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Climate Change Conference; Power Problems in Oklahoma; Continuing Campaigning

Aired December 15, 2007 - 17:00   ET

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

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Bringing home the Bacon. Kevin Bacon, that is. You are looking live now at a shot from the ballroom where the action will be taking place in just one moment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And there is an old saying. If you're not willing to lead. Then get out of the way.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Some harsh words helped sway the United States at a climate conference in Bali, Indonesia. Good afternoon, every one. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Tony Harris. We start this hour with a potentially huge step in the fight against global warming.

It is a stunning turn of events facing growing international ridicule. The United States said no. Then turned around and said yes to a deal to negotiate major reductions in greenhouse gases. We get the story from the island of Bali from CNN's Dan Rivers.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We cannot accept.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you. Thank you, United States.

DAN RIVERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The U.S. was booed as it asked for more commitments from developing countries, provoking this from Papua New Guinea.

KEVIN CONRAD, PAPUA NEW GUINEA DELEGATION: There is an old saying. If you're not willing to lead, get out of the way. And I would ask the United States, we ask for your leadership. We seek your leadership. But if for some reason you're not willing to lead, leave it to the rest of us, please get out of the way.

RIVERS: And then this total change from the United States.

PAULA DOBRIANSKY, U.S. DELEGATION: We will go forward and join consensus in this today.

RIVERS (on camera): It's been a day of high drama in this room here in Bali, but finally there is a deal. Many are praising the contributions of Papua New Guinea, whose withering criticism of the U.S. apparently led to a 180-degree U-turn. (voice-over): Afterwards, one of the U.S. delegation defended the change.

JAMES CONNAUGHTON, COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Let's be clear. This meeting was talking about a negotiation that will produce an outcome. As we stand here today, President Bush and the State of the Union address this year asked congress to produce bipartisan legislation to improve our energy security and cut our greenhouse gases.

RIVERS: But green groups say they were bounced into changing their minds.

PHILIP CLAPP, NEW ENVIRONMENT GROUP: Papua New Guinea's criticism was the most stinging one on the floor. And it was probably the nadir of the event for the Bush administration.

RIVERS: And many here agree Papua New Guinea played a crucial role.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This was very, very important. And because of that, we could make the deal.

RIVERS: And that deal marks the beginning of two more years of talks with a firm commitment for a global deal on emissions by 2009 at the latest. Dan Rivers, CNN, Bali.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: OK. That's one step. But there is a long, long way to go in the talks over reduction to greenhouse gases. What happens, let's return here for a moment. What happened in Bali today? With that part of the story from Washington, CNN's Kathleen Koch. Kathleen, good to talk to you. Now, before we get started, I want to play this sound again. And then I want to ask you a very loaded question. But this is the sound from Kevin Conrad, the representative at the talks from Papua New Guinea.

Oh, we don't have it. OK. Kathleen, here's the question for you. How is it that the mighty United States -- hmm, reversed itself. Some would say folded under the weight of this tongue lashing from Papua New Guinea.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think it is important to point out this is not the only tongue-lashing the United States has gotten recently.

HARRIS: That's the truth.

KOCH: Remember Al Gore when he got his peace prize, gave the United States and China both a thorough tongue-lashing. Saying they had to stop using each other's behaviors as a quote, "an excuse for stalemate on climate change." If we didn't change our ways, the U.S. would stand accountable before history for the failure to act. So the United States, it was more than Papua New Guinea. But it was really backed into a corner. It signed on to the deal but it put out a statement right away saying that the administration has serious concerns about some aspects of the decision, and primarily, it insists that you can't solve the problem of climate change by requiring pollution cutbacks only from developed countries like the U.S.

The U.S. and China are currently the world's largest polluters. Much of China is still a developing country. The White House says major developing countries must likewise act. We're talking about China, India, Brazil. The senior administration official told me earlier, it is not just a matter of equity but effectiveness. Even if all the world's developing countries tomorrow cut their pollution in half, that wouldn't stop climate change. The numbers don't add up. So every country that is part of the problem the U.S. believes has to be part of the solution.

HARRIS: I have the sound now. That's a wonderful explanation, by the way, Kathleen. But we have the sound now. And I want to you listen to it again and I want to come back to that question because it seems, it feels as though someone got on the phone to the U.S. representative after this bit of a tongue-lashing from again, Kevin Conrad, the representative at the talks from Papua New Guinea. Let's have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONRAD: There is an old saying. If you're not willing to lead, then get out of the way. And I would ask the United States, we ask for your leadership. We seek your leadership. But if for some reason you are not willing to lead, leave it to the rest of us. Please, get out of the way.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: OK. And Kathleen, are we talking about the cumulative weight of the criticism? Because you get that line and then there's the vote. And then for all the time, it is no, no, no, and then yes.

KOCH: And also, it is important to understand, the United States needs to work with all these countries in a variety of ways, working with them, fighting global terrorism. Again ...

HARRIS: That's a good point.

KOCH: Defending the nation's -- the world's democracies all around the world. And obviously, the United States cannot afford to be alienated from the rest of the world. Again, let me point out some criticism that came today from Democrats. Democrats were, while applauding this very interesting as they would, back-handed praise, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton called it an important step. But she says, quote, "The administration again sought to block progress but ultimately could not resist the weight of the scientific and political consensus for action on climate change."

Ed Markey, congressman from Massachusetts said, "At last, the warnings from the world's leading scientists are no longer being totally ignored by the Bush administration." So alienation is not -- on the global stage is not what the U.S. wanted. HARRIS: OK. Kathleen Koch. Well done, Kathleen, appreciate it. Thank you for handling that loaded question. Very loaded. Thank you.

Well, talking about climate change, we are on a severe winter weather watch for much of the country as a major storm bears down on the Midwest and heads for the Northeast, it began in the southern plains this morning where the white stuff continues to fall. A foot of snow or more has blanketed Kansas and surrounding areas. We have got a live picture here. Just look at the situation on the runway of Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Great. A lot of pictures here. At least what, 200 flights have been canceled due to the white out conditions. If you're watching us from the airport, we feel and see your pain. And then, of course, we have Oklahoma getting hit again with another winter blast today. This after the ice storm earlier this week that has kept thousands in the dark and shivering without electrical power.

Let's get to CNN's Keith Oppenheim live in Oklahoma City where restoring power is a priority. Keith, how slow is the going there to get everyone powered up again?

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Not everyone yet, Tony. And the problem with the snow that came today was just timing. As I walk back here, you can see just a little bit of snow on the ground. A couple of inches fell in Oklahoma City. But consider what the damage had already been. This was from the ice storm from last weekend. And the remnants of that ice storm continue to be a big problem for the State of Oklahoma.

There were 600,000 people at the peak of the loss of power during the week. That got reduced to about 125,000 customers and businesses without electricity, up to about now. And you're going to hear from one of them. Her name is Cynthia Hill. She didn't have electricity for five days and her heat just got turned back on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CYNTHIA HILL, OKLAHOMA CITY RESIDENT: It's been cold. My walls are wet. You blow smoke in the house. I had on about four layers of clothes and blankets. It just came back on about 20 minutes ago and you'd have thought I won the lottery. I'm happy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OPPENHEIM: So she is in a good mood. The bottom line, Tony, the snow to some extent got in the way of restoration process. But it is not done. Some people are still a couple days away before they're going to have electricity. I was talking to some folks in this neighborhood. And they were telling me that they are, some of them are still relying on generators to power their homes. But some got their power on just in the last day or so. So there is a combination of relief and anxiety, depending on who you talk to.

HARRIS: What a real mess. And it continues. Keith Oppenheim for us. Keith, great to see you. As we get to the severe weather center now, Bonny Schneider is going to tell us that this is a series, actually, of systems that will continue to wreak havoc. We'll talk about the Northeast in a moment. But Bonnie, you have a tornado warning to report, first up?

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right. During Keith's report, a second tornado warning was issued for southern Okaloosa County, that's in northwest Florida. It's right here, it does include the cities of Fort Walton Beach and Destin. We don't have a tornado on the ground but we do have Doppler radar indicated tornadoes into the thunderstorms. And that also is occurring in Houston County, including the city of Dauphin in Aabama. This tornado warning is in effect until 4:15. The one in northwest Florida goes until 4:45.

And that's because we have some very strong thunderstorms coming up from the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, into Alabama. These thunderstorms have a history of producing hail and this is the third tornado warning we've seen so far this afternoon. So now we have a tornado watch that includes parts of Georgia, including Albany, Valdosta, down through Tallahassee in Florida. This watch goes all the way until 11:00 tonight. It is all related. We have the heavy rain to the south. The snow to the north. And it is all part of one big weather system that's bringing such a varying amounts of weather across the country.

Snow in Chicago right now, snow in parts of northern Ohio. But to the south, it is heavy rain. Once you start heading into Kentucky.

Here's the area of low pressure that's pulling up all the moisture from the south. This is going to turn into a major nor'easter by tonight into tomorrow. And coming up, I'll talk more about what we can expect in terms of snowfall accumulations for the Northeast. Tony?

HARRIS: Wow. What a scene there. All right, Bonnie. Appreciate it. Thank you.

So last weekend, as you'll recall, it was the Oprama campaign tour. This weekend it is fellow Democrat John Edwards. Bringing the Bacon, as in actor Kevin Bacon to the Iowa campaign trail. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux is in Cedar Falls. Suzanne, great to talk to you. The star turns here lately. It really, when you get down to it, it seems to be that it is umbrella generating a buzz, a big audience, and excitement in the room.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely. You're absolutely right. This is really a three-way race. It is anybody's race at this point. Because the polls in Iowa show it is a dead heat between John Edwards, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama. So of course they're trying to bring in all star power, celebrity power as they can to really try to attract people and then to deliver their message. We saw it last week with Oprah endorsing Barack Obama. Senator Edwards' campaign kind pooh-poohed that. Now we are seeing celebrities coming out as well joining him on the road with him. Obviously Tim Robbins, actor, as well as Kevin Bacon who is going to be out here on stage. You can see behind me, the town hall meeting. People are beginning to gather. And he is actually going to be playing and singing guitar. We didn't know that he does that in addition to acting but he has really amassed great deal of people. A good crowd. It is all about getting people's attention here in Iowa.

The one thing I should mention, that poll shows all they have, all three have the potential of grabbing the state. If John Edwards does it, it could dramatically shake up things in the state to follow those contests. But the one challenge that he has, you look at the national polls and you look at his national organization, doesn't kind of have the same resources and the funds that those other two campaigns do. So that's the big question. Whether or not if he has the win in Iowa, if it is going to translate and be able to move on on a national scale, Tony.

HARRIS: Suzanne, there is a pretty big newspaper there, the "Des Moines Register." Endorsements. When are we expecting those endorsements from that newspaper?

MALVEAUX: There's a lot of speculation about that. The candidates have been working really, really hard. This is not something that happens accidentally. Each of those campaigns has been going to the editorial board of the "Des Moines Register" to try win that coveted endorsement. It is a state-wide paper. A lot of speculation that perhaps it will go to Obama but it could go to either of the other candidates as well. With Senator John Edwards who got it back in 2004 and it really gave him that kind of boost. A very strong second place in the Iowa caucuses. A lot of people are going to be looking at that. That's coming up at 8:00 local time. They're going to be seeing just who they get that nod from. Very important.

HARRIS: All right. Suzanne Malveaux for us in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Suzanne, great to see you.

Well, with some of the recent polls suggesting waning support, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani touted his leadership and vision for the future today before a small crowd in Tampa, Florida. You never need to hear that if you're a candidate. Giuliani who is trailing in Iowa poll numbers is looking ahead to the Sunshine State. And its January 29th primary. We will hear more of the former New York mayor's speech a little later right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.

Arizona senator and GOP presidential candidate John McCain hopes fellow veterans will help him in the Palmetto State primary. Today in South Carolina, McCain announced he has won the endorsement of more than 100 retired generals and admirals. He can use all the help he can get as McCain figures fifth in the latest poll of the state's Republican presidential primary. The latest twist in that CIA tapes controversy, the Bush administration tells a judge, just don't ask. A live report from Washington is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf lifted his state of emergency in a nationally televised speech today. Musharraf said he imposed the six week long emergency decree because of unspecified conspiracy to derail the country's transition to democracy and he promised next month's scheduled elections will be free and fair. Government sources say Musharraf made several changes to the Constitution. Even as he restored it. We don't know yet what they are.

Back in this country, the White House is bumping up the controversy over those destroyed CIA interrogation tapes of terror suspects. The Bush administration is asking lawmakers at a federal court to refrain from looking into the destruction of the tapes. CNN's Gary Nurenberg with the story.

GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, the administration is telling the federal court in those intelligence oversight committees on Capitol Hill to get out of the way and let the Justice Department and CIA conduct a joint investigation into the destruction of the tapes which show the interrogations of terror suspect. A lawyer for some other terror suspects and those congressional committee chairmen are less than convinced that is a good idea.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NURENBERG (voice-over): At issue is destruction of the CIA by videotapes showing interrogation of terror suspects after President Bush agreed to the use of aggressive interrogation techniques. Lawyer for some terror suspects want federal Judge Henry Kennedy to open an inquiry into whether that destruction violates his order that evidence not be destroyed. Friday night, the Bush administration urged Kennedy not to hold that inquiry, saying the tapes do not fall within his order. Defense lawyers disagree.

DAVID REMES, ATTORNEY FOR DETAINEES: If evidence was tortured out of these prisoners, implicating our clients. That's something we really need to know.

NURENBERG: The administration has moved to postpone congressional investigations into the destruction. In letters to congressional overseers, the Justice Department and CIA asked that Congress delay its probes because they might interfere with the CIA/Justice joint inquiry. In a separate letter, the Attorney Genera Michael Mukasey refused congressional requests for information the Justice Department has already developed in the tapes case. House Intelligence Committee leaders said Friday, "The executive branch can't be trusted to oversee itself."

Nonetheless, a CIA spokesman said Saturday, "The CIA will cooperate fully with both the preliminary inquiry by the Department of Justice and the CIA inspector general as well as with the congress. That has been, and certainly continues to be the case."

In calling Saturday for a special counsel to investigate, presidential candidate Joseph Biden said, "The continuing saga of cover-up and delay by this administration must be stopped before more documents are lost to future investigators."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NURENBERG (on camera): Despite that administration appeal that Congress back off, a hearing is still scheduled for next week. The question is whether CIA officials will show up and testify. Gary Nurenberg, CNN, Washington. HARRIS: And still to come, he got a Super Bowl ring, a college football national championship, and a spot in the Football Hall of Fame. But that just wasn't enough.

Joe Willie next in the NEWSROOM. Broadway Joe completes a quest he started more than 40 years ago.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: All right. Let's give you news across America now. One person was killed in an eight-alarm fire in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The blaze started late yesterday. Gutting an apartment building and a synagogue, both were steps away from a fire house. No word yet on the cause.

Stepped up police patrols at Louisiana State University today in the wake of two killings on campus. Both victims were doctoral students from India. Police believe the shootings were part of a home invasion in the campus apartment complex. But they have few other leads. No takers.

For the former Virginia estate of jailed quarterback Michael Vick, it went on the auction block. But the owner only got two bids. Neither was close to the $1 million he wanted. The 15 acre estate where Vick and his friends ran that illegal dog fighting operation.

A big day for Joe Willie Namath. The football hall of famer finally picked up his college degree from the University of Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide to a national championship back in 1964 but he left school to pursue his career in the NFL. And what a career. Over the last five years though, he pick up enough credits to get his bachelor's degree.

Let's get a check of weather now. Bonnie Schneider is in the severe weather center. And this is a day when that title fits. Severe weather all over the place, Bonnie.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: Maybe just avoid it if you can. Some folks have to go but my goodness, what a mess. Bonnie, appreciate it. Thank you.

First it was Oprah. Now comes Bacon. Six degrees of politics? More star power on the road to the White House. We're going live to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Kevin Bacon lets his star shine for John Edwards.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: If you thought for a moment that Democratic White House hopeful John Edwards was about to give up his party's nomination to either Senators Clinton or Obama, well, think again.

That's Kevin Bacon, the actor. That's not live because they're so far behind. The former one-term Senator from North Carolina tapped into his Hollywood rolodex to pull Kevin Bacon out on the campaign trail. Plus, they're due here to arrive at the University of Iowa, the central ballroom there. Any moment now. The layoff word we're getting from our political desk is that the team is running way behind.

The next three weeks are critical for presidential hopefuls. As Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus draws nearer presidential hopeful Rudolph Giuliani is trying to gain some ground and distinguish himself from Republican rivals, like Mike Huckabee. So today he began sharing his, quote, "bold new vision for America," end of quote.

In Florida, how are voters responding to his changing message? Our Mary Snow asks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARY SNOW, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Rudolph Giuliani walked on staging with his wife, Judith, but didn't mention her by name. He tried to shift the focus away from questions in recent weeks about the security detail while he was New York City mayor for his then girlfriend and now wife. He wouldn't talk about it specifically and only offered this.

RUDY GIULIANI, (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If you're looking for perfection, you won't find it, not in me, not in any candidate.

SNOW: Leadership was the theme here and Giuliani stressed a familiar one, his days as New York City's mayor during 9/11 in the fight against terrorism.

GIULIANI: This is the time for leadership. This is the time for strength. This is a time to roll up our sleeves, not ring our hands. I've been tested in the crisis. I'm ready to lead. And the time is right now.

SNOW: No new policies were rolled out but it was a deliberate attempt to get back on message, stressing the need to reign in government spending and bringing up Ronald Reagan at time. This speech as Mike Huckabee has enjoyed a surge in the polls.

One Republican strategist says not only has Giuliani slipped out of the spotlight but so has this main issue.

TERRY JEFFREY, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Foreign policy is fading a little bit because things are going well in Iraq. That does not help Rudolph Giuliani.

SNOW: Giuliani rolled out a new slogan.

GIULIANI: Tested, ready, now.

SNOW: Reaction was mixed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I like what he said. It does bring pack. I want someone who is a strong person.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There wasn't anything new and magic that he said today. Nothing different for me.

SNOW (on camera): The fact that Giuliani made his case here in Florida is in itself significant. The Giuliani campaign has taken a different tactic from rivals and is counting on a win near Florida, even if he loses in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Florida's primary is January 29th. And the Giuliani campaign is hoping that a win here will lead to victory a few days later in states like New York and California.

Mary Snow, CNN, Tampa, Florida.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: OK, it is all feet on the floor in Iowa where the first in the nation presidential caucuses are under three weeks away? Really? 19 days or so? Man, the candidates are making a final push despite the cold weather. And we mean cold weather. And despite something else from people's minds right now about holidays.

Our man on the ground is CNN's deputy political director -- there he is -- Paul Steinhausser. He joins us from Des Moines.

Paul, great to see you. OK, let's get ready. Are you ready?

PAUL STEINHAUSSER, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: I'm ready.

HARRIS: OK, here we go. Do you trust the Iowa numbers with Obama and Huckabee? Well, Obama is virtually a dead heat. Huckabee in front. I keep hearing how dill it is to poll the Hawkeyes.

Do you trust the number? More importantly, do the other candidates trust the polls?

STEINHAUSSER: You're absolutely right. It is tough to poll here in Iowa. And why? It is a caucus state. And it takes a lot of effort on caucus night to come out in the cold and freezing like it is right now and actually take part national town hall meeting and then vote. It is a little tougher here to powe because you're not sure who will show up. And that's why the polls are a little unreliable.

But Tony, that said, the last time around, in 2004, the poll, they got it right pretty much. The last poll just before the caucus had Edwards and Kerry on top. And that's if way it ended up, Kerry one, Edwards, two.

Right here, the poll has been pretty consistent. Obama, Clinton, and Edwards all pretty much tied. A dead heat for like the last two months. They're not perfect but up to now, they seem to be holding up.

HARRIS: Where is Hillary? When is she due back in the Iowa?

STEINHAUSSER: She is coming back here tomorrow. She is in New Hampshire today. And it is not any warmer there. I'll tell you that. She's coming back tomorrow and she's doing what is being called a "Hillocopter" tour, not a helicopter tour, but a "Hillocopter" tour. Get it? She'll be getting in a helicopter and flying around and seeing all the counties.

HARRIS: Let me ask you this, Paul. Let me find my notes. The actor Tim Robins campaigning for his man, John Edwards. I guess this Edwards event will get started at some point. But Tim Robins really criticized the media for being poll obsessed, not idea obsessed. And for prematurely, in his words, a narrowing the presidential contest. Is that a criticism you hear of the media at all in Iowa? And I mean, are we in the final analysis, kind of heat-seeking missiles? Following the polling and who is hot, who is not?

STEINHAUSSER: In a way, yes. That is a valid criticism in a way. It is hard in these early months before the voting begins. There is only a few ways you can gauge a candidate's strength. How they're doing. One obviously polls. Before people vote, that's one of the few ways you can gauge how they're doing it. Another is the campaign cash that the candidates have as a way to gauge if they're doing well or not.

We do look at the issues. Not just the polls. The polls are important and they have their moments. We take a look at the issues and where the candidates stand on the issues. We look at their records and we keep them honest.

HARRIS: There you go. Let's talk about the Republicans for a moment. Romney, boy, Mitt Romney in the state, is he in the state? Or is he in the state tomorrow?

STEINHAUSSER: He was in the state this morning. And CNN was with him. You know what he was doing today? He was going after Huckabee. We can see. Why Huckabee is number one in the state. And Romney had a comment said he was almost acting like a Democrat. Yesterday, Huckabee criticized President Bush and how he handled the Iraq war. And Romney today, he went after Huckabee.

HARRIS: And just a couple of seconds left. Would you explain the Giuliani strategy?

STEINHAUSSER: Listen, Rudy Giuliani is the front-runner nationally. His campaign won't actively say this, but what they seem to be doing is maybe they won't win in the early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Their strategy is to come on strong in states like Florida. And then the big February 5th states, California, New York, Illinois. In those states, the Republican voters are a little more moderate than they are here in Iowa or South Carolina. Voters that maybe Giuliani will do better with. His strategy, it seems, is to survive the early states and then come on strong in late January and February 5th. We'll see if that works.

HARRIS: All right, Paul Steinhaussser. Great to see you, Paul. Pretty cold out there, huh?

STEINHAUSSER: Take care, Tony.

That wind chill is kick up.

HARRIS: Pretty warm in the studio, man. Stay warm. Log on to cnn.com and click on politics for the latest political news and everything you need to know about the race for the White House.

Some sad news out of Indianapolis this morning. Congresswoman Julia Carson has died. The lawmaker had just resumed treatment for recurring lung cancer much she was the first African-American and first woman to represent the district that includes Indianapolis in Congress.

Still to come, it could darken the bright joy of this Yuletide season. Toxic Christmas lights. We'll tell you what you need to know in the "NEWSROOM."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: We have been waiting for days since the release of the Mitchell Report on steroids and human growth hormones used in Major League Baseball. Here's some reaction from players named in that report, the 70 or so players named in that report.

We are getting word according to the Associated Press -- you see this man on your screen here. Andy Pettitte says he tried HGH, the human growth hormone, on two occasions, to recover from an elbow injury in 2002. So Andy Pettitte, admitting to using one of the banned substances, HGH. He is quoted as saying, "If what I did was an error in judgment on my part, I apologize."

Again, Pettitte was among 85 players named by George Mitchell in his investigation into steroids and performance enhancing drugs. And Andy Pettitte coming clean, now saying, if what I did was an error in judgment, on my part, I apologize, admitting to using human growth hormones in recovering from an elbow injury in 2002.

Right now, let's take to you Cedar Falls, Iowa. The city in northern Iowa. The central ballroom there. There you see the actor, Kevin Bacon with guitar strapped over the shoulder. Let's listen in.

We can't listen to the sound because we haven't made -- all right. We're working on the sound. But again, Kevin Bacon stumping for his man, John Edwards. Edwards netting a little star power. And once we get the sound worked out, we will bring you a bit of Kevin Bacon and then comments from John Edwards.

Over the last several months, we have told you about millions of toys recalled over high lead levels. Now amid everyone's holiday glow, word of another potential danger.

Here's CNN's consumer reporter, Greg Hunter.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GREG HUNTER, CNN CONSUMER REPORTER (voice-over): Every year, Ronica Dhaliwal decorates her Christmas tree but she never worried about her Christmas lights.

RONICA DHALIWAL, CONSUMER: To plug it in safely and use the proper outlet and that kind of thing.

HUNTER: But lights contain lead. Most boxes display labels saying in part, "This product contains chemicals, including lead." And "Wash hands after use."

That worries medical experts, like Dr. Leo Trasande Sunday, a specialist in children's environmental health at New York's Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

DR. LEO TRASANDE, NY MT. SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: There is no level at which lead exposure is safe. Even at one microgram. The lowest level in a person's blood stream that we can detect. That level has been associated with cognitive impairment in children.

HUNTER: The use of lead as a fire retardant in the lighting cords is perfectly legal. We brought lights from several large retailers and sent them to be tested at an independent lab, Quantex, in New Jersey. Using the Consumer Product Safety Commission's standard wipe test for lead and vinyl products like mini blinds and toys, we wanted to see if the lead in the cord's PVC coating would come off On someone's hands.

DR. JAMES MENOUTIS, QUANTEX LABS: You don't realize there's lead. You eat a cookie or something else without washing your hands. That exposure builds up in your body over time.

HUNTER: In all four brands of light, Quantex found surface levels far exceeding the CPSC's recommended children's limit of 15 microgram.

We tested three samples from each brand. What we found was starting. GE showed lead from 68 to 109.1 micrograms. Wal-mart, from 86.6 to 132.7 micrograms. Sylvania from 59 to 70.3 micrograms. And Philips, from a low of 3.2, well under the 15 microgram limit, to ten 107.2 in another sample.

Dr. Trasande says those tests showed children could be vulnerable.

(on camera): You wouldn't have them in your house.

TRASANDE: I wouldn't needlessly expose them to a lead-based hazard that could have significant and lifelong consequences for that child's cognitive capacity or their attention or other health problems.

HUNTER (voice-over): Of all company whose lights we tested, none would go on camera.

In written statements, all expressed concern about safety. GE told CNN, quote, "We take great precautions to make sure our products are safe".

Wal-mart said, "The special coating around electrical wires on the light sets is necessary to pass the stringent safety and quality regulations." And Sylvania said, "We encourage consumers to exercise common sense by keeping holiday lights and other electrical products away from the hands and mouths of children.

Phillips said their lights "meet all national standards Institute Underwriters Laboratory requirements, although Philips is working to reduce the physical amount of lead necessary."

The CPSC said Christmas lights do not pose an elevated danger of lead exposure to children. And they say our test on light cords, using the CPSC's methods for blinds and toys, is like comparing apples to oranges and is rotten to the core.

But in a prior interview, not a response to our tests, the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises children should still keep away from lights because they are electrical products, not toys.

JULIE VALLESE, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: There are men of other things that kids can do to help deck trait tree. Lights should be something that are the responsibility of a parent.

HUNTER: Ronica Dhaliwal says that might mean going without lights.

DHALIWAL: I don't want my whole family being exposed to Christmas tree lights and lead. Christmas tree lights, I love. But the lead, I don't.

HUNTER (on camera): What's the best way to minimize exposure? Wear gloves. Have only grown-ups handle the lights and hang them out of reach of children. And above all, do what it says on the warning labels of the boxes -- wash your hands after handling them.

Greg Hunter, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: Good advice. Of course, what goes under the tree, a big time concern this time of year, and particularly this year. So a lot of parents concerned because they're shopping for video games, to be sure, something they may have never dealt with before. We will help you navigate the murky digital waters. "Trouble in Toyland," our continuing coverage, tomorrow, 5 p.m. eastern, right here in the "NEWSROOM."

Back now to Cedar Falls, Iowa. And Kevin Bacon stumping for his man John Edwards, singing a song or two. Let's listen in.

(SINGING)

HARRIS: OK, there he is. Kevin Bacon as James Taylor. I don't know. We'll take a break and we'll come back and we'll hear from the candidates. John Edwards, but first a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Another check of severe weather now. Bonnie Snyder is in the Severe Weather Center.

Bonnie, you have word much severe tornado warnings, Florida and Georgia now?

BONNIE SNYDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right. Two tornado warnings, and this one interesting in southeast Walton County. A water spout was spotted about nine mile into the Gulf of Mexico. It looks like it is moving onshore, somewhere in the vicinity on the coastline. Southeastern Walton County until 5:00 p.m., we have a tornado warning there. You can see the heavy rain sweeping across Florida and into Alabama and now Georgia right now.

The second tornado warning is for Early County in Georgia. That's in the southern part of the state. It goes until 6:00 p.m. eastern standard time. We're looking at a lot of rain working through the region. Very strong thunderstorms. And the threat for severe weather in this region in southern Georgia, the Panhandle of Florida, extremely southeast Alabama. This goes until 11:00 tonight.

HARRIS: OK, Bonnie. We'll check back with you in just a couple of minutes.

And once again, let's bring you the breaking news from just a few moments ago about New York Yankees Pitcher Andy Pettitte. We told you that he had admitted to using human growth hormone. The first real reaction outside of his friend and teammate, Roger Clemens' vehement denial that he used human growth hormone.

But Andy Pettitte in his statement a moment ago -- just pulled it off the printer. "In 2002, I was injured. I had heard that human growth hormone could promote faster healing for my elbow. I felt an obligation to get back to my team as soon as possible. For this reason, I tried human growth hormone. Though it was not against baseball rules, I was not comfortable with what I was doing so I stopped. This was it. Two days out of my life. Two days out of my entire career when I was injured and on the disabled list. If what I did was an error in judgment on my part, I apologize."

The statement, in part, from New York Yankees Pitcher Andy Pettitte.

Still to come, much of the nation blasted by a fierce winter storm. A severe wave update with Bonnie next in the "NEWSROOM."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Let's get back to Bonnie Snyder who's is following severe weather for us in the Severe Weather Center.

Bonnie, we've got some time here so let's work our way through this. A complicated you have to tell.

SNYDER: That's true. We've have two tornado warnings. We've been talking about the snow. This is all related. Lots of moisture in the Gulf of Mexico. Doppler radar indicated nine mile into the Gulf of Mexico, they spotted a water spout. That's like a tornado over a body of water. When a water spout comes onshore, it is instantly a tornado. As soon as it makes contact with land.

Since that was spotted nine mill in the vicinity of southeast Walton County from about southwest of Choctaw Bay, that's why there is a tornado warning issued until 5:00 central time, in case that aware spout does make it onshore.

A steady flow of rain coming in, not only into Florida, but Alabama and Georgia. This is beneficial rain to the drought area, but any time you have severe weather, you have to take cover because it is so dangerous. In Early County, Georgia, we have a tornado warning until 6:00 p.m. eastern standard time because, again, the thunderstorms have indicated on Doppler radar some rotation.

We've been watching this since the afternoon and because we've seen so much activity in terms of tornadic activity embedded in thunderstorms, we have a tornado watch that extends into Florida, Georgia and Alabama. This will go into 11:00 tonight. So the threat for severe weather in this vicinity is long lasting, straight into the evening hours.

All this rain coming up in Georgia, rain headed into Mississippi and Tennessee, this is all part of a larger weather maker that's brining snow into the areas of Midwest and across the Ohio right now. But this is just the beginning of a major storm that will bring a nor'easter later tonight and into tomorrow into New England.

Watch how it gets going. You can see coastal low pressure developing, merging with the low pressure coming in from the land. That's by late tonight. By Sunday this thing will really get cranking. We'll see the snow in northern New England. The warmer air mixing in with the snow for coastal cities like New York and Boston. That's why we'll see a combination of all these elements for your forecast.

In Washington, D.C., you'll see ice tonight because the air is a little bit warmer aloft. That's going to make for some ice and in that vicinity. Really, a wintry mix for all the major cities. Heavy snow as you travel north and west of those cities for today.

You can see these advisories, Tony, they go straight through tomorrow.

HARRIS: What a complicated story. Bonnie, appreciate it, thank you.

From CNN headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Tony Harris. "Lou Dobbs this Week" starts now.

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