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Wolf

Trump on Iran: They Are Not Behaving; Trump's Wall Facing GOP Opposition; Trump Changes Tone as First Jobs Report Comes Out; The Build Up for the Super Bowl. Aired 1:30-2p ET

Aired February 03, 2017 - 13:30   ET

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


[13:30:00] WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: You see the president there in the Oval Office signing two more executive orders, executive actions on principles. He wants to ease all the financial regulations that have been imposed over these past several years. Very controversial. I want to get back to that shortly.

Clarissa Ward, you heard the president of the United States say about the Iranians, they are not behaving. This, on the day they launched new sanctions against Iran. Yesterday, the White House national security advisor, Michael Flynn, saying Iran has been put on notice.

How is this playing? You're in Paris for us, but you spent a lot of time in that part of the world. How is this playing in Iran right now?

CLARISSA WARD, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think we're seeing two different reactions from Iran. We're seeing the more western friendly face of Iran's foreign minister who has taken to Twitter to say that essentially reiterating this idea that the testing of this missile was purely for defensive actions. No one in Iran has any intention of using them against another country. They are not aggressors. They are well within their rights to test these missiles. It does not contravene the agreement per the Iran nuclear deal. That's the message for the world that you're seeing from Iran. The supreme leader has lashed out at President Trump accusing him of ranting breathlessly and making a toy out of himself, whatever that means. He also referred to Michael Flynn as an inexperienced individual making false accusations. You have a different take. You have the public face, the private face.

The question is, how does Iran respond to this. Do they feel the need, especially the hard liners within Iran to test another missile to say hold on a second, President Trump, hold on a second, America, we won't be pushed around by you? Will they try to play it safe and dial things back a notch? That's what remains to be seen. I think it's key, Wolf, in all the rhetoric that we're hearing from both sides and with the sanctions coming from the table, nobody is yet saying let's make an executive order to slash the Iran deal. We're not hearing that from the Iranians either.

Definitely ratcheting up but not any talk about really jeopardizing the Iran agreement -- Wolf?

BLITZER: Clarissa, thanks very much. Clarissa is in London today. She's not in Paris.

Thank you very much.

We'll continue to follow the breaking news on Iran.

There's other news we're following. Republicans knocking down the wall. Balking at the price tag for President Trump's biggest campaign promise. We're going to Capitol Hill. New information. Republicans now questioning the need for that wall along the Mexican border.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:37:28] BLITZER: We have some live pictures coming in from Capitol Hill where we're learning that Donald Trump's promise to build a border wall along the border with Mexico is facing a wall of its own, and the resistance is coming from those inside the president's own party.

Let's go to our senior congressional reporter, Manu Raju, up on Capitol Hill.

You're hearing some really dramatic statements. Forget about from Democrats but from Republicans. Tell our viewers what you're learning.

MANU RAJU, CNN SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL REPORTER: That's right, Wolf. I had chance to talk to a cross section of Republicans, moderates, like Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Republican leaders like John Cornyn in Texas, and deficit hawks like Bob Corker of Tennessee. A lot of these are raising concerns about a different variety of issues. Some do not think that a border wall will be effective in controlling illegal immigration. They think they need focus on other areas. A lot are raising concerns about the price tag. They believe the price tag -- we're talking about $12 billion to $15 billion should not be added to the deficit. They should be offset by spending cuts. Right now, we're getting indications it will not be offset by spending cuts. A lot of Republicans are objecting to the idea.

Take a listen to Senator Bob Corker, who raised concerns about not just this but other proposals that will add to the deficit, and the question about whether Mexico will eventually pay for it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BOB CORKER, (D), TENNESSEE: There's so many things that people are talking about spending money on and, at the same time, lowering the amount of revenues that we take in here in the country. It's just a recipe for disaster.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R), ARIZONA: If you only build wall, only, quote, "a wall," without using technology, drones, observation, et cetera, you're not going to secure the border.

RAJU: He's talking about having Mexico pay for it. Do you think that's a viable option? MCCAIN: No.

RAJU: Why do you say that?

MCCAIN: Because it's not a viable option.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

RAJU: That was a significant statement by Senator McCain.

The plan for the Trump administration is for Congress to initially fund money, spend money for the wall and then Trump is insisting that Mexico will reimburse the United States, 100 percent. But there are skeptics like John McCain and Senator Hatch of Utah who told me they believe Mexico will not repay the United States. And that means taxpayers could be left on the hook if they do not find other cuts in the budget. That's the big concern for Republicans now. And finding $12 billion to $15 billion to cut is a big challenge. And it's one reason why the Trump administration and House Republican leadership want to push this through as emergency spending so it will not be offset. As we can see, Wolf, a lot of resistance from their own party -- Wolf?

[13:40:26] BLITZER: Just to be precise, Manu, they really can't start construction of a new wall along the border with Mexico until they've appropriated funds, right?

RAJU: Yeah. The Trump administration said they will use existing money but then they will need Congress to come in and appropriate a bulk of the money. That's just one hurdle. Even if Congress would agree, there's legal issues, lawsuits along the border they'll have to contend with. A lot of obstacles facing Donald Trump in his campaign promise.

BLITZER: Thanks very much.

Once again, easier said than done.

Manu Raju, up on Capitol Hill.

Coming up, the first jobs report under President Trump out today. The president criticized the report multiple times before taking office. We'll discuss a very different tone coming from the White House on this day.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:45:34] BLITZER: The jobs report here in the United States for January has been released and it shows President Trump inheriting a strong and healthy U.S. economy. 227,000 jobs were added last month above what was predicted. The unemployment rate stands at 4.8 percent.

The president has been a strong critic in the past, even questioning if it was accurate. Here is what President Trump said earlier this morning about the latest report. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: 227,000 jobs. Great spirit in the country right now. We're very happy about that. I think that it's going to continue bigly. We're bringing back jobs. We're bringing down your taxes. We're getting rid of your regulations. I think it will be very, very exciting times ahead.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: With us now, our CNN senior economic analyst, Stephen Moore.

Welcome, Stephen, to CNN. Good to have you.

He's a former senior economic advisor for the Trump campaign.

We're hearing a different tone from the president. Now that he's president, likes these numbers. Stephen, during the campaign, he would see the beau of labor statistic numbers were pony phony and the unemployment numbers were higher. You used to hear that from him all the time.

STEPHEN MOORE, CNN SENIOR ECONOMIC ANALYST: Well, Wolf, great to be back with you after a several-years hiatus.

I'll take issue with one of the things you said at the outset. I think it's a critical point about whether Donald Trump is inheriting a strong economy. I don't think so. It's not a weak economy. It's kind of middling. If it was strong, I think Hillary Clinton would have won the election. If you look at the fourth quarter numbers that came out a week or two ago, last year we had 1.6 percent growth. That just won't cut it.

It is interesting that Donald Trump is taking credit for these numbers that came out in January because, actually, for two-thirds of that month he wasn't president. Barack Obama was still president. These were decent numbers but we still have a long way to go in terms of getting back to not just a full employment economy.

The big issue, when I was on the campaign with Donald Trump, the big issue for workers were wages. A lot of them felt like there had been 13, 14, 15 years since the average worker received a pay raise. These new numbers that came out today show a tiny increase in wages. I think that's going to be the big issue going forward.

BLITZER: Let me interrupt. But, Stephen -- but Stephen ---

MOORE: Yeah.

BLITZER: During the campaign, he would belittle the accuracy of these numbers. Now he doesn't any longer. Now he seems to accept what the Bureau of Labor Statistics is putting out. That represents a change.

MOORE: Well, if he likes the numbers, he's going to put a pat on the back of the Labor Department, the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If he doesn't, he'll probably say these numbers are juiced up.

In terms of how this impacts the Trump presidency, a couple of things. Number one, I think businesses are feeling it. You see that in the small business optimism number. You see that in consumer confidence and investor confidence. I think Trump can take some credit. I would make the case to you, 225,000 jobs is not enough. We should be getting 300,000, 400,000, even 500,000 jobs a month --

(CROSSTALK)

MOORE: -- to make up for the lost jobs from the recession.

BLITZER: There's opportunity. The U.S. economy should be doing better. There should be greater growth, more employment.

The only point I was trying to make is, if you look eight years ago, when President Obama took office, what, the Dow Jones was 6500, 7,000.

MOORE: Sure. Sure.

BLITZER: Look at it right now, 20,000-plus. The market is doing well today. You take a look at where unemployment was eight years ago ---

MOORE: No question.

BLITZER: -- it's 9 percent. Now it's 4.8 percent. There have been 30, 40 months of consecutive growth. When he took office in 2009, the U.S. was losing 800,000, 900,000 jobs a month.

MOORE: Sure.

BLITZER: The only point I was trying to make is it's a lot better today than eight years ago.

MOORE: No doubt. It's also true it's been a long recovery but a weak recovery. This is the weakest recovery since the Great Depression. And there were a lot of areas in the country that just didn't really feel the effects of this recovery. You go to towns, like York, Pennsylvania, or Rockford, Illinois, people would say what recovery are you talking about?

[13:50:11] Look, I'm not denying the stock market is doing well. We have a low unemployment rate, though I think that statistic is misleading, maybe a lot misleading, because we've had so many people drop out of the work force over the last eight years.

But one piece of good news, in this report, Wolf, was there was a pretty big gain for the first time, and the people entering the work force. That's a good sign.

BLITZER: Stephen Moore is our newest CNN senior economics analyst.

Once again, it's good to have you here at CNN, Stephen. Thanks for joining us.

The biggest game of the year. Now we go live to Houston, Texas, for Super Bowl LI. We've got a Patriots super fan and a former Falcons player ready to face off. I think you will recognize both of them. Stand by. We're going to update you. The build up to the Super Bowl, that's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:55:25] BLITZER: Kickoff for Super Bowl LI just two days away. The game is in Houston. Expected to be seen by more than 100 million here in the U.S., along, forget about the millions watching around the world.

We have our team down there in Texas. John Berman, loves the New England Patriots. Coy Wire is a former Atlanta Falcon, also Buffalo Bill. And so, you can guess who they happen to be rooting for.

Let me start with the easiest question? Berman, first to you, who is going to win?

JOHN BERMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Is there any doubt?

(LAUGHTER)

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will win this game. Though I think it will be very, very close, and I think the Falcons will be the best the team the Patriots have played by far.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: High powered offense. Best offense in the league, highest scoring offense in the league. But you did admit your Patriots are in trouble. This is a different animal this year. Matt Ryan is more Tom Brady than Tom Brady. He's the league's number-one-rated passer, just ahead of Tom Brady. It's a guy he emulates and a guy he looked up to, and now looking just like him.

BERMAN: The only thing separating him are four Super Bowl rings, so they are a lot alike, except Tom Brady is the greatest of all time.

WIRE: Except he is the greatest of all time. I will not doubt that. Coach Belichick is the greatest coach of all time. The Falcons are inexperienced. Just four played in a Super Bowl compared to the Patriots players who have been a part of one. The Falcon's edge is Dan Quinn, who has coached in the last three of the four Super Bowls, so they are going to be prepared.

BERMAN: When I was watching the NSC championship game, Julio Jones, a difference maker. There's no one in the league who seems like they can stop him. He does whatever he wants whenever he wants.

WIRE: Man amongst boys. I just talked to Antonio Brown and said, if you had to pick a receiver a pick-up football, he said I'm taking Julio Jones, he's just on another level. Remember the movie "Avatar?" That's what we call him, Avatar. He's just bigger and faster, stronger than ever.

BERMAN: I see you, Julio Jones.

(CROSSTALK) BLITZER: WIRE: I was a linebacker in my day, but that career ended very, very early.

As you know, John Berman, a lot of people watch the Super Bowl not so much for the football but the commercials, and for the halftime entertainment. Lady Gaga is the performer. She's known for taking a stance on bullying and equality. Listen to what she said when asked if she would get political on Sunday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LADY GAGA, MUSICIAN: The only statements I'll be making during the halftime show are ones I've been making throughout my career. I believe in inclusion. You're watching guys clash into each other, real strategizing happening. It's an intense situation. And I didn't want the halftime to take a dip, so it's going to be a good time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: And John Berman, tell us a little bit about the halftime show.

WIRE: She's comparing it to a football game. There are rumors she may be performing atop the stadium. She said she will not wear a suit of meat and her clothing will be tight so there will not be any clothing mishaps, as with Janet Jackson.

BERMAN: Wolf, our sources tell us you were, in fact, singing Lady Gaga songs.

WIRE: Wolf, you put me on the edge of glory, my man.

BLITZER: "Bad Romance." Do you know that song?

(LAUGHTER)

(CROSSTALK)

WIRE: He admits he's not as cool as you. He does not know any Lady Gaga songs.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: I saw Lady Gaga perform here a few years ago at Verizon Center and she was absolutely great.

John Berman, Coy Wire, thanks to both of you.

And don't miss their CNN "Bleacher Report, Special Kickoff," tomorrow, 2:30 p.m., right here on CNN.

That's it for me. Thanks very much for watching. I'll be back 5:00 p.m. eastern in "The Situation Room."

The news continues right now on CNN.

[14:00:07] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Wolf, thank you so much.

I'm Brooke Baldwin. Happy Friday. Lots to get to.

The Trump administration has just slapped new sanctions on Iran.