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North Korea Threatening the United States; White House Hosts Easter Egg Roll; "The Bible," Now a Hit Miniseries; A Call for Peace; Jeter: "What A Hero" Teacher Was
Aired April 01, 2013 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Thank you so much for joining me. Stories we're watching in the NEWSROOM at 30 minutes past the hour, cast members of ABC's "General Hospital" are ringing the opening bell on Wall Street this morning marking the soap's 50th anniversary. The markets back in business after a three day holiday weekend, trading expected to be light today.
Cleanup still going on this morning after a crude oil pipeline burst Friday in Mayflower, Arkansas. More than 12,000 barrels of oil and water have been recovered, 22 homes though have been evacuated. Exxonmobile still looking for the cause of that spill.
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll begins about an hour from now. More than 30,000 people from across the country have tickets for the event. The first family will be joined by sports stars, Danica Patrick and the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson.
Time to talk a little politics. First up, North Korea. The United States has deployed F-22 raptors to South Korea as a part of joint military exercises. But make no mistake, those stealth bombers are ready for the real thing if the north launches an attack on South Korea. Although some have suggested, including the basketball player Dennis Rodman, that instead of sending F-22s,Ppresident Obama ought to pick up the phone.
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REP. PETER KING, (R ) NEW YORK: As far as I see, this is not even the government, it's more like an organized crime family running a territory. They are brutal. He's brutal, his father was brutal, his grandfather was brutal. I don't see any purpose at all in doing that. And also I think it demoralizes our allies in Asia, certainly South Korea. It would, to me, serve no constructive purpose whatsoever.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: But North Korea still talking tough. So what do you do? Joining me now, CNN contributor and Democratic strategist Maria Cardona, along with CNN contributor and analyst for "The Blaze" Will Cain. Welcome to both of you.
WILL CAIN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Good morning. MARIA CARSONA, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Thanks, good morning Carol.
COSTELLO: So I'll start with that question. Should president Obama pick up the phone and chat with Kim Jong-un? Will?
CAIN: No. And I'll tell you why. I'll carry Peter King's analogy out a little further. It's not just like a Mafia family, but it would be like the Gambino crime family after John Gotti fell. It's in a total states of disarray. So, Kim Jong-un is not the guy you call up on the phone and expect to have everything fall in line in some kind of rational end (ph). He's fighting for his own life there. He's fighting for his own power, attempting to consolidate it with the generals that were under his father. So acting tough, all these shows of force are an attempt to solidify his base of power. That's not the guy you negotiate with.
COSTELLO: Maybe. The latest threat from North Korea labeled the United States a boiled pumpkin, whatever that means. But Maria, can you reason with a leader who says things like that?
CARDONA: Well, certainly it's not something that comes to mind and I agree with Will that the president should not certainly pick up the phone and frankly listen to anything that Dennis Rodman is advising him on. But I will say this, I do agree that in terms of Kim Jong-un being like a Mafia family, look, he is literally looking to solidify his base of power, like Will said. He's trying to demonstrate that he is a tough guy, the toughest guy on the block, and he wants to make sure that he has credibility among his own people.
The problem is that in order to be a credible leader globally, he also has to have credibility among his allies. And when you have Russia and China already basically frustrated with him as well telling him to, you know, come down a notch, then I think he's in trouble with his own base from a global perspective. So this is a show of bravado that's happened before. I think that we need to be, you know, on alert as we are right now. But essentially he's not really being taken seriously right now. And that's his own fault.
COSTELLO: On to the next topic because you know I love the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. I don't know why. I just think it's a great tradition. And as you know, the White House, crisis averted. We could put it that way. It may be April fool's day, but the White House Easter Egg Roll will go on as planned and that's no yolk. Did you like that?
CAIN: No, I did not.
(LAUGHTER)
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Anyhow, racing star, Danica Patrick, and New York Giants wide receiver, Victor Cruz, will join in the festivities along with "American Idol" alum Jordin Sparks, and Robby Novak, better known as the "kid president." But all of that may pale in comparison to this, Bo Obama getting a first look at this year's commemorative eggs, including one marked with the first dog's paw print and name. It actually seems to me, Will, that the Easter Egg Roll is becoming more than an Easter egg roll these days. Will?
CAIN: I lost the last part of your question.
COSTELLO: You were dazzled by my yolk joke.
(LAUGHTER)
CAIN: And Bo's energy. I was also dazzled by Bo's energy as he lethargically walks around the grounds of the White House searching for eggs and sitting on command.
COSTELLO: I know, why don't they let him chew on an egg? Because you know that's what he really wants to do.
CAIN: Right. But you had a question for me and I'm sorry I didn't (INAUDIBLE).
COSTELLO: The question was, is the Easter Egg Roll becoming more than just an Easter egg roll because this is the 135th annual event and there is a theme. "Be healthy, be active, be you." That's the theme.
CAIN: Yes. So that's good. A little more than an Easter egg roll there. A way for example the first lady, that's her platform. That's what she's championing. I have to say, it also became a political issue, it also became a little bit of sequester grand standing. We must shut down the Easter Egg Roll because we can't afford it. I'm sure there are other things within this behemoth of a government we can look at saving money on.
COSTELLO: The Washington Post" today, Maria, when the Easter Egg Roll was threatened, a donor ponied up $25,000 to save it. Like right now.
CARDONA: Well, sure, Carol. Look, it certainly has become a terrific event that is open to so many across the country. And I've been to it a couple times with my kids. My kids love it and it's great to go in there and see all these kids actually learning about healthy eating, learning about making sure they are active, learning about exercising. And I have to tell you, every --
COSTELLO: Can't they just look for Easter eggs?
CARDONA: Well, of course, but that's part of it, too. And I can guarantee you this, that every single person that comes out of the Easter Egg Roll is "egg static."
(LAUGHTER)
CAIN: You guys are -- seriously, this is terrible.
(LAUGHTER)
COSTELLO: We'll end it here then. Thanks to both of you, Maria Cardona, Will Cain.
CARDONA: Thank you, Carol.
CAIN: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Let's talk about Jesus now. Of course the (INAUDIBLE). That's what Easter really means, the crucifixion of Jesus seems so dramatic, many could not hold back their tears. More on the emotional finale of "The Bible" just ahead.
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COSTELLO: I've got news for all the Gleeks watching this morning. 30- year-old glee star Cory Monteith has checked in to rehab for substance addiction. Okay, so it's not good Gleek news. No details were given about what substance he's addicted to, but for all of those who don't watch the Fox musical drama, here is a clip of his singing football star character Finn Hudson.
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COREY MONTEITH, FINN HUDSON, "GLEE": (SINGING)
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COSTELLO: "People" magazine is reporting this is not the actor's first time in rehab, however.
"G.I. Joe" smashed the box office over the weekend. Bringing in will $132 million worldwide.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See that?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Security's early.
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COSTELLO: The action-packed blockbuster took in more than $41 million in its opening weekend here in the United States.
Five weeks, ten hours and the finale that brought many to tears. I'm talking about the epic miniseries "The Bible." A warning: some of what you're about to see might be disturbing.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The king of the Jews.
(MUSIC)
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COSTELLO: Last night's finale featured the crucifixion and it was timed of course to coincide with Easter. "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT'S" A.J. Hammer joins us now. And I guess Twitter lit up with people expressing how that scene moved them to tears. A.J. HAMMER, HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: Yes, and there really is something a little bit odd about even referring to "The Bible" as a hit miniseries. But that's what it was for the History Channel. And last night's Easter finale with that graphic representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ really touched a nerve among viewers. You saw it playing out on social media, an explosion of Twitter comments about how the last episode was so moving, people were having these emotional visceral reactions. And, yes, the comment about people being reduced to tears was one we are seeing over and over again.
The whole series did spectacularly well in the ratings. Brought in more than 10 million an episode. More than three million young viewers between the ages of 18 and 49, and while we don't have last night's numbers just yet, I think you can certainly expect to see the biggest ratings of series so far, with the finale falling on Easter Sunday.
Now, not all the Twitter chat was serious. Diogo Morgado, the actor who plays Jesus, has developed somewhat of a devoted following. And I think he might be a little embarrassed by the fact that he's the focus of the "hot Jesus" hash tag. And I should point out I saw Josh Groban tweeted did I just see a commercial for the book version of the TV series, "The Bible?" Now, if you're a fan or if you missed it, you want to catch up, the DVD of the series is now available on the History Channel's website. I have a feeling it's going to do very well.
COSTELLO: I think you're right. A.J. Hammer, many thanks.
Next in the NEWSROOM, call it the great tusk robbery. A man breaks into a museum armed with a chain saw. His target? An elephant with a famous past.
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COSTELLO: Forty-six minutes past the hour. Time to check our "Top Stories".
The first of nearly three dozen current and former Atlanta school district educators are expected to surrender to authorities today. They were indicted in one of the nation's largest cheating scandals one that saw standardized test scores dramatically improve. Among those charged, the former superintendent Beverly Hall. She has denied any role in the scandal.
A young man is under arrest after police say he used a chain saw to chop off a tusk from an elephant's skeleton. That elephant once belonged to King Louie XIV. The skeleton has been on display at the National Museum in Paris. It will be repaired.
The NRA will jump back into the debate over guns and school safety this week. In December NRA announced a school safety initiative following the Newtown massacre. On Tuesday the NRA will unveil training recommendations for armed guards and guidelines for cities to change rules to allow for those armed guards at schools. The last surviving member of JFK's family could soon be in public service. A Democrat familiar with the discussions tell CNN that Caroline Kennedy has been asked to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
CNN's Jessica Yellin says Kennedy is now being vetted for the post.
Excuse me, I have to cough. I'm so sorry. Ok. I'm back.
Pope Francis, let's talk about him celebrating his first Easter mass before thousands in St. Peter's Square. Among them, a physically disabled boy who the Pope kissed after the boy was passed through the crowd. Observers noting Francis' interaction with the crowd and how it was a departure from his predecessor. And in his message the Pope called for an end to conflicts in several parts of the world.
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POPE FRANCIS, (through translator): Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end. And above all, for our dear Syria for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The Easter mass marked the end to Holy Week during which Pope Francis washed the feet of a dozen youths at a detention center.
Our "Talk Back" question today, "Is it racist to celebrate confederate war symbols? Your responses next.
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COSTELLO: "Talk Back" question today, "Is it racist to celebrate confederate war symbols?"
This from Antonio. "Hell yes. Why should we tolerate the slave drivers whose idea of a human being is only a white person?"
This from Sean "We shouldn't have to censor history for those who are too sensitive to handle it the way it happened. They need to grow a back bone and stop thinking the world should change so they won't get offended."
This from Frank. "It's racist. Absolutely. In another country they would be called terrorist. Why celebrate a hate symbol?"
And this from Steve "We need to completely white wash history. Nobody should -- nobody should ever be allowed to be proud of or even remember anything that offends or irritates someone else."
I think he was being facetious with that one. Keep the conversation going, Facebook.com/CarolCNN or Tweet @carolCNN. We'll be right back.
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COSTELLO: Do I need to tell you baseball is back? First day of the season. Most major league teams are in action today after the curtain raise up between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers.
In the meantime, the New York Yankees Captain, Derek Jeter starts the season on the disabled list. He sat down with Rachael Nichols in Florida for a wide ranging interview, talking first about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
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RACHEL NICHOLS, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: On opening day the Yankees and Major League Baseball are going to honor the victims of Sandy Hook. Why do you think that that's particularly important
DEREK JETER, NEW YORK YANKEES: It's an unfortunate incident. I mean, I have don't have children of my own, I have you know a younger sister, I have a nephew and I can't sit here and tell you how -- how I would feel but I -- it's just -- it's unimaginable to think what those families were going through, a horrific incident like that and not knowing you know going to the school and not knowing whether or not your kids were safe. It's -- it's something that -- it's just mind boggling to think about it.
NICHOLS: You called the mother of one of the teachers, the 27-year- old who was protecting her kids was killed in Sandy Hook. What make you decide to pick up the phone and make that call?
JETER: Well first of all I didn't do that for any attention in doing it. You know I just understood that that she was a big Yankee fan. The mother was a big Yankee fan and I just did it. I thought it would -- it would you know just to reach out and say what a hero her daughter truly was. Because you know I think sometimes people use that term kind of loosely and they say this person is a hero, that person is a hero. But you know you're speaking about a true hero there.
NICHOLS: You start opening day on the DL because of your ankle what's that going to be like? What's going to be going through your head?
JETER: Well it's going to be odd. And it's just disappointing for me because you know I feel as though it is my job to be ready for opening day but it just didn't happen and I just ran out of time to get ready.
NICHOLS: What's different as you are 38 years old from 22 years old?
JETER: Well I think the thing is you spend much more time getting ready to play. When you're younger you just show up 30 minutes before. You don't even have to stretch you go out there and play and you move around. Now you get up at night and you have to stretch before you get out of bed. And so it's a -- it's a lot more difficult and you spend much more time at the stadium.
NICHOLS: And what about out there what are you better at now than you were at 22 or 23 years old?
JETER: Answering questions from you.
NICHOLS: Wow. JETER: A lot of people don't realize I have been answering your questions for years.
(CROSSTALK)
NICHOLS: I was going to say. We've been doing this since you were 22, 23 years old.
JETER: Yes we've been -- we've been working together for a long time.
NICHOLS: Second act for you. Is there anything else that you want to accomplish?
JETER: I really want to win again. I hear from MJ all the time. He won six times. We won five. So he's bragging that he's got more. It would be fun to have just as many as all your friends.
NICHOLS: You have played baseball or thought about baseball or been preparing for baseball every day of your life probably as long as you can remember in one way or the other. What's scary about the idea of not being in the game whenever down the road it does happen?
JETER: I'm pretty sure I will be involved in the game in some facet. I want to own a team one day you know that's my next goal.
NICHOLS: You think the Yankees are for sale you could buy this team?
JETER: It's too expensive unless you give me some of your money.
NICHOLS: Would it be like George as an owner.
JETER: In some ways I would.
NICHOLS: The yelling, the firing, what are we talking?
JETER: I don't know, I still have to hire people somewhere. Tell you how bad it will before I hire you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Derek Jeter. I hope he comes back to the game soon because boy, we're going to miss him.
Coming up in the 10:00 hour of CNN NEWSROOM which is coming up in just about two minutes I also sat down with a baseball great, Prince Fielder. He revealed he was bullied in school. Talk about that with Prince Fielder in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM which starts right now.
Happening now in the NEWSROOM: gunned down in his own home, another Texas prosecutor is killed.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are very confident that we are going to find you. We are going to pull you out of whatever hole you are in. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Police believe it is a revenge killing.
Plus gun control. Would you turn your gun in for Beyonce?
And players and coaches in Texas unable to watch Louisville's Kevin Ware's catastrophic injury. We'll find out how Ware is doing this morning.
And the boys of summer -- they're back. I sat down with all-star Prince Fielder who shares painful memories from his childhood. He was bullied.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE FIELDER, MLB PLAYER: You know, I was big, so you know, little kids always bullied me a little bit. Whenever I would get mad I would get in trouble because I was bigger.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: You are live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
Good morning. Thank you so much for being with us. I'm Carol Costello.
Security is tight, nerves are frayed and a man hunt grows. For the second time in two months a prosecutor is found murdered. Saturday night, district attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia were gunned down inside their home near Dallas. It happened just miles from the courthouse --
