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Supreme Court Gives Huge Win for Obama on Obamacare; Prison Guard In court over Escaped Inmates; Mourning Lives Lost in Charleston Church Shooting. Aired 1:30-2p ET

Aired June 25, 2015 - 13:30   ET

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

[13:30:08] WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: All right. Let's discuss what this means for the president of the United States.

Joining us here in Washington, our senior political analyst, Ron Brownstein; our chief political analyst, Gloria Borger; and CNN political commentator, Donna Brazile.

Ron, I'll start with you.

I think it's fair to say, this is a huge win for the president, for all practical purposes. The Republicans, while he's in office, are not going to be able to change Obamacare, because he'll veto any legislation, and they don't have a two-thirds majority to override any such effort.

RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: This is a huge victory, in many terms, but also in the terms that you suggest, it gives him time. It gives more time for this law, 16 million people now covered under it. Not only the individuals, but the industry itself, the insurance industry, the doctors, the pharmaceutical, all the entire medical establishment growing more comfortable with it. A bigger challenge for Republicans to uproot it, the longer it has the chance to put down roots. And this gets him through the end of his presidency.

BLITZER: And the president says, it's going to be like Social Security, like Medicare, part of the fabric of America, that no one really considers reversing at any point. Is he right?

GLORIA BORGER, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST: He effectively said, we were right, all along. You lost, get over it. You're not going to unravel this law. You're not going to start taking away benefits to people that they actually like, such as being covered for pre-existing conditions or keeping your kids on health insurance until they're 26 years old. He made it very clear, up to fix it, fine, it's now been affirmed by the Supreme Court twice, and nobody would consider Justice Roberts a liberal here. He said he was just interrupting the plain meaning of what Congress actually intended to do with this law. So, I think the president is going to now say to those Republican governors in states who have not joined in, say, you know what, you better re- think that. You're going to have to start joining in, because you want to offer the most coverage you possibly can to the people in your state and make health insurance stronger. BLITZER: Donna, you're one of your political commentators, you're a

Democratic strategist, but this whole issue hits home for you. It's very personal.

DONNA BRAZILE, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: It's always personal, Wolf, especially when it comes to giving people access to health care. My mother died at 52. I'm 55, so, clearly, having access when you don't have the ability to get insurance through your employer, she did not have the ability to get insurance through her employer. This would have helped her life, but what I think many Democrats are grateful for today is that this is saving people's lives all across the country. Millions of Americans will no longer have to go to bed tonight worried they may lose their health insurance tomorrow. I applaud the Supreme Court, something I rarely do. I applaud Justice Roberts, something I rarely do, and I applaud President Obama and all of those who have stuck with this law, Kathleen Sebelius, Sylvia Burwell, of course, the Justice Department, because they have been fighting an unrelenting battle for the Republicans, who have now put forward an alternative.

BLITZER: Chief Justice John Roberts was nominated to the Supreme Court by George W. Bush.

BRAZILE: I remember.

BLITZER: As you well remember.

Go ahead.

BROWNSTEIN: You made the point about Social Security and Medicare. We are in uncharted waters compared to both of those. Every Republican candidate, presidential candidate, who reacted in his decision today, insisted that they were undiminished in their determination to repeal this in 2016. 1935, Social Security was passed. In 1936, Al Franken ran on repealing it. By 1940, Republican nominee ran on expanding it. No Republican presidential nominee ever ran on repealing it. If, in fact, as Republican nominees run an appeal, it will be two consecutive elections, something we have not seen.

BORGER: And you can argue, that's because the president did not get bipartisan buy-in on this law. One vote gets passed on a partisan vote. And you can argue, as Pat Moynihan, Senator Pat Moynihan used to argue, that on major transformational pieces of legislation, you ought to have bipartisan buy-in, so you can all fix it together. That was not going to occur for many reasons.

BRAZILE: Gloria, he didn't get their votes. But what he did was, he took much of their legislation, much of what they have fought for, for over decades, and made it Obamacare. But it was Romney-care before that. And it was something the Heritage Foundation supported.

BORGER: The Clinton-care from Republicans who hate these --

(CROSSTALK)

BORGER: So there is no Republican buy-in on this. And what they can do now, as Republican presidential candidates, is rally the base. Because 47 percent of the American public, latest polls show, actually approve of Obamacare. Those numbers are going up. But the Republican base does not, 70 percent of Republicans don't like it. So --

BROWNSTEIN: The challenge will be in the general election, when you have a large body of people and constitutions --

(CROSSTALK)

BORGER: So right now -- so there's nothing in it --

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: And realistically, the Republicans know, Donna, the only way they're going to get rid of Obamacare is if there's a Republican president, which is possible. There could be a Republican president, and a decisive Republican majority in the House and Senate, and at that point, they'll have the votes and the presidential signature to get rid of it, but short of that, they're not going to be able to do it.

[13:35:05] BRAZILE: And as you know, they have tried to repeal this law more than 56 times in Congress, and I'm sure they're going to try to repeal it over the next 50 days. But back to Gloria's point, this is a real victory for the American people. They have not bought into it. They haven't really loved it. Although some of them love Obamacare, some of them running for president.

(LAUGHTER)

The president and the White House and administration now having out there and tell the American people why this is good for the country, it saves lives and money and this is going to help America become a more healthier country in the future.

BLITZER: We may all be back as early as tomorrow talking about another major Supreme Court decision that could be made tomorrow morning, that potentially could legalize same-sex marriage not only in those states that already have it, but all across the country.

BORGER: And talk about the incredible relationship between Justice Roberts and President Obama. Because those two men have a lot to talk about, if they could ever sit down and --

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: We don't know what the Supreme Court is going to decide, but that decision could come as early as tomorrow morning.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: We might be back talking about another Supreme Court decision tomorrow.

Still ahead, a prison guard implicated in that stunning prison break in upstate New York. The favors he allegedly swapped with two killers now on the loose. Plus, how his lawyer is now defending him.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:40:00] BLITZER: President Obama also has another major victory today. The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a measure renewing aid for American workers affected by international trade agreements. The president is expected to sign that measure along with a bill Congress already passed, known as the Trade Promotion Authority. That measure gives the president what's called fast track authority to negotiate trade bills with global partners. The president reacted with this statement. Let me read to you what the president said. He said, "I applaud the Democrats and Republicans in Congress who came together the give the United States a chance to negotiate strong, high-standard agreements for free and fair trade that protect American workers and give our businesses the opportunity to compete." Another major win for the president on this issue of trade authority that just happened today.

Let's get to another major story we're following here in the United States. There has been a major new twist in the prison break that is gripping Upstate New York, indeed, everyone around the country. In just a matter of hours, a second prison worker will appear in court, charged in connection with this stunning escape of two convicted murderers nearly three weeks ago. That worker, the veteran prison guard, Gene Palmer, is charged with promoting dangerous prison contraband, tampering with evidence, and official misconduct. A source close to the investigation says Palmer loaned the inmates a screwdriver and pliers to fix electrical breakers in the catwalk area behind their cells. Police have said the two used the catwalks in their escape. Prosecutors also say Palmer accepted paintings by the two inmates, paintings he allegedly tried to destroy after they broke out.

Let's go to the scene right now. CNN's Boris Sanchez is live at Owl's Head, New York.

Have you heard anything from the guard's lawyer about what was going on?

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, yeah, remember, these men were in the Honor Block, that portion of the prison where they were allowed several privileges, one of them was to be able to cook their own meals. At one point, Palmer's attorney says the men approached him because they were having electrical problems. They were unable to heat the food within their cells and they said there was an electrical breaker that was faulty in their cells behind that catwalk. They convinced Palmer to provide them with tools so they could fix the problem themselves. Keep in mind, Wolf, this wasn't uncommon at the prison. Sources tell us that several prisoners did repairs to the prison, including even plumbing.

Palmer's attorney says his client supervised that work and took the tools, a screwdriver and pliers, back from the men after they were done. Those tools were discovered inside Gene Palmer's home by investigators conducting a search.

BLITZER: What other evidence did police find in that search of this guard's home, Boris?

SANCHEZ: Wolf, as you mentioned, those paintings that apparently Richard Matt and David Sweat allegedly gave to Gene Palmer. There was evidence discovered that he tried to burn some of them inside his home. Investigator also discovered some of those paintings buried in the woods near Gene Palmer's house.

BLITZER: Interesting stuff. We'll stay in close touch with you and see if they make any progress in this manhunt, which is enormous right now.

Still to come, mourners are paying their final respects today for two of the victims in the Charleston church shootings. A closer look at their lives when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:46:59] BLITZER: This is a day of mourning for families of two of the victims at the massacre at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Ethel Lance and the Reverend Sharonda Coleman- Singleton are being laid to rest today. Today, family and friends gathered to pay tribute and say good-bye to Ethel Lance. The funeral for this retired grandmother and church volunteer was held at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, just a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): A no-nonsense grandmother, a strong woman, a burst of joy, these are just a few of the words used to describe 70- year-old Ethel Lance.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She wasn't Miss Lance. She became the mother of our corner. She was always helpful. Seeing her was just a burst of God, just good energy.

BLITZER: Those that knew her say that Lance, a retired city worker, loved Emanuel AME. He was a lifelong member, who served as a church custodian, ushered Sunday services, and regularly attended Bible study. That's where she was, when she was gunned down.

(SINGING)

BLITZER: Faith, love, and forgiveness were virtues she cherished and passed down to the four children she left behind. Through tears, her daughter, Nadine, addressed her mother's killer in court, her heartbreak in every word.

UNIDENTIFIED DAUGHTER OF ETHEL DAUGHTER OF LANCE: You took something very precious away from me. I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you and have mercy on your soul.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And right now, friends and family are gathering in North Charleston at Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church for the funeral of Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, a woman known for her smile. She'll be laid to rest in just a few minutes.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Mother, teacher, coach, minister, the Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton did it all, with a smile and a woman those who knew her will not soon forget. A tribute that all who knew her say describe her hard -working and loving personality to a "T."

UNIDENTIFIED SON OF SHARONDA COLEMAN-SINGLETON: I think about her smile. She smiles 24/7. That's what I'm thinking about to push me on and do stuff like this, just thinking about her smile.

BLITZER: Singleton was just 45 years old when she was gunned down inside Emanuel AME Church where she served as a minister.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She was definitely god's child. Definitely. He sent her here with a purpose. We all may not see that purpose, but she definitely had a purpose. You could always depend on her. It's almost like she was given the gift to be able to give you the soothing words. Whatever the word was for that moment, she was able to give it to you.

[13:50:23] BLITZER: She wore many hats, speech therapist, Sunday school teacher and a track coach at a local high school. But her most cherished role was that of a mother. She leaves behind three children who hope to carry on her life of legacy through hope and love.

UNIDENTIFIED SON OF COLEMAN-SINGLETON: Love is always stronger than hate. We love the way our mom would and the hate won't be anywhere close to what love is.

UNIDENTIFIED DAUGHTER OF COLEMAN-SINGLETON: One thing you did was teach us to all be forgiven and given a second chance.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And more funerals are planned beginning with tomorrow services for Emanuel AME, church pastor, the Reverend Clementa Pinckney. He was also a South Carolina State Senator. His funeral begins tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. On Saturday, three church members will be laid to rest, beginning with Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders and Susie Jackson. And then on Sunday, Depayne Middleton-Doctor. On Monday, the funeral for Myra Thomas will be held at 11:00 a.m. Final services for the Reverend Daniel Simons sr. are set for next Thursday, 11:00 a.m., in Columbia, South Carolina.

Our deepest, deepest condolences to all of the families and friends.

And just ahead, we've received just now a brand-new statement from the shooter's family, why the family says it is waiting to speak out. We'll share that with you when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:55:58] BLITZER: Let's go to Charleston, South Carolina, right now. President Obama will be arriving there tomorrow to deliver the eulogy for the funeral of the reverend Clementa Pinckney.

CNN's Don Lemon is on the scene for us in Charleston. The reverend's body is back there now, he laid in state in the state capitol of Columbia.

A very emotional day. Set the scene for us now, Don.

DON LEMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is a very emotional day. Wolf, I'm sure you can hear the Christian Jubilee from Dillon, South Carolina. They are playing in the background in front of this church.

But there is important news that we need to give you regarding the family of the suspect, Dylann Roof. Basically, what they are saying is that at this time it's not appropriate for them to make a comment. They said that the thoughts and prayers and the minds should be with the victims. "That being said, we'd like to take this time to reflect on the victims and give their families time to grieve. We feel it would be inappropriate to say anything at this time other than we are truly sorry for their loss." And again, they say after some time they may feel it's appropriate to make a statement. That is coming from the family of 21-year-old Dylann Roof, the shooter, the alleged shooter in this case, who has confessed to the shootings and the killings here at the Emanuel AME Church.

But really, right now there is -- I said that the Christian jubilee was playing behind me. There is a jubilant feeling here. You know, obviously it is muted somewhat by what happened but there's a jubilant spirit. People are coming from all over the world. You can get a shirt that shows the togetherness here. This one says #iamame. There are buckets and buckets of flowers, cards, sheets, posters in front of the church.

As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be exaggerated if I said that people are coming from all over the country just to be here and to pay their respects.

Two young ladies, who came from Salem, New Jersey, is Iva and Trina.

Let me get untangled here. How are you guys doing?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Fine, thank you.

LEMON: Why did you come all the way from New Jersey?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just to be a part of what is going on.

LEMON: It's that important?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's that important to us, yes.

LEMON: Why?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It will be in history and we want to be there with it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is a part of history. And watching it on the news since it happened, when we knew that we were coming, the first thing that I said was, we have to be there. So it's emotional. You know, just to -- it's hard to just keep back tears because, you know, you see everybody together and being peaceful, so --

(CROSSTALK)

LEMON: Isn't it amazing how the people of South Carolina have started, starting with the family and congregation of this church, a Christian community and all over the country, they have been so gracious and grateful.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We come from the AME Church in Trenton, New Jersey. One of our sister churches was Mother Bethel in Philadelphia as well as Mount Pista (ph). All of the AME Churches in New Jersey are coming together.

(CROSSTALK)

LEMON: Thank you, ladies, for joining us.

You have a long trip ahead of you but you'll be here for the duration?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

I asked band members how long they are going to be out here. They said they'd be out here for the duration.

We have to remember, the reverend's body is back here now. There will be a viewing tonight for the reverend's body. And, of course, the president will be here tomorrow for the eulogy at 11:00 a.m. at the T.D. Arena. And everyone is anticipating that and anticipating the eulogy he'll give.

BLITZER: We'll, of course, have live coverage of the president delivering that eulogy. He'll be there with the first lady and vice president. Really important that all of them are going down to South Carolina for this important moment.

Don, we'll see you back here in "The Situation Room" later today, also 10:00 p.m. eastern later tonight.

I'll be back 5:00 p.m. in "The Situation Room."

For our international viewers, "Amanpour" is next.

For our viewers in North America, "Newsroom" with Brooke Baldwin starts right now.

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Wolf Blitzer, thank you so much.

Great to be with you.