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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Candidate Security Breaches This Cycle; Trump University "Playbooks" To Be Unsealed; Zoo Defends Killing Gorilla; Warriors Headed Back to NBA Finals. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired May 31, 2016 - 05:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Hillary Clinton has dealt with issues in the past.

[05:00:01] You see her there dodging a shoe that was thrown at her in a speech in Las Vegas. That happened in 2014.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: A noteworthy change this morning in Hillary Clinton's campaign schedule. With polls in California tightening, one poll showing a two-point lead for Clinton. She has now decided to make a big multi-stop five days swing through the delegate rich state starting Thursday.

Now, Bernie Sanders has been barnstorming California non-stop, pouring virtually all of his resources into the state he has called, John, the whole enchilada.

BERMAN: All right. Today is a big day for Donald Trump. Two events at noon Eastern. The so-called playbooks for running Trump University, they will be unsealed. The lawsuit against the university claims it was a scam, Trump University was, that defrauded students, some up to $35,000 each.

Donald Trump himself is already trashing the case and judge who Trump calls, quote, "a hater -- no, Trump called the judge a hater of Donald Trump who happens to be a Mexican. Those words from Donald Trump. Trump last night was on Twitter. He said, "I should have easily won the Trump University case on summary judgment, but have a judge, Gonzalo Curiel, who is totally bias against me."

The other disclosure is the news conference this morning where Trump says he will settle questions about his January fundraiser benefitting veterans. Trump will face questions alike how much was really raised, Trump says $6 million at the time at he stage, how Trump himself give? He said he'd give a million bucks at the time, but we're hearing that donation just went through last week. Also, which groups got all the money.

ROMANS: New details this morning on magazine editor Bill Kristol and his efforts to find and fund a third party candidate for president. Sources familiar with the plan being developed by Kristol and other Never Trump Republicans tell CNN they have done extensive polling, talked to potential candidates and financial backers. A third party campaign would be a steep climate this point on the election calendar. The deadline for getting on the ballot in Texas has passed.

Deadlines for North Carolina is June 9th. Kristol would tell CNN he has a plan. Several names have been floated as possible independent candidates. Mitt Romney, Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger. All of them have said no.

Joining us this morning to break down the state of the race and start of the summer is CNN senior reporter for media and politics, Dylan Byers, live in our Los Angeles bureau.

Since you are there in California, let's talk about the state of California and the state of play there. You've got Bernie Sanders all in. He is all in California. How realistic is it for him to become viable by him investing so much in California here?

DYLAN BYERS, CNN SENIOR REPORTER FOR MEDIA AND POLITICS: California is all he's got at this point. And in terms of becoming viable, he obviously doesn't become viable as his party's nominee. There's not going to be a contested convention.

Look, California means a lot. Symbolically, it means a lot. I overheard Hillary Clinton's remarks at a fund-raiser recently. She said no state in the union does more to determine the future both of the nation and Democratic Party than the state of California. It looks really bad for Hillary Clinton if she can't win that state. It looks really good for Bernie Sanders heading into the convention in late July if he can win that state. It gives him more leverage in terms of advancing his own Democratic socialist platform during the four days at the convention.

And, you know, look, Bernie Sanders, everything he stands for is something that Hillary Clinton has to pay attention to and something she will have to speak to during the convention. It is more so if he can pick up the Golden State.

BERMAN: You know, Bernie Sanders, though, he says a comeback is possible. A comeback like the Golden State Warriors just pulled off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. No coincidence, Dylan Byers, Bernie Sanders was at the game last night in Oakland. Bernie Sanders, a guest of Danny Glover, I guess who was sitting on the right. You see Danny Glover right there on the right there.

Bernie Sanders went to the game. He tweeted during the game itself. I can read that tweet. It said, "Last week, Golden State was down 3- 1. Tonight, they finished off a great comeback in California. I like comebacks."

You know, Hillary Clinton doesn't like the idea of a comeback, which is why she's changing her whole schedule to complete a lot out there now, Dylan.

BYERS: No, I think that's true. Look, I think Bernie Sanders has created a very powerful movement. He has sort of changed the game, if you will. Whether or not that means, you can draw a correlation between Bernie Sanders and Steph Curry or Klay Thompson, I don't know. I'm sure there are many people in the Hillary Clinton campaign who would describe their boss as the Steph Curry in the situation.

It is interesting about Bernie Sanders. You know, he is the sort of populous man of the people type guy. We keep seeing him showing up at this sort of star-studded events like the White House correspondents' dinner. The other earlier this month, and now at game seven, that's sort of, you know, usually a Hollywood star studded Silicon Valley affair. Sort of interesting to see him at these events.

ROMANS: Yes, it sure is.

BERMAN: Who is Serge Ibaka? I mean, if they don't want to be Steph Curry and Klay Thompson -- sorry, I let. I digress. Go ahead.

ROMANS: You two digress.

Let's talk about -- go ahead.

BYERS: I was going to say who is the Serge Ibaka? I mean, it would have to be, I don't know, Martin O'Malley. I mean, it has to be a loser.

ROMANS: I have no idea what you people are talking about.

Can we talk about Donald Trump for a second? Because we're going to get a couple of reveals today. We're going to learn about the fundraising for veterans. This is something for months now, there have been questions about the $6 million he says he raised instead of the debate and did it groups? We're also going to get more on Trump University.

Donald Trump has been on the offensive of the judge in the Trump University case. Calling him a hater and a Mexican. I guess that's an insult in his mind. So, what do we learn today from Trump and does it hurt or does it help him?

BYERS: Well, look, you know, Donald Trump has had a way with spinning these things to his favor. He turns these news stories into media events. He does something that many of us in the media believe to be controversy. For instance, what he's doing with this judge. And, of course, somehow, he seems to spin that into a win, at least among his base.

I think for me what is key about what's going on here in terms of the fund raising for vets, this is an issue that might not have come to the floor had it not been for pressure from "The Washington Post." It is easy to think of the examples where Donald Trump said he would do something, "I raised money. I have done this. I'm a great guy."

Good on "The Washington Post" for coming back around and saying, okay, where is in that money you raised and how much did you raise and when is that actually going to arrive and what will it look like? So, I think in that regard, no matter how he tries to spin things today, I think good on the media on this one for actually holding him to account. I hope they continue to do so.

BERMAN: That's right. Dylan, you get a sense that Trump would not have scheduled a public event if he did not have answers to the questions. But these are questions that should have and could have been answered months ago. Trump claimed on that stage at that event that he raised $6 million and now denies to "The Washington Post" he ever said that, even though it is on video.

To certain extent, this is just about the truth. Simple truth. You know, living up to what you said on stage. And this is something Donald Trump has had issues with throughout the campaign.

BYERS: Right. Absolutely. He has proven time and again that he can get away with saying, oh, I never said that. Never mind if there's a tape of that.

I mean, this is the guy who acted as though he were his own spokesperson in phone calls with reporters back in the day. Then said oh, it wasn't me. People over time, many people decided they can believe him when he said that.

No, there are so many instances and so many instances over the ten months in which Donald Trump has gone against something he said in the past. Not followed through on a promise. Completely contradicted himself.

I think, you know, you have to hope that at some point the American people get tired of that and begin to expect a little bit more from the nominee of a major political party.

ROMANS: Yes, but it is not reflected in the polls. He now has the nomination. You know, he has the delegates. As we again reveal the inconsistencies, he has done well with supporters.

(CROSSTALK)]

BYERS: That's true. I would say the general election audience may prove to be different than Republican audience.

BERMAN: All right. Dylan Byers, Steve Adams of CNN out west, thanks so much for being with us.

(LAUGHTER)

ROMANS: Time for an early start on your money with no references to sports. Global markets higher this morning, especially in Asia. In the U.S., investors return from Memorial Day holiday to a week jam- packed with economic news, including a jobs report on Friday. Mark your calendars, it could signal a fed interest rate hike later this summer.

Right now, U.S. futures are mostly flat. The Dow futures up a little bit. If you are hoping to fly to Venezuela, you may be out of luck. Two more airlines, Latin American-based LATAM and European carrier Lufthansa, they are suspending flights to the country. They join Delta, Americans Airlines and Air Canada in reducing or suspending service to Venezuela.

You know, its economy is heavily reliant on oil, low crude prices have strangled finances of the economy. The economy is really in trouble there.

The airlines cited not enough demand from business travelers as the major reason for cutting service. Virtually anybody who does business with Venezuela knows it has been very tough there in recent months. Now you can see it when you look at air travel, you know?

BERMAN: All right. Officials at the Cincinnati Zoo defending their call to shoot and kill a gorilla trying to protect a little boy. Hear why they would do the same thing again if they had to. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:13:48] BERMAN: The director of the Cincinnati Zoo is defending the decision to shoot and kill a 17-year-old gorilla after a 3-year- old boy climbed through a barrier and fell into the gorilla's habitat. He says the silverback gorilla, Harambe, was dangerous, and disoriented, and the life of that little boy was hanging in the balance. The child's family releasing a statement thanking the zoo's staff for taking quick action.

Let's get more now from CNN's Jessica Schneider.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JESSICA SCHNEIDER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John and Christine, the zoo director put it bluntly. He said, "We stand by our decision and we would make the same choice today."

He said all those Monday morning quarterbacks out there just don't understand how dangerous a silverback gorilla can be.

THANE MAYNARD, DIRECTOR, CINCINNATI ZOO: Naturally, we did not take the shooting of Harambe's life lightly, but that child's life was in danger. People who question that who are Monday morning quarterbacks or second guessers don't understand that you can't take a risk with a silverback gorilla.

They are very big. Three times bigger than a man. Six times stronger than that. This is a dangerous animal.

SCHNEIDER: Harambe was 450 pounds and a 17-year-old male. They say they once seen him crush a coconut with his hands.

[05:15:00] And during those ten tense minutes when that 3-year-old boy was being dragged around and violently yanked, they said that Harambe was just growing agitated and aggressive.

The dangerous animal response team, they tried to lure him out of the exhibit. He did not comply. They said that using tranquilizers would be just too dangerous so they have to that action. They had to shoot and kill him.

The anger around this whole situation just continues to grow. In fact, now people are calling for the parents to be prosecuted. There's an online petition garnered more than 100,000 signatures at this point. People are saying that they want prosecutors and the police to criminally charge these parents for negligence.

And also, a lot of people giving support and their sadness for Harambe. However, the zoo director says he refuses to point any fingers. And as of yet, no criminal charges have been filed -- Christine and John.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: All right. Jessica, thank you for that this morning.

Some news this morning regarding filmmaker Roman Polanski, who has managed for decades to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face sentencing for a 1977 child sexual abuse conviction. The government of Poland says it will appeal to the country's Supreme Court. A lower court has decided not to extradite Polanski. They will appeal that decision to the Polish Supreme Court.

There is no expiration date on the sentencing for statutory rape and according to an agreement between the U.S. and Poland, Polanski is still eligible for extradition. Polanski best known as the director of "Rosemary's Baby", "China Town" and "The Pianist".

BERMAN: All right. The NBA finals are set. Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, they staged a comeback against Oklahoma City. They won a dramatic game seven.

Coy Wire shows us how it went down in the bleacher report. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:21:15] BERMAN: The Golden State Warriors beat the odds and the Thunder and head back to the NBA finals.

ROMANS: Coy Wire has more in this morning's bleacher report. Hey, Coy.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Good to see you, Christine and John. Welcome back.

The defending champs were down 3-1 in the series. Only two teams had ever come back from that great of deficit in conference finals history. Make that three now.

Warriors down at halftime. Someone needed to step up. How about Steph Curry? Dominant player delivered different making plays and decisive games, so Curry made it rain. The trey to tie it up it the third. He drains five three pointers in the second half, including this one, this nail in the coffin right here when the Thunder made a push late.

Thirty-six points in all for the league MVP. Golden State wins game seven of western conference finals, 96-88. They advance to face LeBron James and the Cavs in the rematch of last year's finals. As John Berman mentioned, game one, Thursday night, 9:00 Eastern. This is going to be a good one. NHL Stanley Cup final, game one, they were partying hard in

Pittsburgh. The Penguins snagged game one from the San Jose Sharks. It wasn't easy though. The Penguins let a two-goal lead slip away before Nick Bonino saved the day. Game winner with 2:33 left, these two teams played twice in the regular season. They each won a game a piece. Game two is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh.

Finally, guys, great moment before yesterday's Padres and Mariners game. In Seattle, you see this guy right here, this is 92-year-old World War II veteran Burke Waldron. But he got to throw the opening pitch for Memorial Day, guys. He began his military service in the military in 1943 before retiring as petty officer second class in 1946. We can only hope to have half that energy. Bottle it up, guys.

ROMANS: Wow.

BERMAN: That dude is a good lefty right there and a great American. What a wonderful thing to see. What a wonderful thing to see.

Coy, can I ask you about the basketball here?

WIRE: Absolutely, John.

BERMAN: Rematch over last year. My theory and I'm willing to change it at least ten times before Thursday, is that the only team that was going to beat Golden State would be Oklahoma City running that ridiculously fast-paced offense. But can the Cavaliers do it?

WIRE: Well, they lost 4-2 last year in the finals, right? And they didn't have Kevin Love, who was out early in the playoffs. Then they lost Kyrie Irving in game one against the Warriors, right? Now, they are healthy, they are hungry, they haven't won a pro championship in 52 years.

This is going to be a great finals, John. And I think the Cavs have a chance to do it. We shall see.

BERMAN: All right. Coy Wire, thanks so much.

WIRE: All right. Thanks, guys.

ROMANS: All right. To politics now, Bernie Sanders stormed on stage by protesters. Hillary Clinton with a major pivot in the campaign schedule. And Donald Trump set to answer big questions about fundraising and Trump University. All the latest developments on the race for 2016, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:28:17] ROMANS: New this morning, protesters try to storm Bernie Sanders as Secret Service forced to protect the Democrat on stage in California. Now, Hillary Clinton with a major shift. She is set to head West as well.

BERMAN: Happening today, we could see some big revelations from the Donald Trump campaign. He is set to announce how much he really raised for veterans as the largely secret operations of Trump University go public. We'll have a preview.

ROMANS: The Cincinnati zoo with a full defense in the decision to kill the gorilla to save the boy. Hard to watch those pictures. Hear from zoo officials as they described why they were compelled to take action.

I have seen it maybe 50 times. Every time, I gasp. Just that little guy.

Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Christine Romans.

BERMAN: Nice to see you this morning. John Berman here. Twenty- eight minutes after the hour.

New this morning, the Secret Service springs into action to protect Bernie Sanders as he was campaigning in California. Overnight, at least four protesters tried to storm the stage in Oakland. Secret Service agents immediately stepped in to protect the candidate. Watch here.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SECRET SERVICE AGENT: Step away. Right there. Right there.

SECRET SERVICE AGENT: We're good here.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We don't get intimidated easily.

(CHEERS)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: As you see right there, Bernie Sanders, he was fine. One protester was picked up and carried away by the Secret Service with his hands cuffed behind his back. And Bernie Sanders, he just went on with his stump speech. The animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere is now claiming they were behind this stunt.