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American Morning: Wake Up Call
Alleged Iranian Murder Plot; Rivals Pounce on Cain's 999 Plan; Jobs Bill Defeated In The Senate; Senate Passes China Currency Bill; Five Officers Nabbed In Drug Crackdown
Aired October 12, 2011 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: This morning, we're finding out what's next after U.S. officials bust open an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States.
An outrageous scene out of Oklahoma. Dozens of prisoners forced to give up after they're tear gassed during a riot.
And millions of iPhone users will soon be able to cut the cord officially. We'll tell you what that means.
Good morning, everyone. It is Wednesday, October 12th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
I'm Carol Costello, joining you this morning live from New York.
The Obama administration could spell out tough new action today against Iran in response to an alleged Iranian plot to murder Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States. Two men have now been charged, including an Iranian-American. One of the men is still at large.
Attorney General Eric Holder spells out the charges against them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ERIC HOLDER, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions. Arbabsiar and Shakuri are charged with conspiracy to murder a foreign official, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and conspiracy to commit an act of international terrorism, among other charges.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: U.S. officials say the plot never really got off the ground because the two suspects were dealing with a U.S. government informant.
More now on the events as they unfolded from our foreign affairs correspondent, Jill Dougherty.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: The United States and the Obama administration are treating this as a very big deal. Immediately, the Treasury Department came out and said that it was sanctioning five top people who they say allegedly were connected with this plot. Four of them being senior officials, they say, in the Quds force. That is a part of the revolutionary guard. And it is, that group, the U.S. alleges, that actually was behind this terror plot.
Also, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talking with the allies, urging them to send a strong message to Iran. Here is what she said:
HILLARY CLINTON, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: It was a terrific achievement by our law enforcement and intelligence communities, and we will be consulting with our friends and partners around the world about how we can send a very strong message that this kind of action which violates international norms must be ended and other areas where we can cooperate more closely in order to send a strong message to Iran and further isolate it from the international community will also be considered.
DOUGHERTY: U.S. officials also allege that there was another subplot, not very well worked out, but it was discussed, they say, by the people who put this together in some detail. And that was not only to assassinate the Saudi ambassador, but perhaps to attack in some way the Israeli embassy in Washington and also in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So if you look at the number of countries involved in this -- the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Israel, diplomatically, it was a serious deal. And we expect, we're told by U.S. officials, that there could be more coming, more statements from the U.S. coming the next day, which would be Wednesday.
Jill Dougherty, CNN, the State Department.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: The State Department is also warning Americans living and traveling abroad of possible anti-American action in response to those plot allegations. The travel alert expires in January.
Saudi Arabia is calling the alleged plot despicable. And Iran calls the allegations fabricated and baseless.
CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom is monitoring developments in both countries. He joins us now live from Abu Dhabi.
So, Mohammed, what more can you tell us about the reactions coming from both the Saudis and Iran?
MOHAMMED JAMJOOM, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, reaction from the Iranian officials was immediate. They were outraged by these allegations. You have the speaker of Iran's parliament calling it, "A childish play by the Americans and that the Americans were attempting to divert attention from their own domestic problems." Shortly after that, the ambassador to the U.N. for Iran wrote to Ban Ki-moon and expressed outrage over the allegations, that he strongly rejects the baseless allegations.
Reactions from the Saudis took a little bit longer. Most officials in Saudi Arabia aren't speaking about this. There was a short statement issued by the royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in D.C. in which they call the attempted plot a despicable violation of international norms, standards and conventions, that it's not in accord with the principles of humanity.
What's yet to be seen is how this will play in the Saudi press, with the Saudi people. We've been trying to get reaction from Saudi Arabia today. Most people still quiet about it, saying that the statement from the embassy really speaks for itself, and that's really what needs to be said right now -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Of course, the big question hanging out there is why? What was the purpose of this alleged attempted assassination plot? I mean, what's the relation between the Saudis and Iran?
JAMJOOM: Carol, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been one of hostility and enmity for quite some time. I mean, if we just take it to recently, one of the recent flash points to showcase the tension between both countries has been Bahrain. Bahrain is a country that is 70 percent Shiite but with Sunni leadership.
Now, what happened when the Arab spring really took root in Bahrain, people started protesting. The Iranians got nervous because Saudi Arabia and other Sunni countries sent troops into Bahrain. Iran saw that as an aggressive move. They were upset about it. The Saudis thought that the Iranians were trying to foment unrest in Bahrain with the Shiite population.
So, that's just one example of how these two super powers in the region that are really at the ideological opposites of the spectrum from each other are trying to vie for dominance even if a tiny country like Bahrain, and it really showcases how difficult and strained and tense the relationship is between these two countries -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Mohammed Jamjoom reporting live from Abu Dhabi this morning -- thank you.
Here in the United States, President Obama also faces a big political question today, what to do about his $447 billion jobs bill, tax cuts and spending. The Democratic-controlled Senate, well, his bill failed yesterday. It failed to get the 60 votes it needed to bring it to the floor for a debate.
Two Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the jobs bill. Mr. Obama who returned to Washington last night after a day of campaigning says the vote is not the end of the battle. In a statement, he accused the Republicans of obstructionism and of going against what the American people want. The president says he will now work with Democratic leaders in breaking the package up into pieces, into a series of smaller bills, that will be introduced individually.
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain who's been surging in the polls of late is defending his plan to fix the economy despite much criticism. His 999 plan to scrap the federal tax code was the target of his Republican rivals at their latest debate last night in New Hampshire. If elected, Cain says he would implement a flat 9 percent tax on corporations, income and sales.
Cain's opponents call the plan unrealistic and stands zero chance of passing on Capitol Hill.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON HUNTSMAN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I thought it was the price of a pizza when I first heard it.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: We'll have more highlights from the debate in just about 10 minutes.
Mitt Romney was also a favorite target at that debate. But the front-runner held off several attacks, keeping the focus on jobs and the economy. The former Massachusetts governor got a huge boost a few hours before the start of the debate in the form of an endorsement from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R), NEW JERSEY: It's been really in the end an easy decision for me. I know that America needs a new course, and I want it to be with the person who I believe will be the best person to lead America on that course, and that's Governor Mitt Romney.
So, I'm thrilled to be here today, Mitt. Thank you very much.
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: You may remember that just last week, Christie announced that he would not run for the White House next year.
The "Occupy Wall Street" protesters plan more demonstrations in New York's financial district today. They were out in force yesterday marching uptown to the neighborhoods of the super-rich. Joining the protesters were several union groups. Some of the homes they marched past including those of billionaire David Koch and Jamie Dimon, who is the CEO of Morgan Chase.
A prison in Oklahoma is secure today after inmates went on a rampage. The fights erupted yesterday when fights broke out in several parts of the private North Fork Correctional Facility in the western part of the state. Several inmates were injured.
Our affiliate KOCO reports 16 were taken to area hospitals. Officials say they don't know what caused the riots.
If you're one of the millions of iPhone users, you'll soon have over 200 new features in the palm of your hand. But what is it about today's update that's creating such a buzz? We'll tell you.
But, first, our "Quote of the Day." Quote, "The 999 plan isn't a jobs plan, it is a tax plan. When you take the 999 plan and turn it upside down, I think the devil's in the details," end quote. Can you guess who said this? We'll have the answer in 90 seconds.
It's nine minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's 11 minutes past the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
Today's "Quote of the Day," quote, "The 999 plan isn't a jobs plan, it's a tax plan. When you take the 999 plan and turn it upside down, I think the devil's in the details," end quote.
Who said that? Well, that was GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann. She said that during last night's Bloomberg/"Washington Post" debate. Almost all of the candidates made a reference to Herman Cain's plan, his 999 plan to fix the economy.
For the users of the 40 million-plus iPhones already sold this year, in addition to those who already have an iPhone, a lot of people are excited to hear today's news. Really excited.
Let's go to Hong Kong and Kristie Lu Stout. She's got the news. Tell us about this new update.
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Hey there.
Now, Apple's new iOS 5, it arrives today and it marks a turning point for the company. For the very first time, iOS devices will no longer be tied to computers running Apple iTunes. Since the original iPhone back in 2007, Apple users had to plug their mobile devices into a computer to sync music and data. But now, no more. All of those features are built into the new mobile operating system.
And if you have a computer, if you want to, you could still plug in your iPhone and use iPhones. But with iOS 5, Apple mobile devices can now be used standalone straight from the box.
Back to you, Carol.
COSTELLO: Also in the news this morning, there's another satellite about to come tumbling to earth. Tell us about that.
STOUT: That's right. Yes. This is a new way of weather forecasting or sky watching. We have to figure out which satellite's going to fall next.
Just a few weeks after a falling U.S. satellite put the world on alert, now German space officials are saying that the ROSAT X-ray telescope is to fall to earth between October the 20th and the 25th. And like the last time, space officials won't be able to tell us exactly where the satellite will hit. And the satellite is about the size of a bus. And more of its mass is expected to survive reentry. It is currently being tracked by the U.S. space surveillance network as well as a German radar facility, and they will continue to update their reentry predictions -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Kristie Lu Stout reporting live from Hong Kong, many thanks.
Republican rivals going after Herman Cain for his 999 plan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HUNTSMAN: I thought it was a price of a pizza when I first heard about it.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Even Cain had to smile at that one, but he's also fighting back. Highlights from last night's GOP debate, that's just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Fifteen minutes past the hour. Welcome back.
Comedians certainly took notice of last night's GOP debate, but it wasn't what the candidates said that had the funny men talking. Here's your punch line.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
JIMMY FALLON, COMEDIAN: At tonight's Republican debate, former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain was given the center seat. You could tell Cain was in the center because he was wearing one of those little plastic tables that protects the cheese from the top of the box.
DAVID LETTERMAN, COMEDIAN: The location of the candidates behind the podium is determined by their ranking in the polls. And they will say, all right, here's a composite of the polls, here's our leader, here's our second place, and that's how they arrange the people on the stage for the debate. It's fascinating. Take a look at this.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Participants in tonight's Republican debate at Dartmouth will be seated according to their poll numbers. So, based on his recent momentum, Herman Cain will be seated at the center of the table with Mitt Romney. Second-tier candidates like Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul will be placed to the side of the table. And Rick Santorum will debate from the parking lot.
(INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
COSTELLO: A little bit of an exaggeration -- but time for your "Political Ticker" with Tim Farley live from Washington.
Good morning, Tim.
TIM FARLEY, SIRIUS POTUS: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: Well, let's talk about last night's GOP debate and the surging Herman Cain. Republican rivals were going after him, specifically on his 999 plan. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
HUNTSMAN: I think it's a catchy phrase. In fact, I thought it was a price of a pizza when I first heard about it.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The price of a pizza.
CAIN: 999 will pass, and it's not the price of a pizza because it has been well-studied and well-developed.
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R-MN), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: When you take the 999 plan and you turn it upside down, I think the devil's in the details.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
COSTELLO: Now, most economists say that Herman Cain's 999 plan would hurt the poor because it would actually raise their taxes. And a lot of people say, OK, you're going to come up with this 999 plan as president, but it will never get through Congress. Is it an overly simplistic plan, though? Is it catchy because it's simple to listen to?
I mean, 999?
FARLEY: Of course.
COSTELLO: Sounds simple. Could it work?
FARLEY: Well, of course it's catchy. It's simple.
It's -- as Mitt Romney said, when Herman Cain asked him to respond with his 59-point plan and mercifully Mitt Romney did not run through every single point, but Mitt Romney said that simple phrases like that are usually useful, but they're not very -- they're not consequential most of the time because you can't rely on simplicity.
Let's step back for a minute from this event last night. Herman Cain, a lot of people are talking about him, a lot of research. What happened to Rick Perry? That was one of the questions last night.
I think what we saw here was yes, a simple plan, but it is one that has caught on. And the fact that Herman Cain was able to hold his own, stand toe to toe, or sit in this case because he was around a roundtable like the knights, he was able to be there and be one of the gang, if you will, and he's not a polished politician. And so, as a result of that, his stature has gone up among the candidates. And that means that people are going to have to treat him a little bit more seriously.
I think the key, though, is that he doesn't have a ground game, really. He does not have that kind of retail politicking experience that Mitt Romney has built up. That also Rick Perry has. And you have to be very careful to discount Rick Perry from competing in the upcoming races. I think that's an important consideration, Carol.
COSTELLO: I know, because there are a lot of debates to go. Maybe Rick Perry's sitting back and learning at the moment and presumably he got enough sleep. But he certainly didn't aggressively insert himself into the debate last night. He sort of just sat back and listened. And you're right, he has a lot more money in his campaign coffers than Herman Cain does.
Mitt Romney, on the other hand, kind of ignored his competitors and went after President Obama. So, he's acting like the front-runner -- I should say he's continuing to act like the front-runner.
FARLEY: And you mentioned money and that's key. And the endorsement from the top of the show from Chris Christie -- people who love Chris Christie aren't necessarily going to flock to Romney, just because somebody tells you that this James Bond is better than that James Bond does not mean you're going to go watch him just because you like the old one.
The difference is, is that Chris Christie is adding to that air of inevitably which is what some people have observed. In addition to that, he can raise some money. He was raising money for Bobby Jindal in Louisiana last week. He was out in California.
And despite the fact that he's not -- he's a declared non- candidate, that might cut down somewhat on his draw. But he can still bring in the money. He can still entertain a crowd.
Mitt Romney, though, is going to need that money, because Rick Perry has got about $17 million. That can make him very competitive in Iowa where a lot of evangelicals will vote. New Hampshire, in a state where he doesn't do well typically, and you wouldn't expect him to do well.
So, I don't know if it's a matter of sitting back. It's just a matter of whether or not debates are going to make that much of a difference when it comes to voting. Who's going to vote in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire debates who was really focused on last night's debate or even the ones before that, that's the question we have to wait and see.
And I think that's one that's going to be a fascinating development as we get closer and closer to finally when voters get to speak out on who they're going to choose.
COSTELLO: Yes. And there will be so many debates. And I think at some point, voters just lose interest, just because there are so many. It's strange. And there are so many candidates, too, right?
FARLEY: Yes. In other words, the next debate may be the first time that somebody sees it.
COSTELLO: Right. And I think as the field narrows and there are less candidates participating in the debate, the debates will be much more interesting to watch because then the candidates can get really into what they think about, you know, the solutions are for the economy and also the international world -- something they haven't been able to do because so many people are jumping in to say something. But we'll see.
FARLEY: No, exactly. It was all about the economy last night, so it was a little bit one-dimensional, but I think it was a little deeper than some of the previous ones. As you say, we'll just have to wait and see how it develops.
COSTELLO: We will. Tim Farley, host of "Morning Briefing" on Sirius POTUS Radio, thank you so much.
It's been leaking oil for days. Now a ship that ran aground may be on the verge of breaking apart. More on the latest developments is just ahead.
But, first, it is National Frustration Scream Day. So, go ahead, let it out for your country.
It's 21 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Twenty-four minutes past the hour. Welcome back to A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
An Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas for the past five years will soon be heading home.
So, let's head around the world with Monita Rajpal, she's live in London. Hamas has agreed to free this soldier. But, of course, their deal didn't come for free. Tell us about it.
MONITA RAJPAL, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHIOR: Yes, you could call it a ratio, Carol, of 1,000 to 1. It's in a deal broken through the Egyptian mediators. Israel and Hamas agreed to swap Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for 1,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons. Now, Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas in 2006 after Palestinians tunneled into Israel and attacked an army post. Well, Israeli retaliated then by launching a military incursion into Gaza to rescue Shalit who was 19 at the time. But their operation obviously at that time to free him failed.
Now, the deal still raises many questions, including, what does this mean for Israeli security? Israel has long said that the release of Palestinian prisoners, some of whom who have been accused of killing Israelis were threatening Israel security. It does highlight also the interesting turn of events in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that with all the change taking place in the Middle East, that we did not know if better deal or any deal would have been possible. The exchange is expected to take place within a few days -- Carol.
COSTELLO: We'll be watching.
Let's talk about this shipwreck off of the coast of New Zealand. It's getting pretty serious now, this big oil spill that's going on there.
RAJPAL: Yes. You know, 300 tons of oil has already leaked from this container ship which run aground a week ago. Now, the ship stranded on a reef off the coast of New Zealand could break into, meaning even more oil, could spill into the waters, causing more damage to marine life, but also threatening the pristine beaches along the New Zealand coast.
The ship was carrying 450 gallons of fuel and Maritime New Zealand is saying that a significant amount of oil is expected to come ashore within days. A one kilometer exclusion zone is already put in place, but oil has been seen reaching the shore and many are asking how this could have happened in the first place as the reef is well- documented.
The latest development is that the captain of the Rena, that's ship that ran aground, has been arrested and charged with operating a vessel in a manner, quote, "causing unnecessary danger or risk" -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Monita Rajpal -- thanks so much, live from London this morning.
U.S. officials say Iran is linked to an assassination plot on U.S. soil. You are looking at one of the suspects. The target: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States. Does this amount to an act of war?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Good morning to you. It is Wednesday, October 12th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. I'm Carol Costello joining you live from New York this morning. It's 30 minutes past the hour.
Government officials say they have stopped a terror plot to kill Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States on U.S. soil, and they're pointing fingers at Iran. Congressman Peter King told our Erin Burnett, the Iranian government has crossed a red line.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REP. PETER KING, (R-NY) HOMELAND SECURITY CHAIRMAN: It violates all international norms, violates international law, and basically, you're talking about an act of war. I think we have to -- United States has to really consider taking very significant action.
I don't think sanctions alone are enough. I think we should consider actually deporting or removing the Iranian officials at The U.N., the staff at the U.N., also the Iranian intersection here in Washington, because we can't allow this to go without a strong reaction by us. Otherwise, we'd be encouraging the Iranians and others to realize that it's open season here in the United States. We can't allow that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: CNN Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr is on the phone this morning. She's in Washington. The Congressman, as you just heard, says the sanctions aren't enough, and The U.S. needs to take significant action. So, Barbara, I guess the question for you this morning is, what sort of action is on the table?
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Well, that's the dilemma for the Obama administration, Carol. We did see yesterday that there were new financial sanctions against several senior members of this Quds force in Iran said to be responsible for this proposed attack. That was step one. You know, a lot of people are going to say, OK, what about military action by the United States?
That is something that certainly all indications are the U.S. is not contemplating at the moment, is not anxious to do. You know, technically all options always remain on the table in Washington, but nobody's really looking for military action. The problem, of course, is that the congressman points out, you have to respond to Iran.
You have to make them understand that they cannot engage in this kind of activity. So, it's a question of calculating what the right response is without miscalculating and beginning something that would have potentially very grim end to it all, Carol.
COSTELLO: Right, because I'm sure the United States doesn't want to start a war in that particular part of the world, another one, I should say. But, Barbara, if Iran's government is really behind this plot, why would Iran do this? What possible reason could they have? Why carry it out on American soil?
STARR: Well, you know, I think you really, you know, put your finger on it. This is the dilemma, the challenge for the U.S. intelligence community, for the administration right now, what on earth is Iran really up to? First, they have got to figure out, by all accounts, just how high up this plot was directed from inside the Iranian regime.
The justice department was very blunt yesterday saying that this was due to some members of this revolutionary guard corps Al Quds force, this very militant wing, but they stopped short of directly saying it was done at the direction of the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or the religious entities that also run Iran.
They stopped short of going all the way. So, you have to figure out first who's responsible. And then, why would they engage in this kind of activity? Iran and Saudi Arabia, no love lost between those two countries. The Saudis have intervened in Bahrain's unrest of a Shia majority there.
That is something that the Iranians are said to have supported. No love lost between them over the unrest in Syria right now.
Saudis very concerned about Iran's nuclear program. So, it's a tough relationship between those two countries. But would the Iranian government have gone so far to engage in such a brazen attack? That's still the question on the table. How far did this all go?
COSTELLO: Well, I think we'll know more later today, at least, I hope so. Barbara Starr reporting live for us from Washington.
Still ahead, the trial against Michael Jackson's doctor. Some of the last words Jackson's daughter, Paris, said to Dr. Murray. Her words revealed in court. It's 35 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 36 minutes past the hour. Welcome back.
Don't you know it? The Senate rejected President Obama's $447 billion jobs bill. Democrats joined Republicans in voting against it. So far, 50 senators support it while 49 voted it down. The bill needed 60 votes to proceed.
The president has found to push forward, though, in plans to divide package into several smaller bills and each, you know, smaller piece will come up for a vote later.
The Senate was able to pass a bill targeting China for its currency manipulation. Lawmakers voted 63 to 35 to slap new tariffs on imports from the nation whose currency is artificially undervalued. They say the practice has cost American jobs and hope the bill will put pressure on China to curb trade imbalances. China reacted to the legislation and warned it could spark a trade war and harm the already fragile global economy.
At least five of the 70 suspects in a crackdown on alleged drug trafficking in Arkansas are law enforcement officers. Investigators say the five officers took bribes to look the other way while crimes were being committed. One FBI official warns that the indictments are merely the beginning.
Jurors will be back in court after a dramatic day of testimony at the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray. Prosecutors showed them a photograph of the singer's body on the autopsy table. The jury also heard Murray's own account of the hours before Jackson's death in audiotapes from an interview with police.
Murray describes Jackson pleading for the drug propofol to help him sleep. Eventually, Murray administered the drug. Murray also talked about consoling Jackson's daughter, Paris, at the hospital.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. CONRAD MURRAY, MICHAEL JACKSON'S PHYSICIAN: She asked me, "Dr. Murray, you said you save a lot of patients. You know, you save people with heart attacks, and you couldn't save my dad. I said, "I tried my best." And she said, "I know that, Dr. Murray. At least, I know, I know you tried your best. I know you tried your best, but I'm really sad. You know, I will wake up in the morning, and I won't be able to see my daddy."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Jackson also testified that while it was physically possible Jackson could have given himself the overdose that killed him, Murray is still guilty of causing Jackson's death because he gave Jackson access to dangerous drugs.
A pioneer in the gay rights movement has died. Frank Kameny passed away at his home in Washington. He was 86 years old. Kameny was fired from his job as a government astronomer in 1957 because he was gay. He would later lead the fight to end homosexuality's label as a mental illness and work to end the military's policy of discharging homosexuals. Kameny also coined the slogan "gay is good."
Sparring over healthcare and a whole lot more.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MITT ROMNEY, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You have a million kids uninsured in Texas, a million kids. Under President Bush, the percentage uninsured went down. Under your leadership, it's gone up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Ahead, we'll highlight some of the heated exchanges at last night's Republican debate. It's 39 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Time for our "Political Ticker" now, so let's bring in our CNN contributor, John Avlon. He is live from New York. Good morning, John.
VOICE OF JOHN AVLON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: Good morning. Let's start with Governor Rick Perry. He attacked Mitt Romney's health plan in Massachusetts as very President Obama's (ph). Let's listen to a bit of that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. RICK PERRY, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Your chief economic adviser, Glenn Hubbard, who you know well, he said that Romneycare was Obamacare. So, my question for you would be, how would you respond to his criticism of your signature legislative achievement?
ROMNEY: We have less than one percent of our kids, they're uninsured. You have a million kids uninsured in Texas, a million kids. Under President Bush, the percentage of uninsured went down. Under your leadership, it's gone up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: So, John, Romney went on the attack instead of actually answering Rick Perry's question, but this health care business, this is going to be a thorn in Mitt Romney's side for some time to come.
AVLON: Oh, it has been a fundamental thorn in his side for his entire campaign. It's clearly his Achilles' heel. And last night, you could tell Mitt Romney was back in the poll position because all the other candidates on stage were busy taking shots at him.
It's his biggest weakness and one of the real questions Republicans have to confront, can they have a presumptive nominee who embrace the same kind of health care plan that unified them in opposition to it when it proposed by President Obama. So, one of the many sources of high drama and punches last night.
COSTELLO: Yes. You know, in watching the debate, I didn't think of it as high drama. It was kind of dry in a way. All of them were attacking one another. They really weren't talking about their economic plans, and that was supposed to be the big topic of the debate.
AVLON: Except for Herman Cain who got to say 999 around 15 times. You could also tell that Herman Cain, people are taking him seriously, because that was the subject of a lot of debate and questions between the candidates. It's interesting.
You know, the two candidates who are running really as business leaders, Mitt Romney and Herman Cain, are not only at the top of the polls, I think they won last night's debate.
COSTELLO: Interesting. Romney, we have to talk about his big endorsement from Chris Christie. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE, (R) NEW JERSEY: It's been really, in the end, an easy decision for me. I know that America needs a new course, and I wanted to be with the person who I believe will be the best person to lead America on that course, and that's Governor Mitt Romney. So, I'm thrilled to be here today, Mitt. Thank you very much.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: John, I know that many republicans like Chris Christie, no, love Chris Christie, but what will this endorsement really mean for Mitt Romney down the line?
AVLON: You know, not all endorsements matter in politics, but this one does. This is a big deal, because Chris Christie is following a lot of the big money guys who've been begging him to run who backed Romney, somewhat reluctantly after Christie decided not to get in the race, and now, he's making it official.
And that really does give the green light to some folks to begin consolidating around Romney as sort of the establishment nominee using some of Christie's juice for the Tea Party to add some luster to Romney's status. But this is an endorsement that matters. We now know, we've seen the field as it is.
And this is something that made for a very good day for Mitt Romney yesterday. You begin the day with an endorsement from Chris Christie, and then, his primary rival, Rick Perry, had objectively a pretty bad debate. He needed to step up to the plate and have a strong debate. Instead, he stumbled and sort of slumbered his way through the debate. So, Mitt Romney, all in all, had a pretty good day yesterday.
COSTELLO: So, do you think this is the end of Rick Perry? Because I've been reading some analysts', you know, comments about his performance. Some say he stumbled. He appeared very nervous. He really wasn't part of the debate. Some said, where was he?
AVLON: He did not have a good debate. I mean, you know, he had a lot of time to prep for this, and he knew he had to step up and hit it hard. And he did not. He did not dominate the debate. He seemed, at times, almost a second thought. But it's far too early to call this the end of Rick Perry or anyone.
You know, we are still, you know, 100 days away from the first primaries. And it's the votes that count at the end of the day, not the polls. But Rick Perry needed a strong performance last night, and he underperformed. And it's not going to help him retake control of the narrative that he's someone who might have gotten in a bit abruptly, fit the part, but maybe hadn't done the prep to really dominate a debate. He certainly did not last night. A bad night for Rick Perry.
COSTELLO: John Avlon, thanks for joining us this morning. We appreciate it.
The alleged target, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, the latest on what the U.S. is calling an Iranian murder plot. We'll have a live report for you coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Forty-eight minutes past the hour. Good morning. It's Wednesday, October 12th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. I'm Carol Costello joining you live from New York.
The Obama administration could spell out tough new action today against Iran in response to an alleged Iranian plot to murder Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States. And the state department will brief diplomats today on how the plot was uncovered and the need to hold Iran accountable.
Two men have been charged including an Iranian-American, one of them is still at large. Attorney General Eric Holder spells out the charges against the men.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ERIC HOLDER, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions. Arbabsiar and Shakuri, Are charged with conspiracy to murder a foreign official, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and conspiracy to commit an act of international terrorism, among other charges.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: U.S. officials say the plot never really got off the ground because the two suspects were dealing with the U.S. government informant.
I want to head around the world now and check in with Reza Sayah. He's in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has more on the alleged Iranian plan to kill the Saudi ambassador in the United States on U.S. soil. So, apparently, Reza, the Quds force, the Iranian Quds force, is behind this alleged plot. What is the Quds force?
REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, the Quds force is the special unit of Iran's revolutionary guard. They're probably the most elite military branch in Iran. They were established in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war, and it's widely believed that they lead covert military operations outside of Iran.
The U.S., for example, has accused the Quds force of fueling the insurgency going after U.S. soldiers in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but I think what's important to remember here is that these are, at this point, simply allegations against the Quds force. They haven't proven to be true. If they are proven to be true, it's still not clear how high up this decision went to the Quds force.
Attorney General Eric Holder, himself, came out and said that he cannot conclude right now that this decision, if it was made by the Quds force, came from the top leadership. Another important thing to remember is that if you look back at the history of the Quds force, this alleged plot doesn't fit their M.O. They have never been linked to a plot on U.S. soil by any measure.
It's a bizarre and drastic plot involving a used car salesman in a Mexican drug cartel, and it begs the question, what would Iran have to gain with a drastic plot like this? And I think many experts are saying they would have more to lose than to gain, not the least of which is drawing the U.S.'s ire in inviting a tough retaliation.
So, a lot of unanswered questions, Carol. And I think until those questions are answered, it's difficult to conclude what we have here. COSTELLO: Reza Sayah reporting live from Islamabad, Pakistanthis morning. Thanks so much.
In other news this morning, President Obama faces a big political question today, what to do about his $447 billion jobs bill. You know, composed of tax cuts and new spending. In the Democratic- controlled Senate, the bill failed yesterday to get the 60 votes it needed to do bring the bill to the floor for a debate.
Two Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the jobs bill. President now vowing to push forward. He plans to divide the package into several smaller bills, and each of those smaller bills could come up for a vote. We'll keep you posted.
A prison in Oklahoma is secure today after inmates went on a rampage. The fight erupted yesterday when fights broke out in several parts of the Private North Fork Correctional Facility in the western part of the state. Several inmates were injured. Our affiliate KOCO reports 16 people were taken to area hospitals. Officials say they don't know what caused the riot.
A new study says high doses of vitamin E may increase a man's risk for prostate cancer. Initially, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic just wanted to see what benefits vitamin E had on preventing prostate cancer, but then, they found just the opposite. In the study, those taking the vitamin saw a 17 percent increase of prostate cancer in men.
Now, let's head to Atlanta to check in with Rob Marciano. Tell us about Hurricane Jova. It's made landfall.
ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It has, but it's weakened, thankfully as it does show. At one point, it was a Category 3 and almost a Category 4 storm. Category 1 now at the winds of 85 miles an hour, making landfall just north of the Manzanillo, Mexico. Its movement is north at about nine miles an hour. If you know this part of Mexico, the mountains pretty much go straight up from the beach.
So, it's going to tear apart this storm fairly quickly, but obviously, the threat for flash floods will continue. Here's actually the forecast from the National Hurricane Center. It brings it down to a remnant low fairly quickly, but the rainfalls will linger for just a little bit longer. Speaking of rainfall, we've got a confluence of some weather system.
It's bringing some rain across the lower Great Lakes, the Ohio River Valley, from Cincinnati, Dayton, up through Youngstown and through Pittsburgh. And this is beginning to reach its way into the New York metropolitan area. Light to moderate rainfall with this, seeing it in Baltimore and Philly and D.C. where we'll see the heaviest rains and likely the longest delays in Philadelphia throughout the day today.
And then the rains will begin to increase later on this afternoon and tonight in through New York, and eventually, in through Boston. Scattered showers on the backside of this thing through Atlanta and charlotte. And Minneapolis, actually, will see some thunderstorms with our next weather system rolling through the Midwest, and that will create the threat for severe weather across the central plains.
Daytime highs still mild in Chicago. Seventy-six degrees for the daytime high. And that, of course, means it will be pretty mild in Detroit. I'm seeing in the rundown that we're supposed to talk Detroit Tigers. I'm going to kind of let you lead us through this, because I was busy yesterday, day off. A lot of things to do around the house. So, I hear the Tigers won. Congratulations.
COSTELLO: Yes, the Tigers did win. Their bats finally came alive. They're not leading the series, however, as you know. The texas rangers, a tough team, but we're wearing them out now, Rob. We won 5-2. Big homeruns last night.
MARCIANO: Yes, nice work there. Your backs were against the wall and still trailing the series there, but game four --
COSTELLO: Four.
MARCIANO: This afternoon around four o'clock, I believe. I tell you what, the postseason is not disappointing. Even though my Yanks didn't make it past the first round, it's been an exciting go, and hopefully, that'll continue right through the end of October.
COSTELLO: And it's a sighting over in the national league, too, between the Brewers and the St. Louis cardinals.
MARCIANO: There you go --
COSTELLO: You've got to love Tony Crush.
MARCIANO: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
MARCIANO: Yes, I do. I mean, I do.
COSTELLO: So entertaining.
MARCIANO: So that will go up -- so that's tonight, and we'll talk more baseball tomorrow. Carol, congrats.
COSTELLO: Yes, we will.
MARCIANO: 2-1. Hopefully, your Tigers, for you, will win. I'm not going to be rooting for them, but it will be interesting to watch.
COSTELLO: Whatever. Thank you, Rob.
MARCIANO: All right, Carol. See you tomorrow.
COSTELLO: One of the best jobs out there if you want to save the world. We'll have details ahead. It's five minutes until the top of the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: A minute until the top of the hour. Let's head to the NASDAQ MarketSite with Carter Evans. Show us the numbers, Carter.
CARTER EVANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hey, the numbers are looking pretty good as far as futures go. We just got a report out of Europe showing stronger than expected manufacturing. That was unexpected, and it's great news.
Dow futures up triple digits. NASDAQ futures up 22 points. S&P 500 up about 10.5. Futures turned around. Hopefully, a positive open and positive close. Back to you.
COSTELLO: Carter Evans, weren't you going to tell us about a green job? Just give us one, one suggestion.
EVANS: OK. Yes, a great job, best jobs for saving the world, public school teacher. This is part of the CNNMoney.com series. The median pay for public school teachers, a little more than 50,000 bucks a year.
COSTELLO: OK. So, not exactly a green job, but a job that may save the world anyway. Carter Evans, many thanks.
EVANS: Sure.
COSTELLO: "AMERICAN MORNING" continues right now.
