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Pensacola Naval Air Station Shooting; Donald Trump On Rudy Giuliani's Trip To Dig Dirt On Rivals: He's Found Plenty; Joe Biden To Iowa Voter: You're A Damn Liar, Man; North Korea Warns U.S. To Prepare For "Christmas Gift"; Peloton Actress Trades Bike For Cocktails In New Ad; How Melania Trump Compares To Past First Ladies. Aired 7-8p ET
Aired December 07, 2019 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[19:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Announcer: this is CNN Breaks New.
ANA CABRERA, CNN HOST: You're live in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Ana Cabrera in New York. It's our Breaking News this hour, a shocking and sickening details coming out of a mass killing investigation on an American Naval base in Florida. I'm talking about Pensacola Naval Air Station where a military officer from Saudi Arabia shot to death three people and wounded eight others yesterday.
According to "The New York Times," that gunman attended a dinner party the night before his rampage where he showed people videos of mass shootings. Also today we learned the name and a few personal details about one of the three victims. Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson was just 23-year-old, an - graduate, his family today praising his courage, saying Watson died a hero who saved other innocent lives during the shooting.
And this investigation extends all over the world. A noted intelligence group which tracks violent extremism says this Saudi officer who killed and hurt so many people yesterday hated America and American people. How he got onto a secure U.S. military base as part of this training program is a big part of the investigation this weekend.
CNN National Correspondent, Brynn Gingras is in Pensacola, Florida. And enormous military community in shocked from this horrible violent act. Brynn, right now officials still won't say if this is terrorism. Give us the latest.
BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Ana. Well, you hit it right there. This is a global investigation with FBI attaches in Saudi Arabia, and there are investigators not only the ground here in Pensacola but also there is communication back and forth of course in Washington.
They won't label that investigation just yet. There has been conversations we're understanding from sources but really it's going to come down to motive and that is certainly what is still the major question that's really not answered yes as it comes to this investigation. FBI Jacksonville is the lead investigative authority down here in Pensacola. They are being pretty tight-lipped about details, but I want you to hear what Defense Secretary Esper said earlier today about that question. Is this an active terrorism? Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK ESPER, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: I can't say it is terrorism at this time. I think we need to let the investigators, the FBI to do its work and get us the facts and move up from there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GINGRAS: And again multi-agencies helping to really uncover some of these answers. We know that the joint terrorism task force is one of them. We also know there are investigators on the ground inside the naval base at the crime scene, which we understand is two floors of a building, investigating collecting evidence on those floors inside and outside.
And we also know from a source that there were other - some other Saudi nationals who are detained, and there must be questioning at this point by investigators trying to get more information about this gunman. And you also said, Ana, what we have from "The New York Times" they have from a source familiar with the investigation that this gunman was at a dinner party the night before the shooting watching mass shooting videos.
So these are all things that are sort of coming together to paint a bigger picture, but certainly no answers yes as to the main motivation behind this horrendous act. Ana?
CABRERA: Brynn, meantime the family of one of the victims made his name public today. What are they saying about Joshua Kaleb Watson?
GINGRAS: We learned about this victim like you said Ana, from the family, putting this Facebook post out there talking to some of the local media. They really are just calling him a hero. 23 years old, graduated from the naval academy and - came down here to Pensacola for training.
According to the family he was excited to become a fighter jet pilot, and was killed in this, one of three people that were killed in this incident. It's just heartbreaking what they said about him, they can't call him Uncle anymore, they can't use the nick names, they can't talk to him, his brother can't wrestle him.
I mean, it just really brings to focus the victims, what this is all about. As far as the official stance from the FBI here in Pensacola, they are not naming any other victims. That's part of navy protocol, but certainly we should learn more about others, the community really impacted by all of this. Ana.
CABRERA: Okay. Brynn Gingras thanks for that. Now as for the why is - why this killer did what he did this military officer from a country that is officially an ally of the United States? Investigators are working on that this weekend and they're going all the way to the shooter's home. CNN's Nic Robertson is in Saudi Arabia. Nic?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: So establishing that motive is really is going to be key to understanding why this attack took place, and really fully understanding what the repercussions and implications could be?
[19:05:00]
ROBERTSON: Now his family here in Saudi Arabia, his uncle who we have spoken to, says that he was a good student, that he did well academically, that's why he made it into the military and made it into this prestigious military training in the United States. That was something that the family was proud of.
They said there was nothing in his background that indicated anything untoward. They had been speaking to him over the past two years during his training that nothing has changed substantially about him that would given him cause for concern. The bigger family that pride in saying that this attack does not speak for the people of Saudi Arabia does not represent the people of Saudi Arabia.
They put their faith in the kingdom and in the king. But what we are learning, or appear to be learning at this stage, as indicated by a radical propaganda monitoring site, indicating that perhaps this attacker tweeted out some of his thinking or intentions minutes before the attack Anti-American sentiments. If that is true, then this will make this shooting a more complex issue for the King of Saudi Arabia to deal with, with the United States.
We know that he's called and spoken with President Trump. We know that he's called this a barbaric act that it doesn't speak for the people of Saudi Arabia that he's called on Saudi officials to fully cooperate with U.S. investigators. But of course if there's a hint of terrorism behind this, then this will reawaken a lot of old fears going back to the 9/11 attack, and back also to the killing of the Saudi journalist working for "The Washington Post," Jamal Khashoggi.
All of that relationship will factor in, but at the moment the investigators undoubtedly digging into the attacker's social media, speaking with his family, with friends to find out if his mood or his attitudes had changed in recent days and week. But at the moment really Saudi Arabia stunned, surprised, shocked and angered according to the King. But what has happened in Pensacola, Florida. Nic Robertson CNN, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
CABRERA: Now as Nic mentioned, President Trump says he has spoke to the King of Saudi Arabia about the shooting. CNN White House Correspondent, Jeremy Diamond is travelling with the President. Jeremy how did that conversation go?
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Ana President Trump is said to speak here at a Pro-Israel group in about an hour in South Florida. But of course it was the relationship with another key U.S. ally in the Middle East that was on the President's mind earlier today as he left the White House. And the President there conveys once again the condolences of the King of Saudi Arabia in the wake of that that deadly attack in Pensacola.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: I spoke with the King of Saudi Arabia. They are devastated in Saudi Arabia. We're finding out what took place, whether it's one person or a number of people and the King will be involved in taking care of families and loved ones. He feels very strong he is very, very devastated by what happened or what took place?
Likewise, the Crown Prince saying they're devastated by what took place in Pensacola. And I think they're going to help out the families vary greatly. Right now they send their condolences. As you know, I have sent my condolences. It's a very shocking thing, and we'll get to the bottom of it very quickly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DIAMOND: Now, Ana, as the President says there, look, the U.S./Saudi relationship is a crucial one it's an important military relationship. And so that's obviously why you are seeing the President her focusing on conveying the condolences of the King of Saudi Arabia. You know the U.S. a couple of months ago sent an additional 1800 troops from U.S. to Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. is amid this ongoing Iranian threat, considering sending additional several thousands of troops to the Middle East, potentially to Saudi Arabia.
So that is obviously something that the President is considering as he's doing all of this. The President also today said that he will carry out this review of the program that allows foreigners to train on U.S. military bases. That is something that will be getting under way. Obviously the findings of those investigations will be very crucial to understanding what happened here and preventing it from going forward again? Ana.
CABRERA: Jeremy Diamond, for us traveling with the President in Florida tonight. Thank you. President Trump also talking about Ukraine, teasing that his Personal Attorney has found plenty while digging for dirt on his political rivals there in Ukraine and now he says Rudy Giuliani says it he may be taking it to Congress. You're live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
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[19:10:00]
CABRERA: President Trump is not trying to create any distance from his Attorney Rudy Giuliani's brazen trip to Ukraine this week to dig up dirt on political rivals. Instead he's touting just how much Giuliani has allegedly found?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Rudy, as you know, has been one of the great crime fighters of the last 50 years, and he did get back from Europe just recently, he has not told me what he found, but I think he wants to go before Congress, and say and also to the Attorney General and the Department of Justice I hear he's found plenty.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: We should know one of the sources say Giuliani appears to have been met with is a former Ukrainian diplomat, who has pushed the debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia meddled in the 2016 election. He also met with a Ukrainian lawmaker who has been described by anti-corruption experts as having suspect political motives.
Also there's no evidence of wrongdoing on either Joe Biden or his son Hunter's part. And President Trump's effort to get dirt on the Biden's from Ukraine is why he is under the impeachment investigation?
With us now Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean Former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush Scott Jennings and CNN's Political Commentator Ana Navarro. So Governor, as a Former Presidential Candidate and DNC Chair yourself, you know campaign laws. Is this legal?
[19:15:00]
HOWARD DEAN, FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Is what legal?
CABRERA: What Giuliani has been doing?
DEAN: Sure. What Giuliani is going over making stuff up and lying it's legal for Giuliani to do that. It's not so legal for the President of the United States to do that though.
CABRERA: But if he's doing it on behalf of President of the United States, and he is specifically digging into getting dirt on a political rival of the President in the upcoming election, I think that's where it gets little murky, doesn't it?
DEAN: Look, we're talking about two different things. We're talking about what may or may not be legal, and we're talking about what's honest, decent and moral? This is the most corrupt administration that's ever been in the White House throughout 250 years of American history. So there's that, and the President surrounded himself with people who are corrupt, not a surprise.
And the Congress in the United States, the Republicans are in terror of this corrupt President, and they don't care stand up for their country, they stand up for their own puts in the next election. If that's what you want me to say, I'm happy to say it, but I'm not going to render an opinion about whether Rudy going to Ukraine or not is legal it's unethical but it's probably legal.
CABRERA: So Ana actually Republicans aren't necessarily defending what Rudy Giuliani is doing. Even Congressman Matt Gates a staunch defender of the President isn't trying to defend Giuliani listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. MATT GAETZ (R): I think it's little weird that Rudy Giuliani is over in the Ukraine right now. And I'm not here to defend Rudy Giuliani.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: So if Republicans aren't even trying to defend Giuliani, why is the President embracing him so much?
ANA NAVARRO, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Of course I think they have known each other for a long time and because Rudy has proven himself to be loyal to Trump, blindly loyal. That's something that Trump really likes. Also, I think Trump embraces some of these conspiracy theories which Giuliani seems to be espousing, advocating and promoting, but Republicans need to be nervous.
About the possibility of Giuliani actually showing up to testify in front of Congress, listen, he has been unstable. We have seen him be unhinged. We have seen him contradict himself within seconds in the same interview on this network with Chris Cuomo. His performances on TV have been abominable if I were a Trump supporter, I would be nervous about the idea of Rudy going on TV much less swearing - giving sworn testimony in front of Congress.
CABRERA: Scott, the final impeachment hearings in the House begin Monday, but the White House Counsel is refusing to take part, and after all complaining about the President not getting due process, and here is this big chance and he's not taking it. Why?
SCOTT JENNINGS, FORMER SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO PRESS GEORGE W. BUSH: Because they don't want to legitimize the impeachment process in the House. They from day one called it a sham, called it a circus, to show up now here at the end when it wouldn't matter, any way by the way.
Nobody from the White House is going to change the House Democratic conference's mind about impeaching this President, would simply serve to legitimize it. I think they'll keep their powder dry and put on some kind of a defense when the impeachment articles hit the Senate. And they think they'll get a better playing field over there.
CABRERA: Among Democrats there has been this ongoing debate about whether any of Mueller's findings should be included in articles of impeachment. Here's Congressman Jim Himes on that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JIM HIMES, (D): I don't know how you look at volume 2 where Bob Mueller says here are ten instances of obstructions of Justice, a crime that would send every - they would send every other American to jail. I'm not quite sure how you look at those ten counts and say, yes, we ought to let that slide.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Governor Mueller's report did not unify Democrats around impeachment the way Ukraine has, so what should Democrats do?
DEAN: Look, I personally believe there's a lot more corruption in the Trump Administration than simply trying to use a foreign power to leverage your election. So there's many, many sins here, Trump believes a great offense is the best defense. In a court of law, that doesn't hold up. I agree with Ana, that Giuliani is never going to testify before Congress, because he is a lawyer, he's smart.
He knows that he can't lie under oath. If he does, his own lawyers are going to tell him not to. He's probably one of the few people in the White House actually listen to say lawyers, because he is a lawyer. So I personally believe there's a lot more smell here in Trump's Administration than we probably ought to slow down a little bit and take a look at some of that too.
CABRERA: But do you think they should incorporate some of what Mueller put in his report, the issue regarding obstruction of Justice? Should that be part of any articles of impeachment that the Democrats may be planning to put together?
[19:20:00]
DEAN: That's a legal judgment not a political judgment, as I said, I would like to broaden the investigation from political reasons and because I think Trump is guilty of those things. But you know Jim Himes I'm pretty sure is an attorney and there are a lot pretty good attorneys. Adam Schiff is one of the best I know. I think that scope of the investigation really is up to the lawyers in the House who know what they're doing, and I don't have a law degree.
CABRERA: But one of the reasons I ask that, and Ana I may ask you this, because you know if they bring Mueller into this, we know the President and his supporters have been trying to brand all of this as just an extension of the Mueller saga. So if they decide to include something from Mueller's report, would that play into the narrative that the President and his allying have been trying to put out?
NAVARRO: I think so. Look, the narrative is Democrats wanted to impeach Donald Trump from the day he got elected. So I think they need to make it narrow and need to stick to what is the strongest case. Ironically I think the Mueller report yes I think this impeachment, this possible impeachment is the direct consequence of the Mueller report.
When the Mueller report came out, Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump interpreted it to be carte blanche, they could go out and do anything and it was the next day that they were on the phone out trying to get, you know, get dirt on Biden. That wasn't by coincidence. The timing here isn't a coincidence.
They thought they had a green light, so it was the Mueller report that in one way led to where we are right now. If they tried to put everything that Donald Trump has done wrong, which some of us think is criminal, unethical, un-presidential into these articles of impeachment, there wouldn't be enough paper in America to carry it. They can't put in the emoluments clause; they could put in the stuff about the hush money payment during the campaign, which was probably a campaign finance violation. They could go on and on and on, but these articles of impeachment have to be narrow hand focused, and what can be proven quickly in a short amount of time. Even though he's done enough things to fill up an encyclopedia, it's not the smart thing to do at the moment.
CABRERA: Scott, the President did get some really good jobs numbers this past Friday, and we now have a unemployment rate at a 50-year low, can Republicans count on voters being willing to overlook the President's scandals because of the economy?
JENNINGS: Well, I think that's exactly what the Republicans are going to try to do next year, is argue that things are going so well in the country that it would be foolish to switch parties in the White House. Having such a good economy really underscores how out of touch a lot of the Democratic Presidential Candidates have been in their rhetoric on the economy.
Most Americans don't follow politics, you know, day after day, hour after hour, minute by minute the way we do. Every now and then they look up, they check on what's going on in their own life, they check on generally what's going on in the country and what do they see? Things seemed to be going well, people have jobs, wages are going up. My 401(k)s up, my kids 529 college savings account is doing okay.
And they think you know what? I don't know why would we want to change party? So that is a legitimate tactic the Republicans will use next year. And frankly, it's hard to beat an incumbent President anyway. I think 32 have run for re-election, 22 have been re-elected.
When and you have economic this good helping this many people all across the country, all across all of demographic groups, I think Donald Trump's is got a very, very good argument about why it would be foolish to change parties.
CABRERA: Governor, you're no stranger to viral moments on the campaign trail. So I wanted to get your take on this moment between Joe Biden and voter this week in Iowa.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're selling access to the President -- just like he what.
JOE BIDEN (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You're a damn liar, that's not true. And no one has ever said that.
UNIDENITIFIED MALE: I didn't say you were doing anything wrong.
BIDEN: You said I set up my son to work in an oil company? Isn't that what you said? Get your words straight, Jack.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: What did you think?
DEAN: I think it was a good moment for President, I mean for Vice President Biden. I do want to disagree with Scott on one point about the economy. In general he's right about when the economy does well, the President does well. The trouble is this economy isn't doing well for a whole lot of people. We just picked up 40 seats in the Congress, because a whole lot of people are worried about what Trump's doing to health care.
That still remains the largest issue that polls much more so than Trump's corruption. So it is true that a good economy helps the incumbent President. It may not help this President as much, because there's so many he's left behind. In terms of Joe's moment, I think Joe has had a good week. I have no idea who is going to be the nominee and frankly I have no idea who I'm going to vote for, but we have four front-runners right now, and a couple of other people who could become front runners and I'm just looking forward to this.
CABRERA: Howard Dean, Scott Jennings and Ana Navarro, thank you all for being here.
[19:25:00]
CABRERA: Electability is weighing heavily on Democratic voters who want to beat President Trump, even if that means switching from a liberal candidate like they like to a more moderate one. Hear from voters in Iowa, next. You're live in "CNN Newsroom".
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CABRERA: Electability. It has been the buzzword for the 2020 Democratic Primary, a sort of nirvana the candidates are trying to reach to convince voters they are the best to beat President Trump. So how is that electability factor steering voters' decisions when they head to the polls?
[19:30:00]
CABRERA: CNN's Jeff Zeleny travel to the all-important state of Iowa to find out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MAGGIE WILLEMS, IOWA DEMOCRAT: I identify as a Democratic socialist, progressive policies speak to me. That's what I prefer.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Maggie Willems is a proud liberal. But two months before the voting begins, she's in a moderate mood.
WILLEMS: I also understand that I'm not representative of the whole electorate. We need to be sure to select a candidate that can defeat Donald Trump.
ZELENY: Here in Mount Vernon and in towns across Iowa, Willems and other Democrats are thinking hard about electability as they search for the best candidate to defeat President Trump. For most of the year, the Democratic race has been driven by left-wing proposals from the Green New Deal to Medicare for all, to free college.
SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN (D-MA) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: When we give up on the big ideas, we give up on the people.
ZELENY: But in the final weeks of 2019, moderates are fighting back, like this ad from Pete Buttigieg where he takes at the - swipe at Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren's plans.
MAYOR PETE BUTTIGIEG (D-IN) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There is some are voices say that doesn't count unless you go even further unless it's free even for kids of millionaires. But they only want to make promises that we can keep.
ZELENY: Worried about Trump winning re-election a pragmatic awakening is under way for some voter like Willems. A teacher who wants that she might support Warren.
WILLEMS: I see that politically I agree with nearly everything that Warren has to say.
ZELENY: When we first met Willems on Labor Day she was weighing two options.
WILLEMS: Biden would be my pragmatic choice and Warren would be a bit of a belief of save in my heart.
ZELENY: But now she's ruled out both. - run Warren's embracive Medicare for all and skeptical of Biden's appeal to younger voters. She has leaned towards Buttigieg.
WILLEMS: He has ability to may be talk across the aisle that more over - progressive candidates might not.
BIDEN: Let me tell you if they can't bring the country together, we're in real, real, real trouble.
ZELENY: While Sanders and Warren are still electrifying the party's liberal base Buttigieg, Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar are steering the conversation to the middle, saying it's critical to appeal to a broader swath of supporters.
SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MN) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We want to put someone on the top of our ticket that brings people with them, doesn't shut them out.
ZELENY: The message is resonating with Katie Haverkamp an independent voter who plans to take part in the Iowa Caucuses for the first time because of her distain for Trump.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What kind of Democrat are you looking for?
KATIE HAVERKAMP, IOWA INDEPENDENT: I'm looking for someone that is moderate that is a strong leader, and has integrity.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you. It's going to be back. ZELENY: She and her mother came to see Biden when his bus tour passed
through Iowa falls. They hope to check out Buttigieg soon. Back in Mount Vernon, Willem's social study classroom is decorated with posters from campaigns gone by. She said finding a candidate to motivate Democrats and win over Trump voters is her chief concern.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How often do you think about electability?
WILLEMS: Often. I try and think of that middle third and how they might be persuaded to vote for the Democratic ticket.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CABRERA: Now is Jeff Zeleny reporting. It's the commercial that keeps on giving. After Twitter erupted over a Politian add, the infamous wife from that spot has gone viral for yet another commercial. You're live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
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[19:35:00]
CABRERA: Christmas is just around the corner. North Korea says it's up to America to decide what kind of gift the U.S. will get. President Trump says today that he expects his good relationship with the North Korean Dictator will continue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I would be surprised if North Korea acted hostilely. I have a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I think we both want to keep it that way. He knows I have an election coming up. I don't think he wants to interfere with that, but we'll have to see.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Now the feel doesn't appear to be mutual for North Korea after warning that the U.S. has until the end of the year to soften its strategy amidst all nuclear talks, Kim Jong-un is hinting a big announcement is coming, and he is doing it with a horseback ride. Here's Brian Todd.
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: North Korea's supreme leader sending signals tonight that he could be gearing up for a major move. Kim Jong-un is photographed on a white stallion galloping on the Mount Paektu his wife Ri Sol-Ju accompanies him to a snow-banked stream. They sit with com rats at a campfire.
North Korean propaganda has made dubious claims that Kim's father was born on this mountain, but his grandfather webbed the resistance against the Japanese. But analysts say what is true is that Kim often goes to the Mountain Paektu when he's about to make an important decision.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) MICHAEL MADDEN, NORTH KOREAN LEADERSHIP WATCH: He goes up there to deliberate. There is no distraction I mean we could look at this as the equivalent of a President that goes up to Camp David to confer with his aides and advisers.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TODD: Other signs of a buildup to something big Kim's regime has scheduled a large-scale Workers Party meeting in late December. His New Year's Day address often an occasion for major announcement, it's after that. And for the past couple of months, North Korea has issued a string of threatening statements toward the U.S. and launched a series of short-range projectiles.
Analysts say just to intimidate. One threat coming this week from one of Kim's top diplomats, demanding U.S. action on nuclear weapons talks by the end of the year or else, dismissing the talks so far as nothing but a foolish trick hatched to influence the U.S. elections. Saying it is entirely up to the U.S. what Christmas gift it will select to get.
[19:40:00]
TODD: What sort of gift could the dictator be threatening to send?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FRANK JANNUZI, THEN MANSFIELD FOUNDATION: They're implying that they may resort to nuclear testing and long-range missile testing again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TODD: President Trump has made light of the provocations.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: He likes sending rockets up, doesn't he? That's why I call him rocket man. We have confidence in - he likes me. We have a good relationship. We'll see what happens.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TODD: Some analysts are fed up with the recent North Korean threats, and warn the President that continually brushing them off comes at a price.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JANNUZI: The United States should not put itself in the position of being blackmailed by a small power like North Korea. I worry that President Trump, out of some feeling of desperation, might cut a bad deal with North Korea providing sanctions relief in exchange for worthless concessions on denuclearization.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TODD: Analysts say at the moment Trump may need a nuclear deal with North Korea more than Kim does, and that the dictator, who they say closely, watches American newscasts senses Trump's political vulnerabilities at homes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS STEINITZ, NORTH KOREAN LEADDERSHIP EXPERT, CNA: He also know that Donald Trump is going into a difficult election cycle and he also knows that he has the power to make that more difficult for Trump.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TODD: Adding to the concern over the diplomatic tension President Trump said South Korea is willing to pay hundreds of millions of dollars more to share the cost of defending South Korea, a South Korean diplomat told CNN Trump's comments startled their side and reiterated that the negotiations over that cost-sharing are still going on.
Analysts say that difference in the narrative between the U.S. and South Korea is going to appeal to Kim Jong-un, who is always eager to drive a wedge between the U.S. and South Korea. Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.
CABRERA: A day that will live in infamy. Those were the words of President Franklin De Roosevelt in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 78 years ago today. A remembrance ceremony was held today at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, honoring all those who lost their lives or were injured during the raid. And of the three remaining survivors from the U.S.S. Arizona only one was in attendance at the event. In a striking moment, the superintendent of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial also reflected on the two shootings at naval facilities just this week.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACQUELINE ASHWELL, SUPERINTENDENT, PEARL HARBOR NATIONAL MEMORIAL: I wish to take a brief moment to offer the condolences of the national parks service to our navy colleagues and to their families in the wake of the tragic events that unfolded earlier this week at the Pearl Harbor shipyard, as well as the events yesterday in Florida. We are thinking of you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:45:00]
CABRERA: The actress featured in that peloton bike ad that took the internet by storm is now spinning into a new role. If you haven't seen the peloton ad, here's the clip.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A year ago I didn't realize how much this would change me. Thank you. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This holiday give the gift of Peloton.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: That ad has been getting roasted online as some call it sexist. The holiday commercial shows a woman watching a compilation of her year-long experience riding the indoor exercise bike as she thanks her husband for gifting it to her but the story doesn't stop there now she's trading that bike for a much-needed cocktail in a brand-new ad.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're safe here, to new beginnings.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To new beginnings. Either.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is going to be a fun night.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There you go. Take this, too.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Really? You're great by the way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: Um-hmm. CNN's Senior Entertainment Reporter, Lisa France joins us now. Elisa, that new ad was posted by Actor Ryan Reynolds for his gin brand his caption was "Exercise bike not included." Remember this whole thing had an impact on peloton's stock because the company didn't just get flack for their ad, about you how they responded to the controversy, right?
LISA FRANCE, CNN SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: Right, I mean, they said they're just out here advocating for good health and for people who, you know, pay attention to their wellness brand. Folks were not feeling it. How incredibly clever of Ryan Reynolds to so quickly get that ad out? I think it is genius.
The actress, Monica Ruiz, I hope that she gets tons of work after this. She says that she's not great at social media. She didn't even realize all the negativity in everything that had surrounded the ads. So good for her and they're definitely making lemon aide out of lemon or maybe gin or may be lemon aide - and that's sure.
CABRERA: That means the guy that out, he is getting a little bit - he is taking the heat.
FRANCE: He is he's a teacher in addition to being an actor. He is Canadian, I believe his name is Shaun Hunter and he said that you know he has been dubbed the ban of existence and basically a symbol of patriarchy and he is hoping that he doesn't have a negative effect on either his acting career or his teaching career because people have been so upset by this ad.
CABRERA: Well, the fall out. It's hard to believe. Right now, we have a movie trailer burning up the internet this is the one for Disney's live-action remake of "Mulan." Let's take a look at this. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's your name soldier?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: --commander, son of --.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to make men out of every single one of you.
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CABRERA: Now a one place where there isn't excitement is Hong Kong. What's going on?
FRANCE: Well, the actress who plays "Mulan" has come out in support of the Hong Kong police and of course the protests have been going on there and people are accusing the Hong Kong police of being brutal and really cracking down on human rights.
And so people are not happy with the fact that she came out in support of them on social media. So already they're calling for a boycott of this film. Of course the live action of version of "Mulan" people have been super excited for it because the original Disney animated film of 1998 was so beloved.
So you are seeing now a rally cry of people saying, you know what? We're not going to support this film because of the lead actress's political views. So I guess we'll have to wait and see how that shakes out. The film doesn't come out until March, 2020.
CABRERA: Okay. You also have reporting about the continuing fallout from Gabrielle Union's firing as a judge on "America's Got Talent" there are allegations now of toxic and racially insensitive work environment. Give us a quick update.
FRANCE: We are waiting on now is NBC has launched an investigation along with - this week Gabrielle Union sat down and she said that she talked for about five hours about some of her concerns. So we now need to see what comes out of that investigation and what NBC plans on doing to address her concerns.
CABRERA: Lisa France, good to have you here. Thank you.
FRANCE: Thank you.
CABRERA: A new book, details so many things about First Lady Melania Trump from where she sleeps in the White House to her fashion choices. But how does she compare to the First Ladies that came before her? And a programming note. Join Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa live as they name the 2019 CNN Hero of the Year, "CNN Heroes: An All-Star" Tribute tomorrow night at 8:00 here on CNN.
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CABRERA: Ever since she became First Lady Melania Trump has appended expectations about her role. She is rarely in the public spotlight and she is largely an enigma. Now a new biography about the First Lady "Free Melania" is taking us inside the White House to show us how Mrs. Trump compares to past First Ladies. CNN's Kate Bennett who wrote the book brings us this report.
KATE BENNETT, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: First Ladies are often judged by their public image, despite what they may actually be like in private. Barbara Bush, though frequently opinionated--
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BARBARA BUSH, FORMER FIRST LADY: America loves Barbara Bush.
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BENNETT: Was beloved for her grandmotherly persona. Hillary Clinton, privately engaged in cultural improvements at the White House, but dubbed a meddler in west wing policy.
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HILLARY CLINTON, FORMER FIRST LADY: I am here as an American citizen concerned about the health of her family and the health of her nation.
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BENNETT: Michelle Obama not necessarily in love with the restrictions of White House life.
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MICHELLE OBAMA, FORMER FIRST LADY: Turn up for what?
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BENNETT: But publicly viewed as an open and friendly First Lady. Melania Trump almost three years in remains something of a mystery from the start an ambiguous participant. It was clear she had to fend for herself a reluctant entrance to public life.
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MELANIA TRUMP, FIRST LADY OF UNITED STATES: Hello, Iowa.
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BENNETT: Fewer events a smaller staff and a lower profile. However, with Melania Trump, the flares of independence crossed from private to public, unique to a modern First Lady, defining her as a spouse not joined at the hip with President Trump as her spokeswoman once described her to CNN.
She tweeted and released statements on her own, without Trump's approval sometimes in direct opposition to his. Taking her own motorcades, canceling a joint trip when headlines about alleged infidelities arose. With more rumors about how she lives and where she lives?
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are persistent rumors that Mrs. Trump does not live in this White House.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That is an outrageous and ridiculous claim.
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BENNETT: Melania and Donald Trump are a rare first couple living in separate bedrooms according to sources familiar while the First Lady resides on a different floor in the White House residence at times also expressing a different opinion from her husband, President Donald Trump.
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TRUMP: We are two independent people, thinking on our own, and have a very open conversation.
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BENNETT: She has faltered that jacket.
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TRUMP: I wish people would focus on what I do not what I wear.
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BENNETT: She has also found some footing, learned how to steal the spotlight, wield her significant influence, remember that call for the firing of a west wing aid. And find her professional comfort zone. Detached, aloof? Possibly. Always with little regard for how First Ladies before her have handled the job.
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TRUMP: I don't feel like a prisoner, no. I enjoy it and this will not last forever. And it's a very special time.
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BENNETT: Kate Bennett, CNN, Washington.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is CNN Breaking News.
CABRERA: You are live in the CNN NEWSROOM. I am Ana Cabrera in New York. Thanks for staying with me. It is our breaking news this hour -- a shocking, sickening detail coming out of the mass killing investigation on an American Navy Base in Florida.
