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Searchers Rescue Stranded Nevada Family; Asiana Flight Officer: I Warned The Pilots; Bipartisan Budget Deal Unveiled; Mandela To Lie In State For Three Days; FDA Moves To Curb Antibiotics In Livestock; Prayers For Reverend Billy Graham; New Obamacare Enrollment Numbers; Memorial Sign Language Interpreter A Fake?; Parents Want To Know Why Cop Killed Son; Pope Francis Is "Time's" Person Of The Year

Aired December 11, 2013 - 10:00   ET

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

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. I'm Carol Costello. Thanks so much for joining me.

Hospital officials are praising a Nevada couple for keeping their kids warm while they were stranded for two days in the frozen wilderness. Searchers rescued that family on Tuesday. James Glanton and his girlfriend warded off frostbite with rocks they heated by a campfire and put in their overturned vehicle. Stephanie Elam has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELAM: An incredible finale to a dramatic story of survival. A Lovelock, Nevada family of six, including four young children were found alive and in fairly good condition Tuesday after being stranded in the rugged winter terrain of Nevada's Seven Troughs Mountain Range, about 120 miles northeast of Reno. Family, friends, and search teams said this rescue is truly a miracle.

CHRIS MONTES, HELPED WITH RESCUE: It was a huge relief. I was expecting the worst.

SHERIFF RICHARD MACHADO, PERSHING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: It was the work of a lot of people in the community.

ELAM (voice-over): For two days, search teams and more than 200 volunteers covered 6,000 square miles. By air and land, off-roading through the snow and mud in search of James Glanton, his girlfriend, Christina McIntee the children, ages 3 to 10.

According to police, the family set out to play in the snow on Sunday when their jeep slowly tipped over in the soft snow, slipping and then completely overturning down a ravine. The condition at the time of the accident is brutal with temperatures plunging to 21 degrees below zero.

But officials say Glanton and McIntee did a fabulous job of keeping their kids and McIntee's niece and nephew warm. The 34-year-old father even heated rocks to battle the biting cold.

DR. DOUGLAS VACEK, PERSHING GENERAL HOSPITAL: The first thing he did was built a fire. I think that really prevented any serious medical problems for them.

ELAM: Police say it was a joint effort that led to the family's rescue Tuesday afternoon. A couple of pings from his cell phone led the Civic Air Patrol to the family. Meanwhile, Glanton's friend, using binoculars also located them while scanning the mountainside.

CHRIS MONTES, FRIEND WHO HELPED WITH RESCUE: He's one hell of a guy, that's for damn sure. He kept them alive and warm. My hat is off to him because not a lot of people are capable of that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: You're not kidding. That's Stephanie Elam reporting and by the way, the family is in a Nevada hospital right now, but no serious injuries. In fact they may get to go home today.

In other news this morning, new information from the NTSB said the pilots from the deadly Asiana plane crash may have relied too much on the plane's automated systems in its final approach to the San Francisco International Airport.

CNN's Rene Marsh is in Washington following that story. Is hearing going on today? What else came out of it, Rene?

RENE MARSH, CNN AVIATION AND GOVERNMENT REGULATION CORRESPONDENT: Well, the key information we have for you, Carol, really does make you shake your head. We know that Asiana Flight 214 came in too low and too slow at San Francisco's airport. Now this new information from the NTSB is painting a picture about possibly why. And again, it really makes you say wow.

We know three things this morning. NTSB investors are concerned about pilot's over-reliance on automated systems in the cockpits specifically when it comes to the plane's auto throttle. And the auto throttle is similar to cruise control in a car. It essentially presets how much power is sent to the engine and in turn sets the plane's speed.

Now the NTSB says Asiana's pilots thought that the auto throttle was engaged, but it wasn't causing the plane to fall to a dangerously slow speed. Now this is mind-blowing. It suggests a few possibilities here. The pilots possibly didn't recognize that the auto throttle was disengaged. Perhaps they weren't checking their equipment or they didn't fully understand how to operate this automated system on the 777.

And those are all very scary, scary possibilities for a plane that is full of passengers. We also learned the first officer warned more than four times about an excessive sink rate about 52 seconds before the crash. Now pilots who have flown triple 7's tell me that is more than enough time to correct the problem. It only takes the plane's engine about 4 to 9 seconds to come to full speed.

So they did have a lot of warning time and lastly, Carol, we know that investigators are looking into what role possibly culture played in the cockpit. Did the Korean culture, which shows deference to rank and seniority have anything to do with preventing communications in the cockpit -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Rene Marsh reporting live from Washington this morning. Let's stay in Washington, shall we, and talk about compromise and common ground and consensus. Probably not the words most of us would use to describe Washington these days. But in a surprise and kind of bizarre twist, bipartisanship has led to a budget deal. We have Republican Congressman Paul Ryan and Democratic Senator Patty Murray to thank for that budget proposal.

But will they be able to convince their colleagues to get on board? Our chief national correspondent, John King, is in Washington. First off, should we read anything big into this agreement between the Republican and the Democrat?

JOHN KING, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think you can read some big things in, Carol. You know, I'm old enough to remember when this is the way Washington used to work. The Democrats and the Republicans went into a room, they worked out their differences and normally they split the difference more or less. That's what Patty Murray and Paul Ryan did here.

So should Americans be happy that you have Democratic and Republican leaders actually having conversations, actually trying to have some stability in Washington on the basic stuff like a federal budget, that's a good thing. The big decisions were kicked down the road still, no big tax reform here, no big Medicare or Social Security changes here.

But they do give stability for two years, assuming they can get the votes in the House and the Senate. There won't be a government shutdown in January. There won't be a threat of one next October. So what does that help? Businesses around the country who have done what for the last few years, complained that we're afraid to open a new fact other or hire new people because we don't know what's happening in Washington.

It also helps the tea -- it gets the threat of a political -- the political damage over another shutdown out of the way and we can focus on health care. From a policy perspective it's a modest deal. From a political perspective, both sides see some things to like and worry about.

COSTELLO: It doesn't solve the big problems of our country. A lot of people think we're spending too much money. It doesn't solve that problem of unemployment benefits, doesn't solve that problem. Entitlement reform, doesn't solve that problem. Are they just kicking the can down the road?

KING: On the big questions, yes. On Medicare, Social Security questions, other big drivers of the deficits, the big question about, you know, what about the confusing tax code, those are being kicked down the road and it's very unlikely they can get to those next year because, Carol, as you well know it's the big term election year. On the unemployment benefits questions that you raised, the president wanted that and the Democrats wanted that in this deal, extending long term unemployment benefits. The Republicans would not go along. I'm told by senior White House officials that the president is going to push that and try to find a separate vehicle to get that done before the end of the year.

Republicans don't want to do it because of the price tag. The president is back from the Mandela memorial service. We'll see if he can find a way to get that done before the end of the year.

KING: Appreciate it.

COSTELLO: Also happening now, you're looking at live pictures from Pretoria, South Africa where thousands of people are expected to file pass the coffin of Nelson Mandela. Today, those in line, Jacob Zuma. Bono was also there. The viewing is open to the public beginning tomorrow and Friday. Mandela is scheduled to be buried Sunday in his childhood village of Qunu.

We're getting a first look inside Air Force One. As President Obama and the first lady made that trip to the historic memorial for Nelson Mandela, he was accompanied by his predecessors, George W. Bush and his wife who were invited by President Obama. Also on board, the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, all arrived back in Washington early this morning.

The fear of drug resistant super bugs has the FDA making new moves. Today, the Food and Drug Administration will issue major proposals to curb the use of antibiotics in animal feed. Of course, those animals may end up on your dinner plate. Antibiotics can help animals grow and stay healthy, but experts warned that the overuse of these drugs is creating new strains of deadly drug resistant bacteria.

Today's proposal issue new guidance to veterinary drug companies and propose a plan for stricter limits for buying antibiotics for animals. The FDA's new proposals will be voluntary.

Still to come in the NEWSROOM, the Reverend Billy Graham's family is asking for your prayers this morning for the 95-year-old evangelist. He's battling yet another respiratory infection.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The woman in charge of the disastrous rollout of the Obamacare web site testifies this hour on Capitol Hill. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will tell the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee about improvements to healthcare.gov. Her testimony comes as the administration has just released new numbers on Obamacare enrollment for November. The numbers are up, but still way below the goal of 7 million by March. CNN's Joe Johns joins us now from Washington with those numbers. Hi, Joe.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol. Well, the top line number is total enrollment, that's the one everyone is concerned about. That number is 364,682. Now, the federal exchange, that's basically the Obamacare web site has shown vast improvement, but still running under expectations, 137,204.

The state-run exchanges, that's the 14 different states that are sort of doing their own thing on Obamacare, that number is 227,478 so state-run exchanges still running ahead of the federal web site. Now, let's take a look at October enrollment versus November enrollment.

You can see the October numbers caused a lot of concern because they were so anemic, 26,794. November, much improvement, 110,410 people enrolled. So clearly they're picking up some steam on getting people enrolled in Obamacare. But as you said, the 6 million is the magic number and they're a long way from that.

COSTELLO: When do they have to get the 7 million mark? By when do they supposedly reach this goal of seven million?

JOHNS: They think they're going to get a bunch of people enrolled at the very end. You know, there's a sort of self-imposed deadline at the end of December. But early next year is where it really matters, Carol, that's the big point.

COSTELLO: All right, Joe Johns, thanks so much.

Checking other top stories this morning at 14 minutes past the hour, it sure feels like winter has shown up early this year. Parts of the U.S. covered in snow and ice causing massive traffic jams and flight delays. In Michigan, a snow storm caused a 30-car pileup near Grand Rapids. Drivers could barely see 2 feet in front of them. In Ohio, icy roads caused a snow plow to slide off the road and down an embankment.

A bizarre development following the memorial honoring Nelson Mandela, the South Africans government is now investigating reports about the sign language interpreter at the event. The Nation's Deaf Federation claims he was a fake. Spokesman for the ruling African National Congress says the interpreter was not employed by the political parties for the event.

An emotional day at the trial of a Montana newlywed accused of murdering her husband of eight days. The brother of Jordan Graham sobbed on the stand as he testified that he was angry because his sister lied over and over again. Prosecutors say she intentionally pushed her husband, Cody Johnson, off a cliff at Glacier National Park back in July. Graham's lawyer says it was an accident.

Arguably the best known Christian evangelist in the world, the Reverend Billy Graham's family is asking you to pray for him today. In a letter, his son, Franklin had this to say about his 95-year-old father, quote, "He has had another bout with a respiratory infection and was hospitalized briefly before returning home to recuperate. He is extremely weak."

Eric Marrapodi is the editor of the CNN Belief Blog. He joins me now from Washington. Billy Graham is such an icon and it's sad that his son had to ask us all to pray for him.

ERIC MARRAPODI, EDITOR, CNN BELIEF BLOG: Yes, Carol, you know, this comes on the heels of Billy Graham's 95th birthday. He just celebrated that birthday in Asheville in November with a huge crowd of folks and many folks say this is one of the last things he was going to be doing. It may have been his last public appearance. He just wrapped up a book and a big outreach push called "My Hope for America," which included an hour dash long TV special in addition to the book.

One thing that is hopeful, frankly notes in the letter that as soon as he finished the book, he said his father started working on the next book. But again, we've known Billy Graham has been ill and we've known Billy Graham has been fighting respiratory problems for about the last three years. When he finally does go, of course, it will be a huge surprise for his family and it is going to be incredibly sad for them and many folks around the world.

COSTELLO: Billy Graham counseled so many presidents, both Democrats and Republican. Is there anyone comparable to him now?

MARRAPODI: I get asked this question a lot and frankly the answer is no. I mean, Billy Graham, throughout his career was a transcended figure, both politically, on the international stage. I was reading part of his memoirs last night where he talked about talking to President Harry Truman in the 1950s and then he went and talked to the president of North Korea in 1992.

It's hard to find a figure like that who can command audiences with both people on anywhere in the globe and who can draw the kind of crowds that Billy Graham in his hay day hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people came to see him speak over the course of his lifetime and really in every corner of the globe.

COSTELLO: And by the way, Franklin Graham is going to be on "PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT." So tune in for that and you can follow Eric on cnn.com/belief. Thanks, Eric.

MARRAPODI: You got it, Carol.

COSTELLO: We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Parents of a Texas college student shot and killed by police are still waiting for answers. Investigators say 23-year-old Cameron Redus fought aggressively with a campus police officer after a traffic stop and he was beating Officer Christopher Carter with his own baton when the officer shot him five times. They're not planning their son's funeral and police are still investigating.

CNN's George Howell live in Seabrook, Texas, with more. Good morning, George.

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning. The family is speaking out. They say that they're withholding judgment. They are waiting to hear more details as this investigation continues, but there's one thing they say that remains unchanged in their minds, the character of their son. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOWELL (voice-over): A father and mother struggle with the unthinkable.

VALERIE REDUS, MOTHER: I would give anything if he would walk right through that door.

HOWELL: The 23-year-old Cameron Redus shot and killed by a campus police officer just hours after celebrating the final day of the semester. He was set to graduate in May, but now Valerie and Mickey Redus are planning his funeral.

MICKEY REDUS, FATHER: All I could see was the tragedy. We've been so devastated by the unnecessary loss.

V. REDUS: He was well loved and a favorite of the group and excelled. I was just proud for him. I was proud to be his mother.

HOWELL: Police paint a very different picture of the college senior. Investigators say for at least 6 minutes early Friday morning, Cameron Redus ignored 56 commands to stop resisting arrest when confronted by Corporal Chris Carter. Then police say there was a struggle. According to the university, the officer drew his firearm and was able to knock the baton from the suspect who continued to resist arrest. Shots were fired.

(on camera): The university has put out a statement. The police are releasing some facts and we still don't know all the facts. But as a family, how do you deal with the contradiction, these two stories about who you know Cam to be and what you're hearing?

V. REDUS: I know the man that I've seen for 23 years. I know what he's become. I know how steadfast and true the way we brought him up. I just feel like the truth will come out.

HOWELL (voice-over): A young man who loved adventure. Cam's parents say he was loved by many. Leaving behind a legacy that they believe speaks for itself.

M. REDUS: We believe him to be in heaven beginning the greatest adventure ever. But for ourselves, there's pain because there's this huge hole that's left by his presence here with us.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOWELL: And regardless of what the investigation concludes, the tragedy for this family is their son's life was cut short. The viewing is set for today here in Baytown and we know that the funeral is set for tomorrow - Carol.

COSTELLO: And I know there's so much that you don't know right now because the investigation is ongoing. I just have to ask. Were drugs, alcohol involved? Do you know?

HOWELL: And those really are questions that still remain unclear. We don't know. We do expect to hear possibly from police before the end of the week. We're told, Carol, that this could be a two-week investigation. But the Texas Rangers are helping with the police department and trying to get to the bottom of it. The family, as they said in the story, withholding judgment until they hear all the facts.

COSTELLO: All right, George Howell, thanks so much.

Still to come in the "NEWSROOM", "Time" magazines "Person of the Year" is Pope Francis, but some people argue it should have been Edward Snowden.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Good morning. I'm Carol Costello. Thanks so much for joining me.

This morning, "Time" magazine has unveiled its "Person of the Year" and it is Pope Francis. After just nine months on the job, the pope has captured the world's attention and not just from Catholics. The pope has embraced the poor, downtrodden and disfigured. He's challenged the Catholic establishment. Look who he was up against.

"Time" magazine announced Edward Snowden was number two. Edith Windsor from the Supreme Court same-sex marriage case was number three, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was number four and Republican Senator Ted Cruz came in at number five.

Joining us now "Time" magazine's Deputy Managing Editor Radhika Jones. Good morning, Radhika.

RADHIKA JONES, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR, "TIME" MAGAZINE: Good morning.

COSTELLO: How close was the vote?

JONES: It was a really tough choice this year with Pope Francis and Edward Snowden. You have two people with an interesting amount in common, if you think about it. They are both totally new to the global stage. We had auto heard of Pope Francis really before nine months ago and Edward Snowden, of course, came out of nowhere with his NSA leaks. They are people who opened up conversations that are so important related to the way we live now.

Snowden about technology and surveillance and privacy and the pope, as you said, about poverty and inequality and kind of global attention to people who have been overlooked.