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Rubio Struggles to Answer Iraq Question; Hillary Back on the Campaign Trail; Awaiting Verdict in Cleveland Officer's Shooting Trial; Target Downgrades Processed Foods. Aired 7:30-8a ET

Aired May 18, 2015 - 07:30   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Amtrak is back on track this morning. This is the first Amtrak train to leave Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and pass through the side of that deadly derailment. Everything has gone fine this morning.

That curve now has automated speed control, but not the positive train control required by Congress. The question is, will lawmakers act to make the rail safe? FBI agents will be on scene today investigating if the train's windshield was hit by an object just before the crash.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: ISIS forces taking control of Ramadi. Iraqi troops in full retreat after the terrorists used armored bulldozers and suicide bombers to storm the city. Ramadi is just 70 miles west of Baghdad.

U.S. and Iraqi officials say the fight there is far from over. Right now, thousands of citizens are freeing Ramadi. The White House is ordering an expedited weapons shipment to Iraq over the weekend.

CUOMO: We now know the identities of the U.S. Marines killed last week during that humanitarian mission in Nepal. You had Captain Dustin Lucasowitz of Nebraska, Captain Christopher Nordgren of Kansas, Sergeant Howard Johnson, Sergeant Eric Seaman of California, Corporeal Sarah Medina of Illinois and Lance Corporeal Jacob Hub of Arizona.

Two Nepalese servicemen were also killed when that helicopter driven by the Marines crashed last Tuesday. Meanwhile the death toll from those two massive earthquakes nearly 9,000 now, that is the deadliest disaster in Nepal's history.

PEREIRA: Two 19th Century Palestinians nuns have officially been declared saints by Pope Francis. They are the first Catholic saints from the region since the early centuries of Christianity. Some 2000 Palestinians gathered in the Vatican St. Peter Square Sunday to celebrate. The canonization comes just days after the Vatican announced that it would sign its first treaty recognizing the state of Palestine.

CUOMO: A little bit of politics there on the pope's side. A lot of politics back here. Let's get inside it on NEW DAY with Gloria Borger in for John King also known as the upgrade. GLORIA BORGER, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, John, getting a well-deserved rest I hope. Here we are, we have a lot to get to, guys. I'm joined by Lisa Lerer of the AP and Ed O'Keefe of the "Washington Post."

Guys, the Iraq war still haunting Republican politics. Last week, it was Jeb Bush's return to get down to the call, answer the question about whether the Iraq war was a mistake, had some trouble with that.

Over the weekend, it was Marco Rubio's turn. Let me give you background, back in March, he said it was not a mistake to go into Iraq because it was better that Saddam Hussein was dead and last Wednesday he said, you know what, I would not have been in favor of going into Iraq.

Yesterday, Chris Wallace on Fox News asked him about that flip- flopping. Let's take a look at that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS WALLACE, FOX NEWS: Was it a mistake?

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: That's not the same question. The question I was asked was you know now. Well, based on what we know now, I think everyone agrees --

WALLACE: Was it a mistake to go to war with Iraq?

RUBIO: Yes, I understand, but that's not the same question.

WALLACE: That's the question I'm asking you. Was it a mistake to go to --

RUBIO: It was not a mistake for the president to decide to go into Iraq because at the time, he was --

WALLACE: I'm not asking you that. I'm asking you --

RUBIO: In hindsight. The world is a better place because Saddam Hussein is not there. I don't understand the question you're asking.

WALLACE: I'm asking you --

RUBIO: A president cannot make a decision on what someone might know in the future.

WALLACE: That's what I'm asking you, was it a mistake?

RUBIO: It was not a mistake for the president to go into Iraq based on the information he was provided as president.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BORGER: OK, my head is exploding, right, with that exchange. Let me start with you, Lisa, why is it so hard for Republicans to deal with the question of whether the war if Iraq was a mistake? LISA LERER, "ASSOCIATED PRESS": Because it turns out running for president is hard. I think this question totally expected. Certainly not Jeb Bush, I mean, this is the war his brother is known for starting. It's become sort of a Rorschach test for these candidates.

Are they ready? Running for president is really different. Like when I watched that Rubio clip, I felt like I was watching a Senate debate, running for president and doing presidential interviews, key note campaign interviews is not like debating in the Senate. So I think it's a test for whether these candidates are ready for the intensity of the spotlight.

BORGER: But you know, polls show that the Republican Party, itself, is split over whether going into Iraq was the right thing to do. So if you are running for the presidency in a Republican primary, you got a fault line you got to walk, right?

ED O'KEEFE, "THE WASHINGTON POST": In a sense he's answered both ways so everyone should happy, right? There was such this aura of he's different. He's energetic, dynamic. That interview proves Marco Rubio is a politician. He is no different than any of the other guys.

BORGER: Well, didn't immigration also prove that because he was on one side and then he changed his mind?

[07:35:10] O'KEEFE: Yes. This one, this happened in the midst of the Bush storm last week and very few people now this again on a Fox camera has exposed somebody to the fact that this is a very difficult thing for Republicans to talk about.

That they get all tripped up about it. It has become the Republican Party's Vietnam. Something they are very hesitant to take ownership of and really don't want to talk about it at all.

LERER: That is not surprising, right? They should have been prepped for this question. They should have an answer, particularly senator Marco Rubio, who watched the whole past week what went on with Governor Bush.

BORGER: But Republicans have gone more hawkish also so they have all these considerations. Let's talk about the Republican field a little bit. So far we got 11 wannabes who gathered over the weekend to speak to Republican voters and there are more coming, the latest I am told is the Ohio Governor John Kasich is likely to get into the race, maybe as soon as within a few weeks.

Our Dana Bash is reporting that Senator Lindsey Graham is expected to announce his candidacy on June 1. Didn't party leaders want to avoid this kind of an array of candidates like they had last time because they're going to have these debate stages full of people not enough time to talk and they're not coalescing very quickly?

LERER: Look, there were a lot of Republicans who sat out 2012. They were worried that Obama was unbeatable. Romney seemed like the heir apparent so this time it feels like a wide open field. Polling shows that it is a pretty wide opened field and all it takes is one stumble or two stumbles for someone to be knocked out, why not take your shot? You know, of course, Hillary Clinton feels great.

BORGER: Are they debating each other or talking about Hillary?

O'KEEFE: They want to focus on Hillary. Ultimately, they will be debating each other. I think the brilliant thing that happened over the weekend and a big kudos to the Iowa Republican Party for actually keeping time and enforcing it. I think that will force these guys to realize is if you can't get it done in 10 minutes or less, leave. Get out of the way.

BORGER: But here's the thing at least they're answering questions. And you know, say what you want Jeb Bush, who made a lot of mistakes last week or Marco Rubio on Sunday at least he was taking questions. Hillary Clinton is back on the campaign trail.

She has been doing a bunch of fundraisers. Today she's in Iowa, in Mason City, Iowa. Do you think she's finally got to start taking some questions from the press?

LERER: Well, of course, I think she ought to. I don't think we will see that from her. What folks in her camp say her doing a press conference is not like any other candidate doing a press conference, there is dozens and dozens of press there, it's a full-on thing.

And that conflicts with the image they are trying to create for her, which is that this is all about voters and every day Americans. She has to answer some questions. She is under a lot of pressure particularly on trade and TPP so this can't go on forever.

O'KEEFE: She has to give substance events. All the answers she has given. Most of the answers are just great to be here. It has to go beyond that at some point soon?

BORGER: She has got, you know, a horde of reporters covering her. So far she's answered 13 questions and these issues like trade are hanging out there, and Bernie Sanders came out over the weekend and told our own Briana Keilar that you know, Hillary's got to answer these kinds of substantive questions particularly on issues where she actually disagrees with her husband, the former president.

LERER: Martin O'Malley will enter the field and that will put a little more pressure on her particularly within the Democratic Party, but you know, she has so, is trying to show she is working for this. One way to show that is by answering questions and it's also paints a pretty unflattering picture when compared with Republicans who have most of them have unanswered quite a number of questions.

So she will need to start doing that. I think we'll see it, you know, once she has been to a splashy event in about 30 days or so to sort of mark the official beginnings. I think after that we will see a change.

O'KEEFE: You knew Marco Rubio was in trouble when last night his spokesperson was tweeting back after that Fox interview, well, at least he is answering questions, unlike Hillary.

BORGER: OK, Michaela, we are all answering questions here. At least we think Hillary may start to answer some questions once she really gets out there and does her big official announcement. We will have to see because she's only got a thousand reporters following her.

PEREIRA: Only a few. I was worried you were going to ask me a question and I was going to say, I'm just happy to be here, Gloria.

Great to have you in "Inside Politics." Alisyn will sit do you know with GOP hopeful Senator Rand Paul. You can see that interview tomorrow morning right here on NEW DAY.

[07:40:06] The city of Cleveland is bracing for a verdict in the case of a police officer charged with fatally shooting two unarmed civilians. We will have a live report for you next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: The question before the court is whether a Cleveland police officer intended to shoot and kill two people during a police chase in 2002. Now, prosecutors say, yes, that's why they took it to trial. What would the judge say? National correspondent, Martin Savidge is live at the CNN Center in Atlanta. What's the latest?

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Chris. This trial has taken two and a half years to bring to a courtroom. It is being closely watched across Northeast Ohio and beyond.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE (voice-over): November 2012 when a couple in a car speeds away from an undercover cop. Their engine backfires. It triggers a police radio report of shots fired and the chase is on.

Investigators say the pursuit involves as many as 62 police cars at speeds of 100 miles per hour through the streets of Cleveland. It ends in a hail of gunfire killing two unarmed people.

[05:45:06] An investigation reveals a stunning 137 shots fired by 13 police officers, but only one, Michael Brelo, was on trial charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter.

RICK BELL, PROSECUTOR: He is shooting repeatedly. He is shooting excessively and he is shooting to kill.

SAVIDGE: Prosecutors say the 31-year-old former Marine did what other cops didn't, he reloaded and when the car police were chasing finally came to a halt, Brelo is said to have jumped on his hood and fired 15 shots directly through the windshield.

The prosecution believed those shots that killed 43-year-old Timothy Russell and 30-year-old Melissa Williams. Brelo told investigators he thought he and his partner were in danger, believing the couple in the car were shooting. Saying, quote, "I have never been so afraid in my life. I thought my partner and I would be shot and we would be killed." Brelo went on, "At which point, I drew my weapon and I shot through the windshield at the suspects."

Recorded police radio traffic gives conflicting accounts, at one point warning police about weapons, while other officers on the radio report seeing no weapons. Neither victim in the car had a gun.

The defense attorneys say Officer Brelo had no way of knowing that at the time, telling the court, he wasn't trying to be Rambo. He was just trying to survive.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: This case is now in the hands of not a jury, but a judge who will render a verdict and if found guilty, Michael Brelo could face three to 11 years in prison for each of the two counts against him -- Chris.

CUOMO: The judge is saying this may take some time, right, Martin?

SAVIDGE: Right. There is some concern here also about the potential for a possible violent reaction. In fact, so much so law enforcement across the state of Ohio has been alerted and notified to prepare.

Also the city of Cleveland has been reaching out to protest groups, community leaders, even faith-based organizations to try to head off any angry reaction. But of course, it really depends on what the verdict may be.

CUOMO: Right. Hopefully the reaction isn't playing into the deliberations. I'm sure it's a lot for that judge to sort through or at least we hope it is. Also, what are you hearing why it is just Brelo. I mean, that is an odd thing with all these officers involved. There is one guy. Are there future civil actions or prosecutions to come?

SAVIDGE: Well, there are a couple things. A civil action has already been settled. In fact, both victims' families will split that settlement of around $3 million. Five other officers have been charged with dereliction of duty. They are expected to all be tried together later this summer. The max they could get is 90 days in jail if found guilty -- Chris.

CUOMO: All right, Martin, thank you very much. We will stay on this. Appreciate it.

What do you think? Have you been following this case? Do you understand it? If you do, tweet us, and give us the #newdayCNN or post your comment on Facebook.com/newday. We'll get it on with you -- Mich.

PEREIRA: All right. Chris. Well, you know the summer travel season is almost here. If you have booked your flight, well, as they say you better pack some patience, that and the rest of your business headlines coming up.

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[05:51:49]

PEREIRA: It is time for CNN Money now. Chief business correspondent, Christine Romans is here. Airports are going to be more crowded this year?

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Airlines are expecting record numbers of passengers this summer, 222 million people, about 2.4 million people every day will travel on U.S. Airlines this summer. That's up 4.5 percent from last year.

Airlines are posting record profits. Thanks to cheap fuel and high demand of airlines. They say there will be adding some capacities. So there will be more seats this summer. There will be a lot of people flying this summer.

Stocks start the week at record highs. We are starting to see big moves in housing. Existing home sales this year is expected to hit levels not seen since 2006. Add that to the best jobs market in seven years, great combination for your personal economy.

Target shunning processed foods. According to the "Wall Street Journal," Target told food giants like Campbell Soup, General Mills and Kellogg's, sorry, but we don't want to push your packaged foods anymore.

Instead Target is going to spend money to promote healthier fresh options to match changing taste. We have seen tastes changing. We really have. People want fresh, organic, and people are willing to spend a little more for those items.

PEREIRA: We say shopping the outside of the store.

ROMANS: Sanjay Gupta always says when you go to the grocery store, shop the outside aisles. Stay away from processed foods. He says eat whole foods. Process foods are processed and you're seeing the big food companies now are taking his advice apparently.

CUOMO: Do they have their own line or something like that of this type of food or no?

ROMANS: They do have some of their own lines, but they are pushing the fresh option. We're talking about fresh vegetables, fresh fruits.

CUOMO: It gets more dicey when it's the government telling you. I think if the private sector wants to do it, people will make their choice.

ROMANS: Let me tell you, millennials are driving this. They want fresh options and the big companies know that. They know they have to start retooling for the biggest generation in American history.

CUOMO: My wife asked her to pick up a green juice. ROMANS: Did you do it?

CUOMO: I bought it.

ROMANS: Good for your health.

PEREIRA: Good to see you, Christine. Thank you.

CUOMO: Amtrak service returning to normal following this horrible crash that we had down in Philadelphia. Normal means without the safety equipment Congress told them to have. How does the situation get better? We have the latest on Train 188 specifically. Was the speed increased just before the curve and did something hit the windshield just moments before the crash? We have answers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:58:29]

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Trains once again operating at full capacity on the busy northeast corridor.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That bend in the track --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The NTSB continues to investigate the possibility that a projectile struck Amtrak 188

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to look at everything at this point.

CAMEROTA: ISIS making advances in Iraq, taking control of Ramadi.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a disaster.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A daring raid by American special ops in Syria.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Was the intelligence value worth this kind of risk?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He told them that he had managed to hack into aircraft while he's on board.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know this can still be breached.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's really scary.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At least nine are now dead and nearly 20 more injured.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are very dangerous, hostile biker gangs.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CUOMO: Good morning, welcome to your NEW DAY. It is Monday, May 18th, 8:00 in the east. Alisyn Camerota is on assignment. So you got Mich and I here for you.

We're talking about Amtrak service this morning because the route is back open. They are going through that busy northeast corridor for the first time since last week's derailment that killed eight people and injured 200 and raised big questions about how to make the rails more safe.

PEREIRA: Meanwhile, the investigation continues, FBI experts will be on scene today inspecting damage to the train's windshield. Could that have been at play in this crash? Coverage begins with CNN's Jean Casarez live at New York's Penn Station -- Jean.

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. It's quite a morning here at Penn Station because late last night Amtrak tweeted out that this morning at 5:30 service would resume. That first train would go out, and it did at 5:31. And they let us go down there when the first train was leaving so we saw it. Not that many people on the train, but passengers said they were excited. It was very needed.