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American Morning
President Obama to Reinstate Terror Tribunals; General Motors Closing Thousands of Dealerships; Should 911 Calls Be Kept Private?; Al Gore Speaks on Dick Cheney's Statements; Notre Dame Student to Boycott Own Graduation; The Acai Berry: Super Healthy or Super Hyped?; Drug Czar Just Says No to Using Phrase "War on Drugs"
Aired May 15, 2009 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KIRAN CHETRY, CNN ANCHOR: And welcome once again. It's 7:00 on the nose on this Friday, May 15th. I'm Kiran Chetry.
JOHN ROBERTS, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you. I'm John Roberts. Here are the top stories on our agenda this morning. The big stories that we'll be breaking down for you in the next 15 minutes.
President Obama could be taking more heat from the left this morning. Three White House officials tell CNN the president is restarting former President Bush's controversial military tribunal system used to try certain GITMO detainees. We're live from the White House with more on that just ahead.
Former President Bush's political point man Karl Rove will be questioned over his role in the controversial 2006 firings of nine U.S. attorneys. That's according to an attorney familiar with the case. If the prosecutor finds that the firings were politically motivated, that could lead to criminal charges being filed against former White House officials or some Republicans on Capitol Hill.
And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi under increasing fire over what she knew about the Bush administration's harsh interrogation tactics. Pelosi says the CIA misled her and Congress on what was being done back in 2002. And now majority leader Republican -- majority leader, that's not true -- the Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he has no reason to believe that's true and "hopes that is not the case."
And we begin the hour with more on the developing news coming out of the White House. President Obama getting ready to reinstate military tribunals for some terror suspects. On the campaign trail last August, the president vowed he would "reject the Military Commissions Act."
Our Jill Dougherty is live at the White House for us this morning.
And Jill, the big question today, why the change of heart from President Obama?
JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Well, John, just backing up a little bit, you know when the president came into office, this is one of the first things that he did. He suspended the military tribunals and he ordered a review. So they go through that review.
And what is he doing? He's saying that the tribunals can continue, but they have to include added protections and rights for those defendants.
Who are the defendants? It includes people like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who is the mastermind of 9/11.
Now, this is guaranteed to anger some of his liberal supporters and people who support constitutional rights because they think that this is completely flawed and should be ended, period.
ROBERTS: And, Jill, the Obama administration also may look into making some serious changes to the way that these tribunals operate?
DOUGHERTY: Right. There are about three main things that they're going to do to expand those due process rights as they're called. One would be limit hearsay evidence. The next one would be ban evidence that is gained from cruel treatment. That would include things like waterboarding.
And then the last thing would be more latitude to pick lawyers. The defendants would be able to have more latitude to pick their lawyers.
And as we said, you know, the anger is really over what the president was promising to do. And if you look at the fine print, it appears what he was saying is, that approach to the military tribunals was flawed. But military tribunals were not necessarily to be eliminated. And here you have him going ahead with a different type of military tribunal.
ROBERTS: Jill Dougherty reporting for us this morning from the White House. Jill, thanks so much for that.
CHETRY: Staying in Washington with another developing story. Now CNN has learned Karl Rove will be interviewed today as part of a criminal investigation into the 2006 firings of nine U.S. attorneys. Critics say that these dismissals were politically motivated.
Our Jeanne Meserve is live in our Washington bureau.
And Jeanne, what is the special prosecutor hoping to get from Karl Rove today?
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Well, the prosecutor, Nora Dannehy, isn't commenting publicly but the bottom line is this. She's trying to determine whether any former White House or Justice Department officials broke any laws in connection with the firings of these nine U.S. attorneys. Did they lie? Was there obstruction of justice?
When the U.S. attorneys were fired, administration officials said it was because of poor performance. But the key question has been, was it really for improper political reasons? Rove's attorney isn't commenting on whether or not the interview is taking place. He's just noting that Rove has said he would cooperate fully with Dannehy's investigation.
CHETRY: All right. And this isn't the first probe in this matter. But some are asking, wait a minute, this was two years ago. Why just now are they starting to interview different, various players, including Karl Rove?
MESERVE: Well, previously the Justice Department's inspector general and the Office of Professional Responsibility looked at the matter and they concluded there were improper political motivations in some of those firings. But they didn't have the authority to compel Rove or any other officials from the Bush administration to testify. And because of the gaps, they recommended a criminal probe. As a result, then-Attorney General Michael Mukasey appointed Dannehy.
I should mention that the House Judiciary Committee is also looking into this matter. Rove also expected to talk to them -- Kiran.
CHETRY: Jeanne Meserve for us this morning, thanks.
ROBERTS: More bad news out of the motor city this morning. General Motors will start notifying hundreds of dealerships today that they'll be shutting down within the next year. In all, the auto giant will close 2,600 dealerships shedding thousands of jobs. That comes on the heels of news that Chrysler is closing 789 dealers as part of its bankruptcy deal.
Christine Romans "Minding Your Business" this morning.
And boy, this is just going to put so many people in such tough straits. I saw some stories yesterday of these Chrysler dealerships getting delivered this letter and these are some dealerships that have been in families for generations.
CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: And when you call people on the phone and ask them for their response, you ask them to tell you, you know, do they know yet if they're on the list or not, I mean, the voices break because these are family-owned businesses.
In many cases, these are the businesses that sponsor local little leagues. These are the businesses that employ everyone from tech support to people who are making a living selling the cars, to people who are washing the cars, to people who are taking care of the building.
So there's a lot of people here and this is a very, very -- you know, this is a pinnacle week, really, for the American auto industry. And GM -- many of these dealers are going to get a letter today telling them whether they're going to make it or not. And that 2,600 dealerships overall, maybe 1,000 or 1,100 are going to find out today if they're going to make it.
There are 300,000 employees at these GM dealers. And then yesterday, we learned about Chrysler.
You guys, this is the 42-page exhibit for Chrysler for the dealers that are going to lose their jobs. Look, single spaced, 42 pages, all of these names, every community, so many communities across the country. Seven hundred eighty-nine dealerships for Chrysler, 38,000 people according to Edmunds.com losing their jobs.
So this is -- this is a tough couple of days for the auto industry. What do we know about GM? We know that it's probable -- that's the word that pretenders and the CEO said earlier this week on a conference call with reporters. It's probable that they will have to fix their problems in bankruptcy. So this auto story is really just beginning here. So a tough, tough day and weekend for a lot of communities across the country.
CHETRY: We talk about them sometimes shuttering temporarily, the factories. Is there any chance that these dealerships will reopen sometime down the road? Or is this permanent?
ROMANS: It's just -- it's unclear. Depends on how many different brands they have and what if they have -- it just depends on what they look like. In some cases, there's overlap in these towns and, you know, demand is down for cars quite frankly.
ROBERTS: And some of these dealers getting stuck with the vehicles, too.
"Romans' Numeral" for this morning, what do we have?
ROMANS: It is. It's 1,000. It has to do -- and this is actually kind of positive number for consumers.
ROBERTS: One thousand dollars.
ROMANS: One thousand dollars, and it has to do with this auto -- this auto situation. And...
ROBERTS: Is it the tax rebate for people who want to buy a new car?
ROMANS: It's consumer loyalty from Chrysler. Chrysler's Bob Nardelli is going to send out a letter to Chrysler owners with a certificate for $1,000 for consumer loyalty to say, look, if you want to buy a new Chrysler, if you are loyal to your brand, here's $1,000 toward the purchase of a new car. We have all of these cars on the lot. Those dealers who are frankly losing their business are going to have to clear out this inventory. One thousand dollars.
CHETRY: So we don't get $1,000. You have to buy a new car.
ROBERTS: You can get a new Town & Country minivan.
CHETRY: I can get another minivan. There you go.
ROBERTS: A kind of cold comfort for all those dealers that are going to find themselves closing down.
ROMANS: Yes, it's really a tough couple of days and just the beginning. We're going to find out how to unwind these businesses over the next few months.
ROBERTS: Yes. Thanks, Christine.
ROMANS: Sure.
CHETRY: All right. Well, time now for a look at some of the other stories new this morning.
Starting today, there are three public schools in Queens, New York that will be closed for at least a week because of a flare-up of the swine flu. In fact, one middle school confirming four students and an assistant principal have been sickened and have that H1N1 flu virus. The assistant principal is said to be in critical condition on a ventilator. There is word that he might have had a pre-existing condition or pre-existing health problems as well.
Mayor Bloomberg also saying that more than 50 other students have gone home sick with flu-like symptoms. There's also another middle school in Queens where 241 students were absent.
Well, if you fly United, it may cost another $5.00 to check your bag the next time you hit the skies. Following a move by US Airways, you'll pay $5.00 more of the check bag fee if you check the bag at the airport instead of doing it on-line. OK.
Al Gore speaking out against former Vice President Dick Cheney and some of his recent digs at President Obama. It's an interview that you will only see on CNN.
It's nine minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROBERTS: Sun coming up over Atlanta this morning, where it's clear and 69 degrees there right now. Later on, thunderstorms and a high of 83. Should be a real nice day, but watch out for those thunderstorms.
Eleven and a half minutes after the hour. Let's fast forward to the stories that will be making news later on today.
It's bike to work day. And U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is putting his foot where his mouth is. No, not like Joe Biden. He's riding his bike from home to D.C.'s Freedom Plaza. It's to promote alternative clean energy forms of transportation.
Also, spacewalking with screwdrivers. NASA calls it one of the most ambitious space repair efforts ever, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. Today, the Atlantis crewmen stalling new gyroscopes and changing batteries in the Hubble. You'll see it all live in the next hour.
And from the euphoria of winning the World Series to the honor of meeting the president. World Series champs Philadelphia Phillies meeting with President Obama and touring the White House today. The visit was scheduled last month, but had to be postponed after Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas suddenly died.
And that's what we're covering for you this morning.
CHETRY: There are also new details on a developing story this morning.
A three-day hearing into the plane crash near Buffalo that killed 50 people in February has just wrapped up. And after a disturbing testimony about pilot training, pilot error, and now fatigue, the National Transportation Safety Board is calling for new air safety improvements.
Senior correspondent Allan Chernoff has been following the investigation for us. What are they proposing?
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: Well, they really want to see changes here in terms of not just the training, but the issue of alertness -- pilot alertness. That is so important here and we really saw from this investigation that it's an issue not only of Colgan Air, the company that operated Flight 3407, it clearly seems to be a problem throughout the airline industry.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHERNOFF (voice-over): The National Transportation Safety Board made clear conditions that may have contributed to the fatal crash of Buffalo-bound Flight 3407 are a continuing problem in the airline industry.
MARK ROSENKER, ACTING CHAIRMAN, NTSB: We have had a long period of time where fatigue has been on our most wanted list.
CHERNOFF: Pilot Marvin Renslow stayed overnight in the crew room at Newark airport having logged on to a computer there at 3:00 a.m. on the day of the crash.
First Officer Rebecca Shaw flew a red eye route from Seattle taking two FedEx flights to arrive for duty at Newark. Minimal sleep testified a NASA researcher can cause a pilot to be confused during an emergency.
ROBERT DISMUKES, NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER: I don't see any evidence that he ever understood the situation he was in.
CHERNOFF: That criticism says the co-pilot's mother is unfair.
LYNN MORRIS, MOTHER OF FIRST OFFICER SHAW: I truly felt that both she and the captain have been used as a scapegoat.
CHERNOFF: The idea that Renslow and Shaw may have entered the cockpit tired, and that other pilots with long commutes to their base of operations may be doing the same, infuriates the parents of Ellie (ph) Kausner who was on the doomed flight.
JOHN KAUSNER, FATHER OF CRASH VICTIM: My daughter died in this. It's very personal, it's very important. And it upset me in every venue that I believe was conceivable and preventable.
CHERNOFF: The issue is enough of a threat to air safety that the Airline Pilots Association is calling for tougher government regulation.
CAPTAIN RORY KAY, CHAIRMAN, AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION AIR SAFETY: The FAA has got to get onboard and we have got to work collaboratively to deliver a new set of operating rules.
CHERNOFF: To which FAA officials agreed.
RICK CLARKE, FAA: Fatigue is a hazard in aviation operations and needs to be dealt with.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHERNOFF: Part of the issue may be the cost of a good night's sleep away from home. Regional airlines like Colgan paid far less than the major airlines. In fact, First Officer Rebecca Shaw earned less than $24,000 a year. And on that kind of salary, there is real motivation to travel to work without paying for a night at a hotel.
CHETRY: And you can certainly see why that would be what you tried to do.
CHERNOFF: Yes. And yet clearly, this is happening time and again. And it's obviously happening throughout the industry.
CHETRY: Allan, thank you.
Well, we've seen the hecklers disturbing political events before. But wait until you see how vocal some protesters got at the White House Correspondents' Dinner screamed "attack" on Donald Rumsfeld.
Also, the surrounding controversy over Catholic University of Notre Dame's decision to invite President Obama to speak at their commencement intensifies. We're going to meet a senior who's boycotting her own graduation.
Fifteen and a half minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROBERTS: Welcome back.
And a developing story now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi under fire this morning about what she knew about the CIA's interrogation tactics. Pelosi claims she was misled by the agency. Some Republicans are not buying it.
Dana Bash now on the speaker's explanation.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANA BASH, CNN SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Under fire over whether she's been upfront about knowing harsh tactics like waterboarding were being used, the House Speaker tried to turn the tables accusing the CIA of lying to her.
REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), HOUSE SPEAKER: We are not using waterboarding. That's the only mention that they were not using it. And we now know that earlier they were. So, yes, I am saying that they are misleading -- that the CIA was misleading the Congress.
BASH: Pelosi was referring to a September, 2002 meeting, her only one with CIA officials.
But the speaker also admitted for the first time that five months later in February, 2003, one of her aides attended a briefing and was told interrogators were using harsh tactics. The aides informed Pelosi.
PELOSI: He said that the committee chair and ranking member and appropriate staff had been briefed that these techniques were now being used.
BASH: Jane Harman, then top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee wrote a letter objecting. Why didn't Pelosi?
PELOSI: No letter could change the policy. It was clear we had to change the leadership in Congress and in the White House. That was my job.
BASH: This fiery Pelosi press conference was about damage control, but she started to walk away before addressing her apparent contradiction.
PELOSI: You may ask one last question.
BASH: If she was told in February 2003 that waterboarding was being used, why didn't she admit that in a press conference on the subject last month?
(on camera): The idea that we got from you was that you were never told that waterboarding was being used. But now we know that later in February, you were told. It wasn't in that briefing, but you were told. So...
PELOSI: No. By the time we were told, we are finding out that it's been used before. You know, in other words, that was beyond the point.
BASH: Why didn't you tell us?
PELOSI: I told you what my briefing was. My briefing was...
BASH: That you had been told just not at that particular briefing.
PELOSI: No.
BASH: You were very adamant that you didn't know waterboarding was used.
PELOSI: No, that is right. The point is that I wasn't briefed. I was told, informed that someone else had been briefed about it.
BASH: A CIA spokesman stood by their records that do indicate Nancy Pelosi was specifically briefed that harsh interrogation techniques were used.
As for Republicans, they hammered the speaker for what they say are her changing stories, the fact that she does now admit she did know that these techniques were used back in 2003 and for accusing the CIA of lying.
Dana Bash, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTS: And when asked whether he thinks the CIA lied to Congress about waterboarding, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer refused to back up Pelosi saying he does not believe that's the case.
CHETRY: Well, we've all seen protesters disturb political events, but Donald Rumsfeld really got an earful. The former secretary of defense and his wife arrived at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last weekend only to find members of Code Pink lying in wait. And their message was clear.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The correspondents dinner.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No more criminals. War criminal. War criminal. Arrest this man. Arrest the war criminal.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Here comes the war criminal Donald Rumsfeld. War criminal. He killed people in Iraq. War criminal.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I wish I had some handcuffs right now to arrest this man. He is...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: I missed that part.
ROBERTS: I missed the whole dinner, so this is new to me.
CHETRY: Yes. Well, we certainly didn't see this.
But again, there you see security eventually dragging both women away and the Rumsfelds continued very calmly into the reception.
I mean, it's a public hotel, the lobby.
ROBERTS: True.
CHETRY: And, you know, there were a lot of people there, you know, that were not going to the dinner, but just wanted to see who was walking in.
ROBERTS: They're the Code Pink people, right?
CHETRY: Well, I'm just saying a lot of people in general but the Code Pink people...
ROBERTS: No, no, no -- yes, they're very vocal.
CHETRY: Right.
ROBERTS: I mean, it's to be expected with them, I guess.
CHETRY: There you go. All right.
Well, former Vice President Al Gore takes on another VP. We're going to hear what he told John about former Vice President Dick Cheney's attack on the Obama administration. It's an interview you'll only see on CNN.
Also, with more and more signs of the ice breaking between Washington and Havana, big business wants to see the embargo fall and get some cashing in on Havana.
It's 23 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHETRY: All right. A look at Washington, D.C. this morning and the White House, where it's rainy, 68 degrees. A little bit later, expecting some scattered storms, a high of 75.
We always invite you to call in to our hotline, 877-MY-AMFIX. Tell us what's on your mind. We've got a lot of great calls today. And judging by your calls, the controversy over President Obama speaking at Notre Dame this weekend is one hot topic. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NORMA, VIEWER FROM INDIANA (via telephone): President Obama has the right to free speech just like everybody else. And I hope that the people at Notre Dame are dignified enough to not interrupt this man's speech. This is so ridiculous.
MARGARET, VIEWER FROM ARKANSAS (via telephone): I do not feel that he should be going to Notre Dame. I know they invited him, but his stances are against the Catholic religion, against their faith. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: All right. Well, one person who was supposed to be going to commencement but is not is Notre Dame senior Emily Toates. Emily feels so strongly about the university's decision to invite the president in spite of his views on abortion, that she has organized a group to boycott her own graduation.
And she joins us now from the school's campus in South Bend, Indiana. Emily, thanks for being with us this morning.
We're having a little bit of trouble hearing you. Hold on. Let me try one more time. Are you able to hear us?
EMILY TOATES, NOTRE DAME SENIOR BOYCOTTING GRADUATION: I can hear you.
CHETRY: Oh, great. OK, good. I'm glad we got you.
So basically, the president is going to be delivering the commencement address, he's getting an honorary degree from your school and you decided that you feel so strongly about that situation that you are not going to attend your own graduation.
Tell us a little bit more about why.
TOATES: Well, I was really sad to hear that the university invited President Obama to speak. While it's an honor to have the president come, Obama's stance on certain life issues go so against the Catholic teachings. I do not feel comfortable going and celebrating him as the university hands him an honorary degree, in a sense honoring his policies. I didn't feel comfortable going and standing there and standing besides that clapping while we did that.
CHETRY: What's -- how is it shaking down at your school in terms of how many students are supportive of this move and how many are against it?
TOATES: It is -- it's a difficult situation. This has caused a bit of division on the campus, but it also has created a lot of kind of discussion on these issues.
I think -- there's a few camps. There's those strongly against it, those strongly for it, but there's a lot of people in the middle that really aren't sure how they feel about this. Maybe they disagree with Obama in certain issues, but don't really understand how this impacts him giving a speech on campus.
So this has created a lot of opportunity for discussion, education. I'm working with ND Response and we used this as an opportunity to discuss these issues, brought some great speakers to campus to really talk about this and why this matters.
CHETRY: You know, it's interesting that you bring that up, because your school president actually, Reverend John Jenkins, told us that the invitation for President Obama to speak doesn't imply that the school supports all of his positions, of course, when it comes to abortion and stem cell research. But he did say that it provides, "a basis for further positive engagement."
Do you worry that if you're boycotting, it sends a message that, you know, if you disagree with the church's teachings, we're really not going to engage you?
TOATES: Well, I feel that if he was invited in another context, we would not have this problem. If he was invited to a town hall meeting, a panel discussion, something where we are actually discussing these issues and positively engaging, then I wouldn't have a problem with it. I would go and I'd want to hear what he has to say and dialogue with him.
The problem is that a commencement isn't a context for a dialogue. He's going to be standing up on the stage speaking to us in our seats. There isn't that opportunity for a dialogue. And as we hand him that honorary degree, it becomes an endorsement for him.
CHETRY: It's interesting, because you probably worked hard these four years. Graduation and getting that diploma is something that we look forward to after working hard for four years in college. So are you going to regret - do you worry that you're going to regret looking back that you weren't able to attend or that you chose not to attend your own graduation?
TOATES: I don't think so. Right now, I'm feeling pretty confident in my decision. I'm standing up for something I believe really strongly in.
I am fortunate, though, Notre Dame does a kind of two-part graduation. I'm graduating with my department on Saturday, which is where we actually walk across the stage, receive the diploma, move our tassels. The graduation on Sunday is a group event, but we are not individually. It's a group graduation. There's no individual recognition at that. So, I will get the opportunity to receive the diploma, walk across the stage, and be there with my classmates.
And then I'm going to participate in the ND Response Class of '09 Vigil for Life, which we are holding at the grotto during commencement. It's going to be a prayer service and an opportunity to celebrate life in our last four years here. It's going to be a smaller, more intimate ceremony but I think it's going to be very meaningful.
CHETRY: All right. Emily Toates, boycotting her graduation at Notre Dame, thanks for joining us this morning and giving us your point of view.
TOATES: Thank you, Kiran.
CHETRY: Also, the president's address to the graduates at Notre Dame is starting at 2:00 p.m. Eastern and we're going to carry it live right here on CNN - John.
ROBERTS: Well, we're crossing the half hour now, Kiran, and here are this morning's top stories.
"The New York Times" is reporting that President Obama will announce today that he has chosen New York City's health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden, as the next director for the Centers for Disease Control. The 48-year-old infectious disease specialist has been in his current job for seven years.
Freed U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi is in Vienna, Austria this morning, just days after being released from an Iranian prison. This video coming in to CNN just a short time ago. Iran released her on Monday after convicting her of spying. Saberi spoke briefly with reporters in Vienna, thanking everyone who supported her and pushed for her release.
Also new this morning, dramatic pictures. Raging floodwaters carrying away a full-sized SUV in Indianapolis. The woman who was driving managed to get out in time. Firefighters pulled her from the vehicle moments before it was swept away, tumbling over and over in the torrent. You can imagine if she hasn't gotten out. Powerful winds from an onslaught of thunderstorms left people in the area without power. Flood watch remains in effect all through the weekend.
And former Vice President Dick Cheney has been grabbing headlines for his pointed attacks at the Obama White House, saying the president's anti-terror policies are making America less safe. In a CNN exclusive, I got a chance to talk about that with former Vice President Al Gore.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTS: As you know, the most recent former Vice President Dick Cheney has come out quite strongly against the Obama administration, saying that its policies have left America less safe than it was during the Bush administration.
You were a big critic of the previous administration, particularly in the run-up to the war and thereafter. What do you think of Vice President Cheney's statements that the Obama administration's policies are leaving this country less safe?
AL GORE, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, obviously, I strongly disagree.
And, you know, I waited two years after I left office to make statements that were critical, and then of the policy. You know, you talk about somebody that shouldn't be talking about making the country less safe, invading a country that did not attack us and posed no serious threat to us at all. You know, he can speak for himself.
And I have a feeling that members of his own party wish that he would not do that. But I'll let that be an argument between him and them.
ROBERTS: Are you suggesting that it's unusual for a former vice president, former administration official that high-ranking to come out this early in a new administration and be this critical?
GORE: You know, look, that's a judgment call and he's made his judgment. He has become, in many ways, the leading spokesman for his party during this period of time. And the message is one that he's deciding to deliver.
Look, I'm going to focus on trying to build bipartisan alliances around this country for American leadership to solve the climate crisis. And I don't want to get dragged into an argument with Dick Cheney about what he's getting into. I'm just going to let him speak for himself.
ROBERTS: Oh, Mr. Vice President, you know I would never try to do that with you.
(LAUGHTER)
GORE: You're good at your job, John.
ROBERTS: Let me ask you about the new administration. How do you think they're doing so far?
GORE: I think they're doing amazingly well. I think that he is moving forward on all fronts in a very intelligent, focused and committed way that is exactly what the country needs. There's room for disagreement on this policy or that policy, but overall, I think that the American people are responding the same way I am.
And by the way, I think he's done a terrific job of reaching out to his opposition.
ROBERTS: Even though he only got three Republicans in the Senate to vote for the stimulus package, and none of them voted for his budget?
GORE: Correct. And I don't think that's to be laid at his feet. I think that the efforts that he has made and continues to make may well bear fruit later on.
ROBERTS: And are you confident that all of this money, all of these trillions of dollars are being spent wisely?
GORE: Yes. Whenever you have programs of this size, you will always find critics to pick out one or two things and spin them in a negative way. But by in large, I think they've set the right priorities and that they're doing an excellent job. Yes.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTS: And stay with AMERICAN MORNING because coming up in our next hour, we'll have part three of my exclusive sit-down with the former vice president. He's going to talk for the very first time about the two U.S. journalists being held by North Korea, Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Both of them work for his Current TV network.
CHETRY: All right. Time now for a look at some of the other top stories this morning.
The University of North Dakota known as the Fighting Sioux may have to find a new nickname and logo as criticism mounts that they're demeaning to Native Americans. "USA Today" reports that the state's board of higher education ruled eight to zero on the matter. But UND could keep its mascot, at least for another 30 years if two different Sioux tribes give the OK.
Well, here's a new move to try to get travelers back to Mexico after the swine flu outbreak. From another report in "USA Today," more than 20 coastal resorts have launched a flu-free guarantee. It says that if any guest contracts the H1N1 virus and his blood test proved it, he or she will get their next three vacations free.
One state is pushing to ban 911 calls from being played on television or the radio, but is that violating the public's right to know? We'll take a look at both sides.
It's 36 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHETRY: Welcome back to the Most News in the Morning.
This is a live picture right now of space. Don't ask why we're playing Buena Vista "The Social Club." Well, we'll tell you in a second.
But a beautiful breathtaking shot coming to us from the International Space Station where at 8:16 Eastern time, the astronauts are going to start the first spacewalk to repair the Hubble telescope and upgrade it. A very, very difficult mission just coming from the shuttle. Gorgeous shot this morning from outer space.
Well, welcome back to the Most News in the Morning.
For decades, Cuba has been the forbidden fruit of American companies. An island full of potential, consumers just 90 miles away. But now as talk of dropping the trade embargo continues in Washington, big business are certainly paying attention.
Shasta Darlington is live for us in Cuba this morning.
Hi there, Shasta.
SHASTA DARLINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kiran. American businesses haven't done business here for almost half a century, but we found out they have registered almost 5,000 trademarks here.
Now, on the one hand, that's because they don't want copycats, but it's also to secure a position in what could become a new market.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DARLINGTON (voice-over): Fidel Castro's revolution tore down capitalism and all of its symbols, leaving an ad-free oasis in Cuba. Instead of commercials, state-run TV urges Cubans to attend political rallies and fight disease-ridden mosquitoes. This iconic face looms from billboards, pedaling revolution instead of retail.
And the visitors notice.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It makes your mind very clear.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I came out from the airport, all I saw were political - I definitely notice that. It's a breath of fresh air. DARLINGTON: More than 90 percent of business is state owned in Cuba and the U.S. embargo keeps most American companies out anyway. But that hasn't kept them from preparing in case one day they could break in to this market just 90 miles off of U.S. shores. Experts say thousands of American brands are trademarked here for just that reason.
JAKE COLVIN, NATIONAL FOREIGN TRADE COUNCIL: Kraft Foods, Starbucks coffee, Batman, even Playboy.
DARLINGTON: Rusty Fords and Chevrolets still ply Havana's highways, but Detroit hasn't unveiled any new models here since 1959.
(on camera): Some big names like Coca-Cola are still sold in Cuba today. Thanks to exceptions in the embargo for food products. Other names like this one, you can only find in antique shops.
(voice-over): Still, pressure for change is growing in Washington. U.S. President Barack Obama has lifted some restrictions on travel to Cuba. Now many lawmakers want trade restrictions eased and companies are taking note.
COLVIN: Cuba has been forbidden for so long. That it hasn't been worthwhile for U.S. companies to pay much attention to it. Now that it looks like policy is changing and may change further, certainly I think it is in the U.S. company's interest to go a ahead and look at towards registering their trademark.
DARLINGTON: While change may not happen overnight, even companies ousted by Fidel Castro are getting positioned for any opening on Havana's horizon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DARLINGTON: Of course, even if the embargo were lifted, those U.S. companies would still have to negotiate with Cuba's communist government to get in. But many European firms like Benetton and Maia(ph) hotels have done have done just that - Kiran.
CHETRY: Shasta Darlington for us this morning in Cuba. Thanks so much.
ROBERTS: 911 calls can be riveting and sometimes they give new insight in to an emergency as it went down. But now one state wants to stop you from hearing them. Is that fair?
And while the nation's new drug czar says it's time for us to stop using the phrase "war on drugs" and what it suggests about his policy.
It's 43 minutes after the hour.
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ROBERTS: Welcome back to the Most News in the Morning. 911 calls can give a firsthand account of an emergency situation as it happened. Sometimes they also show an alarming lack of judgment on the part of the 911 operator. And now one state wants to keep those records from the public.
Our Carol Costello joins us now with the reasoning behind the call to stop you hearing emergency calls. So what are they saying?
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, John, what this really boils down to is do you have the right to listen to 911 calls whenever you want and with nothing taken out, or don't you?
I'm just saying most journalists I know think 911 calls ought to be made public. It's important to expose possible wrong doing. But one state senator from Ohio wants to ban 911 calls from being broadcast, and he's not alone.
What do you think?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO (voice-over): There is no doubt...
911 CALLER: They were physically fighting with each other.
COSTELLO: ... that broadcasting 911 calls is quite effective in exposing operators who make mistakes while handling emergencies.
CNN aired this call from a frightened Texas parent in 2005.
911 CALLER: ... and they're 12 and almost 14. And the 12-year- old is completely out of control. And I can't physically, she's as big as I am, I can't control her.
911 OPERATOR: OK. Did you want us to come over and shoot her?
COSTELLO: The operator later apologized for what he called a joke and was reprimanded. But was it really necessary for the public to hear his faux pas on TV?
Ohio state lawmaker Senator Thomas Patton said, no, it wasn't. He's now introduced a bill that prohibits radio, television, and the Internet from playing a recording of 911 calls, but does allowing broadcasters to read a transcript of the calls. Violate the law and get slapped with a $10,000 fine.
Patton also believes airing audio of 911 calls makes people afraid to call 911 to report crime because the bad guy might recognize their voice.
SEN. TOM PATTON, OHIO STATE SENATE: We have to develop the mindset where people can trust that they can contact their law enforcement and not run the risk of having themselves set upon in a revenge mode.
COSTELLO: According to the reporter's committee for the freedom of the press, about two dozen states already restrict or ban public access to 911 tapes. Among the most restrictive, Rhode Island, Wyoming, and Minnesota.
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: There is a clear tradeoff here between the individual who calls right to privacy and the public's right to know whether the 911 system is working properly.
COSTELLO: Others say 911 recordings should be public. It's the only way reporters can investigate wrongdoing. And they say written transcripts often don't tell the whole story. It's one thing for a reporter to read the words, "the bed is on fire," it's another hear a victim say those words.
911 CALLER: The bed is on fire.
COSTELLO: That caller, a disabled woman, was put on hold by 911 operators. She later died in the fire.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Now, someone who wants to hear a 911 tape and broadcast it in states where it's not allowed, they have to take it to court and sometimes they win, most often they win. But you know, that takes time.
We want to know what you think? Should you be able to hear 911 recordings? Is it your right? Or do you think it's an invasion of privacy? Go to our blog, cnn.com/amfix. Tell me what you think. I want to know.
ROBERTS: Carol Costello, just saying this morning. Carol, thanks so much for that.
COSTELLO: Sure.
CHETRY: General Motors planning to strike a devastating blow to a number of its dealers. They are being eliminated. What about all the jobs that are at stake? Our team is going to be breaking it down for us.
Also "The Oprah Show" can tout many things as super food and they really just become extremely popular. Well, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been checking on the benefits of a hot little berry. He is with us live. Are there benefits? And also what impact is this happening on the Amazon?
It's 49 minutes past the hour.
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CHETRY: All right. Well, a little berry is causing a lot of interest this morning. Oprah even called it one of her super foods. It's a Brazilian berry known acai. But is it really able to help you lose weight, get the energy you need or actually slow down aging?
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been checking into it and he is with us now. Also tieless this morning. Taking a page out of the John wardrobe manual.
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: The prince is able to take off his jacket at Wimbledon, everyone else can.
CHETRY: Right.
GUPTA: When John doesn't wear a tie, no one else has to either.
CHETRY: All right. Let's get back to acai berry. This is spelled a-c-a-i.
ROBERTS: A lot of people call it acai.
CHETRY: Right.
GUPTA: They call it acai or asahi, which is a beer. That's different as well.
CHETRY: Also, anti-aging benefits.
So tell us about this berry.
GUPTA: Well, it's interesting. Two things, two rules of thumb I wanted to share and I was thinking about this. One is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Number one. That is the bad news.
Good news is just about any berry gives you the same benefits they talk about with the acai berry. So lots of things out there that might provide the same benefits.
We're talking about something that has a lot of antioxidants, something we talk about a lot on AMERICAN MORNING. And berries are certainly known for that specifically because of the compound known as anthocyanins, another word that's hard to pronounce. It reduces inflammation in the blood. It can reduce some of the effects of aging that we talk about a lot.
One small study of 12 people found that the acai berry was better absorbed than other berries and that's what sort of led to this entire media blitz. It's amazing this one small and sort of the effects of that.
But there's been sort of no magical benefits when it comes to anti-aging overall, facial wrinkles, giving you more energy, flatten your tummy. Those are some of the claims that this particular berry makes. So some good news and some bad news there over all - Kiran.
CHETRY: The other interesting thing about the situation is - well, at least some are reporting that it has double the antioxidants of a blueberry so people have been talking about this but it's actually affecting the local population in the Amazon, because they rely on it and it used to be cheap. And now...
GUPTA: It's all being exported.
CHETRY: Exactly.
GUPTA: That's right. And I think what the study said and we looked at this. It said that it was better absorbed, so while the amount of concentration overall may be the same, there was some evidence, again in this very small study, that it may be better absorbed.
You know, there is no magic here. And there are a lot of other foods that also provide some of these same benefits. Some of them might surprise you. In fact, take a look there. Blueberries, red cabbage, cranberries, concord grapes, the peel of an eggplant.
CHETRY: All these are dark colored, red and purple.
GUPTA: They are, and that's a very good rule of thumb as well. Those vibrant colors, the more vibrant the better.
The thing with the acai berry, by the time it makes itself from Brazil to here, it's a very delicate berry so it's got to be in juice form, you lose some of the benefits. Or they put in pill or supplement form, you lose even more of the benefits. Hardly anything is as good in pill or supplement form as the natural food. And that's probably because you get all those other micronutrients surrounding the good stuff...
CHETRY: Right.
GUPTA: ... that help you absorb it and digest it.
CHETRY: All right. Very interesting.
GUPTA: I hate to throw water on this hot berry, but you know, buyer beware a little bit.
ROBERTS: All right. Thanks, Doc. Great to see you this morning.
This morning, President Obama at the center of a commencement controversy. We'll tell you what awaits the president this weekend at Notre Dame.
And the admission that has House Speaker Nancy Pelosi taking heat from republicans and democrats this morning.
It's 55 minutes after the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON STEWART, HOST "THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART": America's war on terror has indeed tested our resolve. We've pushed the limits of our own principles. From warrantless wiretapping to building a prison out of our own legal jurisdiction, to not releasing photos depicting our treatment of detainees to the treatment of detainees itself. Every asset we have must be used all in the service of keeping America safe. Is there any line we still will not cross?
COSTELLO: Lieutenant Dan Choi is an Iraq war veteran. He is fluent in Arabic and he just received word that the military is discharging him because he has admitted he is gay.
STEWART: Oh, that's the line! The one line America will not cross is the "Chorus Line"! Amazing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: Fifty-eight minutes past the hour.
It's time for our Friday political ticker putting terror suspects on trial. In just a few hours, the White House will reveal plans to resume military tribunal, created by President Bush. The tribunals the president has criticized and promised to end on the campaign trail, but the White House says that the new system will include expanded rights for the suspects.
And a developing story now. The nation's new drug czar says America is not fighting a war on drugs. And as Jim Acosta reports that declaration signals a shift in the way that the nation will combat illegal drugs.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John and Kiran, even though only one senator voted against the nomination of Gil Kerlikowske as the nation's new drug czar, the former Seattle police chief has his share of critics from inside his old department.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GIL KERLIKOWSKE, WHITE HOUSE DRUG CZAR: Our nation's drug problem is one of suffering.
ACOSTA (voice-over): Gil Kerlikowske may be called the drug czar, but he is just saying no to the term "the war on drugs."
In an interview with "The Wall Street Journal" Kerlikowske says - "Regardless of how you try to explain to people that it's a war on drugs or a war on a product, people see a war as a war on them, a war on individuals. And we're not at war with people in this country."
ROBERT WEINER, FORMER DRUG CONTROL POLICY SPOKESMAN: Mr. Kerlikowske is right on the mark that you can't have a war on drugs because if you do, it's a war on your own people.
ACOSTA: Drug policy experts say Kerlikowske's comments signal a new era, away from incarceration and toward treatment.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're on thin ice.
ACOSTA: More drug court programs rewarding non-violent users for undergoing treatments and fewer raids of medicinal marijuana club in states where they are legal like California.
WEINER: Until we get a handle on drug treatment, we are not going to solve crime in America.
ACOSTA: Ever since Richard Nixon coined the term the war on drugs in the early '70s and even got an offer from Elvis Presley to join in on the fight, the U.S. has tried everything.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, ANTI-DRUG ADVERTISEMENT)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: This is your brain on drugs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Ads, to arms, to battle narcotics, Kerlikowske wants to change tactics. Before his confirmation, the former Seattle police chief acknowledged his own son has battled addiction.
KERLIKOWSKE: I have experienced the effects that drugs can have on our youth, our families and our communities.
RICH O'NEIL, PRESIDENT, SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS GUILD: I was a little surprised when I heard that they were going to declare the war on drugs is over. Because here in Seattle, the war on drugs is certainly not over.
ACOSTA: But Seattle's police union warns Kerlikowske comes from a city where drug attitudes are more relaxed.
O'NEIL: It hasn't gotten any better in the eight years that the Chief Kerlikowske has been with us and many feel it has gotten worse.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA (on camera): Every year advocates for legalizing pot descend on Seattle to hold their annual Hempfest, a festival where marijuana use is out in the open. Hempfest organizers have already put out a statement congratulating their chief of police on his new position - John and Kiran.
CHETRY: Jim Acosta for us this morning. Thanks.
