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NATO Condemns Russia's Violation of Turkish Air Space; Commercial Airline Pilot Dies Mid-Flight; President Obama to Visit Oregon Shooting Victims' Families; Hillary Clinton on Gun Control; Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Reached; Edward Snowden Offers Prison Time in Plea Deal; Donald Trump Pranks Marco Rubio. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired October 06, 2015 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[03:00:01] ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN HOST: Rising tensions, NATO condemns Russia's violation of Turkish airspace as Ankara reports a second incident.
ERROL BARNETT, CNN HOST: A growing disaster, people in South Carolina struggle to cope with epic flooding with more on the way.
CHURCH: An aviation nightmare, a commercial airline pilot dies in mid flight. The crews' reaction caught on tape. Hello and welcome to our viewers here in the United States and all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church.
BARNETT: And I'm Errol Barnett. Our second hour of CNN NEWSROOM starts now.
Now we will have all stories in a moment. But we want to begin this hour in the Middle East where Israel appears to be following through on its promise to take strong action against what it calls a wave of terror.
CHURCH: Israeli officials say their military demolished the houses of two Palestinian men they say are terrorists, and sealed the apartment of a third. The official said the men were responsible for three deadly attacks last year.
BARNETT: For more on all of this, let's bring in Erin McLaughlin, she joins us live this morning from Jerusalem. So first, Erin, tell us more about the demolitions under way and what problem it solves exactly?
ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the demolitions, Errol, took place overnight in East Jerusalem. One of the homes belonged to a man responsible for -- in part for a knife and ax attack on a synagogue last year. Another home belongs to a man responsible for a deadly bulldozer attack in Jerusalem. But important to note both attacks took place last year. So it would seem that this action was designed to send some sort of message, part of -- a wave of measures, a series of measures rather announced by the Israeli government last night. That includes sending -- the sending in of riot squads into Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. This is all in response to what has been perceived as a recent escalation of violence that has left four Israelis dead in the past week or so. The Israeli government wants to appear as though it is responding.
BARNETT: And tensions certainly are heightened right now. Tell us more about the Palestinian teenager who was shot and killed under suspicious circumstances, because that also has been one of the many flash-points we have seen over the past week.
MCLAUGHLIN: It took place yesterday in a Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem. A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by Israeli forces. Residents of the refugee camps say that he was on his way to play football with a friend when clashes broke out at the camp. They say he tried to hide when Israeli forces opened fire shooting him in the chest. Israeli military says that a riot that did take place, they are trying to disperse the riot. The aggression continued. And they say opened fire at the main instigators. They acknowledged a Palestinian was killed. They say the incident is being investigated. But what we are seeing in the west bank of late is an escalation in these clashes.
Israeli forces responding by sending in four additional battalions, now separately, last night the Israeli government announcing that four Palestinian -- excuse me, five Palestinian men were arrested, allegedly part of a Hamas affiliated terror cell that they allege was responsible for the killing of two Israeli -- an Israeli couple, a man and a woman. They were shot last week. Near Nablus, they were shot as they were driving in between settlements with four children in the back seat.
BARNETT: So much anger and violence there. Erin McLaughlin, with the latest from Jerusalem this morning past 10:00 a.m. there, Erin, thank you.
CHURCH: Officials in Yemen say at least a dozen people are dead after a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a hotel. It happened at the El Kaza Hotel in southern port city of Aden.
BARNETT: Pictures show smoke out of the hotel which is used by government officials. The Yemeni prime minister lives there but it's unclear if he was in the building at the time. It's also not clear who was behind this attack.
CHURCH: Turkey has summoned Russia's ambassador and condemned the country's violation of its airspace.
[03:05:04] BARNETT: Officials say Turkish Air Force jets intercepted a Russian war plane Saturday before it entered Syria to conduct air strikes. They say there was another violation on Sunday. And on Monday, Turkey's prime minister said Russia blamed the momentary violation on the weather.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AHMET DAVUTOGLU, TURKISH PRIME MINISTER: What we have received from Russia this morning is that this was a mistake. And that they respect Turkey's borders and this will not happen again. Turkey's rule of engagement applies to all planes, Syrian, Russian, or from elsewhere. Turkey's armed forces are very clearly instructed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: A top NATO official said the incursion was unacceptable and a NATO statement called Russia's recent military activities, dangerous.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENS STOLTENBERG, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL: Russia's actions are not contributing to the security and the stability of the region. I call on Russia to fully respect NATO airspace and to avoid escalating tensions with alliance, I urge Russia to take the necessary steps to align its efforts with those of the international community in the fight against ISIL.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Meanwhile, the United States says Russia has moved combat weapons and troops on the ground in Syria.
BARNETT: Two U.S. defense officials say this activity could signal that Russia's planning to bolster the Assad regime and attack opposition forces. Our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr explains.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Several U.S. officials are now telling me the observations have been made by U.S. intelligence that Russian artillery and rocket systems, heavy weapons essentially are on the move in western Syria. Let's go to the map. Let me show everybody where this is taking place. Everything landed at an air base near the coast. Now all of this is on the move in two places. On these corridors, the city of homes in the north to city of Itlib, all of this is an area where anti-regime forces are very strong, the Assad regime fighting them. The thinking at the moment is that the Russians are on the move here, putting this equipment out in these areas, in these corridors so they will be ready to support Assad's forces in ground combat.
The Russians not ready yet. Not enough equipment to do something on their own on the ground. But putting themselves in place to support Assad, this equipment is not in any area where ISIS is located. The group that the Russians continue to insist they are fighting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Barbara Starr reporting there, and coming up in about 20 minutes from now. We are live in Moscow with more on the situation in Syria, and Russia's role in that region.
BARNETT: We do keep our focus in the region now. Suicide bombings across Iraq have killed more than 50 people. In southeast of Basra, nine people were killed, and 22 others wounded when a car bomb exploded in a commercial area. ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack. CHURCH: Another bomb exploded near a crowded market in Diala Province, killing 45. Two more people were killed by a car bomb in Baghdad. No one has claimed responsibility for those two attacks.
BARNETT: Now to the United States, recovery efforts are under way in the state of South Carolina. Historic flooding has caused at least 11 deaths across that state. Two others were killed in North Carolina.
CHURCH: And at least one dam has overflowed forcing a mandatory evacuation. Officials say so far 18 dams have breached or failed. The Governor warns more evacuations could be on the way.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. NIKKI HALEY (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: This is not over. Just because the rain stops does not mean we are out of the woods. We very much still have a vulnerable situation that is out there. I am still going to ask citizens to please stay inside.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: As CNN's Gary Tuchman reports the threat of rising floodwaters remains.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The deluge was sudden and intense. When this road collapsed in Lugoff, South Carolina, sheriff's deputies put up barricades so no one would drive on the road. But for some reason, a man driving with a female companion did. And this is what happened. The county sheriff is Jim Matthews.
JIM MATTHEWS, SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFF: It was mostly submerged. But there was a piece of the vehicle that was out where she was able to get above the water and stay alive and breathe.
TUCHMAN: Rescuers got to the car, the driver was upside down as the floodwaters continued to rise. The woman though had her window open and was closer to rescuer who worked to grab her.
MATTHEWS: They were able to get her out. I think she was holding on to one of the wheels of the car. But the man inside was trapped inside. They were not able to get him out. When the water went down, fire officials and sheriffs deputies came to the scene where they recovered the lifeless body of the man inside the car. All over this region, boat rescues have been taking place, grateful people being brought to safety. Angela Williams is one of the flood victims.
[03:10:16] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What I got on my body is what we have. Pretty much everybody down there has lost everything this morning, our vehicles, our clothes, our everything. But the best thing is that we still have our lives.
TUCHMAN: Late this afternoon, many residents received recorded phone calls that nearby dams were being topped. And go to shelters.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is Jojo. This is Edie.
TUCHMAN: Who are these three?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Fluff, Mrs. Fluff, and fluffy.
TUCHMAN: And you've all evacuated.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mandatory evacuation.
TUCHMAN: The Rodriguez family just arrived at this high school shelter after getting that phone call. There is great concern.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My heart is literally coming out of my chest.
TUCHMAN: There is much flooding in this area. Incredibly, this is the ninth fairway of the Greenhill Golf Club in Lugoff, sadly, it's now become the ultimate water hole. It has become a river with literally a current. Six of the holes of the nine-hole course are covered with water. Because well are so far away from the coast, most people here don't have flood insurance. The owner of the golf course says it is very likely he won't be able to afford to reopen it. And with waters expected to continue to rise, an entire region wonders, what might happen next, Gary Tuchman, CNN Columbia, South Carolina.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: Joining me on the phone from Columbia, South Carolina is Derek Becker, the Information Officer for South Carolina's Emergency Division, Derek, thanks so much for your time. I know you are very busy. Let's get to it. What's the latest assessment of the dam failures and breaches, and how much of a risk do they pose right now?
DEREK BECKER, SOUTH CAROLINA'S EMERGENCY DIVISION INFORMATION OFFICER: Absolutely. We received several reports of some localized voluntary evacuations issued by our local public response agencies in communities around the Columbia area due to dam concerns. We have one report of a dam that is being intentionally slightly breached so that as -- so that it doesn't break further. And they can control the water flow. The President has declared a disaster for several counties in South Carolina. That will free up many programs to be available to the citizens who are directly affected by the storm.
BARNETT: Let our viewers know we have a bit of a distortion on the line. We are going to power through this with you, because it is important information we want to get. These floodwaters -- we're seeing some footage of it now. They are projected to move southeast from the Carolinas down toward the Atlantic coastline, but five of the deaths so far are result of people trying to drive through these waters. How long do you think that flooding threat will remain?
BECKER: Everything we have been told, the flooding throughout the river system is unfortunately going to continue for at least the next couple of days.
BARNETT: Right. And of course just do not try to drive through any of those flooded roads. Derek Becker there on the line with us from Columbia, South Carolina, the Information Officer for the Emergency Division in the state, thanks so much for your time today.
CHURCH: And our Meteorologist, Pedram Javaheri joins us again, Pedram, as we heard from the Governor and we keep hearing. Just because the rain stopped doesn't mean the danger is over. What more details do you have?
PEDRAM JAVAHERI, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It has a lot do with the dams. We know in South Carolina there are about 2400 dams, 200 are considered high risk dams. And people don't realize about 60 percent of all dams across the United States are privately-owned, privately-operated so there aren't the restrictions you would think there to keep them up to date when it comes -- flooding -- takes place -- the average dam age in the U.S. -- a recent study found was 53 years old. So a lot of the dams are outdated. So you're not able to get the proper precautions when you have these events take place with extreme nature now in recent years of course.
BARNETT: Aging infrastructure.
JAVAHERI: Yes, doesn't help. We'll show you this some images out of Columbia, South Carolina. Incredible images there, the water taking down into the lower lying areas. This is Murray Boulevard in Charleston, South Carolina. See the before/after perspective. Water inundated some regions. The region again, concern, you work your way toward the northern portion of the state of South Carolina you're getting up to 1,000 meters or 3,500 feet. Down around sea level all the water wants to flow downstream, you have hundreds of rivers, tributaries. The heavy upstream will want to make its way downstream. Some communities could be inundated after the nine comes out on Tuesday over the region. We're getting final bands of rain showers associated -- that are moving offshore now and beyond this.
High pressure tries to establish itself. Back toward the drying trend, pattern, psychologically will be of help for people. People can get out and assess significant amount of damage that's going to be left in place here with hundreds and hundreds of roads inundated by the water here.
[03:15:08] BARNETT: We still don't know the full of it scope yet because folks haven't got access to all of the flooding areas.
(CROSSTALK)
CHURCH: They must stay indoors, all right, many thanks, Pedram.
BARNETT: There has been some clarification, but there are still many questions about what went wrong in Kunduz, Afghanistan, coming up next, we'll bring you an update on the deadly air strikes there.
CHURCH: Plus, a scary moment for some U.S. airline passengers after the pilot dies mid flight. We'll have the details for you when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BARNETT: International outcry is growing over the deadly air strikes in the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan. The commander of U.S. forces there says the attack happened when Afghan troops requested air support in their battle against Taliban militants.
CHURCH: Doctors Without Borders says both the Afghan military and the U.S. coalition had been told the coordinates for the hospital. The White House is defending the U.S. military.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: I do think it warrants mentioning, is that there is no country in the world and no military in the world that goes to greater lengths and places a higher premium on avoiding civilian casualties than the United States Department of Defense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: Now currently there are multiple investigations into the air strike.
CHURCH: As Nic Robertson reports the ongoing fighting is hampering efforts to find out what went wrong in Kunduz.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: With three investigations underway, the U.S. military investigation -- the NATO investigation they are having a casualty assessment team that should have answers, preliminary answers within a couple of days, and also the Afghan government is beginning an investigation as well. But one of the problems that we are hearing is that the U.S. forces cannot get to the locations on the ground that they want to get to in the city of Kunduz close to the hospital, because fighting continues to go on around that area.
Doctors without Borders remain strong in their position that the Taliban were not using the hospital as a base of military operations. The U.S. Commander in charge in Afghanistan, General John Campbell has said that this inquiry will be -- this investigation will hold people to account, and is already throwing up some details that we're unclear in the beginning. This is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GENERAL JOHN CAMPBELL, SUPPORT MISSION COMMANDER: We have now learned that on October 3rd, Afghan forces advised they'd were taking fire from enemy positions and asked for air support from U.S. forces. An air strike was then called to eliminate the Taliban threat and several civilians were accidentally struck. This is different from initial reports which indicated that U.S. forces were threatened and that the air strike was called on their behalf. As has been reported, I've ordered a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and the investigation is ongoing. The Afghans ordered the same. If errors were committed, we will acknowledge them. We will hold those responsible accountable. And we will take steps to ensure mistakes are not repeated.
(END VIDEO CLIP) ROBERTSON: Now Doctors Without Borders say that the U.S. has gone from saying it was collateral damage, it was a terrible tragedy, to blaming it on the Afghans. They say this is the reason why they continue to push for an independent international transparent investigation. Doctors Without Borders say that that -- that is very important because of the broader implications to their hospitals across Afghanistan, to the hospitals of other NGO's, nongovernmental organizations in conflict zones around the world. This continues to be a contentious issue, and continues not to be able to provide all the answers that people are looking for in part because the fighting in Kunduz continues, Nic Robertson, CNN Kabul, Afghanistan.
[03:22:45] CHURCH: The U.S. Coast Guard says it is focusing on the search for survivors from a cargo ship that went missing near the Bahamas. Searchers have found debris from the vessel including a lifeboat and unidentified human remains.
BARNETT: Thirty-three crew members were on board when the El Faro disappeared Thursday in the midst of Hurricane Joaquin. The Coast Guard says it is no longer look the ship itself.
CHURCH: We turn now to a very and sad moment in the skies. The pilot of American Airlines passenger jet died mid flight at the controls.
BARNETT: One hundred forty seven passengers, and five crew were on board, listen here to what the co-pilot said when he told air traffic control his plane's captain was dead.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Medical emergency, captain is incapacitated.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right. Are they going to have a way to get into the airplane quickly or do we need to go to a gate?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They will have a way to get into the airport quickly.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Understood as long they have a way to get on the airplane quickly. We'll need them to get to the captain. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Just incredible how calm and composed he is. The co-pilot took over. The Phoenix to Boston flight was diverted to Syracuse, New York without incident.
BARNETT: And an airline official says the pilot died from natural causes but didn't go into any specifics.
CHURCH: Russia and Turkey are having words over airspace. But Russia has an innocent explanation. We will go to Moscow after the break.
BARNETT: Also ahead, new clues into U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's presidential plans.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[03:27:50] BARNETT: Welcome back, to those watching here in the U.S. and all around the world, this is your last half-hour of CNN NEWSROOM with us. I'm Errol Barnett.
CHURCH: And I'm Rosemary Church. It is time to check the headlines for you this hour. Israel has demolished the houses of two Palestinian men. It says carried out deadly attacks in Jerusalem last year, including a knife and ax attack at a synagogue. On Monday, the Israeli prime minister promised to use any means necessary to stop what he calls a wave of terror.
BARNETT: Turkey's foreign minister summoned Moscow's ambassador on Monday to protest a Russia war plane's flight into Turkish air space. Turkey says its air force jets intercepted Russian jets Saturday, and now we have learned of a second incident. Russia says bad weather forced it into Turkish airspace for a moment before it entered Syria to conduct air strikes.
CHURCH: The death toll has risen to 161 after last week's massive landslide near Guatemala City. At least 300 people are missing and hopes are fading for rescue crews trying to find them. Dozens of homes were buried after the side of a hill collapsed on the village of El Cambre Thursday night.
BARNETT: Our final headline for you, a candidate for the presidency of FIFA says he is facing suspension for alleged ethics violations. (Inaudible) says he's being investigated for letters he's wrote to FIFA's executive committee during a bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.
CHURCH: All right, let's turn back now to Russia and its movements in Syria. There is growing concern. The country is getting ground troops ready even as officials deal with its violation of Turkish airspace over the weekend. And now we are hearing of a second incident. Senior International Correspondent Matthew Chance is in Moscow and joins us now live. So Matthew, Vladimir Putin had previously said that he had no intention of sending in ground troops to Syria. But now we are hearing that's what Russia may be planning. What are you hearing on this?
[03:30:05] MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We are hearing from U.S. officials about their assessment of the intelligence they've gathered in Syria. They believe that artillery pieces and multiple rocket launchers and bits of weaponry like that are being moved into position for a possible land offensive along with troops to operate them. And what we are not talking about it, at the moment is any kind of large scale movement of Russian troops on the ground to Syria to fight the land war. There is the Syrian army there, the Iranian troops there as well as Hezbollah fighters. And at the moment, the Russians are playing an air support role effectively. For those three groups of ground forces. They also have their own troops there. Several hundred Russian marines are already on the ground in Syria, but they're mainly playing a force protection role, protecting the air base Atlantic here and other Russian military installations as well. So if it is confirmed and it's not been yet, at that the Russians are moving in additional troops to even man the weaponry that they're said to be preparing for a land offensive, that would obviously be a major development. But at the moment, the Kremlin is sticking to its line that, you know, they're not prepared to put in ground troops into this conflict, it's an air campaign only.
CHURCH: Now you talked about the air strikes, let's look at that. We are also hearing about this second incident of Russian violation of Turkish airspace. What are you learning about that?
CHANCE: Yeah, there was a lot of confusion about that yesterday. I mean initially, the Turkish foreign minister said, look on Saturday, the 3rd of October, I think it was. There was an incursion by a Russian fighter jet into Turkish airspace. It was intercepted by Turkish F16. And it went back -- it turned right away back into Syria. The Russians have acknowledged that. Saying yes, it was mistake, it was a navigational error. The aircraft that went into Turkish airspace just a few seconds, I think it was approaching (inaudible) airport, it's pretty close to the Turkish border, apparently. And to weather conditions in the area, the Russians had to explain that and to avoid that weather. But then it's emerged now. First of all, from NATO, that's -- there was a second incursion into Turkish airspace the following day, also by a Russian fighter jet. But there has been no comment from Kremlin of Baghdad or indeed any word from the Turkish authorities of Baghdad either. And so it seems -- in my reading of this is that both the Turks and the Russians want to try and play this down to avoid this crisis escalating to, you know, a higher pitch.
CHURCH: Yeah, and where it that leaving the Turkish/Russian relationship at this point?
CHANCE: Yes, good question. I mean, you know, it's a very complex relationship between Russia and Turkey. Historically, it's been a lot of animosity. They've fallen out in recent years over ranging issues, at least the annexation of Russia by Crimea. Turkey was opposed to that. The situation in Syria, of course, that diametrically opposed Syria -- Turkey is the implacable foe of President Assad. President Assad of course, Russia's long standing ally. There were conflicts of interest over the independence of Kosovo as well, so they've got lots of political disagreements, but at the same time, they have a burgeoning trade relationship. They were very close economically. Bilateral trade has been growing by billions of dollars every year. And now he decides when he wants to jeopardize that.
CHURCH: All right, Matthew Chance across all of those new developments, joining us live from Moscow. Many thanks.
BARNETT: After years of negotiations, 12 nations have now agreed on a deal that will account for 40 percent of the world's economy.
CHURCH: Well the Trans-Pacific Partnership is the agreement reached between the U.S., Japan and 10 other countries around the Pacific Rim. CNN's Lynda Kinkade has the details.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: It's the biggest trade deal in history, 12 countries representing 40 percent of the world's economy.
It's taken more than five years of intense negotiations to seal the Trans-pacific partnership.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE FROMAN, UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: We have come to an agreement that will support jobs, drive the (inaudible) growth, foster inclusive development and promote innovation across the Asia-Pacific Region.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: The deal could have begged all the sorts of product from the price of cheese to the cost of the car. Even the sale of cancer drugs and the expectations are high.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FROMAN: We expect the historic agreement to promote economic growth, support high paying jobs, enhance innovation productivity and competitiveness; raise living standards, reduce poverty in our countries and to promote transparency, good governance and strong labor and environmental protections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Industries like automobile manufacturing, pharmaceutical and agriculture will see huge changes. Japan would be required to let in more American farm goods, although it's argued for exceptions to protect some farmers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): We were also able to get exceptions to demand that we abolish tariffs on rice, beef, pork, and dairy products.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[03:35:11] KINKADE: Overall, thousands of tariffs and taxes will be scrapped, many to be phased out over the coming years. The one major economy not included in the deal...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: China.
In China.
Our goal with China.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: The deal will create an economic bloc challenging China's influence, at a time when the communist country is asserting more economic and military posture. Lynda Kinkade, CNN.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: Now this landmark deal would create the world's largest free trade zone. CNN's Asia-Pacific Editor Andrew Stevens joins us live from Hong Kong with more on this. And Andrew, there is excitement on the part of officials who negotiated this deal after years of working behind the scenes, but because of that secrecy, critics fear that this could be a kind of job killer. What else are they saying?
ANDREW STEVENS, CNN ASIA-PACIFIC EDITOR: it's bit of a double-edged sword. You are right, Errol, there have been negotiations on going. And they have been secrets. So we don't actually know the real details. We know the headlines and you know, some big, big numbers being thrown around. Tens of billions of dollars added to exports in among the 12 countries. I think of that, good for jobs. Good for growth. But, it's -- in some places, it is being seen as a zero sum game. If you talk to American unions, they're worried that what this deal is going to mean is more American companies are going to seek markets to put their own manufacturing in because it is cheaper to do that. So jobs will once again go offshore. And they point to NAFTA, which has been seen as a similar sort of a deal. That's the deal between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. And one, one thing (inaudible) America place at 700,000 jobs have been lost in the U.S. because of NAFTA over the last 20 years since that agreement was put in place. So they're the sort of concerns that the unions have. There are also concerns that big companies, big business, will be able to ride over the smaller operators because they will have economies to scale. They'll have heft and muscle in the marketplace which they didn't have before, which will squash and squeeze the locals out. And the other interesting one is, is drugs. Now the U.S. fought long and hard for patent protection on new biotech drugs for 12 year, patent protection. So when they go into a new market like Australia for example, they are protected for 12 years, which basically means, the drug maker got a 12 year monopoly. A lot of how the countries are pushing back against that saying, it made the cost of drugs in their countries just too expensive for too long. That's been a real sticking point. Australia understood to bring that down to five years, not sure whether that's across the board, but they the sort of sticking points we have. So certainly, this is not being welcomed by everyone. Top down, it looks good. Bottom up, it looks like there are a few more concerns, there are a lot more concerns.
BARNETT: And what's interesting is that China turned down an offer to be part of this group, but there is a mechanism within it with told that allows China to join in at some point. Do you think that's even likely, considering the U.S. pushed for all of this to counter China's economic influence in the region?
STEVENS: It's an interesting point. This was being seen very broadly, as the pivot if you like, a legacy of Barack Obama where the U.S. sort of economy and economics and trade really focus, moved away from Europe and move towards the east into Asia as also seen as the U.S. setting up this, this 12-country operation as a way of counter balancing the growth of China and China's trade strength within the region. And China has been asked whether they would look to join. They said no, but they've also said under this latest agreement that they've welcome it. And they've said that anything which promotes trade is generally a good idea. So there's no bad or ill-feeling at least, noticeably on China's part. Whether they join or not, really will become one of those points is it good for China to do that? And the answer at this stage, China doesn't think it is good enough to join.
BARNETT: That' right. We just saw a statement, China released -- they are saying that they're happy to work with this deal, this agreement and these nations. Andrew Stevens live for us in Hong Kong. Andrew, thanks.
STEVENS: Thanks, Errol.
CHURCH: Will he or won't he? That is the question many want U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to answer regarding his potential run for the White House. Details still to come.
[03:39:36] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: U.S. President Barack Obama is going to Roseburg, Oregon on Friday, the site of that mass shooting at a community college.
BARNETT: The White House says he'll meet privately with the shooting victims' families. The visit comes during a previously scheduled four- day trip to the west coast.
CHURCH: Well, Hillary Clinton is jumping into the debate over gun control. On Monday, the democratic frontrunner for the White House proposed her plan for strict the gun laws. It includes closing loopholes on background checks and allowing victims to sue gun manufacturers.
BARNETT: Now this new plan comes amid new signs that Vice President Joe Biden plans to challenge Clinton to the democratic nomination. Brianna Keilar has more.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Hi, everybody.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRIANNA KEILAR, SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: Two weeks from testifying before the House, Benghazi committee, Hillary Clinton is slamming the republican led effort as a partisan exercise.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: This committee was set up as they have admitted for the purpose of making a partisan political issue out of the deaths of four Americans...
(END VIDEO CLIP) KEILAR: She's seizing on these comments from House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. KEVIN MCCARTHY (R-CA), HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER: We put together a Benghazi special committee, a select committee. What are her numbers today?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: New polls show Clinton leading Bernie Sanders in Iowa by five points, 11 if Vice President Joe Biden decides not to run. But in New Hampshire, Sanders is beating Clinton by 14 points, a lead that shrinks, but only to nine without Biden in the race.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: I've got work to do in New Hampshire. I am very excited to be leading everywhere else.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: Clinton told NBC she is expecting a primary fight. And pointed out what she sees as Sanders appeal to New Hampshire rights.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: Bernie is a neighbor here. He represents Vermont.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: But Sanders is generating enthusiasm, but Clinton is not. In Massachusetts this weekend, he drew a crowd of more than 20,000.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well I say, thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: In the wake of the shooting at Oregon community college last week, Clinton laid out proposals to combat gun violence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY: It's time for us to say, "Wait a minute. We are better than this, our country its better than this."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: Clinton railed against the National Rifle Association.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: Ideally, what I would love to see is gun owners, responsible gun owners, hunters form a different organization and take back the Second Amendment from these extremists.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[03:45:02] KEILAR: She is trying to draw a distinction between herself and Sanders, who has more moderate views on guns that reflect his rural state. While Clinton's voting record on guns has been pretty liberal, her tone hasn't always been so sharp. In 2008, she made this appeal to gun owning democrats.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: It's part of a culture. It's part of a way of life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: Clinton is also trying to show a lighter side.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: We know there's always tomorrow.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: Laughing at herself on Saturday Night Live this weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATE MCKINNON, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SHOW CAST MEMBER: This has been so nice. You are really easy to talk to, Val.
CLINTON: You know thanks. You know, that's the first time I ever heard that.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KEILAR: Brianna Keilar, CNN, Manchester, New Hampshire.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Joining me now from New York is CNN's Political Analyst John Avalon, he's also editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast. John Avlon, thanks for joining us.
JOHN AVLON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Pleasure.
CHURCH: So Hillary Clinton is wading into the gun controversy, now laying out proposals to combat gun violence. What impact might this have on her chances in places like Iowa, for instance? And is this, perhaps, a concerted effort to move the attention away from her e- mails and of course Benghazi?
AVLON: Well anything she does right now is part of an effort to move attention away from the e-mails, but today she unleashed a gun proposal, which really build off a long record she has on this particular issue. And it's one of those few issues, Rosemary where she actually has a very clear dividing line with Bernie Sanders for chief competitor for the nomination, and that she is on the liberal side of the divide. Bernie comes from Vermont, where even democratic politicians, a very cozy records with guns because of the more rural nature of the state. And Hillary is actually flanking over the left with many these proposals, taking him to task for many of votes, some of the votes he cast in Congress. So it's a great contrast for her campaign, it's something where she can credibly play to the base. And this coming on the heels of -- the speaker, presumptive, Kevin McCarthy, stepping his foot in a Benghazi question in which he seemed to indicate the Benghazi committee was part of a partisan effort to drive down her poll numbers, has meant he actually had a pretty good couple of days on the campaign trail. Not what we have seen over the past couple months.
CHURCH: Yeah, interesting. And of course, Vice President Joe Biden wants to go there because he is waiting in the wings, right? And many are suggesting he will likely announce a run for the White House. If that happens, what impact will it likely have on Clinton?
AVLON: Well, I think we all need to you know, dust off the crystal balls and be honest about the fact that nobody can see in future where Joe Biden is concerned here. There are rumors to the saying that he is likely to go, other people close to him saying that he is really too grief stricken about the death of his eldest son, Beau, which he has been frank about. But what CNN poll show, it's very clearly is that if Biden gets in, he takes a large chunk of support from Hillary Clinton. He takes some from Bernie Sanders, but the majority comes from Hillary Clinton. If he doesn't get in, Hillary Clinton gets a big boost in the polls. So you can bet that the Hillary camp in Brooklyn is hoping and praying that Joe Biden doesn't get in.
CHURCH: Yeah, absolutely. And before you go, I want to ask you, we have all seen Hillary's appearance on Saturday Night Live, of course. So she received...
AVLON: Yeah.
CHURCH: Mixed reactions, including a suggestion she stops trying to be likeable. What do you think does this effort to soften her image help or hinder her?
AVLON: Well, look. I think going on SNL was smart, to the extent that the character of her this season has been brutal. And by doing a little bit of political judo, it softens the blow of the negative association because she's has shown she is a good sport, she can take a joke. That himself humanizes her. At the end of the day, though, Hillary Clinton need to stop worrying about being likable and needs to focus on her core strength, which is competence, which is she's a former secretary of the state. The people will hate her and never convinced to love her, but the more she can show a real person behind the steely facade, the better she will do as a candidate overall. I think in essence, SNL was a win for Hillary Clinton.
CHURCH: All right. We'll see if it works for her. John Avlon, always a pleasure, good to talk to you.
AVLON: Anytime, cheers.
BARNETT: All right, still to come, an unusual fight, right in the front yard. Coming up next, two male moose duke it out to impress a female. We'll show you the surprise twist after the break.
[03:49:22] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JAVAHERI: Time to talk, weather across the America's. Generally speaking, so much of the southeast beginning to dry out a little bit as we have Joaquin, its remnants begin to pull away. We do have some monsoonal thunderstorms still in place around the southwestern U.S. and notice again, Joaquin well away from the southeastern coastline with some residual showers associated with a stalled frontal boundary that looks to be on the move now finally across this region, but still, certainly, a problem when it comes to flooding threat over the region. I Want to show you what forecast indications are for Joaquin because as you take it over the next three days, potentially, through the early portion of this weekend. We are talking what is left of Joaquin could impact severely portions of Western Europe with remnant moisture. So will something will follow here as we head in towards a Thursday and Friday over that area, Western Europe. But for the United States, we'll keep it on the mild side, San Francisco at 21 degrees, gorgeous, gorgeous day for an October day across British Columbia. Vancouver, make it up to about 18 degrees to the mid 20s coming back in and around the Southern U.S., but the heat is on for this time of year. Seattle at 21 degrees, a couple notches above what is considered normal, Redding, make it up to 32 where 29 is, what is normal. So certainly, a little bit warming trend there. In Caribbean conditions beginning to improve. New Providence Islands, temperature is about 31 in and around Nassau, with mostly sunny skies there after some heavy rains of course, in recent days associated with Joaquin. And from La Paz, which shoot about 17 degrees.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BARNETT: Edward Snowden, the man who revealed the NSA's spying says he offered to serve prison time as part of a plea deal.
CHURCH: Snowden fled the United States, you recall after exposing details of the U.S. National Security Agency surveillance programs and he spoke with the BBC program, Panorama.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EDWARD SNOWDEN, NSA WHISTLE-BLOWER: I volunteered to go to prison to the government many times. What I won't do is I won't serve as a deterrent to people trying to do the right thing.
PETER TAYLOR, BBC NEWS REPORTER: What are you been looking to from them, for you to return?
SNOWDEN: Well, so far, they have said they won't torture me, which is a start, I think, but we haven't gotten much further than that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Snowden also tells the BBC hat he and his lawyers are waiting for U.S. officials to, quote, "Call us back."
BARNETT: Now it is rutting season in Alaska. That's when male moose try to impress the ladies.
CHURCH: Well, as Jeanne Moos reports, it can have some pretty dramatic consequences.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Put up your dukes. Make that your antlers. A fight over a female in mating season spilled on to the streets of suburban anchorage Alaska, recorded by a father and son hiding behind a car.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's crazy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOSE: When the moose brawl, got too close for comfort...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch it. Get back. Get back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: The driver of the car fled and Bill and Josh try a head to head for higher ground.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I filmed a lot of that video from about right here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[03:54:44] MOOS: Where they had front row seats. At least these two weren't as dumb as the Colorado moose who tried to mate with a bronze moose statue. Not since two kangaroos faced off near Sydney, Australia, have we seen such a wild kingdom Donny Brook in a suburban setting. The guy who shot this set it to Nutcracker. Which made sense since that's where many of the kicks were aimed using both legs, weight resting on their tails. Back at the moose fight, the struggle intensified.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One was just like carrying the other one all the way across the street.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: And that's pretty much how it ended, with the alpha moose giving the evil eye as his rival high tailed it away, they left behind scattered moose hair.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have collected this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: The two did manage to bang into the Subaru parked in the drive way, leaving a dent or two. Have no fear. Insurance agents assure us that as long as the motorist has comprehensive coverage, moose damage will be covered. When the top moose went to claim his prize after all that work? What did the female do? She vamoosed. Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: Incredible footage there as well.
CHURCH: Yeah, great. Good story.
BARNETT: Now who says politics is all work and no play? U.S. republican presidential candidate Donald Trump took a break from campaigning to play a prank on party rival Marco Rubio. Trump sent a case of water with the billionaire's face on it to Rubio's Washington office and towels with the Trump slogan "Make America Great Again."
CHURCH: And do you may remember when Rubio frantically grabbed a water bottle -- there it is, and gulped it while giving a speech on live TV. Where there has been no comment so far from the Rubio campaign. What a jab, huh.
BARNETT: Yeah.
CHURCH: I'm Rosemary Church.
BARNETT: And I'm...
(LAUGHTER)
BARNETT: Errol Barnett. "EARLY START" is next for those of you in the states. And for everyone else, stay tuned for another edition of CNN NEWSROOM.
CHURCH: Have a great day.
[03:56:59] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
