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Biden Unveils $1.9 Trillion Economic And Healthcare Plan; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) On The FBI's Warning Of More Violence Ahead Of The Inauguration; Kamala Harris' Groundbreaking Journey To Vice President. Aired 7:30-8a ET

Aired January 15, 2021 - 07:30   ET

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

[07:30:00]

NIA-MALIKA HENDERSON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER (via Cisco Webex): But I will say this. It still seems unlikely that you can find 17 Republicans to convict Donald Trump, even if Mitch McConnell goes along with it. You know, I can maybe get to six, maybe seven that seem likely to vote to convict, but getting to 17 is really, really hard.

And you mentioned that poll. The vast majority of Republicans are still with him. I think it's something like 85 percent say he shouldn't be convicted. So that's, I think, the main number to kind of look at when you're thinking about, ultimately, his fate in the hands of those Republicans who are still, in many ways, with him and certainly want to keep having favor with his base.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. I mean, obviously, we still have five days to go. We'll see what happens during that time. Anything's possible, as we know.

Susan Glasser, Nia-Malika Henderson --

HENDERSON: Yes.

CAMEROTA: -- thank you both very much for your time.

HENDERSON: Thank you.

President-elect Joe Biden blasting the Trump administration's vaccine rollout as quote "a dismal failure." So what is Biden's plan to turn things around? Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins us next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:35:07]

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN (D), PRESIDENT-ELECT: The vaccine rollout in the United States has been a dismal failure thus far. This is going to be one of the most challenging operational efforts we have ever undertaken as a nation. We'll have to move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated. Create more places for them to get vaccinated. To mobilize more medical teams to get shots in people's arms.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: President-elect Joe Biden laying out his plan to have 100 million Americans vaccinated in his first 100 days in office. He will reveal more details this afternoon.

As of this morning, just 11 million Americans have been vaccinated. Thirty million doses have been distributed. You'll remember that the promise was to have 20 million Americans vaccinated by December 31st, so we're not even where we were supposed to be two weeks ago.

Joining us now is CNN chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He's the author of the new book "Keep Sharp," which we're going to talk about, about an hour from now.

But, Sanjay, first to the point that we were hearing from the president-elect. It's pretty stark to hear him say that the vaccine distribution has been a dismal failure. Your reaction?

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I think most people agree with that. I mean, even people like Moncef Slaoui, who I know you interviewed, admitted that this was disappointing.

The development of the vaccine, pretty remarkable. I mean, two authorized vaccines by the end of last year, remarkable. Keep in mind again, there's certain things like HIV-AIDS -- 40 years in trying to develop a vaccine and still don't have one. So that part was truly worth celebrating.

But then, it's not vaccines that matter; it's vaccinations, as we've said so many times -- and it's obviously going really, really slowly. I think trying to really figure out where the various problems are -- how the federal government and the state governments are going to work together, what the private sector is going to do.

We started to get some idea from President-elect Biden last night during his speech. We're going to get more details today on exactly what they're going to do to increase this vaccine rollout.

You know, one of the things you have a large vaccine fair. A lot of people show up. How are you then accounting for all of them? What type of software platform is going to be used to make sure people then show up for their second shots and where they go for their second shots?

What is the role of these national retail pharmacies going to be? I mean, they're pretty busy already. Are they going to get more resources to try and scale up vaccinations? That's what people are used to -- getting their shots at their pharmacies or doctors' offices. Can that be a place where people get their shots?

We'll see. We know that they're planning on spending a lot of money -- some $400 billion on vaccines, increasing testing, which is something that would be very welcome as well, and opening schools.

CAMEROTA: When we interviewed Moncef Slaoui, Sanjay, he basically suggested that they had done their part. That they had handed off --

GUPTA: Yes.

CAMEROTA: They had gotten the vaccines ready, they had handed them off to the states, and now it was kind of up to the states to figure it out.

Does it sound to you, from your conversations with the incoming Biden administration, that they're going to take a more proactive role?

GUPTA: It sounds like it, Alisyn. And you're right. I mean, I think that was a problem with the previous rollout was it was Operation Warp Speed feds to states and then that was it -- the handoff, but the states weren't really prepared.

I think -- I think so. You know, I think we'll have to wait and see what some of the specific details of his plan are Alisyn because there is a lot of nuance here.

For example, if you do these large vaccine fairs, whose responsibility is it going to be then to make sure that people do follow up and get their second shots? Is this something that the National Guard is coming in to help do this? What is their role going to be exactly?

You need to have enough people to actually administer shots. I mean, there's -- I'm getting so many e-mails and texts from people saying what about these sectors of our society? What about paramedics? What about people from the military? Who are you going to draw on to sort of make up this gap in overall personnel shortfalls?

And then again, the retail pharmacies. I mean, they've been largely tasked with handling long-term care facilities. If they start to shift their focus to the general public that's going to be a lot more work for them. They're going to need a lot more resources.

But then, just nuances. Are people going to wait for 15 to 30 minutes and where are they going to wait? Who will administer care should they, in the rare situation, need some sort of care?

So all these types of things are important because if they don't work -- it's complicated, especially with this cold-storage vaccine. So it's -- there's a lot that has to still be hammered out here.

BERMAN: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, we'll talk to you again in a little bit. Thanks so much for being with us this morning.

GUPTA: Yes, thank you.

BERMAN: We just heard from acting Deputy Homeland Security Sec. Ken Cuccinelli talking about threats to all 50 states. All 50 states on high alert for more violence.

[07:40:00]

Coming up, we're going to speak to a governor who has already withstood threats over the last several months. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRISTOPHER WRAP, DIRECTOR, FBI: We're concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies planned here in D.C. and at State Capitol buildings around the country in the days to come that could bring armed individuals within close proximity to the government buildings and officials.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: That's FBI Dir. Christopher Wray warning about the threat of more violence in cities across the country before next week's inauguration.

So what are states doing? Joining us now is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Governor, thank you very much for being here.

So what is the intelligence or what are law enforcement agents telling you about what to expect in the next week?

GOV. ANDY BESHEAR (D), KENTUCKY (via Skype): Well, what we're hearing is that there are legitimate threats against State Capitol buildings all over the country. And so, our goal is to be prepared. To ensure that what happened at the U.S. Capitol never ever happens here.

And I think that takes two things. Number one, to have the man and the woman power. We have already activated our National Guard for any additional assistance.

And number two is recognizing these people for who they are. Now, this is a paradigm shift that we have seen since the domestic terror attack on the Capitol, kind of like 9/11. It used to be that you thought a hijacker of a plane was going to land it and then negotiate for the hostages. No more.

[07:45:07]

So we've got to know these people intend to cause violence, that they are domestic terrorists, and stop playing patty cake with these so- called militias thinking they just dress up like it's Halloween and act tough. We have to change the way we think about them because if we don't respond, if there is not total condemnation, this becomes the new normal, and that will be a pretty scary America.

CAMEROTA: Well, speaking of the new normal and speaking of these militias, I mean we have video of these -- in Kentucky, these militia members showing up this week at the --

BESHEAR: Right.

CAMEROTA: -- Statehouse and marching around. Well, not -- OK, this is you being hung in effigy, but I don't want this yet. I want --

BESHEAR: Right. CAMEROTA: -- this shot. But we'll get to that.

Here are people in full camo, they're carrying their guns. They did a lap around the Capitol there in Kentucky saying that they were, I guess, against socialism.

I mean, how are you supposed to guard against all of that?

BESHEAR: Well, to be prepared. But you're right in who these people are and what they were saying. One showed up with zip ties just like that individual who has been arrested inside the U.S. Capitol. And when you show up with those people know what you're saying.

That lap they took was in honor of the woman who stormed the Capitol in that domestic terror attack and didn't make it. They didn't take that lap in honor of the D.C. Capitol police officers that passed away.

These are folks that want to bully, want to intimidate -- that believe that by a show of force they can get what they want. We're not going to be bullied. I think we've shown that to them time and time again. And we recognize them for what and who they are.

But we cannot have -- and we've had it in the past here -- legislators rallying with them. People trying to stir them up. This is wrong. And we've got to recognize that our words, as elected leaders, have consequences. You cannot fan the flames and condemn the fire.

You know, this is a battle for America -- for our soul, for our democracy. So if you're a real patriot, right now you are condemning these groups. And if you've had anything to do with any of them you are walking away. It is everybody's responsibility right now.

You look at the U.S. Capitol. This isn't the War of 1812. It's not the British who are storming it, it's Americans.

And we've got to take this stand and we're going to do it here. I can tell you that we've been planning all week and nobody is breaching our house -- our Capitol. We will not let it happen. We will not let this building fall to terrorists.

CAMEROTA: Now to that hideous video of you, basically, being hung in effigy. This was in May. And this was when they were protesting the COVID restrictions.

How does that not intimidate you? I hear you, you won't be bullied, and I -- and I appreciate the strong stance that you're taking, but how are you not intimidated with threats like this that you're getting?

BESHEAR: Well, that wasn't the worst threat and message they sent that day. They also walked past all of the barriers at the governor's mansion where my kids and I live, and stood on the other side of the windowpane and chanted and heckled for me to come out. Now, we weren't there, thankfully, because that's an image I'm not sure my kids could have forgotten. But the message was clear that they were trying to say that they could

get to me. But I have some of the greatest security that I could ever ask for -- people who are dedicated.

But what makes me worry is not me. It's everybody else out there that can be threatened and intimidated by folks like this. And that's why it takes everybody -- everybody across the country saying no more -- it's gone way, way too far. And if somebody isn't willing to do that after an attack on the U.S. Capitol, you've got to question how much they really care about this country at this point.

CAMEROTA: And when you say that you've seen legislators rallying with these folks -- we -- it looks like -- I've also seen this before the U.S. Capitol attack. Investigators are looking into whether or not they had any help from lawmakers.

Locally, in Kentucky, what should happen to those legislators?

BESHEAR: Well, I think their constituents, in a loud voice, should condemn them. I think that the heads of the Legislature should look at ways to make a statement about them. This is that moment where we've got to be bigger than Democrats or Republicans or team this and team that. Now, that's one of the things that's driven us to this point and you still see polling that just shocks you about people still trying to take sides based on party.

[07:50:00]

Now, this is one of those moments again, in America, where we've just got to be better. And whatever drives you to be better, whether it's your values, whether it's your faith, whether it's an oath you took to the office you serve or to the country, whether it's your past service or what you're doing, that's got to drive us to ultimately create the better country that we need in so many different areas.

But we've also got to respond just to all of the hate that we see out there that drives it, too. Hate and anger aren't something to be manipulated or lifted up. It has real-world consequences when you do things like that. But it's also wrong, and right versus wrong still matters.

CAMEROTA: Gov. Andy Beshear, thank you very much. Stay safe. We really appreciate you taking the time.

BESHEAR: Thank you.

CAMEROTA: John.

BERMAN: In just five days, Kamala Harris will make history as the first woman to hold the office of vice president. A new CNN special report gives us a closer look at her historic journey from California to Washington, D.C., along with some personal details. And this is in a rare joint interview with her husband for a CNN special report this weekend.

Here's a preview. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ABBY PHILLIP, CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was literally a match made in Hollywood --

CHRISETTE HUDLIN, WIFE OF DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, AND PRODUCER REGINALD HUDLIN, KAMALA HARRIS' FRIEND: Oh my gosh, I must have known Kamala a good 20-25 years before I met Doug.

PHILLIP (voice-over): -- produced by an actual Hollywood heavyweight who just happens to be Harris' best friend. Chrisette Hudlin met entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff when she needed legal advice in 2013.

HUDLIN: We were so impressed with him.

DOUG EMHOFF, HUSBAND OF KAMALA HARRIS: And by the end of the hour, it was like yes, you seem pretty cool. I might want to set you up with somebody -- the -- you know, Kamala Harris. I'm like Kamala Harris? The attorney general? And she said yes, but I think you'd be great.

KAMALA HARRIS (D), VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT: And you texted me that very same night. You were at a Laker's game.

EMHOFF: I was.

HARRIS: And I'm a Warriors fan.

EMHOFF: And she said go Lakers.

HARRIS: -- but I said go Kobe or something.

EMHOFF: I was like she said that -- she's --

HARRIS: And then you called -- yes, you called me that morning.

EMHOFF: I violated every rule of dating, I believe. I leave this long rambling voicemail and ended the call. And if you remember that scene in "Swingers" --

SCENE FROM "SWINGERS": You should call me tomorrow, or in two days, whatever. Anyway, my number is --

EMHOFF: That was me leaving the voicemail and I thought I'd never hear from her. But then --

PHILLIP (voice-over): Harris had a break in her schedule and called him.

HARRIS: We ended up talking for like 45 minutes to an hour and just laughing the whole time.

PHILLIP (voice-over): A couple of days later, their first date.

EMHOFF: It felt like we had known each other and I just didn't want it to end. And so, the next morning I pulled the move of e-mailing her with my availability for the next four months, including long weekends.

And I said something like I'm too old to hide the ball. You're great. I want to see if we can make this work. Here's when I'm available next. And I guess it worked.

PHILLIP (on camera): How did you feel about that?

HARRIS: I was terrified (laughing).

MAYA HARRIS, KAMALA HARRIS' DAUGHTER: I knew Doug was the right one when I saw how he made her laugh. Because one of the things that mommy used to always say is life will have its ups and downs, so you make sure that you find a life partner who makes you laugh.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Joining us now is CNN political correspondent Abby Phillip. Abby, I have to say, Doug Emhoff breaking the rules --

CAMEROTA: Well, horribly.

BERMAN: I just don't know if that's the best way to do it. Here's my availability for the next four months. Extraordinary details, very personal, and wonderful color there, Abby.

I have to say, in the middle of everything we've been going through, it's easy to lose sight of how important in the history that the United States is getting its first woman vice president.

PHILLIP: Yes, absolutely.

Well, first of all, John, what you -- what you would call what Doug Emhoff did was a strong move. It was sort of a power move in that moment as he was getting ready to try to get into the life of someone who was already an incredibly powerful person at the time -- the attorney general of the state of California.

And the thing about Kamala Harris is that, like you just said, she is making this -- such momentous history next week by becoming the first black and South Asian woman to be the President of the United States (sic). But the thing that you see in this documentary is the ways in which she's been doing that since the very beginning of her career. Just one milestone after another from the San Francisco D.A.'s office to the attorney general, to being one of the -- one of only handful of black senators to ever be elected to the Senate ever in this country, to where she is today.

[07:55:03]

You know, what's really nice about that joint interview -- and you'll see more of it in the documentary -- is just seeing how the two kind of met at the right place at the right time. Two people at different stages in their lives. She was already a very powerful career-driven woman who just met the right guy at the right time.

And we talk a little bit about their -- what they call their modern family -- their blended family -- a biracial family -- and one that I think a lot of Americans will have a lot to identify with I think.

CAMEROTA: I mean, you could call it a power move tinged with some pathetic in there. It makes me break out in hives.

BERMAN: And whatever happened to not returning a text, you know?

CAMEROTA: I mean, it's so uncool, I guess he turned it cool somehow? But anyway, it worked. And so, you know, good on them that all worked.

And so, Abby, as you're speaking, I'm thinking about this was supposed to be for their family a celebratory moment, obviously.

PHILLIP: Yes.

CAMEROTA: It was supposed to be a celebratory moment for all of the women who identify with Kamala Harris. And yet, here we are. And this is so far from a celebratory moment with what they're being handed in terms of everything from the pandemic to the mob uprising at the Capitol. I mean, it's just -- I wonder if you talked to her about if her mind shift has had to -- I mean her mental space has had to shift?

PHILLIP: Well, even just this idea that we are about to have an inauguration that's kind of cloistered. They're going to be taking their oath of office with no one, virtually, watching. I mean, people are going to be in their homes. You're not going to have these screaming crowds.

Look, there are millions of women across the country, black people across the country, South Asian people across the country who want to celebrate this moment and probably would have wanted to be there and they can't because of the security situation that we find ourselves in, but also because of the pandemic.

One of the things that we did talk to both of them about was just the threats that they face going into this new role. Every president and every vice president faces unique and new threats. But I think that it's clear that this environment is unlike any other.

And you might remember that back in the campaign when Kamala Harris was a candidate for the presidency, she was at an event and someone jumped onto the stage and tried to grab the microphone from her in what was a really scary moment at the time. And Doug Emhoff was actually there and jumped up on that stage as well.

And we talked to him a little bit about kind of this feeling of not just taking on this momentous role for himself as the second gentleman but also just how they are as a family dealing with not only the notoriety but the concerns about physical safety that they face given the threats that we face right now.

BERMAN: Yes, all of that with accelerant poured on it --

PHILLIP: Yes.

BERMAN: -- for the next few days. And to that point, Abby, the vice president-elect just did an

interview with NPR where really for the first time, she directly addressed what it was like for her last week during the uprising. So let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: It was the same thing that went through my mind when I saw Charlottesville. I mean, it's the same thing that went through my mind when I saw a picture of Emmett Till. You know, sadly, it is not the first time I have seen a demonstration like what you are describing in the history of our country. And it is -- it is a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Interesting to hear her perspective on that moment now, Abby.

PHILLIP: It is, very much so. I mean, drawing that connection between the kind of mob violence that we saw in Charlottesville and yes, the mob violence that led to Emmett Till's maiming and killing in Mississippi all those years ago.

I think for a lot of black Americans what they saw at the Capitol last week -- all of those angry, mostly-white men but white people in general, really violating the temple of democracy in this country, but doing so with no sense that there would be consequences for their actions. I think that's the part of it that is the most galling to a lot of black Americans. They see the parallels in that -- the sort of sense that there is no accountability for the things that they did.

Now, there will be accountability but it brings back those really dark memories. And especially, thinking back to Charlottesville and those mobs chanting Jews will not replace us and the racist and anti- Semites. Those are some of the same people who showed up here last week. And I think recognizing that is a big part of this process.

BERMAN: Abby Phillip, thank you so much for being with us this morning. I can't tell you how much we are looking forward to this special. Congratulations.