Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Khashoggi's Disappearance Shaking Global Relationships; Time is Getting Shorter for Brexit Deal; Trump Gives Wiggle Room to Saudi Leadership; Actress Fan Bing Bing Seen For First Time Since June; Richard Branson Suspends Business Dealings With Saudis; Saudi Davos In The Desert Faces More Walkouts; Harry And Meghan's Trip, Day Two; Egyptian Delegation Is Visiting Gaza; Trump Calls Warren Pocahontas Again. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired October 17, 2018 - 03:00   ET

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


(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[03:00:00] ROSEMARY CHURCH, HOST, CNN: More official denials from the Saudi government about their involvement in Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance. But multiple sources tell CNN that a high-ranking official oversaw the operation that allegedly ended in the journalist's death.

Pressure on Theresa May as she prepares to defend her Brexit plan to European leaders.

Turn back or lose out on American aid. That's Donald Trump's threat as a caravan of migrants makes its way north to the United States.

Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church. And this is CNN Newsroom.

More new details on the apparent death of a Saudi journalist point to Saudi government involvement. Sources tell CNN the mission to interrogate and possibly abduct Jamal Khashoggi was organized by a high-ranking officer with Saudi Arabia's intelligence service. One source said the officer is close to the inner circle of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

After meeting with the Saudi king and crown prince in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is ow in Turkey. He will meet with President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan as well as the Turkish foreign minister.

Now this is all a major foreign policy challenge for President Donald Trump. U.S. lawmakers are calling for sanctions against the Saudis who are a U.S. ally, while President Trump is taking a wait and see approach. With pressure growing he complained Saudi Arabia is being treated as guilty until proven innocent.

And our Jomana Karadsheh joins us now from outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. So Jomana, let's start with the latest information that you have on the investigation into the allege murder or Jamal Khashoggi. JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Rosemary, as we've been saying for say we're getting very little official statement on where this investigation, this criminal investigation that Turkey launched 12 days where that stand right now. Much of the information we're hearing is coming from leaks and from unnamed officials.

One Turkish government official told CNN on Tuesday that not only was Jamal Khashoggi killed inside the consulate that his body was cut into pieces.

Now we know that they have been looking at a group of 15 Saudi nationals including officials that arrived in the country on October 2nd the day that Khashoggi disappeared, they were inside the consulate during his visit and left later on that day.

Turkish officials have described them as persons of interest seen in this investigation. They include a forensic expert and a former diplomatic and a man that was seen in photos with the Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

And now we know on Tuesday Turkish officials provided CNN with a scanned of seven passports of those individuals they say were scanned on October 2nd during the time they were here. Now when it comes to the actual physical investigation finally after days of waiting on Monday, Turkish authorities as we've been reporting gained access to the consulate building. They spend eight hours in there with forensic experts.

We still don't know, Rosemary what they were able to uncovered during that inspection but we may have gotten for hints yesterday from President Erdogan speaking that, saying that there were traces of fresh paint over toxic materials so we have to wait and see what they have possibly uncovered in there.

[03:05:03] We know that they're trying to gain access also to the resident of the consul general who left the country on Tuesday, they tried to do that yesterday they did not get access and expectation is that will take place today, Rosemary.

CHURCH: And Jomana, as we just reported, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has just arrived in Turkey. What can we expect to come out of his upcoming meetings there?

KARADSHEH: We'll have to wait and see, as you mention he's going to be meeting with President Erdogan, he's going to be meeting with the Turkish foreign minister and the expectation is he will be relaying the outcome of his meeting with the Saudi crown prince and the Saudi king and also possibly we're looking at the Turkish government sharing some of their findings with Secretary Pompeo.

We're going to have to see because you know, Rosemary, Turkish officials have been complaining to an extent about this lack of cooperation from Saudi Arabia. If you look at the way this investigation has been moving access to possible crime scene it has been quite slow. So we'll have to wait and see what comes out of this visit. And you know, I have to say all that we are hearing, Rosemary about

this new possible narrative talking about rogue elements that may have been behind the disappearance and possible killing of Jamal Khashoggi.

There are so many people that we've spoken to who are skeptical about this feeling that nothing like this would happen without the knowledge of the crown prince. And we saw that's something also U.S. officials are saying.

And there's a lot of concern that we're seeing the sort of move on the diplomatic arena when this is moved into politics and negotiations and talks behind closed doors. There are many who are concerned that the truth might not really come out and that is why some are calling for an international and independent international investigation into the disappearance of Khashoggi.

CHURCH: All right. Many thanks to our Jomana Karadsheh bringing us the very latest on the investigation, and of course, the visit there of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who just arrived. Bringing us that live report from Istanbul just after 10 in the morning. Many thanks.

CNN global affairs analyst Aaron David Miller joins me now. Good to have you with us.

AARON DAVID MILLER, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS ANALYST: Always a pleasure, Rosemary.

CHURCH: So, on Tuesday, President Trump told the Associated Press that blaming Saudi Arabia for the apparent murder of Jamal Khashoggi is another example of being guilty until proven innocent. So despite the revelation that a high ranking intelligence officer with ties to the Saudi crown prince headed up the both interrogation of Khashoggi, Mr. Trump is convinced the prince had no knowledge of his murder. Is the U.S. president being played by the Saudis?

MILLER: I mean, you know, I would argue that the most significant foreign policy accomplishment of Saudi Arabia over the two years has been the embezzling of Donald Trump. And I think by and large the president wants to do everything he possibly can to maintain this relationship.

I think Saudi Arabia figures prominently in the administration strategy in three ways to contain their own facilitate really Palestinian own peacemaking.

And when sanctions started by next month on Iran the administration's (Inaudible) to push production in order to make sure that oil and gas prices do not rise. So, I think that the Trump administration is looking for any way to find the politically convenient exit rant for this whole sorted sordid affair. And I don't think frankly that they are going to be able to do it effortlessly or easily.

CHURCH: So, in a sense are you saying that arms deal and various other issues are clouding the judgment of the U.S. president. In essence, he is being drag into covering up a crime, a murder. MILLER: Well, look, the reality is that, and I've worked for a

Republican secretary of state and Democratic secretary of state in five administrations. We have the sage (Ph) placated so to work out any number of good relationships with the Saudis over the years, in large part we got a lot in return.

This is the first administration that I'm familiar with that essentially is giving the Saudis blanket, room to maneuver, wiggle room and so many issues without imposing strains and constraints seemingly impervious to the fact that Saudis are not only engage in significant pressure at all but engage in foreign policy, kidnapping or at least temporary detention of a Lebanese Prime Minister complete with a hostage video.

[03:09:58] A disastrous boycott against Qatar which is only enhanced that increase the prospects of Iranian influence in the region, the disastrous war in Yemen where both the Obama administration and the Trump administration is enabled.

So, I think there's no causality here. I don't think that what happened to Jamal in that consulate is on the Saudis, and most likely with the approval of the senior levels of the Saudi leadership, maybe not the king, but certainly Muhammad bin Salman. But the reality--

(CROSSTALK)

CHURCH: I mean, that is the key question here, isn't it, whether the Saudi crown king or prince more likely the prince as you mentioned, knew about the murder of Khashoggi and from the sounds of what you're saying you think there is no question that he knew about this.

MILLER: Well, and MBS' Saudi Arabia the idea that anyone predictably someone closer to the crown prince and several of these individuals that have been identified with a pair of royal security team and are seen in photos in close proximity to him traveling on and off airplanes and conferences.

The notion that anyone would undertake an operation this politically explosive this risky without seeking sanction or a green light from the most powerful man in the kingdom, I mean, strains credulity to the breaking point.

So yes, I think and even if it was done in the following manner, you know, Jamal Khashoggi is a problem, your Highness. And wouldn't it be nice if a way could be found to make that problem go away. And the answer is yes, it would be very nice if that were to happen.

Even if it was done with that sort of tested approval it was done with full knowledge. I don't think there's any way to escape. Now can you do that, that's the question. But the benefit of the doubt on this one does not belong to the Saudis.

And if in fact the United States is going to be prepared to validate the fact that no senior Saudi official, particularly Muhammad bin Salman was involved in this based on Saudi investigation only then I have an Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty that I'd like to tell you. Because that frankly just doesn't compute and it doesn't answer the manner.

It doesn't mean, Rosemary that the U.S.-Saudi relationship will somehow be fundamentally undermined. I think we have important interest with the Saudis independent, I wouldn't abandon, it. But it really has to be calibrated.

Some measure of accountability and responsibility has to be imposed so that the Saudis don't go off not only killing journalist but basically undermining American interests in the region to reckless and impulses foreign policies.

CHURCH: Well, the international community is watching very closely. All of us across the globe. Aaron David Miller, thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate it.

MILLER: Always a pleasure.

CHURCH: President Trump is trying to distance himself from any financial ties to Saudi Arabia tweeting this on Tuesday. "For the record, I have no financial interest in Saudi Arabia or Russia for that matter, any suggestion that I have is just more fake news, of which there is plenty.

You will notice the specific language there the president said he has no financial interest in Saudi Arabia but that doesn't mean he has not had financial dealings with the Saudis, a topic he brags about more than once on the campaign trail.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Saudi Arabia -- I like the Saudis they are very nice. I make a lot of money with them. They buy all sorts of my stuff, all kinds of toys from Trump. They pay me millions and hundreds of millions.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Saudi money and influence has been running for Washington long before Donald Trump became president. CNN's Jake Tapper takes a closer look.

JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: Mr. President, you may have financial interests in Saudi Arabia but you certainly have them with Saudi Arabia. In fact, financially driven friendships that fuel Saudis influence in Washington for decades. Lining pockets of Republicans and Democrats alike from K Street to Capitol Hill and beyond.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BEN FREEMAN, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF FOREIGN INFLUENCE TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE, CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICY: They have lobbyist that are contact member of Congress on the hill, they have public relations firms that would contact big media outlets on their behalf. So, wherever they need influence they have it.

(END VIDEO CLIP) TAPPER: Avi Asher-Schapiro from the committee to protect journalists named names tweeting out foreign agent registration records from former Reagan official H.P. Goldfield from a former staffer for Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, and even from Norm Coleman, a formal Republican senator from Minnesota turned lobbyist, among others.

[03:14:56] And just before Donald Trump visited the kingdom on his first foreign trip as president last year, the Saudi government hired three U.S. lobbying firms near the White House, one made up of former Trump advisors receiving annual compensation of $5.4 million, according to federal records.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FREEMAN: One of his goals is to make sure that arm sales keep flowing from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia. Another is to make sure that the U.S. turns a blind eye to a lot of civilian casualties that are being experienced in the war in Yemen. Other issues include domestic human rights issues in Saudi Arabia they want U.S. policymakers to turn a blind eye too.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TAPPER: Of course, it's not just the government, it's the president's private businesses as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Saudi Arabia and I get along with all of them. They buy apartments from me. They spend 40 million, 50 million. Am I supposed to dislike them? I like them very much.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TAPPER: Now relationships with one of the world's largest oil suppliers are being put to the test as sources say the regime prepares to acknowledge Washington Pos journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Turkey.

Saudi officials will continue of course to come to the United States and they are plenty of places to stay, the Saudi government purchased the 45th floor of Trump tower back in 2001 for $4.5 million, although more recently Saudi lobbying firm spent more than a quarter million dollars at the Trump Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The road to the White House after all, is familiar territory for the royal family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FREEMAN: What we found in our research is that the Saudis do a great job of hiring lobbyists made campaign paying contributions to people who can get things done they need to get done. In fact, we found several instances where lobbyist made campaign contributions the folks on the exact same day that were contacted by a Saudi lobbyist.

(END VIDEO CLIP) TAPEPR: Jake Tapper, CNN, Washington.

CHURCH: European Council President Donald Tusk is warning that a Brexit deal seem unlikely. We are live in London with the very latest on the critical talks between the E.U. and the U.K. Back in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone.

Well, a critical Brexit summit between Prime Minister Theresa May and E.U. leaders are taking place in the coming hours. The main sticking point between London and Brussels is the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The E.U. is pushing for a so-called backstop that will ensure an open border between the two. But Prime Minister May any such backstop to be time-limited.

[03:20:00] European Council President Donald Tusk describes the border question as a Gordian knot that is a complex problem requiring a creative solution.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TUSK, PRESIDENT, EUROPEAN COUNCIL: It looks like the new version of Gordian knot. Unfortunately, I can't see a new version of Alexander the Great, if you know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Well, Tusk is strongly urging the prime minister to present new ideas about the border when she meets with E.U. leaders.

So, let's turn to Hadas Gold. She joins us now live from London. Good to see you again, Hadas. So how likely is it that the British prime minister can meet this new challenge and come up with a new creative approach to solving the impasse over the border in Ireland.

HADAS GOLD, CNN POLITICS, MEDIA AND BUSINESS REPORTER: That's what we're all watching for tonight Prime Minister Theresa May will go to a dinner with all the European leaders which will have a few minutes to make her case and as Tusk said hopefully come up with some new ideas on how to get over this Northern Ireland border impasse.

She'll speak for a fee minutes then she'll get kicked out, the rest of European leaders will discuss what she said with them over their own dinner and Theresa May will have her own her dinner by herself with her staff. But what's clear is that where there is really no clarity on where we are with the deal. It seems like Groundhog Day were going back again to the same issues we've been discussing now for weeks.

What is possible is that there is now seems to be more talk about a no deal that Donald Tusk said earlier this week that we even more likely to have no deal now than we were before. Now there were all these talks of other summits, potentially November.

There was supposed to be another summit where the leaders are going to sign on the dotted line and have everything put together. That seems even less likely now.

There's even possibly talk of extending the transition period by a year, so after Brexit actually happen in March there is supposed to be a few years when everything was sort of get into place. Now there's possibly talk that that would be extended by a year to give all the politicians more time.

What we have heard, though, from in just the last few minutes is the Irish foreign minister said on BBC radio that will likely days will be suggested now for a new E.U. Brexit summit although there's no commitment on date.

So pretty much what we're going to see tonight is just more talk, more political talks, hopefully more optimism from both sides if something will happen but no firm deals, no firm details, nothing like that, not yet.

CHURCH: And if there is anything if there is no Brexit deal in the end what are the likely consequences?

GOLD: Well, the immediate consequences will be felt by people in the U.K. right away because things like goods coming in from outside the U.K. will have to go to extra customs checks at the border. And in fact, the government in the U.K. is already preparing for that by turning some highways into pretty much parking lots because each truck would take about 10 minutes to get through which could mean hours and hours of waiting lines. Things that they don't experience right now.

There might be some price increases on things like basics food staples. There's already talk about people stockpiling food and medicine now. The U.K. government has been preparing for this, there has been some contingency plans put into place. But there is a clear fear that a no deal is possible.

But Theresa May, herself, has said that in here mind a no deal is better than a bad deal.

CHURCH: All right. Hadas Gold joining us there live from London. Many thanks.

Well, U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn told CNN he doesn't think Britain's prime minister can deliver the Brexit that the people voted for in 2016. Here's more from his interview with Nina Dos Santos.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JEREMY CORBYN, LABOUR PARTY LEADER: I don't think she can deliver it at all. I think what she's trying to do is negotiate with her own cabinet to negotiate with her own party. She has on the one hand a group of people who are ultra-Brexiters who want to turn this country into some kind of all fuel tanks haven of Europe. And those that are essentially strongly wanting to remain within the

European Union and she's trying to put together a deal that is not credible isn't going to hold.

When she comes back to parliament with whatever agreements or not she reaches will measured in six tests which are about the living standards of people in this country and are about the trade relations with Europe, and of course the necessity of having a customs union with Europe in order to ensure there is no hard border in Ireland.

NINA DOS SANTOS, CNN CORRESPPONDENT: And your party also faces some internal divisions on the contentious issue of Brexit. How would you negotiate Brexit if you are prime minister today facing the backlash internally against Brexit from some sides, the desire for a harder Brexit from others, and then of course, the intransigence of Brussels.

CORBYN: Well, the Labour Party comes quite united on this. We came to an agreed position which was that we will test the government on the six questions that I've mentioned and that we would negotiate a trader and customs arrange with the European Union.

[03:25:03] The crucial difference is we're not trying to undermine or undercut what Europe has achieved in the sense of environmental consumer and work as regulations. We would indeed, want to strengthen those. We're not seeking to do sweetheart trade deals with Donald Trump or anybody else.

SANTOS: The most contentious issue of all continues to be that very constitutional important issue of the Irish border which Donald Tusk has called a Gordian knot.

If you are negotiating some kind of situation to unravel that Gordian Knot how would you deal it?

CORBYN: The trade relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are obviously important. The necessity of having an open border is very important. The necessity of Ireland being able to trade with the U.K. are very important. That's why there has to be an agreed customs union with the European Union, which is what we would negotiate.

We're very clear about that because anything less than that means that you have to have a trade barrier then creates all kinds of complications.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Again, that was Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn discussing the future of Brexit with CNN's Nina Dos Santos.

Well the stakes are high in the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. Can ted Cruz hold on to his coveted office? A look at his debate with his Democratic rival, that's coming up next.

Plus, Latino voters are a key voting bloc in the U.S. A look at why Democrats are struggling to get their support at the ballot box. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone. I'm Rosemary Church. I want to update you on the main stories we're following this hour.

The U.S. secretary of state is meeting with Turkey's president to discuss the apparent death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Sources tell CNN a Saudi intelligence officer with ties to the country's crown prince organize the mission to interrogate and possibly abduct Khashoggi. He vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul two weeks ago.

European Council President Donald Tusk is warning that a Brexit deal seems unlikely. His comments come as a critical summit between British Prime Minister Theresa May and E.U. leaders take place in the coming hours. The main sticking point is over how to manage the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

[03:29:57] Chinese actress Fan Bingbing who hadn't been seen publicly since June has apparently resurfaced. A federal agency says she was spotted at Beijing's airport on Monday, though CNN cannot verify these images. Fan's disappearance had been a mystery.

Then, earlier this month, China's state media reported she was facing a $130 million fine for tax evasion.

Well, President Trump says there has been a rush to judgment on the Saudi government of the disappearance and alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but some U.S. lawmakers are taking a tougher stance. They have promised to introduce sanctions call for the ouster of the Saudi Crown Prince and said U.S. credibility and leadership are on the line here and here's what Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had to say about the crown prince.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: Nothing happens in Saudi Arabia without the envious knowing it, that the Senate this guy is a wrecking ball. She had this guy murdered in a consulate in Turkey and expect me to ignore it. I feel used and abused. I was on the floor every time defending Saudi Arabia, because they are a good ally. There's a difference between a country and an individual. MBS figure is to make toxic. He can never be a world leader on the world stage.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What was the president do, sanctions?

GRAHAM: It is up to the president, but what I would do, I know what I am going to do, and I am going to sanction the hell out of Saudi Arabia.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: The Khashoggi case has led the British billionaire Richard Branson to end his business dealings with the Saudi's for now. He said last week he is suspending talks on a billion-dollar Saudi investment in his space tourism companies. He also said he would step down from his role as Director to Saudi tourism projects. Now Branson is urging other business leaders to follow suit.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD BRANSON, BILLIONAIRE FOUNDER OF VIRGIN GROUP: If it is true, that Saudi killed and cut up the journalist in Turkey. Then I don't think they can get any business -- to do business with the country that behaves in that way. So, we have suspended all our dealings with the Arabia until and the less we have a very satisfactory explanation. It is pretty horrific. What we all heard, and nothing yet has change our mind of it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Khashoggi's disappearance is also casting a shadow of a Saudi Arabia's upcoming investment conference. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the international monetary fund is the latest high profile business figure to pull out of next week summit as recently as Saturday she had said she still plan to attend. Our John Defterios has more now on the growing exodus from the so-called Davos in the desert.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: Were transpired in Europe Tuesday is equal to the no-shows from Wall Street Monday. More of the big business players are not coming to the so-called Davos of the desert. It's a balancing act for Western CEOs who want to say engage in Saudi Arabia for business but remain sharp by the alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CEO's of HSBC, standard chartered, incredulously are the three that decided to stay away.

According to senior regional banker of the two biggest for the last two days JPMorgan Chase and HSBC had been in the Saudi market for years. Other high-profile companies choosing to stay on board include European giants, Siemens, EDF and Thales, all very involved in large infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. This of course may change Wednesday after more gruesome details were released about the death of the Saudi journalist. John Defterios, CNN Business, Abu Dhabi.

(END VIDEO)

CHURCH: Back in the United States. Now one of the most watched matchups in the upcoming midterms is a show down in Texas, Democrat Beto O'Rourke is trying to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz. A challenger's campaign has attracted nationwide attention and raise more than $38 million in the last quarter, but he's lagging in the polls. Ted Cruz is leading O'Rourke by seven points in the latest CNN poll. The two faceoff in their final debate just a few hours ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm against terrorism, I am against the trade war.

SEN. TED CRUZ, (R) TEXAS: This is one of the few issues on which Congressmen O'Rourke and I have some common ground and that we both spoken out in favor of trade. The difference is that I am able to work with President Trump and make the case to President Trump and we have seen, we have seen for example, the president has negotiated a new NAFTA new trade deal that that has benefits that should benefit the state of Texas. That should benefit San Antonio.

Congressman O'Rourke is not able to work with President Trump and indeed Congressman O'Rourke is the only Democratic Senate nominee in the country.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- who is explicitly come out for impeaching President Trump.

[03:35:04] CRUZ: That is extreme at it means if Congressman O'Rourke has his way, you know, he mentioned to shut down. You want to talk about a shutdown with Congress O'Rourke leading the way, two years of a partisan circus shutting down the federal government in a witch hunt on the present. That's not good for the state of Texas is not good for our country.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator that is your time, 90 seconds response from Mr. O'Rourke.

BETO O'ROURKE, (D) TEXAS: Really interesting to hear you talk about a partisan circus after your laugh six years in the U.S. Senate. Listen, if you have the special relationship with President Trump on them than where is the result of that? You are all talk and no action on the tariffs that the president has levied, the trade wars that he has entered this country into is hurting those state more than it is hurting Texas.

CRUZ: Congressman O'Rourke voted in favor of a $10 apparel tax on every barrel of oil produced in the state of Texas that would had been absolutely devastating to the state of Texas. By the way $10 a barrel that works out to about $.24 a gallon that every one of us would pay when you go fill up your car or truck.

O'ROURKE: This is what you can expect over the course of this debate. Senator Cruz is not going to be honest with you. He is going to make decisions and votes that had never held or have ever taken. He is dishonest, that is why the president called him lying Ted and it is why the nickname stuck. Because it is true.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: On Thursday, U.S. representative Beto O'Rourke joined CNN for a town hall discussion and our Dana Bash, will be the moderator. In the coming days, CNN will host the Florida governor's debate and a Florida Senate debate, so be sure to join us for that.

We do it midterms just three weeks away Democrat are in a race to drum up enthusiasm with Hispanic voters. President Trump policies, combined with his hostile remarks towards immigrants seemingly should be an easy target for Democrats to rally Hispanics, but now there's an ever-growing fear within the party that Latinos may stay home. Our Kyung Lah, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

KYUNG LAH, SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: The push to the Latino vote. In Arizona, volunteers are calling voters cellphones in Spanish. In Nevada, organized labor most of them Latinos going door to door. But signs that turn out troubles may be looming.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The numbers are alarming. Sometimes you have to dig a little bit deeper.

LAH: What do you mean the numbers are alarming?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If they are not registering support of their undecideds or like that just holding back on choosing who are they going to vote for.

LAH: A voting block Democrats hope to surge in the upcoming midterm election. The emphasis would put on the Latino vote, does (inaudible) suburban life women. What kind of a game changer would that be?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I mean, we would be represented. Right now, we are not represented.

LAH: The Latino vote could significantly impact midterm races in these states with high Hispanic population. After two years of President Trump animosity from separating families of the US-Mexico border to anti-immigrant rhetoric.

TRUMP: They are not sending their finest that I can tell you. And we are sending them the hell back.

LAH: Some told us, they would just rather stay home. You don't feel that you have a morbid saying government if you vote?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, we don't. The government does not help us with nothing.

LAH: The Latino voter's turnout way in midterms has dropped since 2006. So in 2018, candidates across the country are going bilingual on both sides of the aisle. But it's the Democrats who are counting on Latino turnout to win seat in Congress.

Do you feel that the Democratic establishment is paying enough attention to the Latino vote?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not enough. But they are in roads. Little by little, I think we're giving you the numbers and by then paying attention. Then you can motivate them to turn out.

(END VIDEO)

CHURCH: And thanks to our Kyung Lah, for that report. Well, of course we know of royal babies on the way for Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markel, but that hasn't slowed down their first trip one bit. The royal couple arrived at Australia, Davos city regional airport where they were greeted enthusiastically by local school children, enjoyed a picnic in the park and spoke with local farmers suffering one of the worst droughts in Australia's history. And this is the second stop on their 16 days tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.

[03:40:02] Well, the Israeli military is striking targets in Gaza, after Israel, says a rocket hit a home early Wednesday. We will have the latest for you when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back everyone with the Israeli military says its air force is striking targets in Gaza. This comes after a rocket launch from Gaza hit a house in southern Israel. CNN's Oren Liebermann is following this for us, joins us now from near the Israeli border and so Oren, what is the latest information you have on this?

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN CORESPONDENT: Rosemary, this all starts early this morning on 3:30 local time when a rocket fired from Gaza landed on the home in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba hitting a bedroom, that had some children inside as well as damaging the yard itself and parts of the building. Israel's response came three hours later, Israel began carrying out some 20 airstrikes against targets all across Gaza. Most military targets Israel Defense forces says has included commanding control centers, tunnels, weapons depots and more. As airstrikes have at this point wrapped up and it is a rather quiet perhaps deceptively quiet at the moment we still do hear some drones above us in terms of what's happening now you can see Gaza here behind me, there are no strikes at this moment, of course having been in a situation quite a few times before will see if that changes as the day progresses, it is still quite earlier here.

The Palestinian Ministry of health says one Palestinian was killed in those airstrikes. Israeli military also struck a group that was trying to launch rocket in northern Gaza before they were able to fire it off. From the political angle, what's interesting about this is that there is an Egyptian delegation in Gaza right now trying to mediate some sort of long-term agreement between Israel and Gaza, between Israel and Hamas. This Hamas may have been an effort to derail that, Israel says there are only two groups in Gaza, then how did the rockets capable of hitting Beersheba, some 40 kilometers east of Gaza, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Israel holds Hamas responsible for anything that comes out of Gaza's.

It is worth pointing out that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad issued an official denial, basically saying, it wasn't us that fired the rockets. Israel says it is possible that it may have been a rouge group or a splinter group, but they hold Hamas responsible for rocket fire and that is where they say, they targeted with those 20 airstrikes earlier in the day.

[03:45:04] Rosemary, will see how the day develops Israeli security officials are meeting, it was just yesterday that the defense minister asked the cabinet for permission to carry out a serious blow against Hamas will see that in the future, or if both sides here try to back off and make sure this does not escalate more than it already has.

CHURCH: Yes, Oren, as you mentioned of course, we have seen this play out before it is quiet. Now it is difficult to know whether this could continue but it's just that one rocket isn't it that has come from Gaza.

LIEBERMANN: It was one rocket, a medium range rocket that hit Beersheba, there was actually a second rocket that was fired north towards Central Israel. It landed off the coast of central Israel, near Bakyam (ph), which is the city just south of Tel Aviv. Now landed in the water so it didn't caused any damage. Again, that was a medium range rocket, it takes a bigger, more powerful rocket to have that range and Israel takes that very seriously because that is a very serious escalation. The firing of larger, heavier, more powerful rockets.

CHURCH: All right. Oren Liebermann joining us live from the Israeli border, keeping an eye on that situation. Many thanks to you for that live report.

Well, the president, of the United States known for his insulting nicknames is added to again the latest war of words between Donald Trump and adult film star Stormy Daniels. We will have that story on the other side of the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back everyone, new images from Ankara Turkey now, where U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, about Jamal Khashoggi. Pompeo met with the Saudi king and crown prince Tuesday and said afterwards that they are committed to a --

[03:50:00] (EMERGENCY BROADCAST)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARA SIDNER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: -- opinion and the judge agreed saying Mr. Trump's statements constituted rhetorical hyperbole that is protected by the First Amendment. This is one of two cases brought by Daniels against Donald Trump and involving his former attorney, Michael Cohen, the case involving the nondisclosure agreement signed just before the election, where she was paid $130,000 in hush money is still pending.

Cohen pled guilty to eight criminal counts against him in the Southern District of New York, including account tied to trying to influence the presidential election by paying off the porn star and a Playboy playmate. Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Now Daniels and her attorney, Michael Avenatti vow the fight is not over.

Avenatti tweeting today, you are disgusting misogynist and an embarrassment to the United States. Bring everything you have because we are going to demonstrate to the world what a complete shyster, and liar you are. How many other women did you cheat on your wife with while you had a baby at home?

All the barbs continue to fly in the public eye on twitter. There is still a court case that is pending in the lawsuit defamation case means that that's one less chance that Michael Avenatti and his client will get to depose President Trump, but the nondisclosure agreement case is still pending and the next court hearing for that is December 3rd, Sara Sidner, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEO)

CHURCH: Well, Stormy Daniels wasn't the only woman Donald Trump mocked on twitter Tuesday, Pocahontas. The bad version sometimes referred to as Elizabeth Warren is getting slammed, the president brought about a potential 2020 Challenger. She took a bogus DNA test and it showed that she may be one 1024th far less than the average American. President Trump is referring to a genetic test. Senator Warren released Monday in an effort to end the controversy over her claim of Native American heritage.

Well it leaves the question, all of Trump's political targets must ask themselves, let his insults slide or choose to fight back. Our CNN's Randy Kaye shows us trying out to out bully Donald Trump can often backfire.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

TRUMP: We have little Marco Rubio.

RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: One of Donald Trump's favorite target during campaign 2016 was Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

TRUMP: He has really large ears, the biggest ears I have ever seen.

KAYE: For a while, Rubio took it then went on the attack, mocking the size of Trump's hand.

SEN. MARCO RUBIO, (R), FLORIDA: he is like 6"2' which is why I don't understand why his hands are the size of someone's 5"2 and you know what they say about men with small hands.

(CHEERS)

You can't trust them.

KAYE: Rubio also went after Trump about the tint of his skin.

RUBIO: Donald is not going to make America great, he is going to make America orange.

(CHEERS)

KAYE: Soon after Senator Rubio lost 18 of the next 24 primaries. He expressed regret and dropped out of the race.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You just send to a level that you clearly criticized in the past and so it makes you look smaller. It makes you look hypocritical and I think that's not what you want to do.

KAYE: Texas Senator Ted Cruz became known as Lying Ted. Thanks to Donald Trump's taunts during the campaign. TRUMP: You are the biggest lair. You are probably are worse than Jeb

Bush.

KAYE: After Trump insulted Cruz's wife, he had enough.

RUBIO: I don't get angry often, but you mess with my wife. You mess with my kids that'll do it every time. Donald you are (inaudible) coward and leave Heidi the hell alone.

KAYE: Taking on Trump, did not serve Cruz, well either. His presidential bid failed. Same goes for former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who Trump like to call, low energy Jeb.

TRUMP: I always put him down on days and he goes away like (inaudible).

KAYE: Bush encouraged by many of his advisers to be more aggressive took Trump on.

JEB BUSH, GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA: Donald, you know, is great at the one liners. But he is a chaos candidate. He would be a chaos president.

KAYE: Despite his efforts, Jed Bush never recovered.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You can criticize Donald Trump on the one hand for being a bully and then try and out bully him.

KAYE: Trump went after Mitt Romney too. And Romney fired back.

MITT ROMNEY, (R), UTAH SENATE CANDIDATE: Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University.

KAYE: Trump had the last laugh in the end though TERESZCUK: Romney lobbied Trump to become Secretary of State, Trump publicly humiliated him by giving the job to someone else.

[03:55:04] Another person who has been afraid to take on Trump is former Vice President Joe Biden.

JOE BIDEN, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: (Inaudible).

KAYE: President Trump has since mocked him at rallies.

TRUMP: Remember he challenge me into a fight? I like to take him behind the bun. I'd love that. I would not last long. That would not last long.

KAYE: how do the battle ends between the two remains unknown as Mr. Biden weighs, whether or not to run against President Trump. Randi Kaye, CNN, Palm Beach, Florida.

(END VIDEO)

CHURCH: OK. Here is the question. Ever had a gift to overstate they are welcome? That may be happening right now with Julian Assange, Ecuador's U.K. Embassy has set down new house rules for the WikiLeaks founder, who has been holed up there for the past 6 years to avoid extradition to Sweden on rape allegations. He will now have to pay to use the Internet and they are new visitation procedures. Assange has also been want to take better care of his cat or else it will be given away. He's also been told to keep his bathroom clean.

Well, a rare lunar meteorite is up for auction in the United States. The Boston auction House are at auction describes it as the largest chunk of moon rock ever offered for sale. The meteorite was found in northwest Africa. It comes in six pieces that stick together, weighing a total of about 5 kilograms. The seventh piece weighing a few dozen grams has been sent to the University of New Mexico for testing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In all of history there being approximately 60,000 different meteorites found and recorded by science and out of the 60,000 less than 350 of them are lunar meteorites. So, it gives you an idea of the extreme rarity of this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: And the sale price of that meteorite, I'm sure you are asking and want to know, estimated at half million U.S. dollars. Thanks so much for your company this hour. I'm Rosemary Church, do connect with me on Twitter anytime @rosemarycnn. And the news continues now with Max Foster in London. You are watching CNN. Have a great day.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)