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FDA Expected To Authorize Use Of Pfizer's COVID Vaccine Today; Hunter Biden Facing Criminal Probe For Business Dealings In China; Zuckerberg: Facebook Will Fight Antitrust Lawsuit. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired December 10, 2020 - 05:30   ET

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

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[05:31:23]

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, and thank you so much for joining us on EARLY START. I'm Boris Sanchez in for Christine Romans.

LAURA JARRETT, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Laura Jarrett. About 31 minutes past the hour here in New York.

And on the very same day, the U.S. could get its first coronavirus vaccine authorized, the failure to curb this pandemic has left an unprecedented number of families in mourning. Three thousand one hundred twenty-four deaths were reported yesterday. These are not just baseless numbers. These are our friends and family members gone forever.

The scope of this, though, can be hard to get your head around, so consider this. Almost every day since the start of the month, the death toll from the pandemic has been so grave it rivals even some of the most infamous days in American history, including wars, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.

SANCHEZ: We are starting to see that post-Thanksgiving surge that experts have warned us about. Another 2,100 Americans hospitalized just yesterday.

Across the country, ICUs are struggling to keep up. In Oklahoma, only three percent of ICU beds are available. Three counties in California's Central Valley, meantime, are out of ICU beds entirely. And, San Francisco is expecting to run out of ICU beds in about two weeks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. GRANT COLFAX, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAN FRANCISCO: To be blunt, we have one chance to turn this serious surge around and that chance is right now, but our window is narrowing and closing fast. And I want to stress the significant impact that this surge will have on you, your neighbors and friends, and family, and future generations if we do not bend the trajectory of this surge right now. (END VIDEO CLIP)

JARRETT: All this leaves Americans clinging to hope for a vaccine. And today, a key FDA committee is expected to vote for emergency authorization of the Pfizer vaccine, setting an unparalleled vaccination effort into motion. But, important questions still remain.

Here is CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Well, we know today is going to be filled with about nine hours of meetings among this advisory committee for the FDA, at the end of which they may be making a recommendation as to whether or not this vaccine should be authorized under emergency use. While it's not a foregone conclusion -- nobody is saying that -- the FDA commission and others have telegraphed that there is obviously a lot of promise around this vaccine.

Obviously, we've heard from the company and others -- we're going to now hear it verified -- about just how effective -- efficacious this vaccine is. We've heard 90 percent-plus. We're going to hear about the safety profile, but also other questions.

For example, if you've had the infection already should you still get a vaccine? Another question: If there are 40 million doses, should you just give 40 million people the first dose and then you manufacture the second dose because people may get some protection with the first dose?

As important as it is to figure out who should first get the vaccine, another big question will be who shouldn't get the vaccine. People under the age of 16, pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised for some reason may be on that list.

If it is authorized today or even tomorrow, the projections are that within the next few days -- probably by early next week -- we could, for the first time in the United States, see these vaccinations occurring outside of the clinical trial for the first time.

[05:35:00]

So we're keeping a close eye on it. I'll be monitoring it all day long, Boris, and as details come to us we'll certainly bring them to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JARRETT: Our thanks to Sanjay for staying on top of all of that.

And if the FDA does give the green light for Pfizer's vaccine today, it will set in motion a massive shipping change that presents some daunting logistical challenges.

CNN's Fred Pleitgen is live outside BioNTech's headquarters in Germany. Fred, you've been covering all the logistical issues so well. What more are you learning today?

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is certainly, Laura, a gigantic logistical chain that's going to be put in place or set in motion and actually, that logistical chain has already been set in motion in many ways.

A lot of our vaccines, especially from Pfizer and BioNTech, is already being stockpiled in a giant warehouse in Kalamazoo in Michigan. And all of that vaccine actually came from right here in Europe, not far away from where I am right now. In Belgium is where this giant Pfizer plant is -- and that was then airlifted to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

And then, of course, the big logistical challenge, especially with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is the fact that it needs to be both and stored and transported at around minus-100 degrees Fahrenheit. And that, in itself, is a huge logistical issue because obviously, a lot of dry ice is needed and special containers are needed as well.

Essentially what's going to happen once that logistical chain gets set in motion is that trucks are going to bring those vaccines to airplanes, which will then be shipped around the country to the jurisdictions that need to get those vaccines and need to get them to the people who are then going to get the jabs. In that entire time that cold chain needs to go -- needs to remain in place.

This is a giant issue also where thousands of planes are going to be necessary to ferry those vaccine doses not just across America but, of course, essentially across the world as well -- thousands of trucks. And with every one of those shipments, those shipments are so fragile in many ways and it's so important to keep tabs on the temperature, they're all going to be GPS-monitored to see that the temperature is always right. And, of course, also that the companies also know where exactly their vaccines are at any given time.

I've talked to logistical companies about this. They acknowledge that it's a big challenge with a lot of things that they really haven't done in this way before. But they also think that they've been preparing for this and that they are ready for those challenges.

Of course, the folks here at BioNTech very much on the edge of their seats waiting for that experts' meetings. They are confident that they are going to get that emergency use authorization very soon. And, of course, then what's going to happen is that then you will just see that chain immediately go into motion. And as Sanjay was just saying there, that then -- very, very soon -- the first Americans are going to be able to get their jabs, Laura.

JARRETT: Truly a Herculean effort going on right now. Thank you so much for covering this for us, Fred -- appreciate it.

Well, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. have now certified the results of the presidential election. But just days before the Electoral College meets, President Trump is trying to get involved with a last-ditch attempt to overturn the election outcome in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin -- four states that he lost. To say that the lawsuit brought by the Texas attorney general is a

longshot would be putting it mildly. Sen. Mitt Romney has described it as quote "simply madness."

We should point out that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is expected to visit the White House later today. He faces accusations of bribery from his former aides. And questions are being raised now about whether he, too, is angling for a pardon.

SANCHEZ: And keep in mind, 17 Republican-led states have filed a brief in support of this Texas election case even though many of these states, including Texas, are arguing that practices they partake in themselves are unconstitutional.

CNN has also learned that President Trump asked Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, to argue the case if it does, indeed, reach the Supreme Court -- a far cry from the "Lyin' Ted" nickname Trump labeled Cruz with during the 2016 campaign. Don't forget, Trump also repeatedly accused Ted Cruz of committing fraud when he won the Iowa caucuses back in 2016.

A spokesperson says the senator agreed to do it if it does, in fact, go that far. The legal experts say it is extremely unlikely to happen.

JARRETT: Very, very unlikely it will get that far.

Hunter Biden has revealed he's facing a federal criminal investigation for his business dealings in China. The investigation was kept under wraps in the months before the November election. That's the usual practice under DOJ protocols. But, of course, now that election is over, federal prosecutors are issuing subpoenas and seeking interviews.

The investigation began back in 2018 and sources say that President- elect Biden is not implicated in this.

After CNN contacted the Biden transition team with our reporting, Hunter issued a statement saying he learned of the investigation for the first time on Tuesday, adding quote, "I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisers."

[05:40:05]

SANCHEZ: Now, sources tell CNN that investigators are examining whether Hunter Biden violated tax laws by failing to report foreign income. Some of the transactions under scrutiny involve individuals that raised counterintelligence concerns with the FBI, something that a source says is a frequent issue when dealing with Chinese businesses.

Now, the situation presents an immediate test of Biden's pledge to honor the independence of the Justice Department. The president-elect is expected to announce his pick for attorney general soon and you can expect that Republicans will push that nominee for a commitment to not interfere with the Hunter Biden investigation.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is vowing to fight back against a groundbreaking antitrust lawsuit filed by dozens of states and the federal government. The suit calls for the breakup of the social media giant. It alleges that Facebook has abused its dominance in the digital marketplace.

In a memo to his employees, Zuckerberg said the company will challenge the accusations, insisting that Facebook competes hard and competes fairly.

Brian Fung has more from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN FUNG, CNN TECHNOLOGY REPORT (on camera): This is a groundbreaking lawsuit and experts say it could change a lot about the way Americans experience social media. It could even result in the breakup of Facebook.

Forty-eight attorneys general and the U.S. government have accused Facebook of engaging in illegal behavior to maintain a monopoly by buying up potential competitors and sidelining rivals. The lawsuits focus on Facebook's acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, two key platforms that contributed to Facebook's dominance.

Now officials are asking for a breakup of the company and any other steps necessary to restore competition.

In a statement, Facebook is striking a defiant tone and one of Facebook's core defenses here seems to be that because regulators blessed these deals in the past, they shouldn't be questioning them now. But experts tell CNN it's entirely within the right of regulators to revisit deals, particularly in light of new evidence.

This lawsuit could take years to play out but if it is successful it could mean sweeping changes to the way that Americans use social media and the options that they have in terms of accessing social media platforms.

Brian Fung, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JARRETT: Brian, thank you so much for that.

We'll be right back.

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[05:46:43]

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DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH: We have a moral responsibility as a rich country, along with other rich countries, to make sure that when we have the facilities and the capabilities, be it lifesaving drugs for HIV, lifesaving preventions for HIV, or a vaccine for COVID-19, that as a global community we do everything we can to make sure that there is the equitable distribution of those countermeasures throughout the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JARRETT: That plea from Dr. Anthony Fauci simply not matching the current reality as the Pfizer vaccine starts to roll out. A new watchdog report says wealthy countries are hoarding doses of the vaccine, leaving the developing world behind.

CNN's David McKenzie is live in Johannesburg, South Africa. David, the issue of the equitable distribution, as you heard from Dr. Fauci, is so, so important. What more are you learning?

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's very important, as you heard from Dr. Fauci, Laura, but it isn't being listened to. Several countries -- rich countries -- have ordered -- one group describes it as a shopping spree -- preordered vaccine candidates on a massive scale. In particular, you have the U.K., E.U., and especially Canada, which has ordered more than five times, roughly, the amount of vaccines they need to cover their population.

Now, public health officials say there is some logic to that -- of course, they want to protect their own citizens -- and it was unclear which vaccines would win the race. But they say at this point it means that there will not be this much talked about equitable distribution of vaccines. Now, that is both a moral issue and a public health issue.

I spoke to a top vaccine expert here on the continent who said until everyone's safe, no one is safe.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. RICHARD MIHIGO, WHO COORDINATOR OF IMMUNIZATION AND VACCINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: Until everybody is protected, nobody can be safe. Because we are now living in a disconnected (ph) world -- global villages, as we say it. And even for those countries that could protect themselves, they can't be living like on an island. So think I think we need absolutely a world in which people interact, not only economically but socially.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MCKENZIE: And Laura, that -- to put it into perspective, some 70 poorer countries -- not just here in Africa -- may only be able to vaccinate one in 10 people by the very end of 2021. One health expert said they only foresee a meaningful distribution of the vaccine on the African continent in three years. And because of the health impact that could have globally, it's really important, say health officials, to try and get this equitable vaccine distribution going.

There is a facility that was started to have wealthy countries and middle-income countries like here in South Africa put money in to purchase vaccines, but it doesn't help if they've got money but no vaccines to buy -- Laura.

JARRETT: Yes, this issue is certainly going to come to a head very quickly.

David, thank you for all of your reporting on this. We appreciate it.

Well, South Korea is running out of hospital beds, so what are they turning to?

[05:50:00]

CNN has the pandemic covered around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I'm Paula Hancocks in Seoul.

City officials are using shipping containers to set up makeshift hospital rooms as the number of beds for coronavirus patients here in Seoul are starting to fill up. Health officials say they have 83 percent of the beds taken so far. They're hoping that these containers will give them around 150 more beds.

In addition, more than 300 military personnel are being brought in to help at health centers, and more than 300 police are being trained up for contact tracing.

PAULA NEWTON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I'm Paula Newton in Ottawa, where Canadian regulators have now approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use. And it can't come soon enough as Canada finds itself in the midst of a deadly second wave.

Now, this vaccine now has to be distributed in the second-largest landmass in the world in winter. Canada is doing a dry run this week. Vaccinations should begin next week. But officials all say that look, while this vaccine is amazing, it can only be effective if people agree to take it and trust it.

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR (on camera): Hi, I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi, where we are getting rare insight into one of China's largest vaccine trials.

The UAE releasing new interim results showing that the Sinopharm candidate is some 86 percent effective in protecting people from becoming infected. That data not independently verified -- not coming from China itself, even -- but based on the 31,000-person trial held here.

Now, the efficacy of the Sinopharm doses less than Western vaccines like the Pfizer candidate that the FDA is considering approving, but still far in excess of the minimum requirements set out by the WHO.

(END VIDEOTAPE) JARRETT: Thanks to our correspondents for those updates.

CNN has just confirmed that President-elect Joe Biden will head to Atlanta on Tuesday to campaign for Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Republicans have had a lot of surrogates already campaigning for the Republican candidates, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, ahead of the critical runoff elections.

NPW (ph), according to the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution" -- well, the president phoned the Georgia attorney general Tuesday warning him not to rally other Republicans against a lawsuit from the Texas attorney general trying to overturn election results there.

SANCHEZ: Yes, officials in Georgia have faced threats over the election results in the Peach State. And the president has phoned officials in other states about their election processes as well.

But the importance of Georgia cannot be overstated. Both parties are getting ready for two runoffs in January that will decide the balance of power in the Senate and could shape the success or failure of the Biden agenda.

JARRETT: Georgia Republicans have a historic number of volunteers. Over 4,000 have signed up to serve as poll watchers during the Senate runoff. Early voting begins on Monday.

And after cutting half of its early voting sites due to staffing issues, Georgia's third-largest county, Cobb County, is adding back two locations for the final week of early voting. That's a total of seven locations for 537,000 voters. The county borders Atlanta and is emerging as a Democratic stronghold.

Well, the Minneapolis City Council voting overnight to shift nearly $8 million from the police budget to violence and prevention and other city services. That's about a four percent cut. The vote comes after months of -- after George Floyd's death, I should say, and a failed attempt by the council to dismantle the police department altogether.

Proposed staffing cuts were eliminated from the new plan, likely averting a veto from the mayor.

SANCHEZ: Connecticut is the first state in the nation to require high schools to offer African-American and Latino studies. Governor Ned Lamont, in a statement, saying the move is long overdue. The curriculum change is set to take effect in the fall of 2022. Now, high schools in the state will be required to offer the courses but students will not have to take it.

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SpaceX experimental rocket exploding on landing.

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JARRETT: That's a SpaceX experimental rocket exploding on landing. Now, this was just a test. No one was on board, you can rest assured. It's a prototype of the rocket Elon Musk hopes will haul satellites into orbit and eventually help establish a human settlement on Mars.

Despite the failed landing, the high-altitude test was also a success. The nearly-seven-minute flight was stable during an eight-mile ascent and the rocket performed a belly flop maneuver as planned.

I don't really want to hear the words belly flop and space rocket in the same sentence but apparently, it was supposed to happen.

SANCHEZ: Yes, it's kind of counterintuitive. I think we learn more from failures than successes, right? Plus --

JARRETT: Sure.

SANCHEZ: -- a really cool and expensive explosion, too. So, there's that.

JARRETT: There's that.

SANCHEZ: Thank you so much for joining us today. I'm Boris Sanchez in for Christine Romans.

JARRETT: I'm Laura Jarrett. "NEW DAY" is next.

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[05:59:23]

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: We want to welcome our viewers in the United States and all around the world. This is NEW DAY. It is Thursday, December 10th, 6:00 here in New York.

And breaking news. Wednesday was the deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic in America. A staggering 3,124 deaths reported in the U.S. That single-day total is more than the number of people killed on 9/11. It's more than the number killed in Hurricane Maria and Katrina, and the Pearl Harbor attack.

The U.S. also set a new record for people hospitalized with coronavirus. Another 2,000-person increase in just one day, meaning 107,000 people are waking up in the hospital.