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Republicans Opposed FBI Investigations for Kavanaugh's Accuser; North and South Korea in Good Rapport; President Trump Visited Florence's Victims. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired September 20, 2018 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[03:00:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN HOST: The attorney for Brett Kavanaugh's accuser is calling for more witnesses in Monday's hearing. This, as Republicans say she has until Friday morning to decide whether she will testify against the U.S. Supreme Court nominee.
Plus, should the FBI investigate the sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh. Or is it not their job. We will ask a former high ranking member of the FBI.
And big promises from Kim Jong-un. But they come with conditions on the United States. Will that make the whole denuclearization deal a non-starter?
Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from here in the United States and of course all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church, and this is CNN Newsroom.
There is mounting pressure among U.S. Republican lawmakers to move ahead with the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. They want to hear from the woman who accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault years ago but they are rejecting her call for an FBI investigation first.
Sunlen Serfaty reports on the push for a Monday hearing.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I really want to see her. I really would want to sew what she has to say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tonight the high stakes showdown is intensifying with battle lines drawn over Christine Blasey Ford's potential testimony on Capitol Hill.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: If she doesn't show up that would be wonderful. If she doesn't show up, that would be unfortunate.
(END VIDEO CLIP) SERFATY: The White House and Republicans now in lock step saying they
are ready and waiting for Ford to testify on Monday. Sources tell CNN Grassley is offering to have his committee interview her in California in private or in a public hearing room on Capitol Hill.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY (R), IOWA: Where I'm focused right now, is doing everything that we can to make Dr. Ford comfortable with coming before our committee either in open session or closed session, or a public or a private interview. That's four different ways she can choose to come.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERFATY: And dismissing calls by Ford for an FBI investigation to happen first before she testifies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GRASSLEY: I'm not worried about anything other than just focusing for the next few days on encouraging her to come.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERFATY: Chairman Grassley responding today to this letter sent to the committee.
Ford's lawyer saying she would not testify before the committee without an FBI investigation of her allegations against Kavanaugh first because it will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in a non-partisan manner and that the committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or making any decision.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LISA BANKS, CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD'S ATTORNEY: The senators who have come forward have said they want to treat this seriously, mean that. Then they'll have an investigation of these allegations so that we all go into this more informed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERFATY: Some Republicans are calling foul. Senator Lindsey Graham saying that requiring an FBI investigation is not about finding the truth but delaying the process until after the midterm election. There is some precedent in the past.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANITA HILL, ACCUSED CLARENCE THOMAS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT: When the FBI investigation took place I tried to answer their questions as directly as I recall.
(END VIDEO CLIP) SERFATY: In 1991 during the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings the White House called for an investigation and only delayed the committee hearing for three days.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILL: The hearing questions need to have a frame. And the investigation is the best frame for that. A neutral investigation. That can pull together the facts, create a record so that the senators can draw on the information they receive t develop their question.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERFATY: Meantime, two former classmates of Kavanaugh are denying any knowledge of the party. The latest, Patrick Jay Smith saying today, "I have no knowledge of the party in question. Nor do I have any knowledge of the allegations of improper conduct she's leveled against Brett Kavanaugh." All this as Republicans start to coalesce around the message if Ford doesn't show up on Monday it will be time to move ahead with a vote.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. SUSAN COLLINS (R), MAINE: I think it's not fair to Judge Kavanaugh for her not to come forward and testify.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SERFATY: And Senator Susan Collins voice here carries significant weight given the fact she's a moderate Republican and potential swing vote here.
[03:05:01] And you add that to other significant shifts that we have seen this week on Capitol Hill from Republicans. Some Republicans like Senator Corker, Jeff Flake, key voices on all this saying that if she indeed does not show up at Monday's hearing then they believe that this should be pushed to a vote.
Sunlen Serfaty, CNN, on Capitol Hill.
Meantime, Jeff Zeleny reports the president is defending his nominee.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: He's such an outstanding man. Very hard for me to imagine anything happened.
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JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump not only standing behind Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh tonight but suddenly questioning the credibility of the woman accusing him of sexual assault.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) TRUMP: Really they're hurting somebody's life very badly. It's very unfair I think to, as you know, Justice Kavanaugh has been treated very, very tough.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The president expressing confidence about Kavanaugh's confirmation repeatedly referring to the federal judge as justice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Justice Kavanaugh. Justice Kavanaugh.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: But the president also saying today he's eager to hear from Christine Blasey Ford who accuses Kavanaugh of pinning her to a bed and groping her during a party more than three decades ago in high school, allegations Kavanaugh categorically denies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: If she shows up and makes a credible showing, that will be very interesting and we'll have to make a decision.
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ZELENY: The president dismissing calls for the FBI to investigate as Democrats and Ford have requested.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Well, it would seem that the FBI really doesn't do that. They have investigated -- they have investigated about six times before. And it seems that they don't do that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: Yet that's exactly what happened in 1991 when Anita Hill made sexual harassment allegations against Clarence Thomas.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLARENCE THOMAS, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT: The Anita Hill who worked for me--
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The White House ordered the FBI to investigate and send its findings to the Senate judiciary committee. Meanwhile, today, the president expressing more outrage at Attorney General Jeff Sessions, expanding his criticism beyond his recusal in the Russia investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) TRUMP: I'm disappointed in the attorney general for numerous reasons.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The president was even more blunt during an interview with The Hill, saying "I don't have an attorney general. It's very sad."
It's the latest accusation of disloyalty from the president even though the role of the attorney general is to lead the Justice Department not serve as the president's personal lawyer.
"He wanted to be attorney general and I didn't see it, but he came very strongly," the president said. "He went through the nominating process and he did poorly. I mean, he was mixed up and confused. And people that worked with him for, you know, a long time in the Senate were not nice to him. That was a rough time for him."
All this as the president visited North and South Carolina today where at least 36 people have died in the wake of hurricane Florence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: To all those impacted by this terrible storm, our entire American family is with you and ready to help and you will recover. We're giving you a lot of help.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The president toured a flood ravaged neighborhood in New Bern, North Carolina handing out lunches--
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: How many do you need?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: -- and hugs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: may I hug you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The president also asked about something close to his heart.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: How is Lake Norman, that area? How is that doing? I love that area. I just -- I can't tell you why but I love that area.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The Trump national golf club located on the shores of Lake Norman near Charlotte that largely escaped the storm's wrath. After spending much of the day in the Carolinas the president back at
the White House not answering new questions about the latest in this confirmation battle. But he did made clear that he would like to see a hearing go forward to see what the accuser has to say.
Now he still says he believes Judge Kavanaugh is treated unfairly in this process. For his part, Judge Kavanaugh preparing for a Monday hearing. The question is if it will happen or not.
Jeff Zeleny, CNN, the White House.
CHURCH: Steven Erlanger joins us now from Brussels. He is the New York Times chief diplomatic correspondent. Good to see you.
STEVEN ERLANGER, LONDON BUREAU CHIEF, THE NEW YORK TIMES: Hi, Rosemary.
CHURCH: So Christine Blasey Ford wants an FBI investigation into her sex abuse allegations against Kavanaugh. But that's going to happen. Instead the Senate judiciary committee wants her to indicate by Friday if she plans to testify on Monday. The Democrats want an investigation the Republicans want a vote as soon as possible. What are the politics on both sides with this?
ERLANGER: Well, it is very painful because it's not just the aspect Republican, Democrat politics. It's part of the new sexual politics. It's part of the Me Too movement. We have an issue around a man who if he's confirmed, will be a Supreme Court justice for many, many years to come. So his character does actually matter.
Now I'm not a senator. I'm not on the Senate judiciary committee. But it is up to them to decide whether this woman whose pain is clear, and I imagine is sincere. Whether her allegations of something happened 30 years ago which have been denied are enough to stop this particular man, Brett Kavanaugh from becoming a Supreme Court justice.
[03:15:15] And of course, in terms of Democrat and Republican politics, the Democrats want to get to the midterm election because they think I'm going to do very, very well and Republicans want this done right away. So you have that going on too. It's a very confusing picture and a very painful one I think for almost everyone concerned.
CHURCH: Yes, it looks like politics at war with the law right now. And of course the Senate judiciary committee is a political body. It's not impartial. Wouldn't an FBI investigation benefit both Ford and Kavanaugh by revealing what really happened at that high school party back in 1982 getting to the truth for the benefit of the country, as well.
ERLANGER: Well, you know, here we are back to Jeff Sessions who is the attorney general. But you know, look, it's 32 years ago. He denies it. She says it happened. Other people deny it. I doubt there's much evidence. What you'll have is people talking. You'll have people trying to remember what happened that night. Maybe they were not even in the room, was there a party. I mean, I'm sure this is the problem, whether the FBI investigates or
the police investigate, it wasn't investigated 32 years ago when memories and evidence were fresh. So, yes, you know, let's have an investigation but don't expect it to resolve anything.
CHURCH: So what impact would you expect to this issue to potentially have on the midterm elections in November?
ERLANGER: Well, I don't think it would actually have much impact on this. But there is a sense, certainly from the Democrats, you know, that the Republicans are trying to press forward with this nomination as fast as they can.
I've seen the White House the President Trump you can credit him being a little careful here. I mean, more careful than in sometimes is about stating his opinion. He's saying let's hear her out. Let's see what she has to say then we'll decide. He thinks Kavanaugh is being treated unjustly. But he also is not, you know, closed to hearing what MS. Ford has to say.
So I think the White House is waiting itself to see which way the political winds fly.
CHURCH: Steven Erlanger, thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate it.
ERLANGER: Thanks, Rosemary.
CHURCH: All right. Let's turn now to the Korean peninsula. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is headed home after his three day summit with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. And both sides have laid out an ambitious agenda towards peace and denuclearization.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the summit a success. He says the United States is ready to restart nuclear negotiations with the North with the goal of ending those talks by 2021.
Kim Jong-un has promised to scrap a key missile facility, as well as a nuclear complex but only if the U.S. takes corresponding measures. It's a big if that has many people skeptical.
So, let's take a close look at this. And our Paula Hancocks joins us again from Seoul in South Korea. Good to see you again, Paula. So, of course, all the excitement happened on the second day of this inter- Korean summit. This very ambitious list.
The skeptic are now casting doubt on whether any real progress was made, though. But the U.S. is ready to restart denuclearization talks with the North, isn't it. What is being said about all of this?
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, certainly the fact there's being such a positive U.S. reaction at this point, Rosemary, is significant to itself. The fact that both the U.S. president and the secretary of state said that they welcome what happened at this summit. They saw it as a success. One thing that is confusing people, though, is the fact that both Mr.
Trump and Mr. Pompeo said that North Korea agreed to nuclear inspectors going into the country. Secretary Pompeo even talking about U.S. and IAEA inspectors. Now that wasn't in the declaration. We didn't Kim Jong-un or President Moon Jae-in say that.
So that does seem to be somewhat of a disconnect between what was announced in North Korea and how the U.S. sees that. Now of course that wouldn't be the first time that we have seen that. That is a difference a great difference of opinion between the two sides, it's whether or not President Moon can bring the two closer together.
But certainly when it comes to their reaction to the summit it would appears as though this is as much as the U.S. needed to try and get these talks back on track.
[03:14:56] One note, yes, the North Koreans did agree to shut down a missile test site, a key missile test site. It's one that they had already promised before. Kim Jong-un have told Mr. Trump he would do that. But he did allow, he said, or will allow inspectors in for that particular part.
The Yongbyon nuclear facility, though, is as you say, very conditional. The North Koreans want a quid pro quo approach to this. They want a step by step denuclearization. And certainly from the initial response from the U.S. it seems like they're not as dead set against that as they may have once been. Rosemary?
CHURCH: Right. So the United States are very happy. And of course, we saw throughout the course of those three days a very warm relationship between the North and South Korean leaders. Of course Moon Jae-in is now gone home. The third day was very much a sightseeing visit, wasn't it? But talk to us about this relationship particularly between the two Koreas.
HANCOCKS: Well, we heard -- we heard the two men consistently talk about how close they had become. And the fact that they had build a report that was clear to see. I mean, this was a P.R. success at the very least.
Some of the images of the summit were really quite dramatic. You have the leaders of North and South Korea standing out of a sunroof driving through the streets of Pyongyang, waving to what they said was a 100,000 cheering North Koreans.
Significantly last night, Wednesday night, you have the president of South Korea speaking to 150,000 North Koreans in the Mass Games while sitting next to the leader of North Korea, and saying he wanted denuclearization to which the crowd applauded. That in itself is quite remarkable. And that is something that just a few months ago even not many people would have expected. Rosemary?
CHURCH: It certainly has been extraordinary three days. Our Paula Hancocks keeping an eye on all of the developments throughout those days. Joining us live from Seoul in South Korea, just after 4.15 in the afternoon. Many thanks again. Well, Donald Trump wants declared he would be the greatest jobs
president that God ever created. But his trade war with China could now cost the U.S. an opportunity (AUDIO GAP).
Chairman of Chinese online retailer Alibaba, says the pledge he made last year to create one million jobs in the United States will no longer happen because of the trade war. Ma says the promise was on the basis of friendly China-U.S. corporations and reasonable bilateral trade relations but the current situation has already destroyed that basis. He says this promise cannot be completed.
Well, President Trump in the flood zone offering hugs and kind words and a pledge to give hurricane victims 100 percent support from the government.
Plus, Florence maybe long gone but the flood waters and the dangers are still there. We will take a closer look at all of that on the other side of the break. So stay with us.
[03:20:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: Well, the death toll from hurricane Florence and its aftermath now stands at 36. Two of the victims were female prisoners being transported to another location in South Carolina. The van they were riding in was swept off this bridge by flood waters. The deputies inside managed to escape.
President Trump visited some of the hardest hit areas on Wednesday. He handed out meals, posed for selfies and even gave that little boy a hug. He promised storm victims that they won't be forgotten.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: To the families who have lost loved ones, America grieves with you. And our hearts break for you. God bless you. We will never forget your loss. We will never leave your side. We're with you all the way. And until all those impacted by this terrible storm, our entire American family is with you and ready to help. And you will recover.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Unfortunately, the situation in some places will get worse before it gets better. That is because rain that fell far inland is slowly moving down swollen rivers toward the ocean threatening even more flooding.
We get more now from CNN's Nick Watt in Wilmington, North Carolina.
NICK WATT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: President Trump visited the Carolinas Wednesday and really had two main messages. The first was we, the federal government, and President Trump we are 100 percent with you. This is going to cost a lot of money but we are with you. We will provide whatever is need.
And the second message for the people of South Carolina was that for you the worst may still be to come from Florence because so much water fell a lot of it over North Carolina. Both states by the way, broke the record for the most precipitation from a tropical storm.
So all that of water is in rivers and a lot of that is heading towards South Carolina. Conway was the president's final stop. And there officials told him that they think they may see the worst of this Friday. And that may be when their town floods.
Over in north Myrtle Beach I heard one official there who said that they are slowly becoming an island. You know, some rivers may not crest until next week.
Now up here in North Carolina, the governor said that this is a state that is hurting and it may continue to hurt for some time. Evacuations orders have been lifted in many places. But residents are being told it is still dangerous to come back. Hundreds of roads are still closed. So, thousands of people are still in shelters and of course there is the economic impact to industry up here.
The Carolinas rely heavily on tourism and agriculture. Three million chickens drowned, 5,000 pigs have died. The cost of this storm is goin to hit this area for some time to come.
Nick Watt, CNN, Wilmington, North Carolina.
CHURCH: And we turn to our meteorologist Pedram Javaheri joining us from the international weather center. And Pedram, what more information do you have on this flooding.
PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. Rosemary, you know, some of these areas still we'll going to see levels rise. As Nick was referencing there in his story. You're going to see conditions go downhill for them as early as next week. So it's still a long way to go before the conditions begin improving for everyone.
[03:25:06] But you notice, over 86 inches of rainfall has come down so far this year in Wilmington, North Carolina. That is in fact the wettest period in 140 years of recordkeeping.
And the average for this time of year is about 44 inches. So roughly double what is supposed to happen and what has happened in recent weeks of course.
But here you go, here's the perspective of one the gauges I'm referencing. And you take a look currently sitting at major flood stage. And notice how much longer it will take. This is actually around Tuesday to the overnight hours of Monday and Tuesday morning when we think peek will take place there.
So the flooding will continue to see that water level rise within some of these gauges, and unfortunately the river flooding is far from over for millions of people.
But widespread area of coverage here when it comes for flood warnings. Still dozens of major flood stage -- gauges across this region, but also across the Midwestern United States, Rosemary.
We had some major flooding in the last couple of days with tremendous rainfall. In fact, the wettest spot in the country is right here across portions of the state of Iowa, southern Minnesota where severe weather risk is at play today and as (Inaudible) in areas here you get flooding now, of course not associated with Florence but still quite a bit of rainfall in that part of the U.S. as well.
CHURCH: All right. Thanks for keeping an eye on all of those weather systems. I appreciate it
Well, it has been one year since hurricane Maria made land fall in Puerto Rico and there is still controversy surrounding the disaster.
Last month Puerto Rico's government raised the official death toll to nearly 3,000 after maintaining for months that only 64 had died. President Trump has rejected the revised toll calling his administration's response an incredible unsung success.
Maria was the first category four hurricane to directly impact Puerto Rico in 85 years. Almost the entire island that is more than three million people were left without power. Many, for weeks. The recovery has been slow going ever since.
To mark the anniversary, protestors plan to gather in New York for an inter-faith prayer service then march to Trump tower to denounce the administration's response to the disaster. A vigil is also planned at the White House.
We'll take a short break here. Still to come, two U.S. senators are dismissing calls for an FBI investigation in the Supreme Court nomination process now but that is not how they felt about a nomination back in 1991. The difference in the two cases when we come back.
And just what is the FBI's role in the nomination process? We will talk with a former FBI official.
[03:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN NEWSROOM HOST: Welcome back, everyone. I'm rosemary Church. This is CNN "Newsroom." Let us update you on the main stories we have been following. South Korea President has left Pyongyang after his three day summit with North Korea leader Kim Jong- un. Where they agree to work towards denuclearization and peace. The U.S. is hailing it as a success. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, says the United States is ready to restart nuclear talks with the north. With the goal of ending those talks by 2021.
President Trump on Wednesday visited some of the areas hardest hit by hurricane Florence and after math. He handed out meals, pausing for a word or a selfie, even a hug. He is sought to reassure storm victims that they won't be forgotten and promised federal aid to help the region rebuild.
Christine Blasey Ford, has until Friday morning to decide whether or not to speak to a U.S. Senate Committee on her accusations against Brett Kavanaugh. Ford accused the Supreme Court nominee of sexually assaulting her when they were in high school. Kavanaugh denies the accusation. Ford has called for an FBI investigation before she testifies.
The Democrats want the process to slow down. And have called for an FBI investigation, but Republicans say the FBI should stay out to have it and isn't budging on its plan for a Monday hearing. Senator Orrin Hatch twitted this, the FBI does not do investigation like this. The responsibility false to us. Senate Judiciary Chuck Grassley isn't interested in an investigation either.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHUCK GRASSLEY CHAIRMAN SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: I'm not worried about anything other than just focusing for the next few days on encouraging her to come.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Yet, when then Chairman Joe Biden called for an FBI investigation into Anita Hill's sexual harassment accusations against Clarence Thomas in 1991. The two Senators had a different view.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. ORRIN HATCH, (R), UTAH: Chairman Biden and the ranking member Thurman. When they heard about this the first time they immediate ordered this FBI investigation. Which was a very right thing to do. It is a perfect thing to do.
GRASSLEY: When the chairman of the judiciary committee and when the ranking member of the judiciary committee learned of the allegations, the FBI was immediately ordered to conduct an investigation. That investigation was completed before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Former FBI assistant Director and CNN senior law enforcement analyst, Tom Fuentes, join me now from New York. To help us make sense of all of this. Always great to have you with us.
TOM FUENTES, CNN'S SENIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST AND FORMER FBI ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Thank you my pleasure.
CHURCH: So, let's look at the Senate Judiciary Committee. It's not an impartial body. It steep in politics. Not a place where sexual abused allegations can be investigated in a fair way. Should the FBI investigate these allegations?
FUENTES: My opinion I think they should. At this point. If it's gone to the point where the credibility, you know, on all sides will be affected by whether this is investigated or not. And I think, given the way the allegation is made, I think it could take a very short time to do this investigation.
With regard to what the Senators said back in 1991, that is inaccurate. They didn't order the Senate didn't order the FBI investigation. The President of the United States did. As an extension of the background. So, in the U.S. System, nominees or positions whether it's Judges at all levels, U.S. Attorney, secretaries of cabinet office. Those nominations are made by the President and then confirmed or denied by the U.S. Senate.
The White House when they have an idea of who they are going to nominate, they make the request of the FBI to conduct the background investigation.
[03:35:06] And the FBI does not render a decision whether that nomination should go forward. They merely supply the results of what they found back to the White House. And the White House can decide whether they are going to continue the nomination of the individual, or withdraw it. With regard to in this case an allegation of a sexual assault. That occurred three or more decades ago. That is not a federal crime. So the idea is the FBI wouldn't normally investigate it as a criminal offense. That would be a local police jurisdiction issue in the United States.
So that wouldn't happen, but the FBI would investigate as a matter of the background looking into the character of the nominee. In this case Kavanaugh. And then again that could be extended or by the White House. And the results that they find are just turned over back to the White House and it's up to the President to decide if he still backs the nomination or wants to have the nominee withdrawn.
CHURCH: Right. If that were to go ahead. At the moment it's not. But if an investigation by the FBI, did go ahead what questions would they ask? And is it in Brett Kavanaugh's interest to have an FBI investigation to clear his name? Otherwise he will have these cloud over his head for his whole term as Supreme Court Justice.
FUENTES: Well, that is actually true. And the modern internet era he is going to have this cloud over his head no matter what happens. No matter if he becomes, you know, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, if you Google his name for the rest of his life this is going to come up.
So, that part is that damage is already done for him. His wife and daughters. But with regard to the background extension of having the FBI do this case, it's going to be a matter of the accusations have been made by Professor Ford. Are they true? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Who can corroborate that it did happen. Was there any evidence of chain that you reported to the police, friends, family, and anybody else at that time?
And so far from the reporting we have seen, it looks like there was nothing reported to anyone for maybe 20 years at a minimum. So that is going to be a challenge for anybody to try to investigate and verify whether or not it actually occurred. But, you know, there's a saying of beware of what you ask for. And in this case, if her attorneys and her as the accuser are asking for an FBI investigation, they need to be careful, because part of that is going to have to look at her credibility. What was she like back in the day? Back at the time of these alleged occurrence. Did she drink a lot, what she a promiscuous, was she a party girl, does she have credibility. What do her friends and classmates say she was like at that time. And you know, we don't know. And there's been no real reporting one way or the other about it, but you know, she is going to also right now we're looking at Kavanaugh needing to be pure as driven snow, she is going to have to be also as a credible witness.
CHURCH: Right. And as Anita Hill has said the Senate Judiciary Committee has no protocol in place to deal with allegations of this nature. She witnessed that firsthand at the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings 27 years ago. And nothing has changed since then. Yet we see Christine Blasey Ford being pressured to testify Monday in a political process. That is geared to favor the Supreme Court nominee. A take it or leave it offer from the committee. Should she testify Monday? Without an FBI investigation. Otherwise what is the reason for coming to this point?
FUENTES: She needs to testify with or without the investigation. Because I think that if she testifies and if she comes off as extremely believable and credible, and sincere. I think that will put the pressure the pressure will switch from her back to the White House to order the FBI to extend the background investigation. And I think, that is how it would come about if she is believable. But if she can't remember any of the specifics of these event, or people that she cites as witnesses or other people that can verify her story, don't verify her story. That is going to very difficult for her.
CHURCH: Now, the judiciary committee is offering to send its staff members to talk with Blasey y Ford, but their goal is of course is to get Kavanaugh confirmed. So those questions that they ask her will not be the same the FBI would ask. It's a political process as we said. Could you see any scenario where enough pressure is brought to bear to force an FBI investigation to find out who is telling the truth?
[03:40:00] FUENTES: Yes. And I think the idea of sending staffers to, you know, another state to talk to her is absurd. They're not trained investigators. They're not -- as you mentioned -- they are not going to be objective. So I don't see that as being any addition to credibility of the process whatsoever. So they go out there and they come back and then if it's a staffer that works for a Democrat they'll have one opinion.
A staffer for a Republican, another. And it's going to go back to that issue. So, I think that there would be no credibility, I don't think in that process. So the only pressure here that I think would have to be brought is just pressure on the President and on the White House and his attorneys to tell the president, he we think it is a good idea for you to order the FBI to continue the background or reopen the background investigation. Even though he is had six background before. This particular allegation or aspect was never looked at in the past. It's come up now. Take a look at it.
CHURCH: Tom Fuentes, we appreciate your expertise on this matter. Thank you so much for joining us.
FUENTES: You're welcome.
CHURCH: And we'll take short break here. Still to come, there are 47 days until the midterm elections in the United States. Even though his name is not on the ballot. Donald Trump is weighing heavily on voters mind. CNN sit down with some female Trump supporters for their take. Back with that in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) CHURCH: The controversy surrounding Donald Trump's Supreme Court
nominee comes less than two months before Americans vote in midterm elections. Many view them as referendum on the President. And women votes will be critical to which party controls Congress. Some of President Trump's most strident female supporters are not flinching. Our (inaudible) discover, other women who supported him may go a different direction.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[03:45:00] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am very confident in the economic status of where we're at now. What Trump has done? And hopefully what he can continue to do in the future. If he has the support behind him. He is a very flawed human being, but aren't we all?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I kind of am a split person. My children say I'm a very confused Democrat. Because I vote Republican, but now I find that I like at the local level the Democrats the ones who are affecting my life every day.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why do the Democrats speak to you more now?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think they're more into social justice. And the social programs. We want to make a difference in the lives of these people that are not seeing what everyone else is seeing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is any part of your vote in the Midterm going to send a message you hope to President Trump? Do you feel differently about your vote today for him?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I definitely feel different about my vote for him, you know. I voted my Christian values. I was hoping he would probably be more of the candidate that would deliver that for me. And I still maintain hope that his Supreme Court picks are going to have made voting for him worth it for me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm standing behind Donald Trump because of his conservative values. You know, having the faith base community with him. Is very important to the Latino community. So yes, I am voting Republican. And I didn't register ever until 2015.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that right? You never voted until this Presidential election.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. I felt that, you know, our faith base community needed support.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And what was it about President Trump that made you think he had these Christian values?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was actually talking to faith based communities. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For me for the midterm, my message is more to
Democrats than Republicans. My local elected officials are the reason for and are the reason for the deterioration of our community. It is Democrat decision making that has widened the divide between the have and the have notes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're sending a message to your local?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Exactly, because the local politics are why I am Republican today.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The latest poll number show that only 36 percent of the country approves of the job that he is doing. With women it's lower. Only 29 percent. Of women approve. 65 percent disapprove. Why do you think that is?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It starts with talking about women's facelifts I think. It's disrespectful. I think the majority of women I don't think they see him as a respectful, pro-woman kind of man. Especially people my age. In my age demographic it's a huge deal that he is not supportive of easily accessible women's healthcare. In terms of planned parenthood. They feel like they're losing it right to birth control. Pap smears. Abortion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So Ally, you're not happy that you voted for -- is that a fair characterization or not?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's fair to say. Part of the reason I voted I thought he was going to be the one of the two candidates to make our national security a high priority. And make us safer on our own grounds and our own territory. When you're making fun of foreign leaders and becoming buddy with Vladimir Putin. It shakes me up a little bit.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My fear with President Trump, is that his extramarital affairs will make it more of a norm. That the children will think this is acceptable behavior. And it's not. It's hurtful behavior.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: The views of some women voters there. We'll take a short break. Still ahead. A stunning video of a melting glacier in Greenland, suddenly collapsing into the ocean. And with just that one event sea levels rose around the world. And we know who will perform at next year's Super Bowl halftime show. Recognize these guys?
[03:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: It's no secret that sea levels are rising and one of the main reasons is melting glaciers. In June an enormous chunk of ice the size of Manhattan. Broke away from a glacier in Greenland and slipped into the ocean. And now, we have the video. CNN meteorologist, Jennifer Grey reports.
(BEGIN VIDEO) JENNIFER GRAY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A rarely scene event. Newly
released time lapse video shows about 10 billion tons of ice collapsing into the ocean. A frozen chunk the size of much of Manhattan breaking away from the glacier in Greenland. Often caused by warming oceans, it's a process called caving. And it's happening on a massive scale.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: During that event we saw ice break off from the land. Grounded on land. And fall into the ocean. At that moment, that is sea level rise. That is ice going into the ocean. Raising I'll be it very slightly, global sea level.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's supposed to do it itself.
GRAY: Oceanographer David Holland has been studying glaciers for 12 years. He says the June event was the largest he had ever witnessed. An enormous chunk removing itself from the ice sheet in less than 30 minutes.
DAVID HOLLAND, OCEANOGRAPHER: It's the accumulation of many events like that. That can lead to a large significant global of many feet. Perhaps in a century.
GRAY: While rising seas threatening low lying areas, just how much isn't yet clear. As part of NASA Ocean melting Greenland project, Holland and his team are working to improve sea level rise projection.
He and other scientists worry that caving like this while magnificent could spell disaster.
HOLLAND: We in the science community are going to have to come to grips with, how does it happen? Why does happen? Right now, that knowledge is lacking. And by studying this glacier we will come to a better understanding of caving and ultimately better understanding of how future sea level around the world will look.
[03:55:10] GRAY: Jennifer Gray, CNN.
(END VIDEO)
CHURCH: Very sobering there. Well, U 2 front man Bono met with Pope Francis at the Vatican hoping to join forces to end extreme poverty. But they also discussed something close to home for the Irish singer. The clerical abuse scandals in Ireland. Bono told reporters the pope was aghast about what happened in the church. And that he could see the pain in his face. Calling him an extraordinary man for extraordinary times.
Now to London. Where Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance outside Buckingham palace. He just happen to bring his guitar, so, of course, he sang a little.
CHURCH: Not a lot of people apparently. His fiance Hailey Baldwin was nearby. He called her the love of his life. The couple got engaged in July. They were visiting London for fashion week. Well, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and Madonna, just a
few of the super-stars who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show. Now add Maroon 5 to the list.
(MUSIC PLAYING).
CHURCH: Such a great video. The group will be entertaining tens of millions of TV viewers around the world at Super Bowl 53 here in Atlanta. It's what you call a good gig. The game takes place in February 2019. Thanks so much for your company. I'm Rosemary Church. Remember to connect with me any time on Twitter. Early Start is next. For our viewers here in the United States and everyone else stay tuned for more news with Max Foster in London. Have a great day.
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