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CDC Forecasts 20,000-Plus More Deaths in Next 3 Weeks; GOP Senator Susan Collins Faces Tough Re-election Fight in Maine. Aired 7:30-8a ET
Aired September 25, 2020 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[07:30:00]
ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: The CDC now forecasts that 20,000 more people will die from coronavirus in just the next three weeks. This morning, nearly half the country is seeing a rise in coronavirus cases. If you look at your screen, you see almost all of the west and the Midwest there in orange and red.
Joining us now is Dr. Sanjay Gupta; CNN chief medical correspondent. So Sanjay, I know you don't like to start the morning with these kinds of dire predictions, but it gets even worse. I mean, the one that has gotten my attention this morning is the IHME model that shows that -- OK --
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes --
CAMEROTA: It took us eight months to get to the jaw-dropping death toll of 200,000 people. What they project is that in just the next three months, by the end of the year, we're almost going to double that. The number that they're using now is 371,000 people. Now, they also say that if we were at 95 percent mask-wearing in the country, we could bring the death toll down by a 100,000 people. But we're only at 48 percent of the country wearing masks.
GUPTA: So, there you have the projection, you have the problem and you have the potential plan. Things that we've been talking about now for seven, eight months, Alisyn. You know, so it's a real issue, you know, this idea that there are some basic public health measures that can make such a big difference, but we're still not doing it.
And I think many of these models now, we follow that one, we follow other models, are sort of really starting to create these models based on the fact that they don't believe that Americans are going to start doing the mask-wearing and abiding by some of these public health measures.
So, that's pretty tragic. You know, if you look at that model more carefully, and I spent some time talking to Chris Murray about this. What you see is that there's a gradual, right now, increase in the number of cases that people are getting infected every day, but then you start to get some significant spikes going into October. And then by December, again, if you follow that model, there's some
3,000 people, they project, that die per day in the month of December. And that's how they get to that tragic number of doubling the number of deaths right now.
[07:35:00]
I'll just show you this, from 1918, again, just as a reminder, and I only show it because it's the closest model we really have to what's going on now. But you can see there, to your point, you see that first wave, that was about 75,000 people died.
The population of the country was about a third of what it is now. Then they really brought the numbers down, much better than we have this time around. But then they got into September-October, and you saw those significant spikes, and that really led to the problem that we're seeing in 1918, and that's what they're trying to avoid now.
JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: It's pretty frightening when you look at this graph and you also look at IHME machine model, Sanjay, and you look at what's happening today, where you do see the number of daily new cases rising. It is starting to rise again and it is troubling. There's another story going on right now, which is very important and you've been focused on, which is the vaccine approval process.
And the FDA has been discussing these new guidelines for approving a vaccine, which might delay ultimate approval. It will require a two- month gap between when people in the trials receive their last dose of the vaccine and when a vaccine could be approved.
Now, the president has said he could overrule this. You talked to Dr. Anthony Fauci, now, I want to play this sound where Dr. Fauci said I think pretty clearly, is given a choice between the president's opinion on this and the FDA's opinion on this, he takes the FDA's. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GUPTA: But what would you do if you really felt with regard to this critical issue of the vaccine, that for political reasons, they were not abiding by FDA guidelines that made sense?
ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES: If the FDA career scientists come out and say, this is what we should do, these are respected, trained people who are much better at models and statistics and all that other stuff than any of us are. If they look at it and say, we really feel strongly we should go this way, I would back the scientists. I would have to do that, as a scientist. And I would express that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BERMAN: This qualifies as one of those subtle, but strong statements from Dr. Fauci out there.
GUPTA: Yes, I mean, he's always careful in terms of how he presents these things. But that was after a few times of sort of asking this question with him. It's very clear how he feels about this, and frankly, how a lot of public health officials feel. The FDA has set this benchmark, which, by the way, is still a very aggressive benchmark, in terms of speed.
But what they're basically saying is, we want to wait at least two months to make sure that the vaccine is safe. We saw what happened with, you know, the trial participant in England. We want to make sure we're not seeing rare side effects that become really amplified as you give this vaccine to more and more people. It makes a lot, you know, makes a lot of sense. And two is again, a very aggressive timeline.
What you heard, what you're talking about is the fact that the president said those guidelines that the FDA is putting forward, they may not approve, which means that they may not necessarily wait that two-month time frame.
BERMAN: Interesting. Also interesting that an incredible sweeping staircase that was behind Sanjay --
CAMEROTA: Yes --
BERMAN: During --
CAMEROTA: What a backdrop, Sanjay --
BERMAN: That interview --
(LAUGHTER)
Obviously --
CAMEROTA: That's Sanjay's --
BERMAN: Yes, nice pad --
GUPTA: Trying to keep it interesting for you.
BERMAN: With the back cave there --
GUPTA: Yes --
BERMAN: Or something. All right, Sanjay, thanks so much for being with us, appreciate it.
GUPTA: You got it. Thank you.
BERMAN: Portland, Oregon, bracing this morning for both left and right-wing demonstrations planned for tomorrow. CNN goes to the front lines, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[07:40:00]
CAMEROTA: Just a few hours from now, Oregon's Governor Kate Brown will speak about efforts to keep the peace during dueling protests that are planned for tomorrow in Portland. The city has been the epicenter of demonstrations for months, and President Trump has claimed the city is, quote, "ablaze all the time". But the reality is much different. CNN's Elle Reeve spent time on the ground.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(CHANTING)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're never going to sleep because of me!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Say what?!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I ain't going to sleep because of you all!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do not enter this area.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When they start moving, we start moving as well because they're going to get --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have a problem in our police department that is systemic.
ELLE REEVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is one week in Portland, Oregon, where anti-police protests have been going on for more than a hundred days, and tensions between protesters and police have only escalated. As we got there, a member of the right-wing group, Patriot Prayer, named Aaron Jay Danielson was killed by an anti-fascist protester.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jay loved this country.
REEVE: Everyone we spoke to said they feared violence would escalate.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The reason that we're out here is because petitions don't work. Voting for the lesser of two evils just leaves us worse off every time.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We come out, we fight.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're not doing this because we hate America. We all have one goal in mind and that is ending police brutality. People are dying and if water bottles being thrown at the police stops that, I'll do it every day.
REEVE (on camera): How long have you been coming to the protests?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The whole time since May 29th for me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our role is basically front line medic support. No matter where it comes from, it could be tripping in the street, it could be getting pushed into a building, it could be gunshots. We cover it all.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've had to de-escalate about three outside agitators who have come in with guns. They were always far and few in- between, it was like some guy who was like Antifa's terrorists, was like, we're not terrorists, man, it's just a protest.
REEVE: Do a lot of people have weapons?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't have weapons.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't have weapons.
[07:45:00]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The most weaponized we get is like shields.
REEVE: But you're saying that the people are like, well, I like the peaceful protests, but when they burn stuff or break windows, that's different from BLM?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'd say property doesn't bleed, but I do. If ending systemic oppression means a store gets burnt or looted and nobody is hurt, how is that any worse than living in a situation where I have to fear for my life every day?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are on top of the donut shop, which is ironically located across from the Portland Police Union. Often, the protest will continue for a couple of hours and then all of a sudden, there will be a huge rush of riot cops.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got --
REEVE: Back in May, when the protests started, did you have a gas mask or any other here?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No! Of course, I didn't have a gas mask! I mean, I had face masks for COVID, but none of us had gas masks. I think we've raised about $30,000 this week to buy bulletproof vests, because it turns out that we might need them. And that's really terrifying.
CHRIS WISE, ANTIFASCIST PROTEST MEDIC: So, I've got a body cam to record things that need evidence in court. I currently have a head injury. Like I'm still recovering from a TBI. It was back when we were still under the federal occupation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was in July, right?
WISE: Yes, but yes, I know they shot me directly in the head with a tear gas canister, and then I got post-concussion syndrome like 22 hours later. So --
REEVE: Something I've kind of noticed and just a few protests that we've attended is that there's a moment of kind of party feeling, you stand in front of the police, but then there's some moment where kind of like it gets quiet, and it's like there's a tension, it seems to almost be inviting the confrontation, like the protests can't end without that clash?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, a big part of what's happening here is that it has to be uncomfortable. SCOTTY HARRINGTON, ANTIFASCIST PROTEST MEDIC: Well, before we even
came out of the park, the (INAUDIBLE) started to announce that it was an unpermitted march. People were not happy so people starting marching. Someone threw some incendiary devices, and then all hell broke loose. And there was teargas flying in, fireworks. It was really rough and they're making a push.
REEVE: How do you see it ending?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not sure. We haven't seen much of any change, that the people out here are activists, and maybe they didn't start as activists. And that carries on for the rest of your life.
REEVE: President Trump has warned Antifa will ruin the suburbs.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Does anybody want to have somebody from Antifa as a resident of your suburb? I don't think so.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You, Antifa! We don't want your -- here in Salem, Oregon!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take a hike!
REEVE: Both sides say they act only in self-defense. But in person, things get out of hand quickly.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Paintballs!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As far as Patriot Prayer, we do not condone violence. That's not what we're about. I can't speak for some of these other guys, but in the end, we all love our country and support our president.
REEVE: Do you think this is some kind of weird civil war?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't see it as that yet. But eventually, it could lead to that. Because the whole BLM-Antifa movement has just gotten more and more and more violent as time progresses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Enough!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And it's literally across the nation, and we're tired of it. It's time for us, as patriotic citizens, to take back our cities. And if that means by violent means, we'll have to do it.
REEVE: Elle Reeve, CNN, Portland.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CAMEROTA: Fascinating glimpse at what's happening there. And so helpful, because, you know, obviously, 3,000 miles away, it's hard to get a handle on exactly what's happening there during the day and night, so Elle's reporting is really --
BERMAN: And she's a terrific reporter. And to actually go and have conversations and to listen to as many people as possible is very useful. So our thanks to her.
CAMEROTA: OK, so, Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins finds herself in a tough re-election race. Could a key decision she made be coming back to haunt her? That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[07:50:00]
BERMAN: So, this morning, one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents in the country, Republican Susan Collins of Maine. This was already one of the most closely watched races in the country. But now she's about to face the very same issue that may be hurting her with some voters. The decision on a Trump nominee for the Supreme Court. Gary Tuchman got to go to Maine, lucky man and joins us now live from Bangor. Great to see you, Gary.
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: John, nice to see you, too. Susan Collins has been a U.S. senator since Bill Clinton was president, a long time. She's hoping to win a fifth term, but she is in a fight of her political life.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TUCHMAN (voice-over): Susan Collins has been a U.S. senator for almost a quarter century. The Republican senior senator from Maine bills herself as the Senate's most bipartisan member. A reputation that has helped her win re-election in a state where there are more Democrats and even more independents than there are Republicans.
SEN. SUSAN COLLINS (R-ME): There is no one who has worked harder for the people of Maine, all the people of Maine, and delivered more to them than I have.
[07:55:00]
TUCHMAN: But one thing she helped deliver is proving politically troublesome for her. Susan Collins helped deliver a Supreme Court seat to Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
COLLINS: I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh.
TUCHMAN: She voted to confirm despite sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh from his high school days. Collins' Democratic opponent is the speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.
REP. SARA GIDEON (D-ME): My name is Sara Gideon.
TUCHMAN: At this campaign event in the small town of Raymond, Maine, listen to what this man tells Gideon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I never would vote for Susan after she voted for Kavanaugh.
TUCHMAN: In the streets of Maine's largest city, Portland, and in the scenic small towns, Kavanaugh's name comes up a lot. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ever since the Brett Kavanaugh issue or the Brett
Kavanaugh vote, I felt like she's not listening to what the people of Maine want anymore.
TUCHMAN: How did you feel when Susan Collins voted for Kavanaugh to be on the Supreme Court?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Like she's not listening to what people actually want.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm a Democrat, but I have always voted for Susan Collins until this year. She has just -- she's just capitulated.
TUCHMAN (on camera): Susan Collins has been a re-election juggernaut. She has won her three Senate re-election bids handily, the last one in 2014 and by about 37 percentage points. But this race against Sara Gideon is a whole different ball game.
(voice-over): The most recent "New York Times"-Siena College poll conducted just before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died shows Sara Gideon with 49 percent and Susan Collins with 44 percent. The results are within the poll's margin of error. Collins is polling better though than President Trump is in the state. For some voters, the Trump factor is too much.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's just in Trump's pocket. She's scared of him as so many people are.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We used to vote for Collins, but I think she's too much of a Trumpee right at the moment.
TUCHMAN: Meanwhile, who will you be voting for in the Senate election?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Susan Collins, definitely.
TUCHMAN: Among voters who enthusiastically support Senator Collins, a concern they often voice shows the political tight-rope she has to walk.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, I think she ought to be more cooperative with President Trump.
TUCHMAN: This man says Senator Collins should --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take more of a conservative stance on issues and vote the conservative position, especially with the upcoming vote on our new incoming Supreme Court Justice.
TUCHMAN: Indeed, Senator Collins announced, she would vote against the Trump Supreme Court nominee if the vote takes place before election day. Does Gideon give Collins any credit for that type of bipartisanship?
GIDEON: I'm sorry, I cannot say that Susan Collins has stood up for what is right. TUCHMAN: During a debate earlier this month --
COLLINS: I have always put the people of Maine first, and I always will.
TUCHMAN: Completely different opinions which the people of Maine will have to consider.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TUCHMAN: Now, yesterday, President Trump happened to talk about Maine. He said, quote, "I'm doing very well in Maine. You've seen the numbers." Well, we have seen the numbers and it's kind of the opposite. He is not doing very well in the polls in Maine.
It's looking dim for him. Joe Biden is in front of the polls substantially, Susan Collins is in a fight here, but she is as I mentioned, doing much better in this state than President Trump is. Right now, we're in the town of Bangor, Susan Collins will be campaigning later this morning, a smaller town just north of here. John?
BERMAN: All right, Gary Tuchman, thanks so much for being with us, giving us an update again on one of the most closely-watched races in the country to be sure. NEW DAY continues right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president telling the country he will not accept the results of the election if he loses. That he will throw out some number of ballots. We can't throw them out if he won't go peacefully.
TRUMP: We want to make sure the election is honest. And I'm not sure that it can be.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There will be a peaceful transition, no matter what anybody says.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The virus is raging in these places, and it's not going to go down unless we do things differently.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to reassure you and the American people, politics will play no role whatsoever in the approval of a vaccine.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The four companies to reveal their strategy for testing a vaccine. It's not a test. It's basically a rubber stamp.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAMEROTA: Good morning everyone, welcome to our viewers in the United States and all around the world, this is NEW DAY, it's Friday, John.
BERMAN: And we're getting a little bit punchy --
CAMEROTA: So crowded. So this morning, election officials, the head of the Postal Service, the Senate and the director of the FBI all feel the need to reassure Americans about the integrity of our voting system after alarming claims by President Trump.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS WRAY, DIRECTOR, FBI: Now, we have not seen historically any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort in a major election whether it's by mail or otherwise.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAMEROTA: The United States Senate even found it necessary after the president's comments to hold a vote to uphold a peaceful transfer of power.
