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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin
FDA Advisers Recommend Authorization Of Pfizer Vaccine; Half Of House Republicans Back Lawsuit To Throw Out Votes; South Florida On The Brink Of Eviction Avalanche. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired December 11, 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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[05:32:18]
BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, and thank you so much for joining us. This is EARLY START. I'm Boris Sanchez in for Christine Romans.
LAURA JARRETT, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Laura Jarrett. Thirty minutes past the hour here in New York.
And this morning, the United States is one critical step closer to the reality of a coronavirus vaccine. Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommending authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. A final decision from the FDA is imminent.
But there is a long road ahead for this country. Two thousand seventy hundred sixty-eight new deaths were reported overnight. The five deadliest days of the pandemic all occurred in the last week.
SANCHEZ: And the number of Americans hospitalized continues to soar. That almost certainly means that more death will follow.
The U.S. health system facing a serious test. According to data from Health and Human Services, one in three hospitals nationwide has reached 90 percent ICU capacity in the past week.
Here's a sobering warning from the director of the CDC.
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DR. ROBERT REDFIELD, DIRECTOR, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: We are in the timeframe now that probably for the next 60 to 90 days we're going to have more deaths per day than we had in 9/11 or we had at Pearl Harbor. I mean, this is really -- as I said, this is a real -- going to be a real unfortunate loss of life.
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JARRETT: It's that time of year when normally, the country would be coming together getting ready for the holidays -- lots of parties. Instead, states have to refer back to the rules from the spring that keep people apart just for their own good. Today, North Carolina is implementing a modified stay-at-home order from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. nightly. Pennsylvania is enforcing a new mandate closing gyms, casinos, and indoor dining. Ohio is extending its statewide curfew until January second.
So what can we expect in the coming days? Here is Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Well, Laura, Boris, this was probably one of the most historic FDA Advisory Committee meetings certainly that I've ever reported on.
And then at the end of it, basically vote in the majority to recommend that this vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech be emergency use authorized -- recommend, because the FDA still has to make that final decision. But the FDA almost always goes with what these advisory committees recommend, so we'll see specifically what the FDA does.
But I want you to hear how Dr. Paul Offit, somebody you may know -- how he sort of framed the events of the day after the discussion was over.
DR. PAUL OFFIT, DIRECTOR, VACCINE EDUCATION CENTER, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA: The question is never when do you know everything, it's when do you know enough. And I think we know enough now to say that this appears to be our way out of this awful, awful mess. So that's why I voted yes.
[05:35:00]
GUPTA (on camera): Now, I will say that there were some reservations and some discussion about some of the subgroups -- certain people who maybe shouldn't take it or should take it only with certain warnings.
Take a look at the list there. This is going to come up again and again, I think. Children under the age of 16, pregnant women, breastfeeding women. This was a big point that also was discussed.
Pregnant women were not part of the trial but a lot of people who are on the committee -- the way that they sort of described it was look, we don't have data to show benefit nor do we have data to show harm. So that discussion point to be continued.
People who are immunocompromised. And finally, as we've heard in the last couple of days, people who have had a severe reaction to vaccines in the past are probably going to be recommended not to take this.
Now, if the FDA still does go ahead and authorize this under emergency use, which it very much looks like will happen later day and maybe even over the next few hours -- certainly, by over the weekend -- two more things are going to happen.
CDC is going to have an advisory committee meeting on Friday and then again on Sunday, and they're basically going to talk about the who, what, when. We've already heard a little bit of this. Health care workers, people who work in long-term care facilities, residents of those facilities are likely to be first on the list. Each state is going to sort of figure out how to allocate the vaccine when it arrives there.
Who is going to be the next on the list? Is it going to be essential workers? Is it going to be people over a certain age?
Those are open discussion topics which we're certainly going to follow. As we get more details, we'll bring them to you.
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JARRETT: Sanjay, thank you so much for that.
The Biden transition team meets again today with members of Operation Warp Speed. The president-elect welcoming the FDA panel's recommendation, calling it a bright light in a needlessly dark time.
And he stressed the need for a strong distribution chain for this vaccine, saying "Vaccines don't equal vaccinations. Our challenge now is to scale up manufacturing and distribution to distribute 100 million shots in the first 100 days of my administration."
Later today, also Biden will formally announce his latest cabinet and White House nominees, including Denis McDonough as Veteran Affairs secretary and Susan Rice to head up the White House Domestic Policy Council. Both served in the Obama White House.
SANCHEZ: Just 40 days until Joe Biden's inauguration. It's time for three questions in three minutes.
Let's bring in Alayna Treene. She's a White House reporter for Axios. Alayna, thank you so much for getting up early for us this morning. We appreciate it.
I want to start with some of your reporting about a key member of Joe Biden's potential cabinet. First, CNN has learned that President-elect Biden wants to have his entire cabinet named by Christmas. And, of course, that can slide as he makes decisions.
But when you look at the picks so far, a lot of familiar faces that Biden knows well -- a lot of holdovers from the Obama years -- some of them could face serious opposition in the confirmation process and there's very little margin in the Senate, depending on the outcome of the Georgia runoffs.
Your reporting overnight for Axios is that the secretary of Defense pick, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, could be in serious trouble.
ALAYNA TREENE, WHITE HOUSE REPORTER, AXIOS: That's right Boris, and thank you for having me on -- good morning.
Yes, Gen. Lloyd Austin is -- really, when it comes down to it, it's the fact that he's a general. He's someone who has experience in the military, which raises a lot of eyebrows I think for people -- our readers, your viewers because wouldn't you want a general in the Pentagon. But really, it's supposed to be, a lot of people think -- Republicans and Democrats on the Hill included -- that it should be run by a civilian. And so, this is where this issue with Gen. Lloyd Austin comes up.
Now, in order to get him confirmed, the House and the Senate would have to pass a waiver in order to allow that to happen. This was the same process that Gen. James Mattis, President Trump's first pick for Defense secretary, went through and they were able to get him a waiver. But we're hearing that there's a lot of issues coming up with people on the Hill for Gen. Lloyd Austin.
And that's only the first test. Once you get the waiver, then you need to confirm him separately. And we're hearing that some Republicans who had voted for Gen. James Mattis to have that waiver and granted him that acceptance really, might vote for the waiver this time but not necessarily to confirm Gen. Lloyd Austin as a person and an individual.
And so a lot of tests there. Two separate uphill battles.
From what I'm hearing from my sources on Capitol Hill, they expect that he might be able to get through -- that the waiver should be granted given that they were given the waiver to Gen. James Mattis. But the second test might be harder.
So I think it's something we have to look out for. And his confirmation hearing and what he says and how he performs will definitely help with that. A lot of people said that his performance this week where he appeared next to the president-elect earned him some brownie points, as some sources described it. And so, I think that as we see more of him over the coming weeks, that could help determine what fate he faces in the House and Senate.
[05:40:00]
JARRETT: All right. We're certainly going to keep our eye on that.
I also want to ask you about this lawsuit from -- more than 100 House Republicans now signing on to the one from Texas, essentially trying to get the Supreme Court to throw out votes in four key states that the president lost. Not states where the president won, only the states where the president lost.
And if you think about it, I mean, the House Republicans are essentially saying your vote doesn't matter if they don't like the result. The argument used to be let's let this play out in the courts. Well, it has played out in the courts disastrously so for this president.
So, Alayna, what's the plan -- the Republican plan after the Electoral College meets and does its job on Monday? Are they finally going to give in?
TREENE: It's to be seen, Laura. I think a lot of Republicans and even some who are outwardly and publicly supporting the president in these efforts, don't think that they should last longer. I had a conversation with Sen. Marco Rubio. He hasn't been as outspoken about in favor of these lawsuits, but he thinks that once the Electoral College votes -- that happens on Monday -- it really should be over quickly after that.
Other people I had a conversation with -- Sen. Ted Cruz or Ron Johnson -- also this week, who said they could see this playing out into January and having some of the fallout from these lawsuits continue. And that's kind of the worst-case scenario, I think, for a lot of these constitutional law experts.
I saw Ben Ginsberg, Republican elections lawyer, thinks that this is kind of a ridiculous thing for states to be doing, especially these Republican states. You know, states' rights are a huge deal and traditionally, more of a conservative issue.
And so, it's interesting to see how this will play out. A lot of people think that this needs to wrap up quickly. Of course, we're just six weeks away from the inauguration for President-elect Joe Biden. And so it could continue but most people are hoping it will wrap up shortly after Monday.
JARRETT: Amazing how you can switch your position on federalism when it suits you.
SANCHEZ: Yes, right -- states' rights, right?
It's amazing to see a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill, yet not much actually happening at the same time, especially when you consider these three bills -- a spending bill, a defense bill, and a coronavirus relief package -- all of them really up in the air.
And a government shutdown is possible tonight if certain senators on both sides don't back off of various demands. What are you hearing, Alayna, about the state of play?
TREENE: Well, Boris, it's -- we have about a week until the Senate is supposed to be breaking for recess for the holidays. The House was supposed to recess today. Clearly, that's not happening because they had to pass a weeklong C.R. or a short-term spending deal to get some of this through.
But it's a classic thing that happens almost every year with Congress when you have these end-of-year deals. And there's no motivator, I'd say, like the holidays, when people want to get out of town to get these things done.
But these are huge items that they're still negotiating and House Democrats and Republicans, and those inside as well, are still pretty far apart on some key issues. And this is the same thing we've seen for months now, particularly when it comes to the coronavirus stimulus deal, where they really need to come together and compromise in order to get this done.
And we're seeing more optimism I think from a lot of leaders than we've seen for several months now, but still a long way to go. And so they're trying to tie that to the long-term spending deal.
And again, the NDAA (the National Defense Authorization Act) is something that they're also working on. That's expected to go through.
Of course, President Trump has vowed to veto it from some of our conversations with people at the White House and advisers to the president who are telling him to kind of lay off on his veto threats now and try to find some sort of off-ramp. Because really, it looks like Republicans aren't going to go along with that and they'll override it if necessary.
So, a lot of big things that are teeing up at the end of this week. But again, I think that when Congress knows they need to get out for holidays, they'll try to do so. So I'm hopeful we see some quick and immediate action in the coming days.
SANCHEZ: And just a quick point of fact for our viewers. That veto threat has actually nothing to do with defense spending. He's wanting to change the behaviors of social media companies and adjust Section 230 by threatening to withhold money for the military and our service members. It is quite a dilemma.
JARRETT: All right.
TREENE: (INAUDIBLE).
JARRETT: Alayna, so nice to see you. I hope you'll come back soon.
SANCHEZ: Thanks, Alayna.
JARRETT: Appreciate it.
TREENE: Thank you.
JARRETT: Well, the world needs heroes right now. You'll meet some of them in a very special night on CNN. Join Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa for "CNN HEROES: AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE," Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. eastern only on CNN.
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JARRETT: Welcome back.
The current dysfunction in Congress is having the biggest effect on people who can least afford it. Protections like expanded unemployment benefits, extra paid family leave, and help with student loans all running out by the end of this year, as is a moratorium on evictions.
CNN's Rosa Flores has more on that from Fort Lauderdale.
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ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Since his wife died in 2012, John Ayers counts his blessings, like Bella and Bear -- JOHN AYERS, FACING EVICTION: He's such a goof-off.
FLORES (voice-over): -- and his job as an insurance agent.
FLORES (on camera): You were earning good money.
AYERS: I was making a salary.
FLORES (voice-over): Enough to pay $2,000 rent on a house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
FAST ICE, UBER DRIVER: Good morning, senor. We're here for you.
FLORES (voice-over): And because of his severe arthritis and diabetes --
AYERS: All right, let me catch my breath for a second.
FLORES (voice-over): -- an Uber driver known as Fast Ice to get around.
But a few months after the pandemic broke, John lost his job, exhausted his savings on rent, medicines, and utilities, and was slapped with an eviction notice.
[05:50:00]
AYERS: I need help. It's the first time I've said it. I need help because I'm about to be homeless.
FLORES (voice-over): Like millions of Americans, John could be homeless on New Year's Day when the CDC's order halting evictions expires.
AYERS: And right now, I can't.
FLORES (voice-over): While he can't afford his medications, he's not worried about himself.
AYERS: It's the thought of being out there with a dog because I'm not putting my dog down.
JUDGE ROBERT LEE, 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA: This is a residential eviction for non-payment of rent.
FLORES (voice-over): County Judge Robert Lee says evictions in Broward County could triple in the first three months of 2021 from 5,000 to 15,000. And in the case of some landlords --
LEE: They are almost in the same desperate position as the tenant is.
FLORES (voice-over): To meet skyrocketing demand, the court has moved judges who try crimes, medical, and insurance claims to evictions.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm with (INAUDIBLE).
FLORES (voice-over): Pro bono attorneys are going where the need is great, food lines, to help tenants fight to stay in their homes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So you're looking for a shelter?
FLORES (voice-over): But the call volume at this homeless shelter in Miami-Dade County increased from 800 calls a month, on average, to 1,200 last month. And the homeless population is already growing.
RON BOOK, CHAIRMAN, MIAMI-DADE HOMELESS TRUST: The fear of that turning into thousands upon thousands drives me completely crazy. I cannot almost have a conversation without breaking down over what it means.
FLORES (voice-over): As for John, he's looking for a job --
AYERS: You know, upload my resume to these places.
FLORES (voice-over): -- and counting a new blessing. Fast Ice now drives him free of charge.
FAST ICE: You're a good man, my brother. You are a good man.
FLORES (voice-over): A man desperate for a miracle.
Rosa Flores, CNN, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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JARRETT: Rosa, thank you so much for that piece.
Forty-year-old Brandon Bernard was executed by lethal injection Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court denied his request for a delay. Bernard was one of five convicted of killing a couple back in 1999. He was just a teenager. He was the youngest American sentenced to death in nearly 70 years.
In his last words, Bernard apologized, saying quote, "I wish I could take it all back, but I can't."
President Trump faced pressure to commute the sentence, including from Kim Kardashian, but CNN is told he decided against it because of the violent nature of the crime.
There have been 13 federal executions since July. Four more are planned in the next few weeks.
SANCHEZ: Meantime, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee is facing criticism after he blocked a bipartisan plan to create Smithsonian Museums dedicated to the history of women and Latino-Americans. Lee says that creating separate but equal museums based on identity would further divide an already divided nation.
Bills to establish both national museums passed overwhelmingly in the House earlier this year.
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SCENE FROM MARVEL STUDIOS "BLACK PANTHER II."
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JARRETT: Disney announcing the role of King T'Challa will not be recast in "Black Panther II" after Chadwick Boseman starred in the role before his death in August. Instead, the Marvel film will explore the world of Wakanda and the characters introduced in the first film.
I know a lot of people looking forward to that in my household.
SANCHEZ: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been named "Time" magazine's 2020 Person -- persons -- of the Year. They received the honor for quote "changing the American story, for showing that the forces of empathy are greater than the furies of division, and for sharing a vision of healing in a grieving world." Kamala Harris is the first vice president to be included by "Time."
In the category of Guardians of the Year, "Time" named racial justice activist Assa Traore and Porche Bennett-Bey, along with frontline health care workers fighting the pandemic, and Dr. Anthony Fauci -- all very well-deserved, we should say -- right, Laura?
JARRETT: So deserving. Clearly, a major oversight in not thanking Boris Sanchez for all of his amazing fill-in duties on EARLY START. Definitely deserving --
SANCHEZ: You are too kind.
JARRETT: -- of the "Time" person of the year for that.
SANCHEZ: You are too kind, Laura. Always a pleasure to join you. And thank you for joining us. I'm Boris Sanchez in for Christine Romans.
JARRETT: I'm Laura Jarrett. "NEW DAY" is next.
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[05:59:13]
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NICK WATT, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The FDA Advisory Committee just voted to recommend a green light for Pfizer's vaccine.
DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH: The FDA will take under consideration that recommendation and will very likely act on it quite soon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm really, really just fearing what's going to happen over the next several weeks. Hospitals are overwhelmed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: More than 100 U.S. House Republicans have signed on to support a Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 results.
KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Legal experts said they doubt the high court will take it up.
REP. ADAM KINZINGER (R-IL): Failing to accept this reality puts the country in a very dangerous moment in time.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're trying to use democracy to undermine democracy.
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ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Alisyn Camerota and John Berman.
JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to our viewers in the United States and all around the world. This is NEW DAY. It is Friday.
ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, fantastic.
BERMAN: We keep getting here pretty quickly now all of a sudden.
CAMEROTA: But we keep being surprised by it.
BERMAN: It's December 11th, 6:00 here in New York.
