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Racist Chants About Congresswoman Omar; Trump Defends A$AP Rocky; Robert Mueller To Publicly Testify This Week; Former Astronaut Michael Massimino Discusses NASA's Celebration Of The "APOLLO 11" Moon Landing; Corruption Scandal & Leaked Private Chats Rock Puerto Rico As Protesters Demand Governor Resign; Former Bond Girl: "Miss Bond Doesn't Have The Same Ring To It". Aired 5-6p ET
Aired July 20, 2019 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CROWD: Send her back. Send her back. Send her back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANA CABRERA, CNN HOST: The president has given a couple of different reactions to those chants, from claiming to have barely heard the crowd, to saying he disagreed with them.
Then, earlier today, tweeting a replay of the chants and his words. As you can see, did I nothing to lead people on nor was I particularly happy with their chant. Just a very big and patriotic crowd. They love the USA. A patriotic crowd chanting, send her back, about an elected member of the U.S. Congress?
There was also this remark from the president about Omar and three other progressive freshmen Democrats.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't know if it's good or bad, politically. I don't care. But when people are speaking so badly. When they call our country garbage, think of that, that's worse than deplorable. When they call our country garbage, I don't care about politics. I don't care if it's good or bad about politics.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Quick fact check. None of the Congresswomen Trump was referencing have ever been quoted as calling the country or the American people garbage. What he was likely referring to this quote from New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who said this about her position on migrants' rights back in March.
I think all of these things sound radical compared to where we are. But where we are is not a good thing. This idea of 10 percent better from garbage shouldn't be what we settle for.
Now, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez appeared at a townhall on immigration today in her district in New York City. She says the president's racist attacks on her and other women in Congress are bigger than just the individuals involved.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. OCASIO-CORTEZ (D), NEW YORK: When I see the president doing that, it's not about me taking it personally. You know, men like him have been telling women like me to go back to my country for a long time.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you think he led them on? He said he didn't.
OCASIO-CORTEZ: He absolutely did. I think he absolutely did. He said, oh, I stopped it immediately. Roll the tape. He didn't. He kind of presided over the situation. He relished it. He took it in.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Let's bring in CNN's Polo Sandoval. Polo, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortes telling that townhall the president is actually relishing the moment of those chants.
POLO SANDOVAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Ana. What we heard from the freshman Congresswoman touched on just a little while ago were many of the points that she's addressed, right. She renewed that call for impeachment of the president. She also renewed that call to abolish not just ICE but the entire Department of Homeland Security.
And then, also touched on what is a relatively timely issue here which is this ongoing rift between various factions of the Democratic Party. She, basically, defended her ongoing opposition to this Border Aid Funding Bill that we heard from not just her, but also various other members of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.
And I asked her, after this townhall, was what does she plan on tackling, when she has the opportunity to meet with the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the coming days, particularly after this ongoing rift and, really, this very public clash between members of the progressive movement within the House and more established Democrats.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OCASIO-CORTEZ: The progressive caucus is one of the largest caucuses in the Democratic Party. And so, you know, I think, overall, it's just to have a more open-ended conversation and see what we can do to come together on strategy. And, certainly, immigration, I think, is part of that conversation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SANDOVAL: You know, ultimately only time can tell if that, kind of, open-ended approach, as she described it here today in Queens, will actually work. There is this recognition, I think, by many members of the Democratic Party that there are those sharp divisions within the party, itself.
And what we heard today, in this school in Queens, New York, coming from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was that some of those separations, some of those rifts, they do need to be, eventually, taken care of.
But, at the same time, there is also the steadfast approach, coming not just from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but also other members of the squad that she helps lead. But, ultimately, those divisions are going to be very hard to get rid of.
CABRERA: OK. Polo Sandoval reporting from New York. Thank you.
Joining us now is CNN Political Commentator, and Host of "S.E. CUPP UNFILTERED" at the top of the hour, S.E. Cupp; and former chairman of the D.C. Democratic Party, A. Scott Bolden.
S.E., you wrote a piece this week for CNN.com in which you predicted that send her back will be the Trump era's defining slogan. Why do you think that?
S.E. CUPP, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, first of all, I think we need to point out, Donald Trump did not push back against send her back. He didn't do it in the moment. He hasn't really done it since. And we'll know at the next rally on August first, scheduled for August first, if he actually does manage to convince his supporters not to use it again. Some --
[17:05:02] CABRERA: And we did -- we did the math. It was 13 seconds that he let them chant.
CUPP: No, he didn't. He didn't.
CABRERA: And he waited for it to die out before he started talking.
CUPP: And so that failure is a complicity in allowing that to take hold. And the fact that so few Republican lawmakers have come out to condemn it means the party owns this. They own all of Trump. They don't just own the pieces that they like, maybe tax reform here or conservative judges here. They own all of this. And incent for that --
CABRERA: Do you still consider yourself a Republican?
CUPP: I'm a conservative. And I'm not pleased with my party. I'm certainly not this party's Republican. And, you know, I've made that -- I've made that pretty clear. But this Republican Party owns Trump. And send her back, in three succinct words, really perfectly encapsulates the Trump era. It's personal. It's nasty. It's about punishment. It's racist. It's got xenophobic undercurrents. And it strikes right to our basis instincts. So, yes, I think it will serve as a shorthand for this era.
CABRERA: I already know you agree.
A. SCOTT BOLDEN, FORMER CHAIRMAN, D.C. DEMOCRATIC PARTY: I think I could offer a friendly amendment. Without a doubt. I think Donald Trump owns this party. This is not the Republican Party. It's the Trump party. And think about that. That tells us more about where we are in America. Because the GOP, Senate and the House Representatives will never criticize Trump for fear of not being re-elected, because of those GOP supporters of Trump in the districts.
And so, I think Donald Trump is holding the GOP hostage. And the lack of criticism of Donald Trump. They'll criticize the people chanting, send her back. But few, if any, maybe four, criticized Donald Trump for attacking these four black women in Congress who are federal public officials and who are all U.S. citizens.
CABRERA: Although, you know, he -- it's interesting. He's trying to define the Democratic Party as well. You say, you know, he has had this control over the Republican Party and redefined it. But as he's trying, in this latest controversy, these racists attacks, his ongoing, you know, attacks against these four Congresswomen, he's trying to attach the make them the face of the Democratic Party, because they are further left than where a lot of the party is, no?
BOLDEN: Well, yes, that's true. But the party's strength is its diversity, first of all. Second of all, narcissism, and Donald Trump was a super narcissist. He will try to control everything, whether it's the GOP or the Democratic Party.
CABRERA: But do you think it could work, especially with moderate Democrats?
BOLDEN: I think that's going to sort itself out with the Democratic primaries. We have 20 candidates right now. That's probably going to go down to 10 and even three or four. And we're going to see. I think there are more moderates and more conservative Democrats than what the media focuses on.
And it's OK to have the far left. It's OK to have progressives. It's a potpourri of Democratic political views and every party has that. As you see with S.E. Cupp who's not happy with the Republican Party. It's going to sort itself out. And in the end, it's about electoral votes.
CABRERA: I'm going to play something else the president said. Let's watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: What they've said about Israel are just terrible. And you look at the kind of statements they've made about Israel. It's a disgrace to say that about Israel. It's horrible what they've said about Israel. They say things about Israel that are so bad. So anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: He mentioned Israel about as many times as he mentioned the U.S. Why do you think he's bringing Israel into this, S.E.?
CUPP: Well, it's a big talking point for his base. Evangelicals, a big voting block, voted for this president, in some part because of his defense of Israel. And it is not controversial. He is not the only person to have criticized some of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's comments as anti-Semitic. I think they were as well. That has absolutely nothing to do with her country of origin, her citizenship, her acceptance in this country. Part of being an American is getting to say controversial things that even make my blood boil and not have your Americanness, your patriotism --
BOLDEN: Challenged.
CUPP: -- challenged.
BOLDEN: Right.
CUPP: Especially for a dually-elected woman, you know, Congresswoman.
BOLDEN: And here's the thing. It's more patriotic for us to criticize America and want the best for America under our First Amendment right, than it is to tweet racist things about four black women in Congress. It is. We fought for the right to did that and it's OK.
We are a beautiful, imperfect country. We all want this country to be better. Except, we've got to deal with Donald Trump who practices the politics of divide and racism and xenophobia. That has no place in our public dialogue. He's driven that narrative.
And the voters in 2020 are going to have an opportunity to vote up or down, on whether this is what defines America or whether the best of America is defined, whether it's a Democratic president, or whether he's challenged in the primary, or whether it's an independent.
[17:10:08] This America -- this America of ours right now has to make that decision and has to make the right one in 2020.
CABRERA: I think it's a good place to end it. A. Scott Bolden, S.E. Cupp, thank you, both, for being here.
BOLDEN: Thank you.
CABRERA: Be sure to catch S.E. on her show, "S.E. CUPP UNFILTERED," at the top of the hour, 6:00 Eastern, right here on CNN.
Coming up, President Trump promising to intervene in the case of an American rapper detained overseas. But is he making any progress?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CABRERA: President Trump today tweeting his support for American rapper ASAP Rocky who is being detained in Sweden, after accusations of assault. Now, the president even offered to guarantee his bail. ASAP Rocky's problems stem back to a June 30th brawl.
The rapper posted videos on Instagram, defending himself, saying two men followed him and harassed him. But TMZ has this video that appears to show ASAP Rocky throwing one of the men to the ground. President Trump explained to reporters yesterday how he got involved.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And many, many members of the African-American community have called me, friends of mine, and said, could you help? So, I personally don't know ASAP Rocky. But I can tell you that he has tremendous support from the African-American community in this country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: I want to bring in CNN's Boris Sanchez who's with the president in New Jersey.
[17:15:00] Boris, what is the president saying about his talks? I know he spoke with Swedish officials today about ASAP Rocky.
BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Ana. President Trump attempting to help out the embattled rapper who's been denied the possibility of bail. The president, apparently, learning about his situation through First Lady Melania Trump. He's also had conversations with another rapper, Kanye West, about this. And so, he decided to intervene.
Here's the tweet that the president sent earlier today. He wrote, quote, "Just had a very good call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven who assured me that American citizen, ASAP Rocky, will be treated fairly. Likewise, I assured him that ASAP was not a flight risk and offered to personally vouch for his bail or an alternative. Our teams will be talking further and we agreed to speak again in the next 48 hours."
That last line from President Trump, Ana, a bit curious because a spokesperson for the Swedish prime minister has told CNN that there is no set time for future talks, even though they didn't rule them out. They also said that the Swedish prime minister could not and would not get involved in this case, emphasizing that Swedish law sees everybody equally.
And that it would be inappropriate, politically and legally, for them to get involved in this case. Ana, the president's public attempt to try to help the rapper, not helping so far.
CABRERA: OK. Boris Sanchez in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey for us. Thank you.
Coming up, we have read the report. We know the conclusions. But could Robert Mueller's testimony next week still be a game changer?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[17:20:10] CABRERA: Four days from now, former special counsel, Robert Mueller, will emerge from retirement, stand before the cameras in Congress, and publicly testify about the report that consumed two years of the Trump presidency.
So, what should we expect?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ROBERT MUELLER, FORMER U.S. SPECIAL COUNSEL: Any testimony from this office would not go beyond our report. It contains our findings and analysis and the reasons for the decisions we made. We chose those words carefully and the work speaks for itself. And the report is my testimony. I would not provide information beyond that which is already public in any appearance before Congress.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Mueller was clear, just read the report. It goes over everything. What Russia did. What Trump did. What his campaign did. Four hundred forty-eight pages of meticulous detail, all available for nearly three months now.
And, yet, Democrats who support impeachment are hoping this testimony will be a game changer. That's because a good portion of the American public still doesn't know everything that's in the Mueller report. That's not from a lack of trying. We've had celebrities stage a dramatic reading on Broadway.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN LITHGOW, ACTOR: I am being investigated for firing the FBI director by the man who told me to fire the FBI director. Witch hunt.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Again said to the president had asked him to do crazy (INAUDIBLE.)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Then, there were pro-impeachment ads, featuring mock auditions for a Mueller movie.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: According to Comey's account.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At one point during the dinner.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The president stated.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I need loyalty.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I expect loyalty.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Russia, if you are listening --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope you are able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing.
UNIDENTIFIEDE MALE: I think you'll be rewarded mightily by our press.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: And there were plans for a Mueller report. A graphic novel edition, in hopes the pictures would keep people's attention. Well, now, we have the latest attempt to make the report something you have to see and hear. On Wednesday, Robert Mueller isn't just reading from the report he released months ago. He is introducing it to a whole new audience.
Let me bring in CNN's Chief Media Correspondent and anchor of "RELIABLE SOURCES," Brian Stelter. Brian, when it comes to Mueller's findings, do you think this could be a case of people don't want to read the book, but they do want to see the movie?
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: We have seen that, certainly in American history. That's been true for decades. Written works do not break through the way that films and television shows do. And it's going to be a remarkable television show. In the middle of a hot, long summer, we're going to see this on the broadcast networks, as well as here on cable. And it will be hard to miss throughout the day on Wednesday.
But I think the Democrats are going to have to start by saying, Robert Mueller who? You know, this is something that's been going on for more than two years. We are now closer to the 2020 election than the 2016 election that he was looking into. And Mueller's been finished for several months already. Everybody who has wanted to read the report already has. So, the Democrats can try to reach a bigger audience than this.
But I think it's probably smart for the Democrats to manage expectations heading into this, given how polarized the country is.
CABRERA: I also have to wonder if all the months of Mueller coverage had an impact on people kind of tuning out the details (INAUDIBLE.)
STELTER: Tuning out the finale maybe. Tuning out ending. Tuning out the actual facts in the report. I do think that's a very important point and part of what's happened here. There are damning details in the Mueller report, especially involving obstruction of justice. The Democrats will be smart to focus on that on Wednesday. And to remind the country that they are conducting their own investigation of obstruction and other related matters.
I think a lot of Americans don't realize what the Democrats are actually doing, mostly behind closed doors on Capitol Hill. That's partly the Democrats fault for not televising it. But this will be a televised moment for the Dems to get that message out.
Now, I do think it'll -- it'll create new energy among liberals who want to see President Trump out of office. I would be quite surprised if we see a sudden change in this political environment as a result.
CABRERA: And, on that note, you know, Democrats had their expectations, hoping that this does make a difference. We also know Republicans are hoping this could work in their favor.
STELTER: That's true.
CABRERA: Matt Gates is one of the Congressman who'll be questioning Mueller. He told "The New York Times," when they asked about his goal for the Mueller hearing, this, quote, "We are going to re-elect the president." So, they're seeing this as an opportunity, perhaps, to give the president a boost. And, yet, Brian, so interesting, when the president was asked about the upcoming Mueller testimony, he downplayed it and said he didn't even think he'd be watching it.
STELTER: I'll wager my entire paycheck on the following prediction. Yes, President Trump will be watching the Mueller hearings, at least part of the hearings, on Wednesday. He won't be able to resist. It will be live on Fox as well as everywhere else. And the president is going to want to see this person who he viewed as, you know, his enemy or his challenger. He's going to want to see Mueller up close and personal.
[17:25:00] I think what's most interesting about this on Wednesday is that we've never really seen Mueller speak, except for that one press conference, which -- where he didn't really say much. We have not seen him.
CABRERA: Mere minutes.
STELTER: Yes, mere minutes. We have not really seen him in action. So, that is going to make Wednesday interesting, from a television point of view. Whether it changes politics, I don't know. But, you know, today is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. Imagine the moon landing only in words, right?
CABRERA: Yes.
STELTER: Pictures do make an incredible difference, even when it's a boring Capitol Hill hearing. Seeing the way he speaks, seeing what he doesn't say, seeing what he holds back will all be revealing. And I think we'll have our best sense yet of how the Democrats really feel about impeachment. Because some of them have been saying this is the moment. Let's see what happens when Mueller testifies. Well, it's time now, finally. It's finally time. It's finally here.
CABRERA: We will see. Thank you, Brian Stelter, as always.
STELTER: Thanks.
CABRERA: Be sure to catch Brian on his show, "RELIABLE SOURCES," tomorrow morning at 11:00 Eastern here on CNN.
Coming up, marking 50 years since the mission that made us marvel at the skies above us.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NEIL ARMSTRONG, ASTRONAUT: It's one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) CABRERA: On this night, 50 years ago, millions around the world sat glued to their T.V. screens, awaiting this historic beamed back from the surface of the moon.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
ARMSTRONG: That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
[17:30:00] CABRERA: Anyone with even a passing knowledge of history knows those words by heart, right?
But a lot of people are at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to commemorate the men and the mission of Apollo 11.
The fact is that moment still inspires us and it still sends a chill up the spine of anyone who was alive and watching that grainy footage live on that hot July night 50 years ago either from Mission Control or their living room.
A little boy named Mike was just 6 years old that night. Almost 40 years later, Astro Mike sent the first tweet from space, on May 12, 2009, writing from orbit, "Launch was awesome. I am feeling great, working hard and enjoying the magnificent views. The adventure of a lifetime has begun!"
Astro Mike is former NASA astronaut, Michael Massimino. You probably know him from the "Big Bang Theory."
Great to have you with us.
MICHAEL MASSIMINO, FORMER NASA ASTRONAUT: Great to be here.
Thanks for mentioning the tweet. I think it's doesn't compare with one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind.
CABRERA: Oh, hey, don't downplay.
(CROSTALK)
MASSIMINO: Thank you. I did the best I could.
CABRERA: I know you said it's all because of Apollo 11 that you actually wanted --
MASSIMINO: Yes.
CABRERA: -- was inspired to become an astronaut.
You were just 6 years old.
MASSIMINO: Yes.
CABRERA: A kid in Long Island when this moment took place and Neil Armstrong took those first steps. Describe what that was like to watch that moment?
MASSIMINO: It was magical for me. And it was a big moment for the whole world. And millions, not just in our country, but around the world were watching.
A got the sense that it meant more to me than it did to others. It touched me deep down in my heart and my soul.
I thought what they were doing was very important. The coolest thing that anyone could do, the exploration they were doing. And I thought the men themselves, the people -- those guys were my idols. I wanted to grow up to be like them.
CABRERA: Let's talk about your personal story for a moment because I read about it and I was so inspired by you.
MASSIMINO: Thank you.
CABRERA: You are the true testament to the "never give up" slogan, tenacity.
MASSIMINO: Yes. Yes.
CABRERA: You lived it. You are proof that it pays off to really go after that dream and never give up.
You tried three times and were rejected before you were accepted by NASA, right?
MASSIMINO: That's right. Yes. Yes. On the fourth try is when I got accepted.
And, yes, I think, kind of the important thing for me was to just try, and it was when I was really honest with myself about the dream I had.
When I was a little boy and that dream was formed, and I kind of forgot about it as I was growing up. And it wasn't until after graduating college that I decided to pursue it.
And that's when I was honest with myself and thought, what do I really want to do, what do I want to be a part of.
The space program was the answer and I wanted to be an astronaut. And more than just be a part of it, I wanted to be an astronaut. And the only way that that happens is if you don't give up.
The successful people I've met are not those that never failed, but those that never let failure stop them. And it you have a dream you're pursuing, it's important not to give up on it, especially the first couple of tries. You have to keep at it.
CABRERA: You have a PhD. You have eye surgery because your eyes were --
MASSIMINO: Not surgery. Training, training.
CABRERA: Eye training.
MASSIMINO: Yes, yes. Actually, the third time I was rejected, it was because I couldn't read the eye chart well enough. And this was over 20 years ago before they had Lasik and these other ways. So I had to train my eyes to see better.
So I didn't have any surgery. I don't want to scare the flight surgeons back in NASA.
(LAUGHTER)
(CROSSTALK)
MASSIMINO: I didn't do anything to my eyes. I want to make sure -
(CROSSTALK)
MASSIMINO: Yes. No, I did a little training to help my eyesight.
CABRERA: That's amazing. Overcoming obstacle, right?
MASSIMINO: Yes, that's it.
CABRERA: OK. Earlier today, we had retired astronaut, Mark Kelly on --
MASSIMINO: Yes.
CABRERA: -- and he spoke to Martin Savidge about the unfortunate fact that NASA is now subject to partisan whims, right?
MASSIMINO: Yes.
CABRERA: President Trump, he keeps changing the mission. Listen to what he said.
MASSIMINO: OK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK KELLY, FORMER ASTRONAUT: I think space flight shouldn't be partisan. And it seems to me like every time we get a new president and we get a new plan and the new president decides the old plan was no good, argues for a new plan.
We have a president that is not only -- not only changed the previous plan but is also arguing publicly with the NASA administrator about his own plan.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Mike, do you agree with that assessment?
MASSIMINO: I think that is part of the issue, that it's hard to get consistent sustainability and funding. And more important, in the program. If the program changes and you start and you stop and you start and you stop, that's problematic.
But I think, at this point, hopefully, we're in a pretty good direction. NASA is NASA, but there's also these public companies. And I think NASA focusing on going beyond low-earth orbit, building a big rocket called the space launch system, the spaceship Orion, can go and take us back to the moon and onward tomorrow.
What I'm very excited about are these private companies that are coming along to help with that, getting more people into space, but also research, as well. Those companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin.
[17:35:00] I think we're at an exciting time. But it's true. In a government program, just like any other program, it's taxpayers' money and there's going to be difference of opinion. And that sometimes is hard when trying to complete a project, you build the moments, and, all of a sudden, it's changed. And that's a problem.
CABRERA: Quickly, if you will, do you think we'll make it to Mars?
MASSIMINO: Eventually, yes. I think it's on to Mars eventually. I think -- we've been talking about going to Mars. Scott, a good friend of mine, we were in the same astronaut class. We thought someone in our class would be the first person on Mars. Well, that didn't happen.
(LAUGHTER)
MASSIMINO: But I think in the next -- in the future, obviously, we'll get there at some point. I think maybe going to the moon, to settle there, not just for a visit. But now, 50 years later, going there, staying there. And then using that as a platform to go to Mars.
But certainly, I do think we'll be getting there at some point.
CABRERA: Mike Massimino, I could talk to you for much longer segments.
(CROSSTALK)
CABRERA: Thank you --
MASSIMINO: Thanks for having me.
CABRERA: -- so much for coming on.
You can relive all of the moments of that incredible mission by tuning in tonight for the CNN film "APOLLO 11" at 9:00 Eastern right here on CNN.
Coming up, the political crisis in Puerto Rico. We have live pictures. The protests continuing. The crowds staging a seventh day of protests, demanding the governor resign over offensive messages that were leaked. We are live on the island, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) [17:40:14] CABRERA: New today, Puerto Rico's embattled Governor Ricardo Rossello issuing a statement denying accusations of questionable bank accounts. A local news outlet claims Rossello was paid generously by the island's legislature for access to his father, former governor, and kept up to a million dollars in bank accounts.
All this happening as thousands of protesters show their outrage on the streets of Puerto Rico. They want the governor to resign over several issues including leaked private chat messages. They're furious over these messages, which are homophobic, some of them disparage women, and speak lightly about the deaths of the Hurricane Maria victims, and insult journalists and opponents.
CNN's Nick Paton Walsh is in San Juan.
Nick, what do we know about the governor's whereabouts right now amid these protests?
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, at this point, his spokesperson is not giving a detailed or moment-by- moment breakdown of where he is. He is not really putting himself in the public eye at this point.
The broader issue, though, is Monday, where this protest, which makes me barely audible, is pretty small compared to what you may see on Monday where organizers are hoping to get a million people out of Puerto Rico and San Juan to lock down one of its major highways.
We saw back on Wednesday, sadly, in this area, protests turned violent. And everyone blaming each other here. The police, which I'm not sure if we can get on camera here for you, have been as emotionless and motionless as Governor Rossello himself over the past few days.
The governor has made very little suggestions that he's thinking about resigning at all. And, in fact, his people saying the opposite, saying he thinks he can restore confidence in those around him here.
And it's not going to happen in this crowd, frankly.
And during last night's very noisy protest, well, we had an unexpected resignation. His press secretary, the voice of his administration, Denise Perez, stepping down, saying she could no longer tolerate in front of her son the allegations of being involved in corruption.
The signs really that Puerto Rico's political elite is beginning to think the clock is ticking on Mr. Rossello's administration. The question is, he listening to that.
We've had Democratic candidates slowly, one by one, call for change, some specifically for his resignation. Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard told me earlier it was time he left.
Well, whatever comes next, which is not entirely clear. And it will most likely heil from the same political elite that this crowd is fervently protesting against, saying that the succession process if he doesn't step down is less important than getting a key change.
But all eyes are on Monday and whether or not Governor Rossello will see the clear change people in the streets want before that, or will they see hundreds of thousands of people potentially down the street again calling for his departure -- Ana?
CABRERA: That is quite the sight.
Nick Paton Walsh, reporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, thank you.
Coming up, double-0 designation. The casting rumors that left James Bond fans shaken and stirred this weekend.
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[17:47:09] CABRERA: "CNN Heroes" do extraordinary work to help others, but those people are rarely in the public eye.
Last fall, Army combat veteran, Jason Kander, was a rising star in the Democratic Party, running for mayor of Kansas City, when he dropped out of the race to seek help for post-traumatic stress.
Earlier this week, he spoke to CNN's Kate Bolduan about his journey and the help he got from a non-profit run by "CNN Hero" Chris Stout.
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JASON KANDER, (D), FORMER ARMY COMBAT VETERAN SUFFERING FROM PTSD & FORMER MAYORAL CANDIDATE: My first message to people is, if you think something might be wrong, something is wrong and you should get help.
I went to the V.A. and they gave me a lot of paperwork. I looked at it and said, I'm not really sure I know how to navigate this process.
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Even you.
KANDER: Yes. And I'm in a decent spot to be able to figure that sort of thing out.
I went to an organization in my town of Kansas City called Veterans Community Project. They helped me navigate the process.
They serve all vets. Anybody who falls through the cracks. they have a village of tiny houses. They have effectively eradicated veterans' homelessness in Kansas City.
And I am excited to lead the national expansion of the organization. It's a new mission.
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CABRERA: To find out more about the Veterans Community Project, go to CNNheroes.com.
People are shaken and stirred up about the latest news from Bond world. British actress, Lashana Lynch, the woman on the far right there, isn't only appearing in the new James Bond movie along with Daniel Craig. She might be taking over the iconic 007 identity.
What? Who gets the Aston Martin?
Let's bring in CNN Contributor and Host of "Entertainment Tonight," Nischelle Turner.
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Hi.
CABRERA: Nischelle, first, explain for us the distinction between 007 and the character of James Bond. They're not one and the same, right?
TURNER: No. Bond is Bond and Daniel Craig will still be playing James Bond in the film. And 007 is the code name for the agent. And so reportedly, Lashana Lynch will be a new 007.
Daniel Craig has said that this is his last Bond film. He's done. He wants to retire and he wants to give it up.
So there's been a lot of speculation about who will take over the franchise because, of course, there are still movies to be made. There was speculation that it could be Idris Elba, Kris Hemsworth. Even Charlize Theron was thrown into the mix for a minute.
But now we get this information that, reportedly, it will be Lashana Lynch, a black woman. The first time ever a woman or an African- American being able to play a 007, to be able to step into this role. So it's a big deal.
And I heard you say shaken and stirred. I'm popping bottles about it, how about that?
CABRERA: I like you throwing that in.
It's worth noting, the first black Bond girl, Trina Parks, played Thumper in the 1971 film "Diamonds Are Forever" with Sean Connery. She's criticizing this move.
Here's what she told "The Daily Mail": "Lashana is a great actress, but I don't agree with her becoming 007. It is not about her color. But just because, the spy codenamed 007, was written by Ian Fleming as a man. So a black James Bond, sure. I don't see why that cannot be a move. But as a man. Miss Bond doesn't have the same ring to it."
[17:50:12] She's not becoming Miss Bond, right? Is Trina the only one speaking on this?
TURNER: I think she's a little shaken and stirred about this whole thing and mixed up and flipped up. Yes. She is not becoming Bond. She reportedly will be a 007.
I think it is unfortunate that in this day and age we are wondering if a woman can play an action role like this.
Trina, welcome to 2019. Come on. Get with the times.
CABRERA: You brought it up. (CROSSTALK)
TURNER: I think it is utterly ridiculous for her to say that, if you haven't noticed.
CABRERA: Well, hey, I am a strong woman. I appreciate your perspective.
TURNER: Yes.
CABRERA: You brought up Idris Elba. For years, she has been rumored to be the first black Bond. Right now, he is in the new "Cats" movie with Taylor Swift. Watch this.
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CABRERA: Nischelle, that trailer has gotten a lot of attention online. What is the buzz about the film?
TURNER: My gosh, people went nuts when they saw this. It is one of the most anticipated films of the year. We've all been waiting for it. We're ready for it. And then we saw the trailer. People were horrified. And said it seemed more like a horror movie. They were freaked out.
It was set to the tune of Jennifer Hudson singing "Memory." Which is iconic. People put horror film music over it thinking it fit better there. They caught the cats were creepy. I will be interested to see how it will play out.
I am biased. We are supposed to be unbiased reporters. I am creeped out by cats anyway. I think cats are creepy anyway. I am kind of in that camp.
I think a lot of the people had a good laugh about it. I don't know how much universal is laughing about it. It will be interesting to see, because they do release other trailers at different times. It's be interesting to see if they do something different and re-release the trailer.
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CABRERA: It's peaking people's curiosity to say the least.
Nischelle Turner --
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TURNER: I still think it will be a huge movie.
CABRERA: Good to see you my friend.
TURNER: Sure.
CABRERA: Tomorrow's brand-new episode of CNN original episode, "THE MOVIES," is taking us back to the early 2000s when superheroes and bats ruled the screen.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Batman films have been done a number of times. It is always risky to bring back a film and to make yet another origin story.
Christian came in to meet with me. He walked me through the entire story beat by beat by beat. I greenlighted it in the room.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Christopher Nolan gave the Batman story a mythical dimension and a very gritty, in-the-moment kind of reality.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Christopher Nolan knew what he was doing casting Christian Bale and by making it a realistic portrayal of Batman to where you can believe this is how a billionaire became the Dark Knight.
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CABRERA: "THE MOVIES" airs tomorrow night, at 9:00 Eastern, right here on CNN.
It began with an extra ticket to a baseball game and ended with an incredible act of kindness this week. Three Massachusetts teens were on their way to a game at Fenway Park and noticed a homeless man holding a sign that said, "Go Sox," in one hand and a cup for change in the other. Instead of money, the teens gave him their extra ticket.
Earlier, I spoke to those teens to get the whole story.
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CABRERA: You guys saw him sitting there. Walk me through how you decided to give him this ticket and what his reaction and response was.
SEAN WEZONS (ph), GAVE HOMELESS MAN TICKET TO RED SOX GAME: We had an extra seat. Our friend was supposed to meet us at the game. We were thinking, who else can we take to the game. I was like we can ask a girl is going to go. I am sure a girl is not going to say no. Take a girl to the game.
But Pedro had another thought in mind. He thought, he said it in the care. He was like, I think I can give it to someone that would really enjoy it, like I will find someone on the street to give it to.
[17:55:01] As we were walking, I was ahead of Pedro's parents. In the back, I see him and Francisco (ph) talking to John, who I didn't know at the time. Sitting there on the stoop by Marshall's. I don't know the name of the street. But he had a Red Sox sign. And it seemed like he would be interesting in going to the game.
PEDRO LUGA (ph), GAVE HOMELESS MAN TICKET TO RED SOX GAME: I walk up and I am like, hey, I have no change. I have extra tickets to the game. You want to go. He is like, hell yes, man, I'll go. He dropped everything. Put all of his change in his pocket. We walked to the park.
From there, it is more of building a relationship. We didn't ask where he came from or anything like that. We wanted to focus on the game and create moments and memories.
FRANCISCO ROS (ph), GAVE HOMELESS MAN TICKET TO RED SOX GAME: It was fun. They would play music. People are walking to the mound. They would play music for the commercial breaks. He was just enjoying it. And --
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CABRERA: Yes. I read all of you had a good time singing "Sweet Caroline."
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ROS (ph): Definitely. He was dancing. People were doing the waves. He would get up and do the wave, too. We were just having fun with another human being, you know. It's good.
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CABRERA: I'm Ana Cabrera. Thanks for being here. I will see you back here at 8:00 Eastern.
My colleague, S.E. Cupp, picks up the coverage after a quick break.
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