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Russian Missiles Hit Iran?; One Dead, Three Wounded at Northern Arizona University; New Hampshire Voters Talk Ben Carson. Aired 6:30- 7a ET

Aired October 09, 2015 - 06:30   ET

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

[06:30:06] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Brianna Keilar, Sara Murray, great to have you with us. Thank you so much.

Just four days from now, the first Democratic debate, the CNN Facebook debate. Do not miss it. It's October 13th, Tuesday night, the fun begins 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time right here on CNN.

If you have a question you want asked during this debate in front of millions people on TV, go to CNN's Facebook page and record a short video or Instagram using #demdebate.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Let's do that during the commercial.

BERMAN: Let's do it.

CAMEROTA: OK. Meanwhile, U.S. officials say Russian cruise missiles fell short of their intended targets in Syria and crashed in Iran, a claim Russia and Iran deny. So, who's right? We'll talk to our military experts, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:35:00] BERMAN: All right. This morning, Iran and Russia strongly denying that any Russian missiles originally intended for Syria crashed into Iran. This as NATO says Russia needs to stop escalating the conflict in the region. But now with Russian firing at Syria by land, sea and air, is that all too late?

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a CNN military analyst, retired former commanding general in Europe for the Seventh Army, he joins us right now.

General, thanks so much for being with us.

There's a lot of disagreement right now over whether these missiles landed in Iran or not. We know Russia shot 26 cruise missiles, new cruise missiles, these caliber missiles from the Caspian Sea towards Syria.

What does it matter if four went off course and landed in Iran?

LT. GENERAL MARK HERTLING, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, it matters because it shows they're not as precise as they would like everyone to believe, John. You're going to continue to hear a lot of propaganda as they call it. But a lot of people would just call it flat out lies about the fact that they're hitting precisely every target, they are sustaining no casualties, and they are taking the fight against ISIS.

None of those things are true. We've seen these kind of proclamations by Russia as they've done things in Ukraine. Where they're not there, they're not doing everything. Everything is going perfectly.

And, truthfully, it's the Russian way of war, very different from the way the United States and many of the western allies conduct war and we just got to be ready for that kind of propaganda.

BERMAN: You know, the Russians flat out deny this. And let me read you what they say. They say, "Unlike CNN, they get a nice shot in there, we don't report quoting anonymous sources. But we show launches of our missiles and the targets they hit in real time mode. No matter how unpleasant and unexpected it is for our colleagues in the Pentagon and Langley, our strike yesterday with precision-guided weapons at ISIS infrastructure in Syria hit its target."

The real issue here, General, isn't where the missiles landed, it's what they were shooting at, what their targets were. And that is still where the big difference lies between Russia and the United States.

HERTLING: Yes, and that's exactly right.

You're seeing specific areas which they're firing upon. It is nowhere near where places that ISIS resides. So, they are going after the Free Syrian Army, the rebels that are trying to depose Mr. Assad, and they're doing it quite effectively, not only with their so-called precision weapons, which in many cases are precise. And you can even see that in the film that the Kremlin releases, they will show films of aircraft hitting targets that are actually off-centered from where their end points are.

But beyond that, you're going to use area fire weapons as opposed to precise weapons. And I think your reporter, Arwa Damon, mentioned that earlier, where this area fire weapons, artillery, ground-to- ground missiles are arbitrarily shot. And they can't hit precise targets, they're going to hit a lot of civilians.

So, with all the talk about collateral damage and precision, you're going to see a lot more civilian casualties in the fight as Russia tries or attempts to support Mr. Assad.

BERMAN: You know, Syrian civilians will suffer here and perhaps Russia will suffer long terms in terms of public opinion and perhaps retribution against Russia. NATO, you served in Europe, so you know how NATO works inside Europe.

Now, NATO is beginning to do some exercises right now. They are nervous about what Russia is doing, so they're trying to show signs of strength with some military exercises and ramping up things in Hungary and other countries.

Does Russia care? I mean, look, Russia took back Ukraine -- took back Crimea from Ukraine with no real military retribution there. They've been fighting in Ukraine now for a year with no military retribution there. They're bombing in Syria right now and no one is stopping them there.

So, why should they care that NATO is doing exercises in Hungary right now?

HERTLING: Well, NATO hasn't ramped it up, John. Truthfully, NATO has been conducting these kind of exercises for years. And in many cases, we've invited -- when I was there, we invited Russia into the exercises with us. But, yes, they certainly do here.

I was at a conference a few weeks ago in Europe where a Russian expert showed a map from the Russian perspective where they believe they were on the strategic defensive. A ring, a circle around Russia where they're showing all the countries where the United States and the Western allies are attempting to impede inside of Russian space. That's what they believe.

And, in fact, I think what we're seeing right now is an attempt by Mr. Putin to go from the strategic defensive to the strategic offense, not only in Ukraine, not only in Syria but other places like Moldova, threatening Poland, threatening the Baltic.

So, you're going to see continued emphasis by Mr. Putin to go places where Russia has not gone before to strengthen their empire and perhaps even bring back what many people are calling the new Soviet Union.

BERMAN: Two U.S. planes inside Syria apparently diverted or changed their flight plan because of concern of coming too close to Russian jets.

[06:40:01] Is that the biggest concern right now in Syria? Is that what could cause the biggest immediate problem?

HERTLING: No, not at all. I -- you're going to continue to see coalition aircraft diverted until there's deconfliction and coordination with the Russian state. We have AWACS airplanes that are controlling these airs. So, they see where the Russian planes are.

That's not really a concern at all but it's been prune to the keep them away from Russian aircraft. I continue to say, the biggest problem you're going to see is an increase in civilian -- Syrian civilian casualties, an increase in strikes against rebels that are trying to depose the government and you're going to see probably more refugees because of all of these things. Russia is damaging the potential for stopping this action.

BERMAN: A lot of suffering.

Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, great to have you with us. Appreciate it.

Alisyn?

HERTLING: Thank you, John.

CAMEROTA: John, as you know, we're following breaking news. There's been another deadly campus shooting this time in Arizona.

We are just getting details in, one person dead, three injured. We'll have many more for you after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:45:02] CAMEROTA: We have do breaking news for you, another campus shooting. This one in Arizona, just a week after that massacre in Oregon.

CNN has confirmed a deadly shooting at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. One person is dead, at least three injured. The extent of the injuries not known yet at this hour. Police say that gunfire erupted in a dormitory which houses some Greek organizes. We are told the shooter is in custody. We'll bring you more details on all of this breaking news as soon as they come in.

BERMAN: All right. Congressional tumult to be sure this following House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's sudden withdrawal from the speaker's race. This has created a leadership void. Republicans are now scrambling to fill it, trying to find someone who is acceptable to the party and also who will take the job. McCarthy was the clear frontrunner to replace John Boehner, but says a new face is needed to unite the fractured party.

Some House Republicans are now pushing Congressman Paul Ryan to run for the position. He refused twice but perhaps is reconsidering.

House GOP members will meet behind closed doors to morning to discuss.

CAMEROTA: A pilot accused of playing a role in the escape of Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman is in custody this morning in Mexico. Authorities say this pilot helped fly El Chapo further from the maximum security prison during his escape. Twenty-four suspects have been arrested connected to this breakout, 23 of those Mexican government employees.

BERMAN: Well, a look at the weather right now, a peek at how our weekend is shaping up.

We are joined by Mackenzie Bart, the winner of TBS reality show, "America's Next Weatherman." Our own Michaela Pereira was a judge on that show, and part of Mackenzie's prize was a chance to deliver the forecast right here on NEW DAY.

So, welcome and congratulations.

MACKENZIE BART, WINNER, AMERICA'S NEXT WEATHERMAN: Nice to be here. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

Well, let's get into it. As we're looking at our current temperatures and current situation, we're looking at some warmer temperatures, especially for today, off of the West Coast, a high pressure system, nicer weather, and today, expect some rain for the East Coast.

Looking closer at this cold front, we're going to see this push through our area, especially through this weekend. Going to see precipitation behind that. But no worries, we're going to have this high pressure system move in. Sunday, it is going to shape up to be a nice day.

As we look at the temperatures, Saturday, 66, going to feel more like fall. So, get out there and do some fun fall activities by Sunday going to warm back up, especially for you in D.C., looking at 72.

Over towards the West Coast, Las Vegas, 94 across the board. We're looking at temperatures that are going to be much warmer than average, 5 to 10 above normal.

Not sure if that's the weather or because of the debate. I guess we'll let you decide.

BERMAN: It's going to be hot one way or another.

BART: It's going to be hot.

BERMAN: Thanks, Mackenzie. Appreciate it.

CAMEROTA: Absolutely. Great job, Mackenzie. You're doing so well.

BART: Thank you so much.

CAMEROTA: We'll talk with you coming up.

BERMAN: Yes, we'll see you much more later this hour, all about the big win and everything about that.

CAMEROTA: All right. Up next, a panel of Republican voters give us their take on Ben Carson's controversial remarks on school shootings. You have to hear this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KATHY DUNTON, TED CRUZ SUPPORTER: I don't think Mr. Carson meant any harm by what he said. But it's never wrong to do the right thing. And that would be the right thing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:52:17] CAMEROTA: So much talk about Ben Carson this week and his comments on guns, among other things. But how do GOP voters feel about Ben Carson?

Well, I sat down with a group of Republican New Hampshire voters at St. Anselm's College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and they gave us an earful.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CAMEROTA: Let's start by talking about the person who's probably been in the news the most this week and that is Ben Carson. Show of hands, how many people found it offensive or at least troubling what he said this week about the Oregon school massacre?

Why?

MELISSA STEVENS, JEB BUSH SUPPORTER: I think at the time it was probably an insensitive comment to make. And I also think that you really don't know how you're going to react until you're really in that situation. So, it's difficult to put yourself in the shoes of those people who are really in a crisis moment.

CAMEROTA: Did anybody else feel he was sort of blaming the victims in that way?

BILL BEAUREGARD, CARLY FIORINA SUPPORTER: I don't think so. I think who knows what's going through people's minds when such a terrible event occurs. I think Dr. Carson spoke from his heart and felt what he said.

KATHY DUNTON, TED CRUZ SUPPORTER: I don't think Mr. Carson meant any harm by what he said. That would be the right thing. I mean, I can understand you'd be paralyzed in fear, I would imagine, in that situation. I would hope that I would try to stop it.

KAYLA MOROSE, BEN CARSON SUPPORTER: I think what Ben Carson was trying to explain is what he would do. I don't think he was specifically speaking about the victims as that would be insensitive. I think he was focusing on his individual person and what he would like to do in this situation.

JERRY DELEMUS, DONALD TRUMP SUPPORTER: Certain people have a tendency to be very reactionary. It doesn't take them long to make a decision. Being a surgeon as he is, if someone was injured, I'm sure that Dr. Carson would run to their aid. In the same token, if he thought he could defend a life, I believe he probably would try to intercede in that.

CAMEROTA: Let's talk about a couple other things he said this week. I want to get your reaction. Dr. Carson was asked about whether what he would do about Hurricane Joaquin if he were in the oval office. He said, quote, "I don't know."

Is that OK for a presidential candidate to say? Should they have thought through scenarios and answers?

Kayla, I'll ask you.

MOROSE: I would assume probably but if he's being put on the spot, I don't think President Obama or any official in that situation could make a decision within seconds. I think it would take time to logically think about what would work, what wouldn't work and even what's possible. I don't think it's a decision anyone would be able to make up on the spot.

[06:55:04] DELEMUS: We have a president right now that jumps to a conclusion without having the facts. I don't think we need another president that jumps to conclusions without having the facts. I was always taught, if you don't know the answer, say, "I don't know but I'll find out." And I'm sure, as president, he would find out if that was the case. So, I don't think that's an appropriate answer or sign of weakness or ignorance if you will.

I think it would be more ignorant, if you would, is for him to come out with a comment on something he knows nothing about.

CAMEROTA: Jerry, what do you like about him? I mean, I know he's not your first choice but what do you like about him?

DELEMUS: I like a lot about Dr. Carson. I think he's an honest guy, he's a Christian guy. Me being a Christian as well.

I think he's brilliant. He's a man of values. I think he's got huge integrity. And I think he's a likable guy.

My only concern about him is his toughness going up against with Congress and the lobbyists, if you will.

CAMEROTA: Meaning you don't know if he would be tough enough?

DELEMUS: I don't know that he would be tough -- he might very well be tough enough. I'll tell you, if he won the primary, I could certainly vote for him.

CAMEROTA: He was also asked about the debt ceiling recently, in which he struggled to answer. He said he would not sign an increased budget which is not the same as the debt ceiling. Do you feel that he does know enough about these things and about the way Washington works and about what to do as president?

STEFAN STALINSKI, MARCO RUBIO SUPPOTER: To me, it does bring up a red flag. I mean, I like Ben Carson but I'm not a supporter of him. I like someone who has some political experience. And it does raise a red flag, but I don't think it's a big concern at this moment.

CAMEROTA: All of this, of course, follows on the heels of him saying he doesn't feel a Muslim could be president of the United States. He feels that Islam is not consistent with the constitution. Constitutionalists point out there is no religion test for president.

So, how do you feel about some of the comments that he's made? Are you comfortable?

BEAUREGARD: I think his comments were made within the context of what we're seeing in the Middle East today where Coptic Christians are being brought to the water's edge and beheaded. If that's the type of Muslim that would run for president, no, I would not support him and I would concur. But the Constitution does guarantee there's no religious litmus test for who would run for and ultimately be elected president.

MOROSE: Our country is so concerned about women's rights, the Sharia law that's followed by some Muslims is very unfair to women. And presidents have to take a presidential oath of office to abide by the Constitution. And anyone, Muslim, Christian, anyone who would follow Sharia law, for example, would be in contrast with the Constitution.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CAMEROTA: All right. So, we will have much more from these voters later in the show. And get their take on the rest of the Republican field especially, of course, Donald Trump.

BERMAN: One of the issues, is it because -- a success because of the statements or in spite of it? I think the answer is a little bit of both. That's what we heard from those voters.

CAMEROTA: Absolutely. So, we'll hear much more on that. We are following a lot of news this morning, including breaking news. So, let's get right to it.

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

CAMEROTA: Welcome back to your NEW DAY.

We do begin with breaking news at this hour. Another campus shooting just a week after that gunman went on a shooting spree at the Oregon Community College, killing nine people.

BERMAN: This morning, authorities are investigating a shooting at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. I want to bring in CNN's Michelle Kosinski following all the breaking details -- Michelle.

MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Details are still coming in, but here's what we know at this point. Northern Arizona University says one person was killed in a shooting on its Flagstaff campus.

It happened outside the Mountain View Resident Hall at 1:20 in the morning local time. The university tweeting this emergency alert, telling students they are to stay indoors. Mountain View Hall is described is a dorm housing most of the campus' Greek system.

So, a university spokeswoman is saying that three other people were shot in the incident, and then taken to a hospital in Flagstaff. So, right now, this has just happened not long ago. So, there's no word on their condition, but we do know the shooter is in custody.

So, this is essentially over. But there's no word on a possible motive or other details. We're hearing, though, that there's going to be a press conference at 9:00.

Back to you, guys.

BERMAN: A lot more coming out from there. Michelle, thank you so much. And, hopefully, we'll hear from the university itself fairly soon. This happens just one week after the shooting in Oregon.

President Obama today heads to Roseburg, Oregon, the scene where it all happened. He is set to meet privately with the families of the victims from Umpqua Community College.

CNN's Ryan Young joins us live from Roseburg.

And now, Ryan, not everyone is happy the president is coming.

RYAN YOUNG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I mean, he may be meeting with people privately, but there's a lot of conversation in this community about the president's visit. Of course, he made those strong statements shortly after the shooting just last week, saying he was going to politicize parts of this because he wanted to change some of the gun laws.

Well, that hit some people right between the eyes that did not like that. In fact, you can see the front of the paper here, "Defend Roseburg Event". There are people who said they were coming from all around the country to protest the president being here.