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Trump to Give Major Immigration Speech Wednesday; Trump Plans Direct Outreach to Black Voters; Clinton Raising Campaign Cash in Hamptons; Trump and Clinton Spar Over Releasing Medical Records; Poll Shows Trump Gaining Ground on Clinton; Clinton Aide Abedin Separating From Anthony Weiner. Aired 1-1:30p ET

Aired August 29, 2016 - 13:00   ET

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

ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Thank you as well. Really appreciate you watching LEGAL VIEW. Stay tuned, "WOLF" starts right now.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, I'm Wolf Blitzer. Wherever you're watching from around the world, thanks very much for joining us.

Up first, we're less than 71 days away from the presidential election and just two days from Donald Trump's major speech on immigration. The speech, Wednesday, follows a week of conflicting comments from Donald Trump. The lingering question now, how will he deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States? Here is how his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, explained Trump's approach.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KELLYANNE CONWAY, MANAGER, TRUMP CAMPAIGN: He has said that if you want to be here legally, you have to apply to be here legally. We all learned in kindergarten to stand in line and wait our turn. And he is not talking about a deportation force but he is talking about being fair and humane, but also being fair to the American workers who are competing for jobs, being fair to all of us who want secure borders.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton is focusing in on fund-raising once again. She's wrapping up the month of August with a series of events out in the Hamptons, out on Long Island.

Our Senior Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny is covering the Clinton campaign. He's in Southampton, New York for us right now. Our National Correspondent Jason Carroll is outside Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Jason, what can we expect to hear, first of all from Trump's immigration speech that's coming up on Wednesday? What are you learning?

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, a couple of things. Based on some of the things he said in the past, just over the weekend in terms of immigration, where he said, Wolf, if he were to become president, within an hour, he said he would start to get the bad guys out of here.

But it's still very unclear, in terms of what happens to the estimated 11 million undocumented people still living here in the United States. Will there be a deportation force as Trump promised in the past? What will we see going forward? Well, he is expected to give - suspected, I say, to give specifics when he gives that immigration policy speech in Phoenix.

Mike Pence, for his part, weighing in on the subject giving his sort of take on what Trump's position is when it comes to immigration.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKE PENCE (R), VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: But what you see going on right now -- and I think, at a certain level, it's very refreshing because it's the Donald Trump that I see every day, is you see a CEO at work. You see someone who is engaging the American people, listening to the American people. He's hearing from all sides. But I promise you, he is a decisive leader. He will stand on the principles that have underpinned his commitment to end illegal immigration in this country. And that's what people will learn more about in the days ahead.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Well, if you listen to the answer of that question, very specific about being a CEO but not specifics when it comes to immigration policy.

As you know, Wolf, Trump, at one point, seemed to suggest there could be a softening on the issue when it comes to his point of view. Kellyanne Conway, his campaign manager, giving some more detail about that, basically saying there could be a, quote, unquote, "softening on approach" but not what she called a softening on policy -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jason, Trump also is promising a more direct outreach to African-American voters. What do we know about that?

CARROLL: Right. Look, he's been criticized, not for reaching out to African-Americans or to Latinos for that matter. But from -- in part from where he's been doing it, giving a lot of these speeches from communities that are predominantly white. And a number of his critics say, look, if you really want to reach out to these communities of color, you need to be on the ground and in these communities when you're making your - when you're making your pitch.

And so, what's going be happening is Donald Trump is going to be at a black church in Detroit next weekend, once again talking about his policies that he says would benefit communities of color. And, again, his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, saying that in the future, he'll be doing more of that -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jeff, August, as you know, shaping up as a big fund-raising month for Hillary Clinton. What can you tell us about the latest events she's had? JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, it is one of

the biggest fund-raising months of her campaign so far. Our CNN estimate of what she has raised in August and will raise for the final couple of days here is about $58 million.

Now, that comes because of big fund-raising pushes like yesterday alone. Here in the Hamptons at three separate events, $11 million. Of course, this comes on the heels of last week's big west coast fund- raising swing. In three days alone, $19 million. So, Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine, her running mate, are using August as a key month to fill some of those campaign coffers.

[13:05:00] Of course, the reason is, Wolf, they have been on the air for months with television advertising. Donald Trump now is just coming online with some ads of his own. But the Clinton campaign believes that they need this money for T.V. ads and to fund the massive ground operation they have in these battleground states for the final two-month push of this campaign.

And they also know that September will be largely taken up by campaigning and preparing for that first debate one month from now. That's why August is designed and devoted for a big fund-raising month. And, Wolf, there are few places better to do it than here in the Hamptons on the edge of Long Island in New York.

BLITZER: Yes, certainly a lot of rich Democrats out there.

Jeff, the Trump campaign is trying to stir up some questions about Hillary Clinton's overall health. Trump now challenging her to release what he calls detailed medical records. He says he would have no problem releasing his own similar records. So, how's the Clinton campaign responding to all of this?

ZELENY: Wolf, he did send out a tweet saying that. He said he would have no problem releasing his own but he hasn't yet released his own. And, in fact, he has released much less information - health information than any candidate ever has.

Now, Hillary Clinton has not been as forthcoming as some other candidates in recent years but certainly much more so than Donald Trump. But this is how a spokesman for her campaign responded. Let's take a look at this. He says, Hillary Clinton is the only candidate in the race who has met the standard expected of presidential candidates and provided a detailed medical letter by her long-time physician that reaffirmed her excellent health and in fitness to be president in a statement just last week.

Donald Trump has put forward a laughable letter that admits basic health information. It went on to say basic information like what type of medication he's on, what his heart rate is, his blood pressure, et cetera. Of course, the only health information Donald Trump has released is a letter from his doctor saying that he would be the most - the healthiest presidential candidate in the history of this country. Of course that goes likely beyond the scope of what he knows himself, Wolf. So, this has been sort of a sideshow back and forth over the health in what are two of the oldest candidates here, oldest nominees. He's 70. She is 68 years old. So, I expect this to continue back and forth but don't look for the Clinton campaign to release any more information until he releases his basic medical records -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Well, let's see if he does.

All right, thanks very much, Jeff Zeleny, Jason Carroll. We'll get back to you, guys.

I want to bring in Kayleigh McEnany. She's a CNN Political Commentator, a Donald Trump supporter. Also joining us, Angela Rye, a CNN Political Commentator, former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Do you expect, Kaylee, that Donald Trump will release a detailed specific medical record of his own?

KAYLEIGH MCENANY, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: I think what he's released so far is just fine. If he wants to release more, you know, that's his prerogative.

But I'm far less concerned with the medical records, even the tax returns, than I am with the 30,000 missing e-mails that Hillary Clinton, we found out last week, used BleachBit to erase from cyberspace, bleach of cyber space all together. She was required by law to preserve those.

I'm more concerned with the State Department saying, last week, they're refusing to release her entire schedule despite the fact they've had six years to get their act together. These are things required by law to be released.

No candidate's required to let out medical information or tax information. You're required, by law, to do these things. And there's that lack of transparency in Hillary Clinton's State Department. And that's my big concern.

BLITZER: But, Angela, don't you think the American public, going into an election, deserves to know all the medical details of one candidate who's 68 years old and another candidate who's 70 years old?

ANGELA RYE, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Of course they do, Wolf. And that's why, for decades now, to Jeff's last point, candidates have been producing this kind of critical information. I know he just said that Donald Trump has released the least amount of medical information of any other candidate in decades.

So, speaking of transparency, I think it's rich, from the Trump campaign and surrogates and supporters, that we're constantly talking about how transparent Donald Trump is. That just because he says what's on his mind, and even that changes from minute to minute, second to second, it doesn't mean he's being transparent at all or, at the very least, honest. In fact, his typo-written letter from his doctor said that all of his

test results were positive. Well, we know that positive test results isn't always good. I had a positive test result once and it meant I had strep throat.

So, I'd love to know what really is the case for Donald Trump's medical history, making sure that he's fit to serve as president, because he certainly gives me pause every single day.

BLITZER: Well, on that point, Kayleigh, what do you say that the American public deserves to know more about Donald Trump's medical history?

MCENANY: I think that they know everything they need to know from his doctor. I mean, I understand that people are concerned that there was a typo in the letter or they don't like the language.

RYE: Typo.

MCENANY: But this is a medically certified doctor said that he is fit to be president. He is not required by law to do this. It still flabbergasts me that the Clinton campaign wants to make transparency arguments when they are the ones who violated the federal records. Donald Trump has never violated transparency laws that the United States government -

[13:10:01] BLITZER: So, Kayleigh, let me -

MCENANY: -- puts in place to empower the American people.

BLITZER: -- interrupt you for a second. Are you satisfied with the doctor's letter that was released about Hillary Clinton's health?

MCENANY: Yes. I'm satisfied with her letter. I'm satisfied with Donald Trump's letter. I'm satisfied with both letters and I'm more concerned about the other transparency aspects I brought up.

BLITZER: All right. Very quickly, I'll give you last word. Go ahead, Angela.

RYE: Sure. I also think, speaking of transparency, I'd love to see what Donald Trump decides to do with his tax returns as we also know every candidate that's run in the last several decades has released their tax returns. Hillary Clinton, as we all know has released, I think, her tax returns for several decades now so there's no issue on that point as well.

BLITZER: Angela, Kayleigh, guys, thanks very much.

Coming up, one of Hillary Clinton's closest aides now separating from her husband. The former New York Congressman, Anthony Weiner, amid new sexting allegations. And now, Donald Trump, he is weighing in on all of this. We have the details.

And a new poll shows Donald Trump gaining some ground on Hillary Clinton right now. We'll discuss that and much more. Stay with us. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:15:00]

BLITZER: A top Hillary Clinton aid, Huma Abedin, announced she's separating from her husband, the former New York Congressman, Anthony Weiner, after new reports surfaced that he sent sexually suggestive photos once again. Abedin released a statement just a little while ago and it says, and I'm quoting, "after a long and painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband. Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life. During this difficult time, I ask for respect for our privacy."

The former congressman who was first caught up in a sexting scandal on Twitter back in 2011, that cost him his job. He has now deleted, by the way, his Twitter account.

CNN's Miguel Marquez is joining us now with details.

Miguel, Abedin certainly one of Hillary Clinton's closest advisers. She' been working with Hillary Clinton for many years. I know they - the Trump campaign is now reacting.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I mean it didn't take very long for this to reach the - the presidential level clearly. Huma Abedin is the vice chair of Hillary Clinton's campaign. She was with her at the State Department as her chief of staff. The Trump campaign calling this more evidence of Hillary Clinton's bad judgment, in part saying, "I only worry for the country in that Hillary Clinton was careless and negligent in allowing Weiner to have such close proximity to highly classified information. Who knows what he learned and who he told. It's just another example of Hillary Clinton's bad judgment. It is possible that our country and security have been greatly compromised by this.

So not going away anytime soon. Huma Abedin has been dealing with this for years. First in 2011, then in 2013 through a documentary that was made that she was clearly very uncomfortable with the entire situation and now this. A close friend of Huma Abedin telling Dan Merica (ph) that today's announcement to their separation is really only the public announcement. They have been separated for some months now and in recently - in recent weeks hadn't even been wearing the wedding ring.

Wolf.

BLITZER: Any reaction from the Hillary Clinton campaign?

MARQUEZ: Not from the campaign itself, only from Hum Abedin to say, look, this is a private matter and we're asking for privacy. But, obviously, a very, very difficult time. We are reaching out to the Clinton campaign to see if there's anything more, but it would be very I think difficult for them to say anything about something that is so personal, so embarrassing and so difficult to believe that it just keeps happening time and time again. Wolf.

BLITZER: Yes. All right, thanks very much, Miguel Marquez, reporting for us.

There's less than a month - we're now less than a month away from the first presidential debate. Both candidates have begun the early stages of debate preparation. Donald Trump apparently bringing together a group of advisers, that includes Rudy Giuliani and former Fox News executive Roger Ailes. Hillary Clinton has apparently been hitting the books. She's been studying policy issues. But one of the key parts to prepping for a debate is who your prep partner is. Jennifer Granholm is the former governor of Michigan, an advisor to the Hillary Clinton super PAC right now. She was also the stand-in for Sarah Palin when she was running for vice president during Joe Biden's prep work back in 2008.

Governor, thanks very much for joining us.

JENNIFER GRANHOLM (D), FORMER MICHIGAN GOVERNOR: You bet, Wolf.

BLITZER: So walk us through this process. You were a stand-in for Sarah Palin. Debate preparation, how does it usually work?

GRANHOLM: Well, first of all, you are notified that you are - or you're asked to be the stand-in a good couple of weeks before you actually go to debate camp, which generally is close in time to the first debate. And so, as the stand-in, you have got to bone up on all of this. You've got to study that person's positions. You've got to watch all of their prior debates if they had them. You have to look at all of their prior statements. You have to really internalize that person so that when you're standing there, you can respond as they would. But you also have to study up on the positions of your opponent, so that you will be able to deliver some zingers, or you'll be able to go on an attack and pivot. So it's like a - kind of a game of three dimensional chess where you have to anticipate the attacks coming in, know what your point is you want to get out, and anticipate how you will in turn pivot and attack your opponent.

BLITZER: So, obviously, preparing a debate against Donald Trump, that's unique. Walk us through the advice - I know you're not directly giving advice to the Hillary Clinton campaign, but you've got to have someone who can really do an excellent job as Donald Trump.

GRANHOLM: You do, or maybe two people, because who knows which Donald Trump will show up on any given day. And he might be the pugilistic Donald Trump. He might be the, you know, calmer Donald Trump. He can't disappear like he was able to do in the larger primary debates on the Republican side. But you have to anticipate all of that. So when you're preparing, you've got to have somebody who comes with an aggressive Donald Trump answer and you have to have somebody - maybe it's a different person, maybe it's the same person, who comes with a more understated Donald Trump.

[13:20:07] But know that he's getting advice. I mean, hey, he's getting advice from Roger Ailes, which, you know, question whether that's going to be effective in his effort to try to win suburban swing women. But, anyway, he's getting advice about how to go after her. And if he - his advice - if the people are giving him his advice are smart, they're going to say to him, you want to come out of these debates looking presidential. You want to come out with people liking you. You cannot come out looking unstable, looking like you don't know your policy. So he's got - I mean I know they say right now that he's not doing a whole lot of prep, but he better be doing some preparation because it's really malpractice not to practice.

BLITZER: Well, how in the gutter do you think the first presidential debate is going to be between these two candidates who clearly don't like each other?

GRANHOLM: Well, I think that it's going to, in large measure, be up to him. She won't be in the gutter. He is - you know, has been known to go there. I just - I mean it wouldn't be wise for him to do it. So in most - in most instances, you've got a debate camp week before this debate and that means that you are going there and you're doing mock debates, or you're trying out answers. You're not just kicking back, you know, saying, what do you think about this? You're actually setting up a debate and so that you can stage what will it look like and feel like if your opponent comes hard core, if your opponent comes like a gentleman. You know, the fact that he may not be doing that is a little bit curious to me. But I know that his advisers have to be telling him, you - while you may want to knock her off her game, she's got a good game and she's going to be hard to knock off. So my guess is they - they have to be advising him that he has to come across as presidential.

BLITZER: Jennifer Granholm, thanks very much.

GRANHOLM: You bet, Wolf.

BLITZER: Two big races just one day away. We're watching primary battles in Florida and Arizona as powerful incumbents try to hold on against party challengers. We're going to meet the candidates taking on Senator John McCain and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. That and a lot more coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:26:38] BLITZER: Tomorrow's primary day in a couple of states, including Arizona. The longtime senator, John McCain, he's running for re-election against former State Representative Kelli Ward. It's been a rather contentious, somewhat nasty campaign that involves Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at times as well. Right now our CNN/ORC poll of likely Republican voters in Arizona shows Senator McCain with the lead, 55 percent to 29 percent.

State Representative Kelli Ward is joining us now.

Thanks so much for joining us. We invited, by the way, Senator McCain, but he declined our invitation.

Let's talk about your effort to defeat a very established incumbent. How has that played you're your campaign because clearly he's well- known to all Republicans, indeed everyone out in Arizona.

KELLI WARD (R), FORMER ARIZONA STATE SENATOR: Yes, Wolf, I thank you for having me on. I'm not surprised that Senator McCain wouldn't come and be side-by-side with me because he's done all he can to avoid being in the same room. He's been afraid to debate. He's definitely not standing on his own record. He's done his fair share, $7 million worth of attacks against me. But things look great. I'll tell you, there's a new Breitbart poll out right now from Grabit (ph) showing that this is a razor thin margin, 37-33 with a 3.5 percent margin of error. And the late breakers are going for Ward. So I think we can see a big upset tomorrow.

BLITZER: You're a major supporter of Donald Trump. Senator McCain, he's been lukewarm, as you know, not so vocal. He says he backs the party's Republican presidential nominee. Still Donald Trump has endorsed Senator McCain. How disappointed are you with that?

WARD: You know, it was disappointing, but I know that the people in Arizona know that Donald Trump and Kelli Ward will be an unstoppable force in Washington, D.C., because President Trump is going to need a policy expert like me - because when I was in the State Senate I was very effective getting 19 bills signed into law in 2015 alone. And so we need somebody who's going to be able to put forward that policy to secure the border and to fix the VA, and to rev up the economy and - and to put America first in trade.

BLITZER: As you know, part of your pitch to voters in Arizona is that Senator McCain is simply too old. Today, by the way, is his 80th birthday. Do you honestly believe that he is too old to be a United States senator?

WARD: You know, I do want to give him the best 80th birthday present ever, the gift of retirement tomorrow. And I think back in 2008 you actually were interviewing then candidate Barack Obama who brought up that Senator McCain was, let's see, lost his bearing, and John Kerry said he was confused. And Susan Rice also, on the Democrats' side, had concerns. And so all the way back eight years ago, CNN and other liberal outlets and other liberal politicians were bringing John McCain's age into this election. Now we're eight years later. I think it's something the voters need to know, do we want to send an 80-year- old man back to Washington, or do we want to have something different, a 47-year-old vibrant physician with a lot of real-life experience to put this country on the right track?

BLITZER: But you're saying that he's simply too old to be a United States senator. Do you have any evidence that - from the health perspective, from the medical perspective, from his emotional or psychological perspective he is unqualified to serve the people of Arizona?

[13:30:09] WARD: Actually, a lot of you all in the media have been saying that. I've been saying that he's been in Washington for nearly four decades