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Chelsea Clinton to Introduce Her Mother at DNC; Hillary Clinton Prepares DNC Nomination Acceptance Speech; Trump Says Call to Russia to Hack Clinton Emails was Sarcasm Aired 10:30-11a

Aired July 28, 2016 - 10:30   ET

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


[10:30:00] JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Hillary Clinton expected to be introduced this evening by Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. So we're not expecting, at least it's not likely right now, that we will see Hillary Clinton. There had been some expectation earlier that she might do a walkthrough. The campaign tells us that's not likely.

As far as the speech goes, we know it's still a work in progress, as they say. She's still working on that speech. It is expected to include, among other things, some biographical anecdotes. Hillary Clinton delving a bit into her personal life. Which we know is sometimes hard for her. Both she and her husband have sort of been against the notion of personal disclosures throughout their careers.

Now we also expect her to delve into her book, the 1996 book, "It Takes A Village." And move that all the way forward to the current campaign theme. One of the big questions, of course, is the extent to which she'll get into not only Donald Trump, but her issues of trustworthiness which have dogged her on the campaign trail. Carol, back to you.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN HOST, "NEWSROOM": All right, Joe Johns reporting live from the convention floor. Thanks so much. Actually, Hillary Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, will introduce her mother right before her big speech. Chelsea Clinton was on The Today Show this morning. And she talked a little bit about what she might say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHELSEA CLINTON, FORMER FIRST DAUGHTER: Well I hope to convey even just a small sense of why I'm so proud and grateful to be her daughter. Why I'm grateful for the example she's set for me as a mom. I hope that people will just get a sense of why I'm so proud to be standing ...

MATT LAUER, HOST, "THE TODAY SHOW," NBC: So it's going to be a deeply personal speech. This is not going to be a speech that's going to try to separate her from Donald Trump?

CLINTON: No. I mean, I'm going to talk as her daughter. I'm an only child so it's a unique position that I have. And I just hope that people understand even a little more when I'm done than when I started, about why I love her so much and admire her so much.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: So let's talk about Hillary Clinton's big speech tonight. With me now is Michael Gerson, former Speechwriter for George W. Bush. Michael Waldman, former Chief Speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. And David Litt, former Chief Speechwriter for President Obama. Well I'm surrounded by power. Thanks to you all for being with me this morning.

Michael Waldman, I will start with you. So Hillary Clinton still working on her speech. How does that work? Is she sitting at a table with all of her speechwriters around her and just making edits?

MICHAEL WALDMAN, FORMER CHIEF SPEECHWRITER FOR BILL CLINTON: Well it really depends on the individual. Different people do it different ways. I know she's got a team of trusted folks who work with her. She's been very loyal to her campaign staff in this campaign. She's got a lot of outside friends and advisors. Not as many as her husband had weighing in.

But I'm sure it's a bit of a work in progress still. And this is a big moment for her, as for any candidate accepting it. So I'm sure she wants to get it precisely right.

COSTELLO: Exactly right. OK so David, we saw a bunch of women senators on the stage, going through a walk-through. I would think that Hillary Clinton is going to talk about history tonight, as well her own history.

DAVID LITT, FORMER CHIEF SPEECHWRITER FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA: Yes I would think so. One of the things that I thought has been really striking this convention is before Hillary was nominated, it was almost like an afterthought that she was the first woman to be nominated for President. And all of a sudden it happened and history was made.

And I feel like in the -- yesterday and I think today, people are realizing what that means. And every time someone's bringing that up on the floor, you hear these huge cheers in a way that maybe people were taking for granted on Monday or 6 months ago.

COSTELLO: Yeah, absolutely. So Michael Gerson, you're a Republican, you're a speechwriter for George W. Bush. So Hillary Clinton wants to attract those moderate Republicans to her side. What does she have to say to do that?

MICHAEL GERSON, FORMER SPEECHWRITER FOR GEORGE W. BUSH: Well I think she needs to follow the example of President Obama last night. He made the case that Donald Trump is an aberration from Republican ideology and history. Not the culmination of Republican ideology.

A lot of liberals argue that Trump is the Party. Last night Barack Obama argued that, put him on an island. Said, this is different from the Republicanism I know -- knew growing up. I think that that's a very effective approach rather than an ideological combat.

COSTELLO: And, Michael Waldman, USA Today wrote this speech for Hillary Clinton. Their editorial board wrote it -- and I'm paraphrasing here. But they said that Hillary Clinton should directly address her issues with trust with the American people. And say, you know what? I know you don't trust me. I know a lot of you don't like me. Here's why you should. She should just like face it head-on. Would that be a good idea?

WALDMAN: Everybody wants to get in the act. I don't know that she should do that. I think she should address people's skepticism about politics working for them at all. I agree with what Michael Gerson said that there's a tremendous opportunity to speak to the great middle.

And one of the things that was remarkable about President Obama's speech last night was, he didn't only cite Lincoln, one of the greatest moments was when he cited Teddy Roosevelt -- another Republican President -- called her, "the woman in the arena."

I think she can address, and should address this trust issue but not say, "I know you hate me, why do you hate me, I don't understand." Not -- I just think it's not really true and it's not a standard that any other politician, especially not other men, accepting their nominations have ever been asked to do.

Often candidates come in limping a bit. George H. W. Bush did, lots of presidential candidates have come in, and if they give a forceful speech that makes people think, "you know, I can see this person as my president," the trust issues get washed away.

COSTELLO: So do you want to appear only strong and not recognize your vulnerabilities?

LITT: Well I think the best way to address those vulnerabilities is not to -- as Michael was saying -- not to talk about those vulnerabilities. But to prove through how you speak and what you talk about, that you're not necessarily the caricature that's been painted for you by the other party.

And that's what you've seen, all of these speakers kind of setting the table for her, saying, "the Hillary that you've heard about, the Hillary you've heard all these horrible stories about, that's not the real Hillary." And so now she has an opportunity to show us all who is the real Hillary. And we get to see that tonight.

[10:36:15]

COSTELLO: So who is the real Hillary? Michael Gerson, Hillary Clinton is following some gifted speakers. Joe Biden's speech last night was emotionally powerful. President Obama's speech, many -- even some Republicans -- said it was a great speech. So how does Hillary Clinton follow that?

GERSHON: She's always lived with comparisons to her husband who is one of the greatest politician of our times. And she does not fall in that category. But she's going to have to define her own message. And I completely agree, this is a matter of show not tell. You can't go out there and say, "I'm honest and trustworthy." You

have to tell stories that make you vulnerable, and credible, and transparent. She needs to show her deepest motivations. I think people are not certain about that.

So she has her own moment. This is the main stage. It's going to be a great speech, in and of itself. And I -- so I don't think the comparisons will be there. This is the main stage of American politics she's on.

COSTELLO: Well, Michael Waldman, you don't think there'll be any comparisons?

WALDMAN: I think there'll be comparisons. But I think it would be a mistake and I don't expect her to try to raise the roof the way Barack Obama did last night, the way Bill Clinton in other convention speeches has. She's at her best when she's in a debate or when she's giving an interview. When she's talking quietly ...

COSTELLO: Actually she's at her best when she's on the defensive.

WALDMAN: Well, but it's actually -- she gave a very well-received convention speech in 1996. She gave a very well-received convention speech in 2008. It's a lot easier when you're not the candidate. Even Barack Obama's speech last night was better than when he was accepting his own nomination.

She needs to find a way to not try to rouse the crowd, but actually talk to the people at home and make her case directly to them. And it may not feel as cathartic in the room as last night did. But probably would be more effective.

COSTELLO: All right. Thanks to all of you, thank you so much. Michael Gerson, Michael Waldman, and David Litt. Still to come in the Newsroom, Trump says he was only joking when he asked Russians to hack Hillary Clinton's email. But Democrats say it's no laughing matter.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:42:40]

COSTELLO: Donald Trump is swatting down Democrats' fury, claiming he wasn't being serious when he seemingly asked Russian hackers to uncover thousands of Hillary Clinton's missing emails.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: And when I'm being sarcastic with someone -- first of all they don't even know ...

BRIAN KILMEADE, CO-HOST, "FOX AND FRIENDS," FOX NEWS: Were you being sarcastic?

TRUMP: Of course I'm being sarcastic. But you have 33,000 emails deleted. And the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee. (END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Elise Labott has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LEON PANETTA, FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY, FORMER CIA DIRECTOR: As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyber attacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible.

ELISE LABOTT, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Former CIA Director, Leon Panetta, changed his planned convention speech to sound the alarm bells over a challenge by Donald Trump to the Russian hackers to go after HIllary Clinton.

TRUMP: Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.

LABBOT (voice-over): Trump, laughing off claims Russia hacked DNC computers to help him win the White House.

TRUMP: It is so far-fetched. It's so ridiculous. Honestly, I wish I had that power.

LABOTT (voice-over): But intelligence officials have little doubt Russian military intelligence was behind the hack. Even if they won't say it publicly.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The Russians hack our systems. Not just the government systems, but private systems. But what the motives were in terms of the leaks, all that, I can't say, directly. What I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin.

TRUMP: I said that Putin has much better leadership qualities than Obama. But who doesn't know that?

LABOTT (voice-over): Trump batted away allegations that business ties were at play.

TRUMP: I built an unbelievable company. But if you look there, you'll see there's nothing in Russia.

LABOTT (voice-over): His only connection, he said, a Russian billionaire who bought his Palm Beach mansion, netting Trump a huge profit. He denied any dealings with Vladimir Putin. But the Russian leader has praised Trump to CNN.

VLADIMIR PUTIN, PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA (via translator): But there is one thing that I paid attention to, and that I definitely welcome. Is that Mr. Trump said he's ready to restore full fledged Russian- American relations.

(END VIDEOTAPE) LABOTT: Now whether Russia is manipulating the U.S. election to help get Trump elected is an open question. But even members of Trump's own party are warning the Kremlin to butt out. A spokesman for House Speaker Paul Ryan calling Russia a "global menace led by a devious thug." And even Trump's own running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, is warning of serious consequences if Russia is found to be interfering in the election, Carol.

[10:45:35]

COSTELLO: All right, Elise Labott reporting live for us this morning, thank you. Still to come in the Newsroom, so Trump says he was being sarcastic, it was a joke. But this isn't exactly the first time he's changed his message.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Today Donald Trump is downplaying comments he made about urging Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails. Trump insisting he was only being sarcastic. But this isn't exactly the first time Trump has changed his message.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

TRUMP: I'm looking now at characters (ph). People are so upset when I use the word "Muslim." Oh you can't use the word "Muslim," remember this. And I'm OK with that because I'm talking territory instead of Muslim.

TRUMP: But taxes too high, wages too high, we're not going to be able to compete against the world. I hate to say it but we have to leave it the way it is.

TRUMP: The minimum wage has to go up. People earn at least $10 but it has to go up. But I think that states -- federal -- I think that states should really call the shots.

TRUMP (via telephone): We made a terrible mistake getting involved there in the first place. We made a mistake going into Iraq. I've never said we've made a mistake going into Afghanistan.

UNKNOWN WOMAN: This -- our question was about Afghanistan. That day in October was about Afghanistan ...

TRUMP (via telephone): Well OK I never said that. -- But OK, wouldn't matter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: All right so let's talk about this with CNN Political Analyst Patrick Healy. He's also a political correspondent for the New York Times. I'm also joined by Jackie Kucinich, she's a CNN Political Analyst, and Washington Bureau Chief of "The Daily Beast." Welcome to both of you.

JACKIE KUCINICH, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST, WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, "THE DAILY BEAST": Thank you.

[10:51:05]

COSTELLO: So let's start with Trump saying on "Fox and Friends" this morning that he was only being sarcastic. Can't America take a joke?

KUCINICH: You know he seems that -- he does this over and over, as we saw, over and over again. And it seems like when there's a backlash, and when no Republicans will even line up to defend him, it's a joke. It's -- he was clearly kidding. And it just -- he does this over, and over again. And he seems to get away with it.

Now I do wonder though -- with his people, with the people that support him the most -- I do wonder though if you're an independent, just tuning in now and starting to look at all of this, if that's going to unnerve some of the people that he's trying to reach. And, as we go into the general election.

COSTELLO: Well maybe not the Russia thing so much. But let's just pick out the minimum wage. Because a lot of voters feel strongly about that. And he's trying to get working-class voters, right? So he said, "no, we can't raise the minimum wage." And yesterday he said maybe it should be a $10 minimum wage, but maybe it should be left up by the states. And then he just left me confused about what exactly he meant.

PATRICK HEALY, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, NEW YORK TIMES: This reminds me of 2012 and the etch-a-sketch comment that was made about Mitt Romney. Donald Trump has taken these positions in the primary season. Like on the minimum wage, that had a very specific goal as he was trying to differentiate himself from the gang of 16 that he was running against.

And now he's sort of moving into the general and he's just shamelessly throwing off these old positions and going to the positions that -- and because his people are telling him where he needs to be. But something like what happened with Russia -- and that's actually a big deal for the Clinton campaign. Because their focus right now -- and you're going to see it tonight in the convention -- is really reaching out to national security Republicans who may have problems -- they don't care that much maybe about social issues. And they may have problems with Hillary's ability.

But they really believe that he could be a danger to the country when he makes comments like these. And you saw the Clinton campaign pounce yesterday, on this. And it wasn't so much because they thought swing voters would move. But it's really about those national security Republicans who just look at Donald Trump's comments and say, "the country can't afford this."

KUCINICH: You're out (ph) on the world stage. I mean you can't make jokes like that. Because the President of the United States has pull. He has pull all around the world. So you can't -- there are no takebacks when you say stuff like that, if he actually was President.

COSTELLO: I -- you know, that confuses me because I'm always aware that I am on television. And I have this wonderful platform. I really do think about the things that I say. And I know that my words, perhaps, have more import than they maybe should. But I'm always aware of that. So surely he's aware of that constant (ph).

HEALY: Remember that he's a showman. Remember that he's a reality T.V. star who wants to entertain in the moment, rift in the moment, make the point sometimes that he's just -- that's on his mind. I think that level of self-editing that you're talking about, and responsibility for our words, that when we go off-camera we're going to be held to account for what they say -- you would think that someone running for President would keep that front and center.

But that's not how he works. He loves his rallies most of all, where he can improvise and say things that get people going. There isn't that sense of, "OK what do I say and does it correspond to my five- point plan on national security?" He doesn't think like that.

COSTELLO: Well let's see ...

KUCINICH: He's not a foreign policy person like the other ...

HEALY: Right ...

COSTELLO: ... But the place, the place where that might get him into trouble is the first debate with Hillary Clinton ...

KUCINICH: Right.

COSTELLO: Because if you don't have what you truly believe is right for the country, implanted in your mind, how can you effectively debate an opponent who's been down that road many, many times before?

KUCINICH: I think we saw a little bit of what he's going to do, this morning on Fox. When he's asked about something he said, he goes immediately to the emails. He goes immediately to her record. And he turns it around and makes it about her. Which is a very skillful thing to do. It's exactly what you should do if you're in Donald Trump's position.

And if you don't have that background, if you haven't done your homework -- I -- there's nothing to make me believe, at this point, that that's not what he's going to do in these debates. Now that definitely has a shelf-life. You can't do it constantly. But I think we're going to see a lot of that.

COSTELLO: Yeah, so ...

HEALY: In this first -- and the thing that, the first debate isn't about trying to correspond to what his positions have been over the years. It's to make Hillary Clinton look as dishonest, untrustworthy, unlikeable as possible. And try to trip her up and just get those voters who don't want to live with her for the next four years.

COSTELLO: So the debates will be kind of an insult fest.

KUCINICH: Yeah.

HEALY: I think you can bet on it.

COSTELLO: Yeah, I think we can bet on that one. Patrick Healy, Jackie Kucinich, thanks to both of you. Thank you for joining me today, I'm Carol Costello. "AT THIS HOUR" with Berman and Bolduan after a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)