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Busy on the Campaign Trail; Travel and Weather Delays; Primetime for Procrastinators: Last-Minute Holiday Shopping; Toy Recalls
Aired December 22, 2007 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Oh the issues, the undecided. We're not talking about some holiday shoppers. No, we're talking about some voters. The candidates scrambling this morning knowing there is a big cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. The best political team in television on this story for us this morning.
RANDI KAYE, CNN ANCHOR: And chilling surveillance tape showing a man trying to abduct a 4-year-old girl. A quick-thinking kid comes to her rescue, but the suspect still on the loose.
HOLMES: From the CNN Center, you're now in the CNN NEWSROOM for this Saturday, December 22nd. Good morning to you all. I'm T.J. Holmes.
KAYE: And I'm Randi Kaye, in for Betty Nguyen. 10:00 Eastern here in Atlanta, 9:00 a.m. in Chicago where flights are already delayed.
HOLMES: Yes.
KAYE: We will get you all the information you need on all your travel and the weather, of course.
But we start with politics. Senator Hillary Clinton courting women voters this morning.
HOLMES: Appearing in a special mothers and daughters event with, of course, her own mother and daughter. Let's take a listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: So I'm in the sandwich generation. Some of you are in the submarine sandwich generation because, as we live longer and as multiple generations of our families live longer, we assume more and more responsibilities.
And I am really pleased that my mom, who, thankfully, is vital and healthy, is -- most days, she says, is able to live with us and kind of run circles around us, kind of keep all the, you know, the decisions that need to be made when somebody like me is out on a campaign trail and can't -- how are we going to get ready for Christmas? How are we going to do all the work we have to do?
And my daughter, of course, who is independent and out on her own, but, you know, as a mom, they're never independent and out on their own much to their regret. I asked my mother one time, well, "When do you stop worrying about your children?" And she goes, "I worry about you every day."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Hillary Clinton certainly not the only candidate in New Hampshire today.
CNN's Mary Snow joins us now on the phone from Manchester.
Mary, you are zipping around the state just like a lot of these candidates. What else is happening there?
MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, T.J., we are heading to another event today here in New Hampshire. This one from Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani. This is his first campaign stop in New Hampshire since he was hospitalized earlier this week in St. Louis. You may recall, his campaign said he had flu-like symptoms. He spent the night. The campaign said he had a full, clean bill of health.
He spent yesterday in New York and cut back on his campaign schedule. His campaign said that he did go to see his doctor in New York telling us that every test was normal but declined specifics on the tests that he had. It was at a fund-raiser telling reporters he felt well and today he'll be here in New Hampshire at a town hall meeting and some house parties expecting to spend the week here.
One of his rivals also will be canvassing the state. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, he has been leading the polls here in New Hampshire among Republican presidential hopefuls. He has been seeing his lead slip, though, in Iowa, where it's getting some very stiff competition from Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas. So Mitt Romney will be here in the northeast this weekend pushing to get out the vote.
And you know, the fact that these candidates are really making these final pushes here also is a signal of their message to undecided voters. And there are many of them here in New Hampshire. They have really been pressing and today, as you heard from Senator Clinton, she, too, has been making several stops here in New Hampshire for these undecided, particularly this weekend where she's focusing on women voters -- T.J.?
HOLMES: And those undecideds got a few other things on their minds right now. The holidays.
SNOW: Exactly.
HOLMES: Yes. When they get past the holidays, maybe they'll start to decide a little better. But then there won't be much time left because they're voting in Iowa on the 3rd.
Mary Snow zipping across the state of New Hampshire for us today. Mary, we appreciate you this morning. KAYE: The campaigns are targeting the undecided vote. But with less than three weeks to go, we have to wonder if those undecided voters will ever make up their minds. More now from CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider, part of the best political team on television.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST (voice over): The Iowa and New Hampshire campaigns have been going on for nearly a year. And look how many voters are still undecided. In Iowa, 34 percent of likely Democratic caucus goers and 40 percent of likely Republican caucus goers say they are still trying to make up their minds. The numbers are even higher in New Hampshire. Thirty-eight percent of Democrats and 45 percent of Republicans still haven't decided who they are going to vote for.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know it will be a Democrat but I haven't made a final decision.
SCHNEIDER: And talk about procrastinators, consider this. As of last weekend, according to an online survey, two-thirds of Americans had not finished their Christmas shopping. Retailers say over the past few years, people have been waiting longer and longer to do their Christmas shopping. Some stores are staying open all weekend to capture those last-minute shoppers.
Campaigns can't shut down for the holidays either. They need a big sales pitch to capture those late deciders. Who are they? They are more likely to be strong partisans than independents. Partisans know what they're looking for. Independent voters, not so much. They don't do much shopping.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am an independent voter. And I think I'm either going to go for Ron Paul as a Democratic candidate or else Dennis Kucinich as a Democrat.
SCHNEIDER: Voters are taking longer to make up their minds for the same reason shoppers are waiting until the last minute. Not because they're lazy. Because even with all those candidates to pick from, nobody has been able to close the sale.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think a lot of the candidates have good ideas, but I'm not 100 percent sold on any of them.
SCHNEIDER (on camera): More and more shoppers are buying gift cards which is a way of saying, "I can't make up my mind. Let somebody else decide." Can voters do that? Well, they can just stay home and let others decide for them.
Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: No, and a lot of folks going to be traveling this weekend. You may be dreading it. About a quarter of the U.S. on the move for Christmas. Sixty-five million people according to AAA. And just imagine, that's the entire population of France. Imagine the whole country there shifting around. That's what's happening here over the weekend.
Well, for air travelers like these folks in Boston, long lines. Very typical stuff. Logan airport's Web site reports no significant delays this morning. But again, we're not quite sure what their definition of significant is.
KAYE: Exactly. In the Midwest, fog has been the biggest problem at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. It has caused about 200 flight cancellations already. The delays separated the veteran travelers from the occasional ones.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've got it down to a science because I actually travel for a living. And so, you know, I've got everything real planned and real organized. So you know, it's not stressful for me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I freak out especially when she called me and told me, "Oh, you got to take this stuff out. We got to take your carry hands." I was running around the house like a nut.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Well...
KAYE: I love that woman.
HOLMES: In our weather center, this guy is running around like a nut today as well, Randi.
KAYE: Yes. He's trying to help everybody get every where.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAYE: Primetime for procrastinators. The holiday shopping season coming to a close. Will the final push give retailers a boost?
CNN's Jim Acosta joins us now from New York.
And Jim, the nice thing about New York is you could shop all day all night, right? Twenty-four hours.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, pretty much. And holiday shoppers...
KAYE: We seem to have lost Jim there. He was about to tell us that Macy's has actually opened for 24 hours. But here is his look at the shopping season and those last-minute shoppers.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA (voice over): Retail stores are pulling out all the stops to make sure this final holiday shopping weekend won't be the nightmare before Christmas. The industry is looking to last-minute shoppers to save the season.
UNIDENTIFIED SHOPPER: I intentionally like to go late. You know, sort of last minute because it creates more excitement, enthusiasm and fun.
ACOSTA: Fun is not in the forecast for the nation's retailers. They are predicting a disappointing 4 percent increase in sales this holiday season, nearly a full point lower than the 10-year average.
SCOTT KRUGMAN, VICE PRES., NATL. RETAIL FEDERATION: The reason for the slowdown, we're seeing a more conservative consumer. Clearly, the housing market, the credit crunch, rising energy costs, and inflation has certainly taken its toll.
ACOSTA: Even the red hot online shopping sector is seeing a drop-off. Although Internet sales are expected to jump by 20 percent, that's down from last year's performance.
GIAN FULGONI, CHMN., COMSCORE: I think it's pretty clear that there's a lower level of confidence this year, a hesitancy to spend, and that's, you know, that's dropped the growth rate somewhat. All of that said, 19 percent to 20 percent growth rates, nothing to sneeze at.
ACOSTA: One soft spot in the economy that actually can help retailers? The weak dollar. Foreign shoppers are opening up their wallets, creating glitzy U.S. department stores like bargain basements.
(on camera) Amman is a long way.
UNIDENTIFIED SHOPPER: It's not a long way.
ACOSTA: Amman is a long way.
UNIDENTIFIED SHOPPER: Still got quite a lot left.
ACOSTA (voice over): Analysts say a strong finish to the holiday shopping season would give the economy some much needed good cheer.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Few months, we're (INAUDIBLE) in retail. You want a good holiday season in order to kick off 2008 on a better platform.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAYE: That was Jim Acosta reporting for us from New York City.
Yet another toy recall to tell you about.
HOLMES: Oh, parents don't want to hear that. Makers of a toy based on a popular TV show are asking stores to pull the toy from shelves. But first, a few holiday greetings from some of our CNN staffers. We know this guy well. Tate. Tate is the boss lady's son here, our boss, Christine Berstein. And then the next one here. Coming up, we have Anniston? Is that -- I don't recognize Anniston.
That is Reynolds' daughter.
KAYE: Reynolds' daughter.
HOLMES: Where is Reynolds back there? Is he welling up?
KAYE: Too cute.
HOLMES: Oh, Reynolds and Pam. See? Reynolds, he's not just a goof all the time, you know?
KAYE: He doesn't look very caffeinated there.
HOLMES: Yes. He's calm at home.
KAYE: Very cute.
REYNOLDS: She looks just like her mother, thank heavens.
HOLMES: Yes.
KAYE: I was just going to say that.
HOLMES: You know, that makes all -- you know I resemble the family dog. Yes, thank goodness.
KAYE: Very cute, Reynolds.
REYNOLDS: Thank you very much.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: It's about...
KAYE: It's about 15 minutes -- you want to take that?
HOLMES: Well, I usually take the ones that say T.J. That's what I usually like to go with. I mean, I don't know what you guys do in New York. But we like to do it down here that way in Atlanta.
KAYE: OK. I'll let you read that one. I'll read next one.
HOLMES: All right. What, the one that says Randi, maybe?
KAYE: That's better be a good idea. You ready?
HOLMES: Oh, thank goodness. Well, we are about quarter past the hour and we are losing it here on this Saturday morning. We've got a few "Quick Hits" to tell you about. More news in less time.
KAYE: I certainly -- I have not had enough caffeine clearly. Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is on the road in Iraq making an unannounced visit. The Australian leader has promised to pull all of Australia's 550 troops out of Iraq by the middle of next year. Rudd is following up his Baghdad visit with a stop in Afghanistan. He is there right now.
HOLMES: Now T.J. says, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy also in Afghanistan this morning. He's meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and two, he is speak with some of the French troops deployed there as part of the NATO force. France has about 2,000 troops in Afghanistan.
KAYE: First it was lead in toys. Now it may be asbestos. The maker of the CSI fingerprint examination kit is asking stores to stop selling it. Tests showed asbestos in some samples from the kid's fingerprint dust. The company is investigating whether it poses a health risk.
HOLMES: And a scary story here out of California. A warning there for women in Mission Hills. Police say don't walk alone at night, that is because there's a sexual predator on the loose. He was caught on surveillance tape apparently trying to abduct a 4-year-old girl. That's him walking away after dropping the child. He let the girl go when a small boy chased after him. Police believe the man has groped or touched at least three women in the Los Angeles suburb. One of them was 17 years old.
KAYE: That is pretty scary. Entering the witness protection program.
HOLMES: Yes, it's really nothing you see in the movies. But are states doing enough to protect high-value witnesses who put their lives on the line?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Greetings and merry Christmas from Kabul, Afghanistan, from Chicago to Philadelphia to New York to Hawaii, to South Carolina. We want to wish our loved ones a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Merry Christmas!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAYE: You've heard of the federal witness protection program probably from the movies. In real life, witnesses in state cases can get protection too. Sometimes. Other times they are on their own and their lives are on the line.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAYE (voice over): This man doesn't want you to know his name or where he lives. What's he so afraid of? Getting killed.
SCOTT, UNDER WITNESS PROTECTION: You are on constant alert. KAYE: We'll call him Scott. Eight years ago, Scott and his wife witnessed a crime. Their decision to testify against the suspect nearly cost them their lives. And they are not alone. One prosecutor told Congress, witness intimidation is an epidemic.
In Baltimore, drug dealers firebombed a witness's home killing her, her husband and five children. And in Pennsylvania, the threats got so bad six witnesses recanted their testimony in the murder of a 10-year-old boy. Scott and his wife testified against their daughter's boyfriend, Keith Reynolds, after he beat her.
SCOTT: I saw my 4-year-old grandson walking around with Kleenex trying to clean up mom's blood.
KAYE: Reynolds got three years for domestic assault. Scott says his family was terrorized. They'd answer the phone and hear this: a gun being cocked. Strange cars parked outside their home. And threats arrived by mail.
SCOTT: There was a threatening letter from him saying that he was going to have us killed.
KAYE: Scott says Colorado prosecutors told him a hit had been put on his family. Still, even though the state has a witness protection program, Scott says his family didn't get any help.
(on camera) At any point did the Arapahoe County D.A. or any of the prosecutors from that office make you aware there was a witness protection program available to you?
SCOTT: No. No. All they did was told us that, "Well, maybe you should move."
KAYE (voice over): Keeping them honest, we asked Arapahoe County D.A. Carol Chambers if Scott's family had been offered any protection. Chambers was not the D.A. at the time but worked in the office and was familiar with the case.
(On camera) As a witness, he says your office never told him about any type of protection program.
CAROL CHAMBERS, COLORADO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: No, I don't believe that to be true.
KAYE (voice over): We also asked the prosecutor assigned to Scott's case. She told me she's pretty sure she told Scott or his wife about the program but wasn't sure she'd given details.
Scott says he spent more than $10,000 on security, cameras, even bodyguards. Scott, his wife and 13-year-old grandson learned to shoot. And Scott never leaves home without this strapped to his chest. As a result of the threats, Reynolds was convicted of witness intimidation and sentenced to 10 years in prison. That makes Scott one of the lucky ones. These Colorado witnesses were all murdered.
Witnesses and their families say Colorado's protection program is hampered by incompetence. And what little money there is to protect witnesses is drying up.
(On camera) It's no wonder critics charge the witness protection program is hardly a priority here. Last year, the city of Denver spent more money planting trees and flowers than the state of Colorado had budgeted to protect the lives of witnesses. The witness protection budget is $50,000. Yet Denver spent nearly twice that making the city look pretty.
(Voice over) On average, the state spends less than $1,000 per witness, on moving expenses, rent, sometimes furniture. The witness does not get a new identity like in the federal program.
REV. LEON KELLY, OPEN DOOR YOUTH GANG ALTERNATIVES: The state witness protection program is a joke.
KAYE: Reverend Leon Kelly says most witnesses are used then dumped. One death a decade ago still haunts him.
Daryl Givens asked Reverend Kelly if he should testify in a murder case. He did, but according to Kelly, was not given protection. He ran from the courthouse in fear.
(On camera) Daryl Givens moved back to his neighborhood and for months, nobody bothered him. But one morning, 1:00 a.m., he paid the ultimate price for testifying. He was sitting in his car with two guys he thought were friends. One in the passenger seat, one in the back seat. When they shot him twice in the head.
(Voice over) Givens's murder is still unsolved. Reverend Kelly says he was killed for his testimony and nobody will come forward.
(On camera) Are people running scared?
KELLY: There are people that are terrorized.
KAYE: I mean you're going to get 1,000 bucks. Is that really worth talking?
KELLY: What incentive is it? If then, you know, if you think about just getting 1,000 bucks, you know, a total of incentives to do the right thing, then you look at it and you get to thinking about, is my life worth no more than 1,000 bucks?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: OK. Everybody likes, you know, trees and flowers, but that was just a scary statistic...
KAYE: Isn't it?
HOLMES: ...to think that they spend more on that than protecting the lives of these folks. Have they changed anything in Colorado?
KAYE: They have made some changes at least in Arapahoe County where we visited and shot that story. What was amazing to me is that some of the law enforcement there in Colorado isn't even aware that this witness protection program exists. So now they've stepped up some law enforcement training. They also now attach notes to every subpoena that goes out to witnesses to make the witnesses more aware.
And they also have something called a risk assessment survey, which is supposed to go to police and prosecutors. It's so they can sort of get an idea of how at-risk these witnesses might be. But, of course, that still has yet to be distributed. It was part of a law that was passed in 2006...
HOLMES: Oh goodness.
KAYE: ...and still has yet to be done.
HOLMES: There are some not even aware, law enforcement not even aware of the program.
KAYE: Not even aware. Isn't that amazing?
HOLMES: That is amazing.
KAYE: Yes. How are they going to tell anybody else about it? But we're going to have much more on this in the next hour. We're going to speak with a grieving mother whose son -- her case actually -- his case, actually, fell through the cracks. It's a really sad story.
HOLMES: We appreciate -- hopefully they are watching and now they are aware of the program here.
KAYE: Yes, they are.
HOLMES: All right. Thank you, Randi.
We're talking Christmas. And of course, a lot this morning. And let's talk about Christmas in Iraq. Of course, they're far from home, far from family. A soldier is going to join us live from Iraq next as we salute the men and women spending the holiday on the front lines.
KAYE: And wrapping up your holiday shopping this morning? Don't forget your purse. Sounds like a no-brainer, but...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A few aisles over, we found this car with a purse sitting right there on the front seat. We waited for its owner to show up.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know it's stupid. I know. I'm an idiot.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: Security tips from police during this very hectic holiday shopping season.
HOLMES: Yes, but first, according to the Department of Transportation, for every 1,000 airline passengers, just under eight bags go missing. Well, if you don't want to become a statistic, then this week's "On the Go" may have just the tips you need.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ERIK TORKELLS, EDITOR, BUDGET TRAVEL: Delay or lost baggage can really put a damper on your trip. So what can you do to ensure that your bag arrives with you?
Take digital photos of the bag and its contents. If your bag does get lost, you'll be able to show the airline staff what it look like. It's also a good idea to put a copy of your itinerary and contact info inside the bag so if it's delayed they can track you down. Tie a bright ribbon to your bag or place a bumper sticker on it. At baggage claim it's easy to accidentally take somebody else's black wheelie bag. Even if you think you know your bag, the person that (INAUDIBLE) might not be as smart as you.
When it's clear your bag didn't make the flight, file a report with the airline and ask for compensation. Most airlines reimburse up to a certain amount for essentials purchased in the first day or two. So save your receipts. If your suitcase is completely lost, the most an airline is required to pay is $3,000 for domestic flights. However, the claims process is cumbersome and getting full reimbursement is unlikely.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAYE: Welcome back, everyone. I'm Randi Kaye.
HOLMES: Hello there, everybody. I'm T.J. Holmes. Here's a quick look at our top stories.
Holiday travel. Also a slow start for many of you. Take a look here. Look at that, Randi. That is a mess.
KAYE: Got a relative up there somewhere.
HOLMES: Ah, somebody does.
KAYE: Yes.
HOLMES: I hope mine aren't stuck in that. But bumper to bumper traffic, if you will, up in the skies. And dense fog and low clouds forced the cancellation of more than 200 flights at Chicago's O'Hare Airport yesterday. Low visibility expected to continue through this morning.
RANDI: Less than two weeks until the Iowa caucuses and the presidential candidates are making a push to sway undecided voters. Polls show as many as one-third of Democrats in Iowa still have not made up their minds. Forty percent of Republicans say they are undecided.
HOLMES: Last-minute holiday shopping. You, of course, got that list with you. But do you have your wits with you? Our Susan Candiotti reports, you need to keep a lookout for more than just those sense.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Behind the melody, the cheer and the bargains...
LIEUTENANT NORRIS REDDING (ph), POLICE OFFICER: The detectives are following two subjects that are walking around looking into people's vehicles.
CANDIOTTI: Criminals are looking to cash in on distracted, overly busy holiday shoppers.
(On camera) You didn't know where your car was parked, did you? Admit it, right? Right?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
CANDIOTTI (voice over): A few aisles over, we found this car with a purse sitting right there on the front seat. We waited for its owner to show up.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I know, it's so stupid. I know. I'm an idiot.
CANDIOTTI: Lieutenant Norris Redding says people have to be aware of their surroundings.
REDDING: You see how the kids are just running back and forth. You have the daughter, that's about five steps in front of the mother then the son is behind the basket. She's pulling the basket. It's not a safe way to do things.
CANDIOTTI (on camera): And does it look like she has the keys in her hand?
REDDING: Doesn't even have the keys ready. I don't know if you have an alarm on your car.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
REDDING: You do? Try to punch it just before you get to it...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
REDDING: ...so your doors and everything are already be open.
CANDIOTTI (voice over): An undercover team with a crime suppression unit at the Hollywood Florida Police Department is doing what police all over the country do this time of year. Run holiday surveillance operations. They use watch towers like this one with blackened glass, but nothing, they say, replaces common sense.
REDDING: A lot of time, the crime actually starts on the inside. And why does it start on the inside? They watching you count your money.
CANDIOTTI: And police say there is safety in numbers. We watched this family leave an elderly man on his own.
REDDING: He has to be at least 75, 80 years old. He's a potential victim.
CANDIOTTI: Lieutenant Redding makes sure his family understands the danger.
REDDING: Stay with him.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.
REDDING: Yes. We have a lot of problems up here with senior citizens. They are attacking you all. They're doing all of these things.
CANDIOTTI: It's a lesson for shoppers of all ages. Any time of year.
Susan Candiotti, CNN, Hollywood, Florida.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAYE: Lots of folks still doing last-minute shopping, trying to get to relatives. A lot of things on their list, wondering if they are going to have a hard time getting anywhere, Reynolds. What are you finding out there?
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: And good morning, Afghanistan.
KAYE: Oh, yes. The all-star cast bringing smiles to the troops overseas.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: T.J. does a pretty mean Robin Williams, doesn't he? Hey there, I'm Josh Levs. Going viral this weekend? A deer that is no Rudolph. Also robots perform the "Nutcracker" ballet and something you have never seen involving train tracks. The viralest videos right here just a few minutes away.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SERGEANT BREANNA LARSON, U.S. SOLDIER: Hi, I'm Sergeant Breanna Larson in (INAUDIBLE). I just want to say hi to my mom and dad and family and friends back home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. I miss you. I love you and happy holidays.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: All right. Forty-five minutes -- about 40 minutes now past the hour. Gor a "Quick Hits" for you. Give you more news in less time.
KAYE: The political guru known as the architect of President Bush's White House wins is working on a new draft. Karl Rove has signed a $1.5 million deal to write a memoir. Rove says the book will set the record straight on the Bush presidency and his role in it.
HOLMES: In turkey, a cow on the lamb and none too eager to be rounded up. Anyone who thinks cows are a little docile, examine this video closely. Ha! Well, the shot knocked that man off his seat, as you could see, and out of his shoe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBIN WILLIAMS, COMEDIAN: There is hope in this world when Canadians can live near Californians.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: Following in the footsteps of Bob Hope, comedian Robin Williams and singer Kid Rock performed for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. USO group also includes Lance Armstrong, comedian Lewis Black and Miss USA Rachel Smith.
HOLMES: Well, they're spending the holidays far from home. And this morning, we're saluting some of the U.S. servicemen and women on duty overseas. One of those we get the pleasure to speaking with, Private First Class William Monserrate. The food service cook has been in Iraq in June and he's with us now from Baghdad.
Good morning to you, sir. We appreciate you spending some time with us. Tell us, is it no doubt, it's tough to be away from family during the year anyway, but is the holidays just that much tougher?
PFC WILLIAM MONSERRATE, U.S. ARMY: Roger that, sir. A lot tougher.
HOLMES: What makes -- go ahead, what makes that so much tougher? Does is it automatically just something else kicks in and almost it gets to be a sadder time for you, if you will?
PFC MONSERRATE: It actually is a tough time for me because it's actually my first time being away from my family and a tough time because it's also the first time away from my kids for their first Christmas. Not being with their father. So, you know...
HOLMES: Now how often do you get to speak to family around the holidays -- not only just holidays, but just during the year? How often do you get to speak to your wife and your kids?
PFC MONSERRATE: Possibly probably one out of three, probably every third day of the week I possibly have a time to call home. So.
HOLMES: But you all don't get to see each other. I know they do some video links and things like that but that's not usually the case for you?
PFC MONSERRATE: Roger. No, that's not the case for me. You know, I guess.
HOLMES: OK. Well, what happen, I guess, when you first knew you were going to have to be deployed to Iraq, is the first thing or one of the first thing that came in your mind or how soon did it hit you that, "Oh, my goodness, I'm going to be gone during the holidays?"
PFC MONSERRATE: Roger, it's like, the first time it hit me when I just finally arrived to the 3rd infantry division. I was a reservist prior to that. And I was coming into third I.D. me being deployed for the first time and knowing I'm going to be home -- knowing I'm not going to be home for Christmas and Thanksgiving was going to be a tough time for my kids, because I've never been, you know, so far away from my family. So.
HOLMES: Well, man, I hate to hear that. And I know it's not Christmas yet, but this is as close of a gift as we can give you. I know you all don't get to see each other. But you don't have a monitor, but they can see you right now. Your wife...
PFC MONSERRATE: Oh, yes.
HOLMES: ...and two of your kids are with us right now live from Florida. And they are looking at you right now on this screen.
PFC MONSERRATE: Wonderful.
HOLMES: So, Wilmarie, say hello to your husband.
WILMARIE MONSERRATE, PFC MONSERRATE'S WIFE: Hey, babe. Can you hear me?
PFC MONSERRATE: Hey -- yes, I can hear you. How are you doing, baby?
W. MONSERRATE: Good.
PFC MONSERRATE: How are you doing?
W. MONSERRATE: Good, baby.
PFC MONSERRATE: I miss you.
W. MONSERRATE: I miss you, too, a lot, and so are the girls.
PFC MONSERRATE: How are the girls? Yes?
W. MONSERRATE: Say hi to Papi, sunshine. Say hi. Say hi to Papi.
PFC MONSERRATE: Shalen (ph), hi, Shalen. I love you.
W. MONSERRATE: Can you say hi to Papi?
HOLMES: Yes, they are a little tired.
W. MONSERRATE: They are shocked. HOLMES: Yes, we woke them up here. But Wilmarie, I was asking him there, you all don't actually get to lay eyes on each other live like this. So I know you were watching as I was talking to your husband. But what is it like to see him live and in person for a change and I know it's a live national TV and not necessarily a private moment but, still, what's it like to see him?
W. MONSERRATE: It always feels good to see my husband. I mean, yes, it's been a long time. I miss him a lot.
HOLMES: And what is it like...
PFC MONSERRATE: Yes, I miss you, too.
HOLMES: What is it like for you, Wilmarie, as well, for the holidays, like you're saying, he's got to be away from his kids on holidays.
W. MONSERRATE: It's tough. It's been really tough on me, on the kids. They see everybody and they ask for daddy. And it's very hard to tell them daddy's not going to be here for Christmas this year. But we always make it happen. You know, he's always with us no matter what we do. He's always with us.
HOLMES: And, Private, I'm sorry we were not able to get you a monitor so you can see them but your family looks beautiful over here. Your wife is wiping tears away from her eyes. So by all means...
PFC MONSERRATE: Thank you.
HOLMES: ...you have a chance, sir, your kids can see you and you can actually give them a message while they're looking at you. So by all mean, go right ahead and talk to your two little ones.
PFC MONSERRATE: Babe, I love you so much. I know we've been through ups and downs. Shalen, Arianna (ph), I'm sorry I'm not there for Christmas. I love you. I hope you enjoy your presents. Mom, my brothers, I love you with all my heart. You know, I'll be there sooner than you expect. Thank you, sir.
HOLMES: Oh, no. Don't thank me. We appreciate you all being here. And you all -- what's this like around this time? I know -- you know you're doing your service over there. But what's it like, the rest of the troops there. A lot of them not getting the opportunity that you're getting right now to actually speak to your family in this manner.
But does it -- can you just tell the difference in morale almost? Are guys really just hurting right now around this time not to be able to see and be with their families?
PFC MONSERRATE: Well, for the area that I work in, I'm actually a cook in the army. So, actually, what we do is we try to bring up the morale as much as possible. So, you know, we like to greet people, you know, try to make sure everybody can feel they're home especially during the holidays, during Thanksgiving our self. You know, we brought up a lot of morale. You know, we made them feel at home. They thought they were at home, anything they could have to eat, if they were at home. So now this time at Christmas, you know, coming around, the morale is actually up, you know, especially in our area.
HOLMES: Well, Wilmarie, tell me, how did you kind of prepare for this moment? I know (INAUDIBLE), I know you talked to some of our folks here and you said you were just so nervous about this moment right here.
W. MONSERRATE: I have -- I mean, this is -- I woke up this morning and said I have to do what I have to do. There's no getting ready for it.
HOLMES: And how did you prepare the kids?
W. MONSERRATE: Well, Shalen is big enough to know Papi was going to be on TV. So I let Shalen know. I said, (INAUDIBLE), you want to go see Papi on TV tomorrow? She says, yes. So here we are and Papi.
HOLMES: And how -- oh, she looks -- she's in shock there this morning. Well, Papi, as he's being referred to this morning, when will you get to come home?
PFC MONSERRATE: Sometime -- we're not actually supposed to be saying exactly but...
HOLMES: All right. By all means don't then. We don't want to get you in any kind of trouble.
PFC MONSERRATE: Sometime next year.
HOLMES: Sometime next year. We certainly hope you make it back for the holidays. Well, you all have to wrap it up. By all means, you all do your last -- we'll tune out here and let you have your private moment. But go ahead and say good-bye to each other.
PFC MONSERRATE: All right. Well, mommy, I love you. I'll see you soon. I love you Shalen, Arianna. You all are in my hearts and soul. I'll get to see you soon, baby. Have anything to say?
W. MONSERRATE: That I love you a lot, and I hope to have you home very soon.
PFC MONSERRATE: I will be home, baby. Hi, mom.
HOLMES: All right, guys. I'm sorry. I got to cut it off. I'm sorry. But our calling card is running out here. William Monserrate and Wilmarie Monserrate and also the kids, we thank you all for being here and allowing us to be a part of that moment and glad you all get -- come together this morning. But, my goodness. Those are fun to do but they are tough to see sometimes.
KAYE: Sure. You can tell how much he misses his family.
HOLMES: You can tell. He was being a soldier and a yes, sir, no, sir. And but...
KAYE: You know, roger that.
HOLMES: He became papi right after that.
KAYE: Yes. He sure did.
HOLMES: So glad we could bring those two together.
Well, folks, you sent in thousands of letters for wounded troops. And we're with the Red Cross as they sort through all that mail now.
KAYE: And a light display perfectly synchronized with Christmas music. Meet the 11-year-old autistic boy behind this wonderful display.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Well, this morning, volunteers from the Red Cross are among those busy sorting through thousands of letters for wounded troops.
KAYE: CNN's Gary Nurenberg is at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.
And Gary, where did all of this mail come from?
GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: From everywhere, Randi. The problem is the post office in the Pentagon stopped delivering mail if it wasn't addressed to a specific soldier. So if you write one that says any soldier, it's not going to get there except for people like Rebecca Logan (ph) who is here sorting mail today so it can get to our troops.
Rebecca, why take the time and make the effort?
REBECCA LOGAN, VOLUNTEER: I can't think of a better way to spend my day today.
NURENBERG: When you read the letters, anything grab you emotionally?
LOGAN: That people took a minute out of their precious time to share their hearts with our soldiers.
NURENBERG: Rebecca, thanks. Before I go, I want to introduce you to a very special young man who is among the volunteers here today making sure that letters get to our troops. His name is Matthew Oleander (ph). Matt is a boy scout, he's a life scout.
Matt, why are you here?
MATT OLEANDER, BOY SCOUT VOLUNTEER: I am here for the soldiers who are hurt all over the world and also as a Christmas present for my dad.
NURENBERG: And why is it a Christmas present to your dad?
OLEANDER: He is in Iraq right now, and it's just something really special that I think he would like.
NURENBERG: I'm sure he's proud of you, Matt. Merry Christmas to you and merry Christmas to your dad.
They're running out of time but if you'd like to send a letter or a card to a soldier who is hurt in a hospital, go to some 38 hospitals world wide. You can do it -- if you drop it in the mail by December 24th, here's the address we have for you. The address is: We Support You During Your Recovery, We Support You During Your Recovery, care of the American Red Cross, post office box 419, Savage, Maryland, 20763- 0419. We support You During Your Recovery, care of the American Red Cross, post office box 419, Savage, Maryland, 20763-0419.
Randi, we'll be here throughout the day and keep you advised of the progress being made here. Hundred and eighty thousand letters they're going to deal with today.
KAYE: Wow. Nice to see so many folks giving their time today.
Thanks, Gary.
And Josh Levs is back to talk to us about some of the more interesting pictures circulating out there on the internet.
LEVS: I feel so lame right now. We had this beautiful moment with a soldier and his wife and we got Gary following the letters for wounded troops. Now I'm going to tell you about a deer that got its antlers caught in a swing. But I'll tell you something. Viral videos are still part of our society.
KAYE: That's OK.
LEVS: Take a look here, folks. This is really hot online right now. It really is. Take a look. Everybody is watching. Everybody in America is watching this. This poor deer was in somebody's backyard. And what happens is it's trying to get away but every time it tries to go away it goes up in the air. Now I searched online. I did read that eventually they got him off and he's fine. I am just destroying the spirit of the holiday season.
KAYE: This is so disturbing.
LEVS: I know. Poor deer. But this is what everyone is watching. This is the hottest videos we've got.
HOLMES: So it's not your fault really.
LEVS: It's not my fault.
HOLMES: It's what people...
LEVS: Everybody loves that. And real quick, let me just show you this other one. This slightly happier, robots performing the "Nutcracker" ballet. Can we at least play some music so I don't have to feel completely ashamed? My therapist is going to love this. Check it out. This is Kiva Systems. They create robots these robots that do warehousing. Anyway, they have these robots perform the entire "Nutcracker" ballet. One of the most watched videos in America this weekend. In the end, more people watched the deer ends up (INAUDIBLE).
KAYE: I know. I'm just stuck on the deer. But he's OK and certainly (INAUDIBLE). All right.
LEVS: He's fine. He got out. Everything is going to be completely fine. No deers were ultimately harmed in the making of that video.
HOLMES: Yes. Can't wait to have you back, Josh.
KAYE: Yes. Very funny.
LEVS: Tell me about. I can't wait to be back with a real story next hour.
HOLMES: Me, too, man.
LEVS: I love...
KAYE: Coming up on CNN, not everyone can be home for the holidays, but we'll spread some holiday cheer, unlike Josh, for a soldier in Iraq.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Well, folks, you can find some of the holiday lights on practically any street in America this time of year.
KAYE: But Sasha Foo of affiliate KUSI found one display in San Diego that shines above the rest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SASHA FOO, KUSI REPORTER: The Schimka family knows a lot about making spirits bright. Their home (INAUDIBLE) is awash in an astounding display of lights and music. Behind the razzle dazzle, 11- year-old Brandon and his father Randy.
BRANDON SCHIMKA, LIGHT SHOW DESIGNER: I have been working on my computer to make it fade.
RANDY SCHIMKA, LIGHT SHOW DESIGNER: That's right. So we're making that particular light segment fade down.
FOO: They have spent hundreds of hours in their garage building and programming the light show, perfectly synchronized with holiday music broadcast on a local radio station. This is a labor of love in the truest sense for this father and his autistic son.
B. SCHIMKA: My favorite is the thing up there. Different colored lights.
FOO: Both Brandon and a younger brother, 4-year-old Stephen, have been diagnosed as autistic. Two years ago, Randy Schimka noticed his older boy was fascinated by the neighborhood's Christmas lights. A project which began as a way to lift Brandon's spirits soon took on a life of its own.
R. SCHIMKA: At first, I got the idea that it would just be a father/son activity for us that we could spend time together. And it's really helped out Brandon and I think to help calm him down on certain days when he's very anxious about things. And I really enjoyed it myself. It's been a breath of fresh air, I think, for me to sit down and to get creative.
FOO: Now for a second year, the house on Belardo Drive sparkles and dances with a collective magic of more than 48,000 lights. There's even the likeness of Randy and Brandon and they made them as speak and greet the visitors.
B. SCHIMKA: Merry Christmas.
FOO: And in the corner, the tree of words, glowing with many sentiments, including one word with special meaning to this family.
R. SCHIMKA: It fills my heart with joy to know that everybody comes to have a good time looking at the lights.
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