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Democrat Pulls Ahead of Republican in California Race; Mississippi Runoff Election; Disappointed over GM Closures; Pelosi Next Speaker. Aired 8:30-9a ET

Aired November 27, 2018 - 08:30   ET

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


(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:30:13] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: A stunning turn in the race for California's 21st congressional district. Democrat T.J. Cox has taken the lead over Republican Congressman David Valadao. It puts Democrats on the verge of sweeping all seven of the Republican House seats that they targeted in the midterms. Dems are now -- Democrats are now in striking distance of a net gain of 40 seats in the House.

Joining us now is outgoing Republican Congressman Jeff Denham of California.

Congressman Denham lost in his re-election bid three weeks ago.

Congressman, thank you so much for being with us. I really do appreciate your time this morning.

You look at what's happening to David Valadao in the 21st. You look at what happened to all of your colleagues and Republicans running in those Republican seats, what happened to you all in California?

REP. JEFF DENHAM (R), CALIFORNIA: Well, John, it's good to be back with you again. Certainly it's disappointing. Disappointing to not only lose the House, but to see so my of my colleagues in California lose races that they were up, many of which were up very big on election night. Ahead in the polls, Election Day voters voted for him overwhelmingly. Absentee ballots came in. Those were overwhelming for them. But these late provisionals, three weeks later, still counting, you can move a race eight to ten points. Beyond what polling for registered voters are, but moving eight to ten points three weeks after the election. It's unbelievable.

BERMAN: Well, hang on here.

DENHAM: That's something we're going to -- as Republicans in California, we're going to have to look at.

BERMAN: Are you actually alleging some kind of malfeasance here?

DENHAM: No. What I'm alleging is we do polling, just like you showed polling of the president's numbers earlier with registered voters. We did that in my district. The president was almost even in our district. We were way up on election night only to see that lead go by in provisional voters.

Now we've had -- changed our laws several times in California over the last couple of election cycles. But this one in particular mailed out ballots to brand-new voters that got it, their ballots, through the DMV, through motor voters is what we call them here in California. And we also had same day voter registration. So it's a different phenomenon in California than what we saw in the rest of the -- or across the rest of the country.

BERMAN: Well, look, I get it, but these are all legal votes, correct?

DENHAM: Well, I think that's something that we're going to have to take a look at.

BERMAN: You dispute the fact that these are legal votes? That the reason that the Democrats -- that Republicans lost these Senate, these House seats in California, you don't think it was legal votes that cost them the election?

DENHAM: No, I -- I'm not alleging anything. I don't think we know right now. What I do know is the laws have changed several times and we've got tens of --

BERMAN: But how do we not know? I'm sorry, but when you say we don't know, you're adding an element of uncertainty here. There were -- there may be 40 House seats across the country that Republicans lost.

DENHAM: Sure.

BERMAN: So clearly there was something of a waive here. So clearly what happened in these districts, and they all have some of the elements that Republicans lost in the races around the country, they had those same elements. There's a trend here, but you're suggesting that it was something else, or at least you're open to the possibility that it was something else, that there's some kind of fraud going on here?

DENHAM: I'm suggesting that three weeks after the election you have seen a seat that has moved ten points from what it was originally done on Election Day. That is something that we ought to look at. We ought to take a look at, what is the new phenomenon that is bringing brand- new registered voters on Election Day or bringing in ballots after Election Day that is swaying -- swaying these seats.

BERMAN: What's wrong with registering brand-new voters?

DENHAM: Nothing. Nothing. We should. As long as they are citizens and legal to vote, we ought to be encouraging everybody to vote.

BERMAN: OK.

DENHAM: But bringing in ballots after the election, counting ballots three weeks after the election, we can do better than that.

BERMAN: By law. By law. By clearly written California law. So nothing was done in opposition to California law here, correct? DENHAM: No, I'm not -- I'm not disputing that.

BERMAN: OK. I'm sorry we got sidetracked. I was just surprised --

DENHAM: But I do think that it is concerning, three weeks --

BERMAN: I was surprised to hear you say, given the wave nature of this election, that there was something other than just voters voting their minds and hearts here. And what I was going to ask you about is why. What about this election made it harder for Republicans across the country? Is there something that you believe they're seeing in the president that they don't like?

DENHAM: Well, certainly midterms are always difficult. I came in under that first midterm where we took 92 seats, 64 of which were new seats that were switchovers from Democrats. So, you know, there are midterm waves that do go on. This one was particularly different because of the billions of dollars that were spent. I mean we've never seen this kind of money spent in an election in California, nor have we seen the amount of volunteers that have come in from other areas of the state. They were very organized. I applaud them for their efforts on that.

[08:35:07] BERMAN: There is some issue you care deeply about, and there is some agreement with the congressman-elect from your district, Josh Harder, and that's on water issues. You are a very agriculture heavy district in the valley in California. And you have a development today on something you've worked a long time on coming to fruition this week for water for your district.

DENHAM: Yes. Yes. A grant from the USDA, $449 million, to build a brand-new reservoir. We've not built any new lake since 1979. This will give us a 1.8 million new acre feed (ph) of water and solve a lot of our challenges that we've seen with agriculture. And so I think it's going to be a good, bipartisan day where valley members, Republicans and Democrats, are coming together to solve a big problem that we have.

BERMAN: Congressman Jeff Denham, thank you for joining us today. And thanks for the years you've put in. I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that serving in Congress is a public service and we do appreciate it.

DENHAM: John, thanks. It's been good to be back with you again.

BERMAN: See you soon.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: John, at this moment the polls are open in Mississippi's Senate runoff election. Will Republicans hold that seat? We have details, next.

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[08:40:39] CAMEROTA: OK, polls are open in Mississippi, where voters will decide the final Senate race of 2018. Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is fighting to keep her seat. She's facing a runoff challenge from Democrat Mike Espy. President Trump headlined two rallies for Hyde-Smith last night as she continues to take heat for making those racially tinged so-called jokes.

CNN's Martin Savidge is live in Jackson, Mississippi, with more.

How's it looking, Martin?

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Alisyn.

Actually, when the polls open here, and they've been open about 40 minutes. There was a line that wrapped all the way around the building. Now, since that time, it's been reduced some. But, let's face it, it moves quickly because there's only one thing on the ballot.

It comes just, well, literally 24 hours after two nooses, hanging nooses, were found on the grounds of the state capital. It was a reminder of the comments that have so energized this runoff election. And the question today is, who is going to come out the winner as a result of the words that have been said?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So we're here tonight to support a truly incredible leader. She's great on tax cuts, tough on the border. She loves our military. She loves our vets. And she always supports our tremendous judicial nominees.

SAVIDGE (voice over): Help from President Trump couldn't come soon enough for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith after a string of damaging disclosures. She supported at least two efforts to elevate Mississippi's confederate history. CNN's K-File investigative team found she once co-sponsored a resolution that appeared to glorify the confederate cause. And according to "The Washington Post," she backed a resolution in 2001 to rename a Mississippi highway after the president of the confederacy. This as 2014 images emerge showing Hyde- Smith posing in a confederate hat and holding a rifle.

During Hyde-Smith's campaign, she remarked, she'd attend a public hanging if invited by a supporter.

SEN. CINDY HYDE-SMITH (R), MISSISSIPPI: If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row.

SAVIDGE: And seemingly endorsed voter suppression at what she called liberal college campuses.

HYDE-SMITH: So I think that's a great idea.

SAVIDGE: She offered a partial apology for the public hanging remark.

HYDE-SMITH: For anyone that was offended from my -- by my comments, I certainly apologize.

SAVIDGE: But quickly added.

HYDE-SMITH: I also recognize that this comment was twisted and it was turned into a weapon to be used against me. SAVIDGE: It hasn't gone over well in a state that has a history of

both, especially when her Democratic opponent, Mike Espy, is African- American.

MIKE ESPY, MISSISSIPPI SENATE CANDIDATE: Someone told me that was the gift that keeps on giving. I heard in Washington that they're calling her the hanging senator.

SAVIDGE: Her opponent is using all of this to his advantage in television ads.

ESPY: We're better than that. And I know I owe Mississippi more than I can say.

SAVIDGE: Companies including Walmart and Major League Baseball have requested refunds for their contributions to the Hyde-Smith campaign. A move Espy suggests says she's bad for business.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So embarrassing she'd be a disaster for Mississippi.

SAVIDGE: If he wins, Espy would become Mississippi's first African- American senator since the end of the Civil War.

ESPY: We've got to get votes from everybody. I'm African-American. I'm proud of it.

SAVIDGE: But Hyde-Smith is hopeful a visit from President Donald Trump is a welcome distraction as she struggles to put a series of racially charged controversies behind her.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: She's a tremendous woman. And it's a shame that she has to go through this.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: Lines at polling places aren't the only indication this morning that there is high interest in voting. There are also the absentee ballots. Normally, well, in 2014, when they had a runoff, there were 10,000 requests for absentee ballots. This time, 46,000 requests for absentee ballots. People really want to vote on this one.

John.

BERMAN: All right, the last remaining race in the 2018 midterms.

Martin Savidge, thanks so much for being there for us. Appreciate it.

President Trump promised to boost the U.S. auto industry, it hit a pothole after General Motors announced plans to close five plants in North American and plans to cut 14,000 jobs. Both President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to GM's CEO to express their disappointment.

Our Christine Romans has more. [08:45:02] CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: It is a

reinvention from one of the largest automakers, and it will mean five plants close in North America. General Motors will cut its salaried workforce 15 percent and trim a quarter of the company's executives. The pivot toward electric vehicles and self-driving tech.

In a statement Monday, the CEO, Mary Barra, said this. The actions we're taking today continue our transformation to be highly agile, resilient and profitable while giving us the flexibility to invest in the future.

GM will shut plants in Detroit, Ontario, Warren, Ohio, White Marsh, Maryland, and Warren, Michigan. The plants make sedans, including the Chevrolet Volt, the Impala and Cruise, the Buick LaCrosse, the Cadillac CT6 and STS. GM said it will no longer make those cars. Those shutdowns translate to 8,000 salaried worker, 6,000 hourly workers will either lose their jobs or be reassigned to other plants.

President Trump said he talked with Barra after the announcement and he is not happy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I was very tough. I spoke with her when I heard they were closing. And I said, you know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You better get back in there soon. That's Ohio. And you'd better get back in there soon. So we have a lot of pressure on them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: But later, at a rally in Mississippi Monday night, the president said his administration has found the magic wand for manufacturing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The previous administration, they said manufacturing is never coming back. It's gone. You need a magic wand. Well, we found the magic wand, and that's actually -- that's actually going to be increasing by a lot in the next short while because we have a lot of companies moving in.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed his concern after the announcement saying he was deeply disappointed by the decision to shut that Ontario plant. He said the -- he tweeted this, GM workers have been part of the heart and soul there for generations. We'll do everything we can to help the families affected by the news get back on their feet. GM also said it would close three plants outside North America by the end of next year. One of those in South Korea had already been announced.

Guys.

CAMEROTA: Our thanks to Christine there.

All right, so after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is time to dig deep to help others this giving Tuesday. Our Anderson Cooper explains how you can help our 2018 Top Ten CNN Heroes continue their important work.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Anderson Cooper.

Each of this year's Top Ten CNN Heroes really proves that one person can make a difference. And , again, this year we're making it easy for you to support their great work. Just go to cnnheroes.com and click donate beneath any 2018 Top Ten CNN Hero to make a direct contribution to that hero's fundraiser on Crowd Rise. We'll receive an e-mail confirming your donation, which is tax deductible in the United States. No matter the amount, you can make a big difference in helping our heroes continue their life-changing work.

CNN is proud to offer you this simple way to support each cause and celebrate all these everyday people who are changing the world.

You can donate from your laptop, your tablet or your phone. Just go to cnnheroes.com. Your donation in any amount will help them help others.

Thanks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Of course all of our top ten CNN Heroes will be honored at the 12th annual "CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute" hosted by Anderson Cooper with special guest Kelly Ripa. That is live Sunday, December 9th. Tune in. You will be inspired.

CAMEROTA: What am I going to wear!

OK, meanwhile, is Nancy Pelosi on the brink of becoming the next speaker of the House? We'll get to "The Point" with Chris Cillizza, next.

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[08:51:04] BERMAN: So does Nancy Pelosi now have enough support to become the next House speaker? A pivotal vote takes place tomorrow.

Let's get "The Point" with Chris Cillizza.

Cillizza, you are here. Tell us, has Pelosi consolidated? Is she going to do this?

CHRIS CILLIZZA, CNN POLITICS REPORTER AND EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Yes, I think she is and I think, honestly, she probably always was, John. You know, look, one of the maximums of politics is you don't beat something with nothing. And the anti-Pelosi Democrats haven't had anyone who's willing to run against her, which makes it a big challenge. I will point to you, on Monday, Seth Moulton, one of the faces of the

anti-Pelosi movement, he's a Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, he told "The Washington Post" that he wants to negotiate with Pelosi. He doesn't necessarily want her to leave the speakership now, he wants to negotiate about what their leadership looks like. Ten days ago Moulton gave an interview, he said he was, quote, 100 percent confident that they had the votes to keep Pelosi from the speakership. You don't negotiate if you think you're winning. I think this is Moulton trying to save face.

And I think this was the inevitable result. Nancy Pelosi didn't get to where she has gotten by not being good at and willing to play hardball politics. And that's what she's done over the last 10, 15 days and she's done it well.

CAMEROTA: You know, Chris, ten days ago, didn't Seth Moulton have the vote? We saw that letter where it was like 17 other -- or something like that, Democrats had signed on.

CILLIZZA: Yes.

CAMEROTA: Didn't they have the votes back then?

CILLIZZA: So they had 16, which would be one more than they need to keep her from the 218 that she needed. The problem is, a couple of people who signed that letter have gotten a little bit iffy. Steven Lynch from Massachusetts has said, well, I'm not going to vote for a Republican for speaker. So if it's just between a Republican and Nancy Pelosi, I'll vote for Pelosi. Well, that's a vote for Pelosi. And Brian Higgins in New York, who signed the letter a couple of days ago said, actually, I'm going to vote for Pelosi because she told me that she's going to prioritize infrastructure. So now you're down two.

The issue here, Alisyn, is that when you are the speaker or the top ranking Democrat at the moment, you can do things like get Marcia Fudge, the Ohio Democrat who thought about challenging Pelosi, you can get her out of that race by saying, you know what, I'm going to make you chair of a House administration committee on elections and elections security. Now you've given her something she wants and now she supports you.

The group who are opposing her don't have that power. And, again, Pelosi knows that she has the power and she's willing to wield it, which is really important.

BERMAN: There's also always been two math equations here at play. Number one, to get to 218 to become the House speaker. But the other one is that even though 16 people who signed that letter, it was hard to believe any one of them would vote for Kevin McCarthy for speaker.

CILLIZZA: That's --

BERMAN: None of them promised that. They might all abstain. And, in the end, all Nancy Pelosi would needs is 201 votes, which is a lot easier for her to get to. Chris Cillizza, you're talking about political axioms here. The one I

like is Omar Little from "The Wire." You know, you come at the king, you best not miss.

CILLIZZA: One hundred percent.

BERMAN: What happens now to Seth Moulton and company?

CILLIZZA: Well, you know what happens to people who came at Omar and "The Wire," it won't be that bad. But, look, Seth Moulton in particular has been very outspoken, very brassy about his confidence in beating Pelosi. My guess is that he will not fare well under a Speaker Pelosi. And you may see him look elsewhere for other employment, whether it's run for another office, run for president. He's talked about that.

Nancy Pelosi, again, is good at hardball politics. And there's a reason that it's called hardball, because a 95 mile an hour fastball may be headed close to your head if you are one of those people who opposed her.

BERMAN: (INAUDIBLE).

CAMEROTA: All right, Chris Cillizza, if you had to pick a celebrity --

CILLIZZA: Yes.

CAMEROTA: That President Trump reminds you of or looks like --

CILLIZZA: Yes.

CAMEROTA: Would it be this one? Here's who he thinks he looks like. Wait a minute!

[08:55:00] CILLIZZA: Yes.

CAMEROTA: He does kind of look like him.

BERMAN: He does. That's the thing. Do we have the sound?

CILLIZZA: That picture, he does kind of look like him.

BERMAN: Let's listen to the sound. Let's listen to the president.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Face of the king of rock and roll, Elvis. Elvis! We love Elvis. I shouldn't say this. You'll say I'm very conceited, because I'm not. But other than the blond hair, when I was growing up, they said I looked like Elvis. Do you seen that?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: OK. So look at that. Let's put it up again. Put up the two- shot. I think that he's not -- he's not off base. CILLIZZA: Yes. And when he's younger, he does vaguely look like him.

But let me draw your attention to the fact that he said, and you'll think I'm conceited, but I'm not. He is. You can love Donald Trump, but to say he is not someone who has a high opinion of himself, I think is somewhat ridiculous. People tell me that I look a lot like a later day George Clooney. I get that a lot.

BERMAN: I was going to say Clooney. I was going to say Clooney right now.

CILLIZZA: Yes. A lot of Clooney comparisons.

BERMAN: You do.

CILLIZZA: Which, you know, I guess I'll take it.

CAMEROTA: Who's your celebrity look-alike?

BERMAN: Brad Pitt.

CILLIZZA: Always.

CAMEROTA: That's awesome. You know who I look like, a young James Spader. I get that all the time. All the time. And I'm right. If we put up the two pictures tomorrow --

BERMAN: "Pretty in Pink."

CAMEROTA: We're going to -- yes, the "Pretty in Pink." Yes.

BERMAN: The "Pretty in Pink" era James Spader.

CAMEROTA: Yes, I look a lot like that.

BERMAN: I see it. I see it.

CAMEROTA: Thank you. I do.

All right, Chris, thank you.

The plea agreement between prosecutors and Paul Manafort just fell apart. So what is the next twist in the Mueller investigation? All that, next.

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