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Obama: Political Theatre Doesn't Come Naturally; New Polls Show Growing GOP Advantage; Respiratory Illness Sweeping Midwest; Serena Williams Wins 6th U.S. Open Title

Aired September 08, 2014 - 07:30   ET

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

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: At least 100 people were airlifted by helicopter from raging flames springing (ph) from a massive wildfire in Yosemite National Park. California officials say the weeks-long fire continues to gain ground. Sunday's combination of strong winds and scorching temperatures fueled the blaze. Of course, remember, there's a drought going on there. It's now swallowed up over 700 acres of land. Helicopters, air tankers, and hot shot crews are all part of that ongoing fire fight.

My goodness, such a beautiful place when you look at the vistas even though with all that smoke around.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Even with the smoke all around.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Very tough to fight fire.

BOLDUAN: It sure is.

CUOMO: Distances to get water --

PEREIRA: Dangerous work, too.

CUOMO: We'll keep watching that one. Now time to get to "INSIDE POLITICS" though on NEW DAY with Mr. John King, a lot to talk about.

JOHN KING, CNN HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Happy Monday, Chris, Kate, Michaela. There is a lot to talk about. Fifty seven days to Election Day and a very big week for the president here in Washington. It could impact those campaigns across the country.

With me this morning to share their reporting and their insights, Margaret Talev of "Bloomberg News" and Jonathan Martin of "The New York Times." Let's start with the president's big week. He is going to bring the congressional leadership down to the White House, the bipartisan leadership.

He will give a speech to the American people on Wednesday, explaining where he thinks the ISIS threat is going and the American response. Last week, we had Senator Dianne Feinstein, from California, a Democrat and the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

She was saying her president, the Democratic president is being too cautious. Listen to her yesterday, she says she still has a lot of questions. She sees a change for the better.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: I want to congratulate the president. He is now on the offense. He has put together the coalition of nine nations, his people are in different regional countries as we speak consulting and trying to bring in other countries in the region. I think that this is a major change in how ISIS is approached.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: She says she wants to see a more muscular response. She sees a change coming, but she still has questions. Before we talk, let's listen to Ted Cruz, Republican senator from Texas. Well, guess what? He has a different approach. He said in a statement yesterday.

We do not need another vague speech. We need a strategy. The president did not have one last year or last week and he still does not have one now. Margaret, what are we looking for from the president? Is he ready to talk more clearly about we may do airstrikes in Syria? Here's what it will take or is this an incremental step this week?

MARGARET TALEV, "BLOOMBERG": It's not incremental from the in fact he wants to lay out really for the first time a much more broader approach that goes beyond Iraq and talking about the growing threat.

But to answer that sort of $64,000 question, which is what is the U.S. doing in Syria, I really don't think he is going to get to the heart of it. So the truth is somewhere in the middle, which is often the case with President Obama.

I mean, what is he going to ask Congress for? Does he want to leave himself enough wiggle room that he can continue acting on his own if he doesn't can still go along with him?

But the real challenge for him is to explain to Americans, why did I call these guys junior varsity a few months ago and now it's like the biggest threat.

KING: That's a great point. They were a junior varsity. Now it's an emerging and growing threat that his own people say could take five, 10, 15 years to deal with.

Jonathan, how much impact does it have on the president as he tried to explain this to the American people that a little good cop, bad cop there from Dianne Feinstein.

Last week, she was like whacking him for being too cautious. Now she is being sweet, but still saying I need to see proof. I need to see you take these guys out.

JONATHAN MARTIN, "THE NEW YORK TIMES": We got a phone call in the last week, the president is in a tough spot here. The country has no huge appetite to re-enter one more conflict. But at the same time, you see the session two beheadings of journalists, which have really outraged a lot of folks around the world and the president is forced to act.

But again, there is not any appetite in this country to put ground troops back in that region. So the president is somewhat handcuffed. Furthermore, there is only so much this president can do frankly in the next two years.

If he were to have reports there, most experts believe this will take years and years, after this president leaves the White House to really address the root of this issue.

KING: You mentioned the beheading. There is no question the barbarism of those videos has changed public opinion here, not only having more liberal Democrats pushing for action, but the American people also seeing this is a huge problem.

You're right. They want the president to do something. They don't want boots on the ground, but remember the president has a ton of criticism after the James Foley, the first of the beheading videos was released.

The president gave a very stern statement and then minutes later he was on the golf course. The president told NBC News yesterday that was a bad call.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I should have anticipated the optics, but part of this job is also the theatre. A part of it is you know, how are you --

CHUCK TODD, NBC CORRESPONDENT: How are you?

OBAMA: It's not something that always comes naturally to me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARTIN: That's the understatement of the year.

KING: Thinking about the optics is not something that comes naturally to him. Margaret, forgive me. That was bad call to go golfing so quickly. It's not the first time.

TALEV: Look, it's not like he doesn't get the optics. He just hates that he has to deal with it. It is increasingly frustrated. You see the rest of his term winding down. He is just like, my God, I'm over it. Pummelled by the international crises that he has very little ability to sway. The man wants to go out for a few hours and be left alone.

KING: The other big thing from the NBC interview is the president confirming he is going to wait until after the election to do anything on immigration. You remember in June, when Republicans said we are not going to deal with this issue this year. The president said I'm going to act. I'm going to use my executive power. I'm going to do something. Friday he said he would act soon. That was Friday. Webster defines soon as prompt, quickly.

On Saturday, he said soon means after the elections. Here was his explanation to Chuck Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I'm going to act because it's the right thing for the country, but it's going to be more sustainable and more effective if the public understands what the facts are on immigration, what we have done on a unaccompanied children and why it's necessary.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: So what has changed and I'm not sure, how do you sell the idea in the public is not paying attention to this when the public understands? If the public understands?

TALEV: Two things have changed. One thing that's changed was the sort of increasing coverage of the influx of these children across the border. But the second thing that's changed more recently is you see the polling in some of these key Senate races and the real pressure from these Democrats.

I'm not convinced the president thinks that immigration is going to tip the elections. I do think that if Democrats lose control of the Senate, President Obama doesn't want to be blamed for it because he pushed immigration.

KING: As you jumped in, Jonathan, let's show the people just what you're are talking about because we are starting to see now 57 days out we're starting to see the election. It looks like it's starting to move how you might expect it.

Look at these red states. This is an NBC/Marist poll and we have some CNN polls last week. You look at here in Arkansas, the Republican ahead. In couple the Republicans ahead in the holding of a seat there.

In Arkansas, the Republicans will pick that up. Colorado, the Democrat ahead that Udall should a D. Gardner should be an R, that graphic is backwards. The Democrat ahead but just barely.

And let's look at some more "New York Times"/CBS/YOUGOV polling again, the Republican ahead in Arkansas. The Republican ahead in Kentucky. The Democrats slightly ahead in Colorado. The Republican ahead in Alaska.

That's a change from what we seen a couple months back. So the president didn't want to take what is a bad situation for Democrats and make it worse.

MARTIN: That's right. The Democrats in the Senate, President Obama, in effect, it's your numbers, they can only stay on so much this year. This is something you can control. Don't make it worse for us. The president deferred to their wishes at least on the timing of this.

You know, it's a tough year for Democrats in the Senate, John. Those polls reflect what is happening out there especially in so-called red America and the fact is, is that when these polls look at folks who will vote, likely voters. It looks even more grim for Democrats.

It's not a lost cause. The Republicans still need six seats to get back to the Senate. There is no question at this point, it does look increasingly likely that, you know the GOP will find six.

KING: To Jonathan's point, if you go race by race, they thought if they acted on immigration and fired up the Republican base, it could create a national wave, the Republican turnout overwhelms the Democrats.

Even in a place like Colorado, maybe in a place like Minnesota, you got close races in Iowa, in New Hampshire, blue states. You don't create the one issue that motivates everybody, but then you do state by state.

TALEV: Yes. But for Latino advocates and for the people that really care about this clause, it's like their consistently ongoing ponds in this calculus, how to win primaries and how to win general elections.

MARTIN: And Obama promised those same folks immigration reform in the first term.

KING: They're furious. The Republicans are about to change their policy nationally because of the Tea Party pressure. So there is a great opportunity for Republicans, they both seize it.

TALEV: That's right. You saw Chris Christie in Mexico last week doing his transition and President Obama acts with executive power on immigration on November 15th or something, this probably won't matter in the long run. If he doesn't --

MARTIN: It could help Democrats by the way going to 2016. A national election immigration --

KING: Jonathan, Margaret, thanks for coming in on a Monday. As we get back to you guys in New York, it is to Margaret's point she just made, when you talk to these Latino activists, they remember the 2007 campaign through 2008, the first few years, they have been promised over and over again, their turn is coming. Every time a political crossroads come, they lose.

BOLDUAN: Exactly right. Third time is a charm I guess or not.

KING: Or the fourth or fifth time.

BOLDUAN: Exactly right. Thanks so much, John.

CUOMO: The mayor doesn't have to worry about the immigration debate. Here's something people have to worry about, especially parents. Kids are going back to school. Everybody knows back to sickness, something is new out there. It is nasty. A respiratory virus that has already put dozens in the hospital and has doctors scratching their heads. So what can you do to keep your kids healthy? We are talking to an expert next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PEREIRA: A respiratory virus is sending hundreds of children to hospitals and ERs across the Midwest. At least 10 states have already contacted the CDC for assistance investigating this illness, which causes symptoms a bit like a cold except for worse.

It's an Enterovirus called EV D68. It's uncommon and hard to identify. One top doctor in Missouri says in his 30 years of treating children, he's never seen anything like it.

Here with more is Dr. Alexander Van Tulleken, a senior fellow at Fordham University. Fresh back from some holidays and we put you right to work. This is concerning, Dr. Tulleken. This is frustrating to see how many hospitalizations and how many sick kids. Why is it so nasty?

DR. ALEXANDER VAN TULLEKEN, SENIOR FELLOW, FORDHAM UNIVERSITY: What we don't know is exactly how the virus works. But it seems to be affecting the upper respiratory tract. That's putting kids in intensive care because it's making it difficult for them to breathe. They can't breathe. Exactly.

So it's concerning because we don't have a simple test for it. It seems to be spreading quite rapidly. I mean, if you think the first spike is detected mid-to late-August. We are seeing it only increasing. We don't have a vaccine.

So the only control methods we got, hands washing, having a flu (inaudible), washing surfaces, and telling kids not to touch each other.

PEREIRA: Which doesn't seem aggressive enough for parents when they see these pictures of kids ending up in the ICU. Talk to me about the spread because it seems as though the Mid-west is getting hit hardest. Why? Why would that be?

TULLEKEN: Stories like this and viruses in general make the medical profession look bad. We have to be aggressive and going I don't know, when you look at the range of experts that have spoken on there, they end up saying we don't know.

So we don't have, if you want to study bacteria, you can grow it in a dish. If you want to study viruses, you have to grow it in cells. That's how viruses work. They're not alive. They're little strands of DNA or in this RNA, which then replicate. So figuring out what they are doing to our bodies is much more difficult.

PEREIRA: OK, and then the timing. You said it's around the middle, second, third week of August. Kids all went back to school. That could speak to why it's spreading so quickly. They are sickening other children. Is that what's happening? TULLEKEN: It's probably that plus a number of things more complicated. It could have something to do with temperature, humid, dryness in the air. The change of the DNA over genetics of the virus, changing human behavior, seasonal. Something like that, it probably is something to do with the school year. There are probably a lot of other things going on as well but we don't understand.

PEREIRA: Some kids most vulnerable. Kids with asthma, we know that. And for parents, you say flu shots will help?

TULLEKEN: I'd say, I mean, have your flu shot what you don't want is a double infection. But that isn't going to protect you against the Enterovirus.

PEREIRA: What can they do?

TULLEKEN: The main thing you can do is wash your hands, tell your kids to be conscious. Remember, that's really tough. Kids are affectionate. People want to kiss their kids, that's hard to follow. Washing surfaces, especially if you are running a gym or a school, washing surfaces is a good idea, and then good cough hygiene.

PEREIRA: The elderly, do they need to be concerned as well?

TULLEKEN: It seems to affect kids more and it seems to be affecting kids more with asthma. That maybe to do with child behavior though. Practicing good hygiene measures is a good idea for anyone whether you're in the Midwest. It's likely people say it's likely to get to New York. I think that's probably right.

PEREIRA: We will be watching it. Dr. Van Tulleken, good to have you back with us. Thank you so much for explaining it all.

All right, now that she has won her 18th grand slam title, Serena Williams has cemented her legacy as a legend. Is she the best ever? She spoke with our Rachel Nichols ahead. Stay tuned.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: Welcome back. You are witnessing greatness. Yes, NEW DAY in general, but specifically, Serena Williams, certifiably a tennis legend after this weekend. She powered past Caroline Wozniack in straight sets at the U.S. Open Sunday claiming 18th grand slam titles, 18.

What does that mean? That means she joins the lofty company of the best ever. Christie Everett and Martina Navratilova. So the discussion must begin. Is Serena Williams the best ever? Tough question, but I'm putting it to the right person.

Rachel Nichols, host of CNN's "UNGUARDED with Rachel Nichols" got to speak to Serena immediately after. That's why you are (inaudible) and what a great interview to have? What a moment for her?

RACHEL NICHOLS, CNN HOST, "UNGUARDED": Absolutely. You got to think she's in the discussion certainly for best ever 18 titles. That ties her with Christy and Martina. Twenty two is the number best ever Steffi Graph.

You got to think Serena is going to be able to hit that mark. You also got to remember we talk about Christy and Martina. They had each other as rivals. Serena, really nobody has been able to step up and equal her and be her rival.

Both Christy and Martina have come out and said they think that she is better than them. They surprised her on the court yesterday after her match. It was a lovely moment. Take a listen to the whole phase. Serena was just over the moon.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICHOLS: Congratulations. The U.S. Open was your 18th career grand slam win. That ties you with Chris Everett and Martina Navratilova. Let that sink in. What is that like?

SERENA WILLIAMS, WON SIXTH U.S. OPEN TITLE: I know. It's really -- I don't know. It doesn't seem right. Christy and Martina and Serena. It feels great. You hear these names growing up. You don't think that one day you're going to say Serena. You don't think about yourself like that. You think I'm going to work hard and do the best I can. Then you start chasing titles, start chasing legends.

NICHOLS: And Christy and Martina surprised you on the court.

WILLIAMS: Yes. I wasn't expecting that at all.

NICHOLS: They gave you a nice gift there. That number 18 charm bracelet. Want to hold it up there?

WILLIAMS: Number 18 charm bracelet.

NICHOLS: Very nice. What was that moment like?

WILLIAMS: It was great. I didn't expect it. I was really happy to see the two amazing women come out and support me like that.

NICHOLS: Last few weeks make this official. You have now had the craziest year in tennis ever. How high have the highs before for you and how low the lows?

WILLIAMS: Definitely super crazy. I expect so much out of myself. So definitely highs. The greatest, getting the 18 here at the open. I think it was fitting actually. And the lows, I worked through. That's what helped out.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CUOMO: Listen. I love tennis. I don't know any other sport that matches mind and body the way that sport does.

NICHOLS: A physical chess match.

CUOMO: When you look at her, what box does she not check the best? NICHOLS: She is amazing. Caroline Wozniacki, who she played yesterday is sort of being seen as maybe, she can challenge her. It wasn't even close. Serena wiped the floor with her. Afterwards, Chris, is that she said we're still going to get drinks together after the game.

Caroline did say Serena is buying. These two women are very, very good friends. We haven't seen this really with Serena Williams in the past. She and Venus have sort of said they'd be killers on the court to win. They need to stick to themselves.

But Serena has developed this great friendship with Caroline Wozniacki. Caroline as you may remember was engaged to the golfer, Rory McIlroy earlier this year. It was Serena of all people there for her over and over again on the phone, texting her, making sure that Caroline was OK.

It's brought out a nicer touch in Serena over the course of the summer. She has credited Caroline for bringing tout softer side of her on tour as well. It was a nice moment last night.

CUOMO: It really is nice to see greatness playing out in front of us. Certainly the best of her generation. As you said, she's got a lot more gas in the tank. Look forward to seeing her. Great interview. You got her in the right moment.

How do we see the full interview with Serena Williams? This Friday night on "UNGUARDED" with Rachel Nichols at 10:30 Eastern only on CNN. Thank you. Thank you very much, Rachel.

All right, so we are going to go from a great sports story to a lousy one, another NBA owner forced out because of racial insensitivity. The owner of the Hawks steps aside voluntarily. Is there more to that than just remorse? What he wrote and why he stepped down may not be related. We'll explain straight ahead.

Plus how the fight against the brutal ISIS militants has the president saying now he's got a plan. What is the plan? Will it work? Before we go to war, isn't it worth asking why this is our fight in the U.S.? Where's the Muslim world? Answers ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)