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CNN Live At Daybreak
Fight for Iraq; Troop Reduction; Movie Message?
Aired November 25, 2005 - 5:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It is Friday, November 25. Sharpen up those elbows and get ready to plunder. The bargains and near- bargains are out there. It is Black Friday, a day when many of us empty our wallets and run up those credit cards.
Also, got an emergency? Guess who wants to tell you how to be prepared to deal with it. Yes, that guy.
And, got your eye on something special in the window? What better time of year to consider something that, as they say, lasts forever. We'll tell you why diamonds trump all those other precious gems.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello.
COSTELLO: And good morning to you. We'll have more on today's shopping madness in just a minute.
Also ahead, the story of a devastating loss and an incredible gift of life that brings two families together forever.
And later, a movie out this holiday season may hit too close to home. The topic: the Middle East, the United States and oil.
But first, "Now in the News."
Former FEMA director Michael Brown is starting (AUDIO GAP). He was the target of so much criticism (AUDIO GAP).
JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Thanks, Carol. We're going to take a look at the weather now as we're losing some of your audio there.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thanks for -- actually, I was sitting on my microphone -- I'll show it to you. This is the little box.
JERAS: OK. And you were standing on it.
COSTELLO: And I was sitting on it.
JERAS: Comfortable.
COSTELLO: And somehow I disconnected it. So that's what happened with the audio. It was totally my fault. But thanks for rescuing me. I appreciate it.
JERAS: Sure.
COSTELLO: All right. Let's get on with the rest of the news now.
We start with Iraq and the death of another American. It happened Thanksgiving Day, south of Baghdad. The U.S. military says the soldier died when an M1 Abrams tank was involved in a single vehicle accident. The soldier's death brings the total number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq to 2,105.
As you heard, Thanksgiving Day was no respite from the violence in Iraq.
Our Aneesh Raman spent Thanksgiving Day embedded with the 3rd Infantry Division. Aneesh joins us live just south of Baghdad.
Hello, Aneesh.
ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning.
That soldier that died from the tank going over was within this area. So were the four soldiers who were wounded after that car bomb attack in Mahmoudiya. It really hits home that for these guys Thanksgiving was just another Thursday.
They did get some respite. They got a big Thanksgiving Day meal, some turkey, some stuffing, all the amenities of everything back home. But it's near impossible for anyone to imagine that they could feel a break from the environment they're in.
This is very much still a war. And the fight in this area, south of Baghdad, an area known as the Triangle of Death, remains a persistent one.
They are finding IEDs on a consistent basis, car bombs have now entered into this area. As I mentioned, that car bombing in Mahmoudiya, south of the capital, a suicide car bomber trying to an enter into a hospital and detonating. He was stopped by the outer security, but dozens of people were killed, mainly Iraqi civilians. Four U.S. soldiers wounded.
And so for all the soldiers we spoke to yesterday -- and Carol, these are some of the greatest people you'll meet. They're the bravest people and some of the most down to earth people. And they're aware that there's a debate going on back home, but for them this is the job that they have to do until they're told to do it no more.
And they go out there every day with the potential of losing their life to make sure that this thing goes forward and that the Iraqi security forces start to train up. And so for them, Thanksgiving was a time to sort of reflect, it was a time that many of them missed home incredibly. The distance couldn't have been farther, but they've been able to keep on touch on phone and all that.
So they now trek along, and the fight here continues.
And Carol, I know this is the final day of DAYBREAK. We're all huge fans out here, but we'll see you again next week on "AMERICAN MORNING."
COSTELLO: Yes, I will be joining "AMERICAN MORNING." And "AMERICAN MORNING" will have an expanded -- I guess an expanded show from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Eastern. DAYBREAK will essentially go away.
But Aneesh, you have been with us helping us out so many times. And we'd like to thank you for giving us your time and your fine reporting. And when you were based in Atlanta, the fine information you'd pass along to us, because as you know, it is one of our fascinations, international news, and so important in the world today.
RAMAN: Well, thank god for that. And we should point out to the viewers all the stats that they don't get to see. I mean, you, of course, are the front of it, but you've got some great people with you. It's an incredibly good team that you guys got there.
COSTELLO: Very dedicated team. And they work lousy hours, and they work so hard.
RAMAN: Yes.
COSTELLO: And I will miss them so much.
Aneesh Raman, thanks so much for everything.
Aneesh Raman, reporting live from the south of Baghdad this morning.
President Bush spent Thanksgiving Day at his Crawford, Texas, ranch. But before he sat down to a turkey dinner, the president called members of the military. He wished them a Happy Thanksgiving and thanked them for their service. The calls went to 10 service members in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one onboard a ship at sea.
Talking to the troops has been a Thanksgiving tradition for the president.
Guess what. Cindy Sheehan back in Crawford for more antiwar protests. Dozens of cheering supporters met her at Waco's airport last night. Sheehan asked protesters to return to Crawford this week as President Bush spends Thanksgiving at the ranch.
You may recall Sheehan re-ignited the antiwar movement last August when she led a nearly month-long peace vigil. Tomorrow she will lead another antiwar rally.
Four governors got a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with the troops in the Middle East. The Pentagon invited the governors of Georgia, Mississippi, Michigan and Kansas to make the trip. And they all brought Thanksgiving dinner with them.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue said morale was great among Georgia troops. He visited them at a base in Qatar.
Some of the troops -- some of the troops those governors are so concerned about could be coming home, but there are a lot of big "ifs" to get over before that can happen.
Our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr has more on that for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice over): If the December elections go well in Iraq and the violence declines, and Iraqi security forces take more responsibility, then U.S. military commanders may recommend a significant reduction in the number of U.S. forces in Iraq for next year. But as the violence continues, withdrawing troops is a careful calculation.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is optimistic.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, SECRETARY OF STATE: I expect that the American forces are not going to be need in the numbers that they're there for all that much longer.
STARR: Top military commanders are more cautious.
LT. GEN. JOHN VINES, COMMANDER, MULTINATIONAL FORCE, IRAQ: I believe ultimately the stability of the government and its ability to support its security forces and provide for the basic functions of governance is the greatest long-term challenge.
STARR: There are about 155,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. About 20,000 are expected to leave shortly after the December elections.
CNN has confirmed that military commanders have drafted an option to gradually reduce levels to about 100,000 over the next year, with perhaps 10,000 troops on standby in Kuwait. But one official warned it's an extremely bold scenario. He says it's "... foolhardy to think we are just going to pack up our tents and head for Kuwait."
Any withdrawal will be gradual, commanders say.
Senior military officials are said to be increasingly concerned that the debate about troop levels will begin to hurt troop morale and worry military family members.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is making it clear he will not endorse a timetable for a withdrawal. It will all depend on what is happening on the ground.
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: If you put yourself in the shoes of the terrorists, if they get to believe that all they have to do is wait because we're going to pull out precipitously, then something enormously valuable has been lost.
(on camera): So far, the violence has not significantly eased. Those more sophisticated improvised explosive devices that were first seen in southern Iraq several weeks ago are now appearing in larger numbers and in new locations, including Baghdad.
Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Saddam Hussein's trial is set to resume on Monday. He and seven former members of his regime are charged with the massacre of more than 140 Iraqis in 1982. If convicted, they could face the death penalty. The deposed dictator has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has challenged the authority of the court.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, in this, the gift-giving season, the ultimate. Several people could not thank a former Washington police officer enough. He loved life, and now others are grateful for what he has given them.
We'll tell you more about this.
At the movies, a political thriller about what's driving America's foreign policy, especially in the Middle East. "Syriana" says it's black gold.
And will you be shopping for carats today? Just remember this, guys: she's worth it. So it's worth it.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:13 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Ready, set, shop. It's the official start of the holiday shopping season. And millions of people will be out in droves today trying to catch good deals. It's early, but still some stores are already open.
New Orleans famed Mardi Gras parades will go on despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. But the cash-strapped city is considering eight days of partying instead of the usual 10. This is to cut back on police overtime.
In money news, an American icon is coming to China. "Rolling Stone" magazine hopes to find a very large audience hungry for the latest news on today's music and pop culture. The Chinese edition of "Rolling Stone" launches in February.
In culture, after months and months of rumors, Nick and Jessica have officially split up. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey had just celebrated their third anniversary last month, but both say they still have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other.
In sports, it was a pretty bad Thanksgiving -- oh, Detroit Lions game. You know I'm a big Detroit fan.
The Atlanta Falcons, well, they steam-rolled them. The Lions lost 27-7. At least it wasn't a shut-out, right? And there is -- oh, Jacqui. I was -- I mean, I almost lost my appetite for the turkey.
JERAS: You know what I did during that game?
COSTELLO: What?
JERAS: Remember our guest on earlier this week? I had everybody go down and give me 10.
COSTELLO: You had everyone go down and get a what?
JERAS: Give me 10 pushups.
COSTELLO: You did not.
JERAS: I got bored during the game. I honestly did. I looked at my kids and I go, "Give me 10." And we did. We really did. But you know...
COSTELLO: Your children are...
JERAS: ... 10 probably wasn't quite enough, was it?
COSTELLO: Your children are going to be emotionally scarred forever from that.
JERAS: Oh, come on. We were just having fun. They thought it was a game.
COSTELLO: I know. Anyway, back to Detroit for just one second, because the coach might be fired.
JERAS: Oh, really?
COSTELLO: There's rumors all over the place that Steve Mariucci might go.
JERAS: Because?
COSTELLO: Because the team stinks.
JERAS: They're not doing so good?
COSTELLO: No. The Lions -- OK. I'm -- I'm getting teary-eyed, so you'll have to go.
JERAS: OK.
COSTELLO: Go on.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: OK, Jacqui.
You know, the real shoppers, they're revving up right now.
JERAS: Oh, yes. COSTELLO: Some people are already standing in down.
JERAS: Yes.
COSTELLO: That's so bizarre. That's very loud music. But anyway, malls and discount stores, as I said, across the country opening early, hoping to lure holiday shoppers with early bird discounts.
The day after Thanksgiving is considered, of course, the official start of the holiday shopping season. And stores are pushing for a crush of customers.
So we were wondering this morning -- don't know how many of you are watching this morning or still sleeping, because hopefully you have the day off. But we were wondering this question -- Jacqui.
JERAS: Yes. We want to know if they're at the mall right now. No, we want to know what they have to have. What is your "must have" item on your list?
E-mail us, DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
How many people do you think are going to say Xbox?
COSTELLO: I bet a lot of people. I guess there's a glitch in the Xbox. We're going to talk about it a little later. And it's made people really angry.
JERAS: Really? Have to tune it for that.
COSTELLO: Yes.
DAYBREAK@CNN.com. What do you absolutely have to get to bring you out in the cold weather to wait in line at, like, Target? I just don't get it.
JERAS: It's got to be a lot.
COSTELLO: Yes.
How far will the United States go to protect its access to oil? How far will a new movie go to ask that question? A look inside "Syriana" coming up.
And from oil to another valuable commodity, what's all the fuss over those little sparkly things anyway? If diamonds are on your Christmas list, we'll tell you what you need to know just ahead.
You are watching DAYBREAK for Friday, November 25.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: International markets in pretty good shape today. Tokyo's Nikkei is up a whopping 41 points. And in case you're wondering, we always do the Nikkei dance when it's up. Since this is our last day, we decided to show you on camera.
Let's get to the rest.
The London FTSE up 11 points. The German DAX slightly lower.
Just a little inside joke with...
JERAS: One more time, Carol.
COSTELLO: The Nikkei dance when it's up?
JERAS: Yes. Yes.
COSTELLO: We always do the Nikkei dance. Come on, take me, baby.
JERAS: Come on. Show her. Show her. Show her.
COSTELLO: Come on, Mike.
JERAS: All right. Oh, here we go. Sorry, they only had one camera.
COSTELLO: There. Where's the camera pointing? There, this is the Nikkei dance.
JERAS: Love it. I'll have to practice that one.
OK. We want your e-mail answers -- or answers to our question. There you go.
Holiday shopping: What's the "must have" item on your list? We want to know. What can't you live without this holiday season?
DAYBREAK@CNN.com. We'll read your answers on the air in a bout a half an hour -- Carol.
COSTELLO: I cannot wait to hear.
Some entertainment headlines for you this morning.
Peter Brady is getting married. Actor Christopher Knight will tie the knot with model Adrianne Curry. So it was real.
JERAS: Wow.
COSTELLO: Yes. The pair met on VH1's reality show.
JERAS: Peter got her.
COSTELLO: Yes.
JERAS: She's gorgeous.
COSTELLO: She is gorgeous. JERAS: They're coupling has spun into a second show. The wedding of the 48-year-old Knight and the 23-year-old Curry will, of course, be included in season two of "My Fair Brady."
I hope they don't turn out like Nick and Jessica.
JERAS: Is that a reality show that I'm unaware of?
COSTELLO: Yes it is, Jacqui.
JERAS: Really?
COSTELLO: You need to get your finger on the pulse of entertainment news.
JERAS: Well, I've been sleeping during primetime these days.
COSTELLO: I understand.
In other coupling news, Elton John and his longtime partner are getting hitched. The ceremony takes place December 21, which is the same day new civil partnership laws take effect in Britain. Sir Elton says it will be a small ceremony with just the happy couple and their parents.
Jennifer Garner and her secret agent alter ego are going bye-bye. ABC announcing they're pulling the plug on her show "Alias." Yes. Garner's pregnancy has been written into the show, but it will cause production to shut down for a couple of months early next year.
Producers promise an explosive end to the five-year-old drama when it signs off for good in May.
JERAS: Wow. I thought that was getting great ratings. People love that show.
COSTELLO: No.
JERAS: No?
COSTELLO: It's got really a great core -- sort of like DAYBREAK. It's got a great core following, but not a huge following. Yes.
A controversial new movie out asks the question how far will America go to protect its access to oil?
CNN Entertainment Correspondent Sibila Vargas looks at the message in the political thriller "Syriana."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE, "SYRIANA": It's running out. And 90 percent of what's left is in the Middle East. This is a fight to the death.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice over): "Syriana" weaves a complex tale of corruption and deceit in the global oil industry.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE, "SYRIANA": There is no way a company like Kaleen (ph) pulled off a deal like this without paying somebody off.
VARGAS: That energy companies are capable of misdeeds may not shock some audiences.
ALEXANDER SIDDIG, CO-STAR, "SYRIANA": I don't think they'll have too much trouble believe that really goes on, because we've just seen Enron.
VARGAS: In fact, according to a Gallup poll in August, 62 percent of Americans view the oil and gas industry negatively. But what may be more controversial is how "Syriana' depicts American foreign policy in the Middle East, motivated first and foremost by the thirst for oil.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE, "SYRIANA": I want to create a parliament. I want to give women the right to vote.
VARGAS: A reform-minded sheik becomes the target of a CIA assassination plot after he runs afoul of American oil interests.
The film's co-stars say the movie isn't pushing a political agenda.
GEORGE CLOONEY, CO-STAR, "SYRIANA": Yes, I think the message is, ask questions.
MATT DAMON, CO-STAR, "SYRIANA": It doesn't try to give you an answer. You know, it's not a partisan rant.
VARGAS: But some conservatives beg to differ.
JASON APUZZO, EDITOR, "LIBERTAS": I think Hollywood brings its agenda to this topic, and they -- you know, they're free to do it. It's just that there seems to be no diversity, no variety in terms of the content. I think that's what's so troubling to people. It's the same opinion drummed in over and over again.
VARGAS: The film was financed by Participant Productions, a company which says its goal is to make socially relevant films.
JEFF SKOLL, FOUNDER, PARTICIPANT PRODUCTIONS: I think this one is not that controversial. Our dependence on oil is causing a lot of problems here and everywhere else. And the message for folks watching the film is that maybe there's a better way to go about this.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: That report from CNN Entertainment Correspondent Sibila Vargas.
The film "Syriana" is from Warner Brothers, which is owned by CNN's parent company, Time Warner. Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and millions of rampaging consumers descending like locusts on stores across the country this morning. Welcome to the horror that is Black Friday.
Sit back and watch the insanity from the comfort of your own home next.
Plus, diamonds are forever. And so is the debt you'll go into buying them. Ali Velshi will show you what you need to know before you try and put some sparkle into your Christmas list.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello.
COSTELLO: And good morning to you. Thank you for waking up with us. And welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, M&M is a dangerous guy. And we're not talking about the wrapper. A pretty serious candy catastrophe in yesterday's Macy's Parade. We will show you what happened.
And ice, ooh, is it nice. We'll take you to a show where the only thing more feared than an art critic is (INAUDIBLE).
But first, "Now in the News."
Four U.S. governors got a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with the troops serving in the Middle East. The Pentagon invited the governors of Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi and Kansas on the trip. The governors will hold a news conference this morning at 8:45 Eastern.
Getting the go-ahead. Indonesia's health minister says Swiss drug manufacturer Roche has given Indonesia permission to make the drug Tamiflu. The antiviral drug can be used to treat bird flu in people.
A shakeup in Jordan. King Abdullah has appointed a new prime minister, and government sources say a new cabinet will likely be named soon. The news comes two weeks after a suicide bomber struck three Amman hotels, killing 57 people. The government says the changes were already planned.
Bargains, deals, sales. The holiday shopping season goes full speed ahead today. Some people got up early -- a lot of people did. They're already in the stores for early bird specials.
To the forecast center and Jacqui.
Good morning.
JERAS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
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