJEE (voice-over): This Hajj, Imam Tahir has a special personal perk -- his father, who is an imam in London is here with his son for the ride and for the rights.

Zain Verjee, CNN, Mecca.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Here in this country, remembering former President Gerald Ford. A tribute that will span coast-to-coast the next six days. Funeral events start tomorrow with a prayer service at the church the Fords attended in Palm Desert, California.

On Saturday, President Ford's body will be flown to Washington, D.C. for a state funeral in the Capitol Rotunda. He will then lie in state and the public will get to pay their respects through Monday.

A funeral service will be held at the National Cathedral on Tuesday morning. The family will then accompany Ford's casket back to his home state in Michigan. And on Wednesday, the former president will be laid to rest on a hillside plot near his presidential museum in Grand Rapids.

And In New York, you know this. Because you've been watching it here in THE NEWSROOM all morning, thousands of mourners are filing past the body of James Brown. The godfather of soul will lie in repose at Harlem's Apollo Theater until 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Here's what some of his fans have been saying.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Basically, I wouldn't care if it was 2 degrees, for me to pay my respects to such a legend as James Brown himself, I wouldn't care if I had to be out here till 8:00, 9:00 at night. It's a beautiful experience. I've never really got a chance to see him in person so this would be a beautiful thing for me.

And one thing I can say, he made it very, very, very good for me to say, I'll say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's the type of man he never forget where he came from, he never forget his people. He always tried to do whatever he could to help further other young people. He was just all-around great guy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was a beautiful guy. You know? He loved everybody, man. He showed a lot of people how to dance, including myself.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To see all of these people out here for James Brown, he was one of the most phenomenal artists that has ever lived. And I've never seen him, like I said, but to know his music had impact like this, a few words, I'm black and I'm proud, that's a profound statement for kids my age.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And more from THE NEWSROOM right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: So, are you ready for this -- '07? Well, they're getting there in New York where they're working on a real life crystal ball. It goes on top 1 Times Square, installed 72 crystal triangles on the ball that will be marked on Sunday marking the start of 2007. This year's blast will also feature a virtual blizzard of confetti, about three times the usual amount. Something tells me our Stephanie Elam just might be in middle of it all. You're like, ha ha, right! No!

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I've lived here almost 12 years and never done it once. And I'm not doing it now.

WHITFIELD: You have to do it once.

ELAM: I'm too old now. No.

WHITFIELD: All right. Make it a resolution.

ELAM: Yes, I'll make a resolution. I can do that. That's about it. Maybe my resolution stay away Wall Street -- I mean Times Square!

WHITFIELD: That wasn't a Freudian slip, wasn't it?

ELAM: I can't stay away from Wall Street because I'm here.

WHITFIELD: We wouldn't like that.

ELAM: No, we wouldn't like that.

(MARKET REPORT)

ELAM: Now, let's go to THE SITUATION ROOM with Ed Henry and Suzanne Malveaux.

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