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Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees

Christmas Terror?; Prosecutor Murdered

Aired December 04, 2003 - 19:00   ET

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

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


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST (voice-over): A new holiday warning: an increased risk of terror attacks.

The president's plans: does the U.S. need another man on the moon?

A baby born in Bethlehem: why locals say it's a miracle.

A Baltimore rapper on drug charges, a U.S. prosecutor found dead.

Have you seen enough of Paris Hilton? We certainly have.

From outrage to icon: Hugh Hefner on 50 years on sex, bunnies and business.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.

COOPER: Good evening to you. A fast developing story tonight out of Baltimore. A federal prosecutor found dead, shot and stabbed multiple times. He was involved in the prosecution case against a rap singer. We're going to have details on that in a moment.

But our top story tonight, a holiday terror warning. Sources tell CNN intelligence suggests that al Qaeda is planning something big around the holidays. There is increased chatter and increased concern. CNN's justice correspondent, Kelli Arena, has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As Christmas approaches, recent intelligence has counterterrorism officials increasingly concerned about a possible attack against soft targets such as shopping malls.

ROGER CRESSEY, FMR. NSC COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL: As recently as two weeks ago, the intelligence community was telling the Homeland Security Department that this felt a lot like the summer of 2001, seeing lots of data, lots of information coming together that paints a very disturbing picture.

ARENA: It's far from certain, but if al Qaeda does hit the United States, some officials continue to expect the attack will be much bigger than recent strikes like these overseas.

M.J. GOHEL, ASIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION: The terror movement will always reserve the biggest and the most spectacular attacks for the U.S. and for U.S. interests.

ARENA: At least one senior U.S. official stressed there is usually increased threat information, including Web site activity, before and during several key holidays. The problem is separating the legitimate intelligence from the rest.

Now, there were several warnings of possible attacks in the U.S. back in October. Those never panned out. What's more, officials say the terror movement is more scattered and harder to track.

GOHEL: Each of these groups are autonomous with their own leadership, with their own funding, their own personnel.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Kelli Arena joins us now. Kelli, are there any plans to raise the national threat level?

ARENA: Homeland security officials say no. That is unless something more concrete comes in, Anderson. So far, the information is very vague, non-specific, no specific target, no location.

COOPER: Not even clear if it's in the United States or abroad?

ARENA: That's right.

COOPER: All right. Kelli Arena, thanks for that tonight.

On to Baltimore now and the still-developing story that has law enforcement officials out in force. A young federal prosecutor was found shot and stabbed to death in Pennsylvania after failing to show up for a rap artist trial on drug conspiracy charges. CNN's' Elaine Quijano has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A federal law enforcement source says Jonathan Luna's body was found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and says he was stabbed multiple times.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At this time, the evidence indicates that he was murdered.

QUIJANO: A law enforcement official says last night, Luna was called away from home. He was set to appear in court Thursday morning for the trial of a rap artist facing drug conspiracy charges. An associate of that rap artist says he entered a guilty plea in court. Meantime, the FBI says it's using federal, state and local resources to figure out what happened.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The FBI is aggressively investigating the circumstances surrounding Jonathan's death. And we will continue our ongoing efforts with our partners in state, federal and local law enforcement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

QUIJANO: Now, Jonathan Luna worked as an assistant U.S. attorney here in Baltimore for four years. During that time, he worked on a variety of cases, including child pornography, Internet sex sting, arson, and a bank robbery case in which $36,000 went missing during the course of that trial.

Now, Luna was 38 years old. He was married and has two young sons -- Anderson.

COOPER: There has been a lot of talk about this trial I guess he was supposed to show up for, but -- on some rap artist in Baltimore. At this point, authorities are not drawing any link between the two, is that correct?

QUIJANO: That's right, Anderson. At this point it's just too early to talk about any connection between that case and what happened. At this point, we don't know anything more than what we have already reported to you.

Investigators haven't said anything at that news conference. In fact, people were trying to ask questions. They decline to answer and very quickly headed out of here. And as for the people here, they, as you can imagine, are visibly shaken.

As they were coming out, I saw them and tried to talk to a couple of them. Too upset to talk. Obviously, this is a very devastating time for them -- Anderson.

COOPER: Certainly understood. Elaine Quijano, thanks very much.

That is a fast developing story. We're going to bring you any updates as necessary throughout the next hour.

Now, moving on, remember those heady days when American astronauts walked on the moon? It's certainly been a while. But now at White House there's talk of sending an American back to the moon. With more on that, here's senior White House correspondent John King.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president is on the verge of calling for a return to the moon as part of a dramatic new mission for the space program. And sources say other ideas on the table include a permanent presence on the moon, and even a manned mission to Mars. Aides say Mr. Bush wants to set bold goals in space but has not made key decisions.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There are no problems for any policy announcements in the immediate future.

KING: After the Columbia disaster 10 months ago, the president quickly committed to resuming shuttle flights. NASA's latest target is early 2005. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on.

KING: The administration review includes setting a target for retiring the shuttle fleet, a plan to phase out the International Space Station, picking a new space vehicle for manned flights, debating the costs and benefits of a permanent moon base, and developing a proposal for a mission to Mars.

NASA is urgently debating and refining proposals. And Vice President Cheney is consulting key members of Congress.

SEN. SAM BROWNBACK (R), KANSAS: Great countries need to have visions to pull them on forward.

KING: The last moon flight was 31 years ago, December, 1972. Sources tell CNN NASA's target for returning to the moon is about 15 years from now.

BROWNBACK: We have the Chinese now going into space and saying that they're interested in going to the moon. We don't want them really to beat us to the moon, and instead we'd rather be there and be able to develop the resources, the areas, the sweet spots for observation.

KING: But NASA's target of a moon mission in 2018 or so is not yet embraced by a White House still debating key policy and multibillion dollar budget questions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: John King joins us now at the White House. John, you mentioned the budget and the cost. Any indication at this point of how this idea might be paid for?

KING: Well, Anderson, once the decisions are made, you would have to pay for them. It costs about $500 million now for a shuttle mission. So if you end the shuttle program, that money could be put into the new mission.

One congressional aide told us today about $20 billion would be the price tag they believe of a manned mission to Mars. Once the president make the threshold decisions, he is going to have to reallocate some current NASA resources. And if he decides on the big missions, like going to Mars down the road, NASA would need more money.

COOPER: All right. John King at the White House. Thanks, John.

Here are some fast facts for you on manned space flight. Since President Kennedy launched the U.S. space program more than 40 years ago, there have been 144 manned missions to space. Of those, six landed on the moon. The last mission to the moon, Apollo 17 in December, 1972. Well, in North Dakota, the search is still on for missing college student, Dru Sjodin. The man accused of kidnapping her was back in court again today. Bail was set, but the suspect wants to remain behind bars for his own safety. More now from CNN's Jeff Flock.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): Standing head bowed and eyes closed, Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. listened to the charge against him.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. did abduct Dru Sjodin from the JC Penney store parking lot located at the Columbia Mall in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

FLOCK: Prosecutors say they can prove he was here when the 22- year-old University of North Dakota senior disappeared November 22, though they again refuse to say what the evidence is. Police now say Rodriguez has been interviewed three times and is communicating, but stopped short of saying he's cooperating.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have told him not to talk to any authorities.

FLOCK: His lawyer won't say if that will continue.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Does he know where Dru Sjodin is?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know.

FLOCK: The missing girl's family has appealed to Rodriguez for any information he has. Sjodin's father sat just behind Rodriguez with other family members in court, but made no attempt to talk to him. Authorities ruled out a deal for his cooperation.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't see that as a possibility, no.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Rodriguez, did you understand the charges read against you?

ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ, DEFENDANT: Yes.

FLOCK: While police say they have solid evidence Rodriguez kidnapped Sjodin, they appear not to have proof any worse has come to her. At least they're not saying if they do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are not close enough to kick a field goal on it. And we're not satisfied with that. We're heading for the end zone. And the end zone will be finding Dru and bringing her home to her family.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Anderson, I don't know if you can tell, but it is snowing and blowing pretty good, which didn't make much for a search today. Although they did come out again in terms of getting to that end zone. Of course, they need to keep searching, and they intend to keep doing just that -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Jeff Flock covering the story. Thanks, Jeff.

Let's go now "Cross Country" and check some other headlines this evening.

Washington, D.C.: closing arguments. John Hinckley, Jr., the man who tried to kill President Reagan in '81, well he waits for a judge's decision on whether he will be allowed unsupervised visits with his parents. Hinckley's lawyer points out that psychiatrists supports requests, but a government lawyer says Hinckley is still dangerous and should not be allowed to leave a mental hospital without staff members.

Miami, Florida: NFL hate mail. The FBI says six black players on four teams have received threatening letters telling them to stop their relationships with white women. The letters are signed, "Angry white women," or "Angry Caucasian women." The letters were also sent to several entertainers, civic, as well as community leaders.

Roanoke, Virginia: let it snow. Take a look at that. A big storm dumps a much as eight inches of snow and sleet. Would not want to be driving in that. The weather is causing havoc on highways and forced schools to close.

Meanwhile, another storm, a NorEaster, is expected to slam the Northeast this weekend. Not looking forward to that.

Los Angeles: Grammy excitement. R&B and hip-hop stars rack up the nominations. Outkast -- that's them there -- and Beyonce -- there she is -- are top contenders. Also getting nods, Cher and Madonna in the best dance recording category. Michelle Branch for best female rock vocal performance. We'll keep looking at Cher.

Plus, Faith Hill is up for best country album. And Pat Matheny is nominated for best new age album. The Grammy awards will be held February 8.

That is a look at stories "Cross Country" for us tonight.

Rush Limbaugh raids: authorities seize his medical records in two states. The question is, what are they looking for? We'll have the latest on the investigation.

Also tonight, miracle baby in modern day Bethlehem? Find out why thousands are flocking to see this little newborn.

Plus, "Playboy" magazine turns 50. But Hugh Hefner, well, as you can tell right there, he is he not slowing down. He swings by 360 to celebrate.

But first, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: A Christmas night here in New York. A lot of lights out.

In Bethlehem, the legendary birthplace of Jesus, crowds are gathered to see a two-week-old infant who locals there say is a miracle baby. A gift from god, they say. But the crowds coming to see the little boy are not Christians, they are Muslims. CTV's Janice Mackey Frayer explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANICE MACKEY FRAYER, CTV (voice-over): To a cramped boardroom house in a Bethlehem refugee camp, a newborn baby is drawing the curious and the confounded. They say he's a miracle, born on the holiest day in the month of Ramadan, and born with this, a birthmark that roughly forms Arabic letters to spell Allah, the name of his uncle, a Hamas militant killed eight months ago by Israeli troops for allegedly plotting a suicide attack.

"It is a gift from god," declared the infant's grandmother. "This is proof a martyr stays alive and never dies."

Such a coincidence goes a long way in a place known for its divine deliveries. Clerics announced it over the mosque loud speakers. Since then, nearly 7,000 people have come to the house, according to the family. Hundreds more to the Web site they have created to tell the story of the two Allahs, the baby and his dead uncle.

The region's highest Muslim leader heard about it, too, and calls the phenomenon a karama (ph), a kind of miracle that happens to people, as only true miracles are reserved for prophets. But he who receives a karama (ph) is a chosen one, he explains. It is a baby with a very special status.

Though the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) birthmark has confirmed her faith in martyrdom, Alicia Ayad (ph) is hesitant to say she would want the same fate for her grandson. "This supports the idea of becoming a martyr," she admits, "but we want peace. I hope Allah will have a good life."

In the meantime, the tiny prodigy is taking it all in stride and sleeping through most of the commotion. Some would say that's a miracle in itself. Janice Mackey Frayer, CTV News, Bethlehem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, so called miracle sightings are common around the world. Let's flash back to a recent one here at home.

This past June, in Massachusetts, residents say they saw a white apparition of the Virgin Mary on a window pane. There it is. More than 40,000 people came to see this at a hospital in Milton, Massachusetts. But a month later, the archdiocese proclaimed that the image was not, in fact, a miraculous appearance of the virgin, but merely chemical deposits inside a double-panned window. Well, moving on, a new move in the Rush Limbaugh case. Investigators have seized his medical records. The news coming today in a search warrant filed in court by the Palm Beach state attorney's office. Here is CNN's national correspondent, Susan Candiotti.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Criminal investigators say it appears the popular talk show host was "doctor shopping" for controlled substances and "his actions violate the letter and spirit of Florida law." Doctor shopping means going from doctor to doctor without telling them for prescriptions you might not necessarily otherwise get.

Investigators say they searched two doctors' offices in Palm Beach County, Florida, and have a search warrant for a third in that area. And a law enforcement source says they have a search warrant for a fourth in L.A. In response, Limbaugh read a statement from his attorney on his talk show.

RUSH LIMBAUGH, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: What these records show is that I did suffer pain and had legitimate reasons for taking pain medication.

CANDIOTTI: Among key disclosures in the search warrant, Limbaugh allegedly received prescriptions for more than 1,000 pills, including the prescription painkillers, OxyContin, Lorcet (ph) and Hydrocodone. The court papers indicate the drugs were obtained in the same week, less than a month apart, over a five-month period. The documents state Limbaugh used multiple doctors "to obtain excessive amounts of controlled substances to support his addiction."

LIMBAUGH: Rush Limbaugh is not part of a drug ring. Rush Limbaugh was never a target of a drug investigation. But what should be a responsible investigation is looking more and more like a fishing expedition.

CANDIOTTI: Mr. Limbaugh has not been charged, nor has the housekeeper, who says she illegally sold him prescription painkillers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CANDIOTTI: The state attorney's office says and insists that it has scrupulously protected Mr. Limbaugh's rights. But what's really curious about all of this is the timing of it. Never before has the state attorney's office officially acknowledged that it is conducting a criminal investigation of Mr. Limbaugh until now.

And it was first his attorney who announced that the medical records had been seized. It was only after that that the seizure records were actually filed in the court. Back to you.

COOPER: Interesting. All right. Susan Candiotti in Miami. Thanks very much.

A number of things happening internationally right now. Let's check the "UpLink."

Washington, D.C.: some tough talk. Jordan's King Abdullah visited President Bush today. They discussed the stalled Middle East peace process. And there were some strong words from Mr. Bush. He said Jewish settlements must be frozen, illegal outposts dismantled, and concerns about the West Bank barrier addressed.

Monrovia, Liberia: INTERPOL most wanted. The International Police Organization wants this man, ousted President Charles Taylor, arrested for crimes against humanity. But Nigeria, which hosts the exiled Taylor, says no, and refused to hand him over.

In southern France, deadly flooding. Amazing rescue operations. As you can see right here, people being rescued by choppers, as hundreds more had to evacuate their homes.

Six people so far have died. Floods were easing in Marseilles, but high alerts still on elsewhere.

And that is a look at the stories in the "UpLink."

Rape in the military: a soldier says she was assaulted as she prepared to fight the war in Iraq. We'll talk exclusively with her mom, who is trying to find out what happened.

Also tonight, the Michael Jackson investigation. Is the prosecution skating on thin ice? We'll have the latest in the investigation.

And a little bit later on, Paris Hilton, enough already. Plastered all over TV and maybe plastered on the Internet. You just cannot get away from her. That makes her this week's "Overkill."

And Hilton is today's "Buzz." You have seen her on a farm. Would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? Vote now at cnn.com/360. We'll have results at end of the program.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, now to a story about a married female soldier preparing to be shipped off to Iraq, an allegation of rape and the Army's response. The soldier from Ft. Lewis, Washington, says she was raped at Camp Udari in Kuwait. We're not using the soldier's name because of the charges.

The soldier's mother, Barbara Wharton, claims her daughter has since been isolated from her unit and denied counseling. She joins us exclusively from Quarryville, Pennsylvania, along with Susan Avila- Smith in Seattle, Washington, a founding member of Women Organizing Women, an advocacy group for survivors of rape in the military. She is working with the Warden family.

Ms. Wharton, thanks very much for being with us -- both of you. Ms. Wharton, what can you tell us? What has your daughter told you? I know that you have spoken to her twice on the phone about what happened. What happened to her, she says? BARBARA WHARTON, ALLEGED RAPE VICTIM'S MOTHER: Well, there's probably a few things that I'm not at liberty to talk about. I do know that she was attacked from behind and knocked unconscious.

COOPER: And that she -- and then at some point later, I guess she woke up and reported that she had been assaulted?

WHARTON: Yes.

COOPER: Where is she now?

WHARTON: She -- presently, she is at Camp Doha.

COOPER: Which is in -- elsewhere in Kuwait. So she was moved from the camp where this incident allege took place to this camp now. What is your greatest concern?

WHARTON: My concern at the present time is to make sure that she is removed to another facility, you know, for medical treatment and emotional support.

COOPER: You have talked to her twice on the phone. I know her husband has talked to her many times as well. How is she doing? How is she holding up?

WHARTON: She is not doing well at all. I would say that right now her mental state is at its lowest, and you know, she needs to be removed as soon as possible.

COOPER: We had spoken to you -- our producer had spoken to her earlier. She had made an attempt on her own life. Is that what you understand?

WHARTON: Correct. Correct.

COOPER: We have a statement from the military. I want to read it to you. This is -- a spokesman in the Army said this, "The soldier involved in the alleged rape is being provided with medical care and emotional support. This incident is under investigation, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on it at this time."

What do you want to see happen, Ms. Wharton?

WHARTON: Well, right now, I think that the main issue is to get her, you know, to be mentally stable. And she needs to be removed and preferably taken to a location where she can get the proper care. She received initial medical care, but there are some things that need to be done that she is not receiving at the present time.

COOPER: Ms. Avila-Smith, how do you think the Army is dealing with this?

SUSAN AVILA-SMITH, ADVOCATE FOR MILITARY RAPE VICTIMS: I think they're dealing with it in the usual fashion. They say that they're doing everything they can, but they don't do much at all. So, that's the problem. COOPER: I mean, do you have any recommendation? What do you want to see happen right now? I know Ms. Wharton wants her daughter moved to a different location. The Army -- basically, the procedure is to investigate this. You don't have confidence they're going to investigate?

AVILA-SMITH: Well, the investigation is over with because the camp has been evacuated and they have moved on to a new area. So there's really no reason to continue to investigate this.

She needs to be medevaced out to Germany and get some medical and emotional treatment. If she had stepped on a bomb, they would do that without even thinking.

COOPER: Ms. Wharton, how is this just for you? I mean, as a mom so far away, only able to talk to your daughter in limited ways, how are you holding up?

WHARTON: Well, I'm trying to do everything here on the outside to get her removed. My local and state officials have been a huge help. They are in constant contact with me.

The Pentagon is involved, and they're trying to do everything possible, you know, to get her to a different location. I'm pleading with them.

COOPER: I know that you have contacted your local representatives. We would -- you know, we'll follow this case along with you. We hope things works out. We'd love to talk with you again. Barbara and Susan, thank you very much for joining us.

WHARTON: Thank you.

AVILA-SMITH: Thank you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Is the prosecution's case against Michael Jackson losing steam?

And Hugh Hefner on sex, bunnies and business. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time for "The Reset." Today's top stories. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: prosecutor murdered. 38-year-old assistant U.S. attorney Jonathan Luna was found dead in a ditch with multiple stab wounds. He failed to show up in a Baltimore court today for the trial of a rap artist on drug conspiracy charges. A big investigation is undergoing.

Washington, D.C.: steel tariffs. President Bush is lifting the tariffs he imposed 20 months ago to protect U.S. industry. The European Union responded by dropping the threat of trade sanctions, but there could be political repercussions from steel-producing states.

Also, in D.C.: court decision. You can switch home and cell numbers. An appeals court upholds a federal rule and denies a request by the United States Telecom Association, an industry trade group, to stop the switch.

Atlanta, Georgia: the importance of AIDS testing for everyone, but especially HIV partners. A new study says it's the key weapon in fighting the virus. Testing partners of those partners of those newly diagnosed with HIV could uncover thousands of infections and help contain its spread. About a quarter of all Americans living with HIV don't even know they are infected.

Moving on now to Michael Jackson. And allegations of the D.A.'s case is weakening. Officials say that is not true. Here's CNN's national correspondent, Gary Tuchman.

Maybe not.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The case against Michael Jackson is strong, that's the word from authorities in Santa Barbara County, California, responding to reports and speculation that it might be weakening amid a delay in filing formal charges. But a source close to the case says, time is our ally, and the charges are still scheduled to be filed.

However, a coalition of civil rights groups says it has its doubts that charges will be filed, saying they believe the case is falling apart and that Jackson is being targeted, because is he a wealthy, successful African-American.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We think these allegations are nothing more but extortion.

TUCHMAN: In an interview with CNN last week, Santa Barbara County District Attorney said that is absolutely untrue.

TOM SNEDDON, D.A. SANTA BARBARA CO.: It just doesn't make any sense that the sheriff and I would do something that is doomed in the long run to fail. We have a responsibility. We didn't go looking for this case. It came to us.

TUCHMAN: Back the at news conference, a 22-year-old woman who says she spent a weekend at Neverland eight years ago says it's inconceivable that Michael Jackson could be guilty of this crime.

DANIELLE CARR, JACKSON SUPPORTER: We had a wonderful time. And it was an innocent time. It was a time that kids would have. And I have no problems sending my child over there.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TUCHMAN: That woman, Danielle Carr, said she stayed in a cabin at the Neverland Ranch. She did not stay in the same room as Michael Jackson.

The father of the alleged victim in this case is going to file a legal petition asking his ex-wife to undergo psychological evaluation. His father lost custody of the 13-year-old child during a nasty divorce in part because he pleaded no contest to domestic violence. His father, through his attorney, is saying that his ex-wife is mentally incompetent and she may be lying about this case.

The wife, the mother of the 13-year-old boy, has not been available for comment. Authorities are telling us they still plan to file the formal charges the week of December 15, a week-and-a-half from now. Anderson, back to you.

COOPER: All right. Gary Tuchman live in L.A. Thanks very much, Gary.

I want to talk about the case with Court TV's Lisa Bloom. First, an important note to our viewers, your law firm briefly represented the accuser in the 1993 case against Michael Jackson prior to the settlements. I just want to get that on the table.

Let's talk about what CNN has learned today that the father is -- they want a mental competency exam for his ex-wife. He wants custody of this child as well as the two others.

LISA BLOOM, COURT TV: Well clearly, it's an acrimonious divorce. No love lost between these two. He has been criminally convicted of physical abuse of her and some of the children in the family. He's claiming that she's mentally incompetent. It's a claim that he's entitled to make, but he has to prove it in a court of law.

COOPER: If this thing does go to trial of course could this end up -- it seems to muddy the waters. If the father is saying that his ex-wife is incompetent and that she's lying, that would be something that I think the defense could seize on.

BLOOM: It's only a claim he's making at this point, if he's able to prove it and the judge in the Michael Jackson case thinks it's relevant to some issue in the Michael Jackson case, then, yes, it could come in. But keep in mind that the Jackson case is about the child's accusations, not about the parents. If the parents, though, are witnesses, they have some important information to share in the case then, yes, their competency will be an issue.

COOPER: But certainly, a defense lawyer, a smart one, could argue that perhaps these charges are somehow manipulated by a parent, and therefore, the attitude of the parent, the competency of the parent, the moral rectitude of the parent comes into play.

BLOOM: Well, that's absolutely possible, but again, we don't know how the charges came about. We don't know whether the mother manipulated the boy, that's a defense claim, not a prosecution claim. We don't know if the boy reported it to a therapist, how it came about.

That's going to be important at trial. The judge is going to decide what's relevant. This has to be strictly relevant at trial, not just speculation.

COOPER: Let's talk about this group that showed up today, holding this press conference today. They say they're going to file a friend of the court brief. What do you make of it?

BLOOM: That's a little odd. Friend of the court briefs, we usually see in the Supreme Court or an appeals court, not in a trial court and certainly not before charges are filed which is the case here.

They're also saying that as African-American, they're supporting Michael Jackson. That's clearly part of a defense P.R. strategy to play the race card, attack the victim early on. Those are the prongs of the defense P.R. strategy.

COOPER: But this group, though. There are multiple groups, I guess. They said we are not being paid by Michael Jackson. We are not part of any strategy.

BLOOM: Well, that may be true, but that is clearly the strategy that Jermaine Jackson on Michael Jackson's side, other family members have raised -- and the press.

COOPER: You think race is going to be brought into this?

BLOOM: Absolutely, his brother and mother have already asserted it. It's not going to surprise me at all.

COOPER: Lisa Bloom, Court TV.

BLOOM: Thanks.

COOPER: Well, it's another busy day inside the Chesapeake, Virginia courtroom, where teen sniper suspect, Lee Boyd Malvo is facing murder and terrorism charges. Today Malvo's notes and sketches were introduced as evidence that he was brainwashed. CNN's Jeanne Meserve has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Lee Malvo's jailhouse sketches are violent, replete with images of holy wars and terrorism as well as sniper shootings, but Malvo as an average I.Q. and is not psychotic in the view of clinical psychologist and defense witness David Shrekland (ph).

The psychologist said that Malvo was almost goofy during an examination, out of step with the seriousness of the situation. Shrekland's (ph) testing did show Malvo to have abnormally poor information processing skills, a possible symptom of depression, a lag in the development in the central nervous system or dissociative disorder, defined as a breakdown in perception of ones surroundings, memory, identity or consciousness. Shrekland's (ph) testimony, the first building block in Malvo's insanity defense.

ABBE SMITH, GEORGETOWN LAW CENTER: It fits. And more importantly, it gives the defense a chance at trial to lay the groundwork for arguing for mercy and mitigation at the penalty phase.

MESERVE: Prosecutor Robert Horan calls the insanity defense, a puff of smoke, a shell game. Jamaican born forensic social worker, Carmetta Albaress (ph) has worked with Malvo since last March to separate him from the man who the defense says indoctrinated him. When they first met, Malvo insisted John Muhammad was his father, was obsessed with racial injustice and had dropped all traces of his accent.

Over time, she said Malvo had changed, showing emotion during a phone call with his real father and a visit with a former teacher. But it was the videotape of his aunt in Jamaica singing a hymn that reduced Malvo to sobs.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: We didn't hear from defense attorneys today the way we usually do, and we won't until the end of the trial. After a letter from Malvo was leaked to the Washington press, a letter which had not been allowed in as evidence, the judge slapped a gag order on all of the attorneys involved in this case. Anderson, back you to.

COOPER: All right, Jean Meserve live in rainy Chesapeake, Virginia. Thanks very much, Jean tonight.

I want to change gears here a little bit. Have you heard about Paris Hilton? I don't know if you have or not, but if you have watched TV or have seen the Internet or something, you might have caught a glimpse of her, and this might clue you in on the subject of this week's overkill. We'll have that coming up.

Also tonight, what does Ray Romano have common with Madonna? No it's not the same choreographer, but we'll tell you in "The Current." That's coming up too.

And later, to dream the impossible dream. That's right, Hugh Hefner has been living it for 50 years now, that's as long as "Playboy" has been around, he's 77. Now, I get to ask him everything you wanted to know about Hugh Hefner, but were too far from the Playboy Mansion to ask. Hef is ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, more than 13 million people watched her show, or the debut of it at least, but are you sick of hearing about Paris Hilton? We certainly are. That's why she is the overkill story of the week.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Two of America's wealthiest young socialites.

COOPER (voice-over): Hilton mania climaxed this week with the debut of her show, "The Simple Life," co-starring Lionel Richie's daughter, who is also famous primarily for blowing the winnings of a genealogical lottery. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get ready for a new series with a twist.

COOPER: "The Simple Life" is actually the closest thing Hilton has come to a genuine project of her own. Before this, she was best known for -- well -- well, come to think of it, Hilton's only accomplishment has been becoming famous just by being famous, which I guess is sort of impressive.

How did she do it? Well, she had money and parents who seemed to let her buy all the clothes and cosmetics she wanted. Not that she wears that much clothing.

In gossip columns, Hilton became a boldfaced name, synonymous with hard partying, jet-setting and conspicuous canoodling.

But Hilton's fame reached a new high, or perhaps low, with seen on computer consoles around the globe. Have you seen Paris? Google "Paris Hilton" and you will find her ex-boyfriend googling her. The picture may be underexposed, but Hilton is now definitely overexposed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a real plus side to this show for Paris Hilton, obviously.

COOPER: Hilton's family may have been embarrassed by it all, but the coverage has helped her win strong ratings for her network reality debut.

She may not agree, but for a young woman whose only goal in life appears to be becoming famous, it seems any kind of publicity is good publicity indeed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: And that brings us to today's buzz. You have seen Paris Hilton on TV, maybe even your computer. Our question -- would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? Vote now, cnn.com/360. We'll have the results at the end of the program.

And time to plug into tonight's "Current." Let's take a look what's going on out there. Al Pacino and Beverly D'Angelo are not done fighting over their kids. Pacino is denying he had D'Angelo's credit card killed, and no truth to the rumor he now refers to her as Fredo.

Lawyers for rapper Mystikal, aka Michael Tyler, says a judge should not be allowed to sentence him for sexual battery because he can't be impartial. Why not? The lawyers say the judge would be biased because he saw a tape of Mystikal committing the crime. Really, how fair would that be?

Ray Romano is following the footsteps of Madonna, John Malkovich and other celebrities. He is writing a children's book. In a related story, someone somewhere who could have been the next generation's C.S. Lewis just gave up and applied to business school.

And a menu from the Titanic has sold at an auction for $49,500. The passengers had salmon, roast chicken, spring lamb, and for desert, an all they could eat supply of ice cold salt water.

All right, ever wanted to meet Hugh Hefner or be Hugh Hefner, for that matter? We're going to share his dating tips and more coming up.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HUGH HEFNER: My best introductory line, of course, is "my name is Hugh Hefner." I mean, it seems to work for me. It might not work for you, I don't know.

COOPER: You mind if I borrow that?

(CROSSTALK)

HEFNER: Try it for a week, see how it works.

COOPER: Slap on some pajamas.

HEFNER: Absolutely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: A lot of e-mails pouring in about Paris Hilton, believe it or not.

All right, 50 years ago this month, the first issue of a new magazine called "Playboy" hit the stands. On the cover was a man named Marilyn Monroe. Behind the cover, a man named Hugh Marston Hefner, whom you're about to meet. Hefner made the magazine a success by selling fantasy, and, well, by living it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, my life really isn't all that different from anyone else's.

COOPER (voice-over): Not all that different? 77-year-old Hugh Hefner lives in a world famous mansion with a zoo, a grotto, and a fluctuating number of young girlfriends. His is a fantasy life funded by fantasy.

The product, idealized women, young, usually blond, and just a little gallsy. But Hefner also sold post-war America a new image of sex, without shame, that women actually enjoyed.

"Playboy" was part of a sexual wave, fueled by Kinsey, women's lib and the pill. And "Playboy's" writers -- Mailer, Bradbury, Kerouac, Updike were sometimes even hotter than the centerfolds.

Even as "Playboy" ran afoul of feminists, like Gloria Steinem, the magazine managed to champion causes like civil rights and free speech.

By the 1970s, society seemed to catch up with Hefner. "Playboy" clubs were everywhere, along with calendars and bunnies, and circulation hit a peak. But without a place on the cutting edge and after getting outflanked by more explicit magazines like "Penthouse" and "Hustler" in the great pornography wars, the "Playboy" empire foundered. Hefner had a stroke.

Today it remains to be seen whether the new blood he and his daughter, Christy, are pumping into "Playboy" will prove as effective as the Viagra Hef pops to keep circulating among his 20-something girlfriends.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Or was it 25?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: I spoke with Hugh Hefner just a short time ago. We're going to play that interview right when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Welcome back. When I spoke with the father of "Playboy," the granddaddy of all playboys, the 77-year-old who still puts the play in player, I asked him what his type of woman is.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEFNER: Young and beautiful, and at the present time blond. I think the blond comes from -- I said, as a matter of fact, you know, Picasso had his pink period, had his blue period. I'm in my blonde period. And I think that's directly related to the blondes that were so popular when I was kid in the 1930s. You know, Jean Harlow, Alice Faye, the Busby Berkeley chorines. I think it, you know...

COOPER: Now, if you said to some of the women you're dating now, if you mentioned Alice Faye and Jean Harlow, would they be like, huh, who?

HEFNER: But my best gal, Holly Madison, is a huge fan of classic films. That's one of our common interests.

COOPER: So you can talk to her about it then.

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: And she'll explain it to the others?

HEFNER: Yes, that's the way it works.

COOPER: All right, now, you were said to be dating seven young women right now. I mean, is that for real? Is that just publicity?

HEFNER: No, it's all real. No. But...

COOPER: How does that work?

HEFNER: It works very well, actually. It works out very well. No, but you know -- a bachelor is likely to be dating more than one woman at a time, but you know, over a period of time. He maybe dates one girl on Friday, another girl on Saturday.

COOPER: You're just on an accelerated schedule.

HEFNER: I just date them all at the same time.

COOPER: All right, without going into gory details, I mean, do you all sleep in the same bed? It's got to be an enormous bed. You have got to have separate rooms.

HEFNER: Yes, they have separate rooms, but they sleep in my bed sometimes.

COOPER: So I see, you know, you go out dancing, you go out to dinner with them...

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: ... and you're riding home in the car. And then how do you decide -- all right, tonight it's going to be -- I'm sorry, what are their names, by the way?

HEFNER: Holly, Crystal, Zoe, Isabella -- who have I missed? Bridgette. How many have I named?

COOPER: I'm not sure.

(CROSSTALK)

COOPER: Close enough.

HEFNER: Tom, Dick and Harry.

COOPER: So how do you decide, is it going to be Holly or Bridgette?

COOPER: It doesn't work like that. It's, you know, we're all together. Also, for reasons that are very curious, the arrangement also has tremendous appeal to other women. In other words, wherever we go, there are other women, you know, come up to us and want to know, you know, can they join the group.

COOPER: And are there openings? I mean, for one to join the group, is there a resume process?

HEFNER: Well, from time to time. It's an evolutionary process. I mean, there are changes. Sure. Sure.

COOPER: All right. The fantasy of your life is this sort of, you know, this life with seven beautiful young women, and going out. And do you ever just want to say enough -- like, kick back, I was going to say kick back in your pajamas, but you're in your pajamas.

HEFNER: But I do that. Right.

COOPER: Do you ever want to just stay at home and just, you know, watch TV? HEFNER: I do that, too.

COOPER: You do?

HEFNER: Yes, sure.

COOPER: OK.

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: So it's not a constant 24-hour party, go, go, go.

HEFNER: No, no, there are quiet and peaceful times. And I love those times, sure.

One of the things that makes my life so delicious is, you know, not simply that it's other people's fantasy, but it is my own fantasy, and a fantasy that comes from childhood. And I have a real ongoing connection with my own childhood. The boy who dreamed the dreams. And I think that's what makes it all so sweet.

COOPER: And to women who say you degrade women, you -- you know, that they are a commodity for you?

HEFNER: Yes. The women who say that are the women who have never been asked to pose. You ought to talk to the women who have been in the magazine, whose lives have been changed in most remarkable ways, in terms of careers, in terms of personal lives. The notion of presenting women in a romantic context to suggest that women are sexual objects -- but of course they're sexual objects. What wouldn't want to be on this planet? We have two sexes, and the attraction between the sexes is what makes the world go around. That's who we are. If we don't celebrate that...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, that was a quick look at Hugh Hefner.

Now, what would a discussion of "Playboy" be without a little tease? We're going to have more of my talk with Hugh Hefner tomorrow. Hefner talks about business, morality and American values.

Time now for the buzz. We asked you, would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? We're getting tons of e-mails on this one. Here's what you said, 42 percent of you said yes, 58 percent said no. Not a scientific poll, just viewer buzz.

Tonight's flying Air Force One to "The Nth Degree."

Air Force One's secret flight to Baghdad last week included a thrilling moment of suspense, when it seemed the mission could be compromised if a British Airways pilot blew the plane's cover. Here's how the White House first told the story. A British Airways pilot radioed "Did I just see Air Force One?" Air Force One replied, "Gulfstream 5," a smaller aircraft. The pilot seemed to sense he was in on a secret and replied simply, "Oh." Later, the White House said Air Force One had merely overheard a conversation between a pilot and the tower, diluting the aura of suspense and excitement the story had given to the president's trip.

So what really happened? Well, "AC 360" has located a fictional black box that recorded still another version that never happened. The tape may shed some light on things. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PILOT: I dare say, did I just see Air Force One?

AIR FORCE ONE: Negative. No president here. Over.

PILOT: You look like Air Force One. Come back.

AIR FORCE ONE: Concorde.

PILOT: You are not.

AIR FORCE ONE: UFO? Over.

PILOT: How can you be unidentified if you've identified yourself?

AIR FORCE ONE: Gulfstream 5?

PILOT: Oi, I don't bloody care! But if you're trying to keep it secret, you've got Air Force One in big bleeding letters on the side, now, don't you?

PILOT: Oh. Roger.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COOPER: That, of course, is a made-up version, but just tonight CNN has learned that the White House has changed the story again, saying the incident did not involve a British Airways pilot, but a pilot who may have had a British accent.

So to sum up, the current official version, something happened involving a plane.

Thanks for watching tonight. "PAULA ZAHN NOW" is next.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com







Aired December 4, 2003 - 19:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST (voice-over): A new holiday warning: an increased risk of terror attacks.

The president's plans: does the U.S. need another man on the moon?

A baby born in Bethlehem: why locals say it's a miracle.

A Baltimore rapper on drug charges, a U.S. prosecutor found dead.

Have you seen enough of Paris Hilton? We certainly have.

From outrage to icon: Hugh Hefner on 50 years on sex, bunnies and business.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.

COOPER: Good evening to you. A fast developing story tonight out of Baltimore. A federal prosecutor found dead, shot and stabbed multiple times. He was involved in the prosecution case against a rap singer. We're going to have details on that in a moment.

But our top story tonight, a holiday terror warning. Sources tell CNN intelligence suggests that al Qaeda is planning something big around the holidays. There is increased chatter and increased concern. CNN's justice correspondent, Kelli Arena, has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As Christmas approaches, recent intelligence has counterterrorism officials increasingly concerned about a possible attack against soft targets such as shopping malls.

ROGER CRESSEY, FMR. NSC COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL: As recently as two weeks ago, the intelligence community was telling the Homeland Security Department that this felt a lot like the summer of 2001, seeing lots of data, lots of information coming together that paints a very disturbing picture.

ARENA: It's far from certain, but if al Qaeda does hit the United States, some officials continue to expect the attack will be much bigger than recent strikes like these overseas.

M.J. GOHEL, ASIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION: The terror movement will always reserve the biggest and the most spectacular attacks for the U.S. and for U.S. interests.

ARENA: At least one senior U.S. official stressed there is usually increased threat information, including Web site activity, before and during several key holidays. The problem is separating the legitimate intelligence from the rest.

Now, there were several warnings of possible attacks in the U.S. back in October. Those never panned out. What's more, officials say the terror movement is more scattered and harder to track.

GOHEL: Each of these groups are autonomous with their own leadership, with their own funding, their own personnel.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Kelli Arena joins us now. Kelli, are there any plans to raise the national threat level?

ARENA: Homeland security officials say no. That is unless something more concrete comes in, Anderson. So far, the information is very vague, non-specific, no specific target, no location.

COOPER: Not even clear if it's in the United States or abroad?

ARENA: That's right.

COOPER: All right. Kelli Arena, thanks for that tonight.

On to Baltimore now and the still-developing story that has law enforcement officials out in force. A young federal prosecutor was found shot and stabbed to death in Pennsylvania after failing to show up for a rap artist trial on drug conspiracy charges. CNN's' Elaine Quijano has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A federal law enforcement source says Jonathan Luna's body was found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and says he was stabbed multiple times.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At this time, the evidence indicates that he was murdered.

QUIJANO: A law enforcement official says last night, Luna was called away from home. He was set to appear in court Thursday morning for the trial of a rap artist facing drug conspiracy charges. An associate of that rap artist says he entered a guilty plea in court. Meantime, the FBI says it's using federal, state and local resources to figure out what happened.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The FBI is aggressively investigating the circumstances surrounding Jonathan's death. And we will continue our ongoing efforts with our partners in state, federal and local law enforcement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

QUIJANO: Now, Jonathan Luna worked as an assistant U.S. attorney here in Baltimore for four years. During that time, he worked on a variety of cases, including child pornography, Internet sex sting, arson, and a bank robbery case in which $36,000 went missing during the course of that trial.

Now, Luna was 38 years old. He was married and has two young sons -- Anderson.

COOPER: There has been a lot of talk about this trial I guess he was supposed to show up for, but -- on some rap artist in Baltimore. At this point, authorities are not drawing any link between the two, is that correct?

QUIJANO: That's right, Anderson. At this point it's just too early to talk about any connection between that case and what happened. At this point, we don't know anything more than what we have already reported to you.

Investigators haven't said anything at that news conference. In fact, people were trying to ask questions. They decline to answer and very quickly headed out of here. And as for the people here, they, as you can imagine, are visibly shaken.

As they were coming out, I saw them and tried to talk to a couple of them. Too upset to talk. Obviously, this is a very devastating time for them -- Anderson.

COOPER: Certainly understood. Elaine Quijano, thanks very much.

That is a fast developing story. We're going to bring you any updates as necessary throughout the next hour.

Now, moving on, remember those heady days when American astronauts walked on the moon? It's certainly been a while. But now at White House there's talk of sending an American back to the moon. With more on that, here's senior White House correspondent John King.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president is on the verge of calling for a return to the moon as part of a dramatic new mission for the space program. And sources say other ideas on the table include a permanent presence on the moon, and even a manned mission to Mars. Aides say Mr. Bush wants to set bold goals in space but has not made key decisions.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There are no problems for any policy announcements in the immediate future.

KING: After the Columbia disaster 10 months ago, the president quickly committed to resuming shuttle flights. NASA's latest target is early 2005. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on.

KING: The administration review includes setting a target for retiring the shuttle fleet, a plan to phase out the International Space Station, picking a new space vehicle for manned flights, debating the costs and benefits of a permanent moon base, and developing a proposal for a mission to Mars.

NASA is urgently debating and refining proposals. And Vice President Cheney is consulting key members of Congress.

SEN. SAM BROWNBACK (R), KANSAS: Great countries need to have visions to pull them on forward.

KING: The last moon flight was 31 years ago, December, 1972. Sources tell CNN NASA's target for returning to the moon is about 15 years from now.

BROWNBACK: We have the Chinese now going into space and saying that they're interested in going to the moon. We don't want them really to beat us to the moon, and instead we'd rather be there and be able to develop the resources, the areas, the sweet spots for observation.

KING: But NASA's target of a moon mission in 2018 or so is not yet embraced by a White House still debating key policy and multibillion dollar budget questions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: John King joins us now at the White House. John, you mentioned the budget and the cost. Any indication at this point of how this idea might be paid for?

KING: Well, Anderson, once the decisions are made, you would have to pay for them. It costs about $500 million now for a shuttle mission. So if you end the shuttle program, that money could be put into the new mission.

One congressional aide told us today about $20 billion would be the price tag they believe of a manned mission to Mars. Once the president make the threshold decisions, he is going to have to reallocate some current NASA resources. And if he decides on the big missions, like going to Mars down the road, NASA would need more money.

COOPER: All right. John King at the White House. Thanks, John.

Here are some fast facts for you on manned space flight. Since President Kennedy launched the U.S. space program more than 40 years ago, there have been 144 manned missions to space. Of those, six landed on the moon. The last mission to the moon, Apollo 17 in December, 1972. Well, in North Dakota, the search is still on for missing college student, Dru Sjodin. The man accused of kidnapping her was back in court again today. Bail was set, but the suspect wants to remain behind bars for his own safety. More now from CNN's Jeff Flock.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): Standing head bowed and eyes closed, Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. listened to the charge against him.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. did abduct Dru Sjodin from the JC Penney store parking lot located at the Columbia Mall in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

FLOCK: Prosecutors say they can prove he was here when the 22- year-old University of North Dakota senior disappeared November 22, though they again refuse to say what the evidence is. Police now say Rodriguez has been interviewed three times and is communicating, but stopped short of saying he's cooperating.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have told him not to talk to any authorities.

FLOCK: His lawyer won't say if that will continue.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Does he know where Dru Sjodin is?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know.

FLOCK: The missing girl's family has appealed to Rodriguez for any information he has. Sjodin's father sat just behind Rodriguez with other family members in court, but made no attempt to talk to him. Authorities ruled out a deal for his cooperation.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't see that as a possibility, no.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Rodriguez, did you understand the charges read against you?

ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ, DEFENDANT: Yes.

FLOCK: While police say they have solid evidence Rodriguez kidnapped Sjodin, they appear not to have proof any worse has come to her. At least they're not saying if they do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are not close enough to kick a field goal on it. And we're not satisfied with that. We're heading for the end zone. And the end zone will be finding Dru and bringing her home to her family.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Anderson, I don't know if you can tell, but it is snowing and blowing pretty good, which didn't make much for a search today. Although they did come out again in terms of getting to that end zone. Of course, they need to keep searching, and they intend to keep doing just that -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Jeff Flock covering the story. Thanks, Jeff.

Let's go now "Cross Country" and check some other headlines this evening.

Washington, D.C.: closing arguments. John Hinckley, Jr., the man who tried to kill President Reagan in '81, well he waits for a judge's decision on whether he will be allowed unsupervised visits with his parents. Hinckley's lawyer points out that psychiatrists supports requests, but a government lawyer says Hinckley is still dangerous and should not be allowed to leave a mental hospital without staff members.

Miami, Florida: NFL hate mail. The FBI says six black players on four teams have received threatening letters telling them to stop their relationships with white women. The letters are signed, "Angry white women," or "Angry Caucasian women." The letters were also sent to several entertainers, civic, as well as community leaders.

Roanoke, Virginia: let it snow. Take a look at that. A big storm dumps a much as eight inches of snow and sleet. Would not want to be driving in that. The weather is causing havoc on highways and forced schools to close.

Meanwhile, another storm, a NorEaster, is expected to slam the Northeast this weekend. Not looking forward to that.

Los Angeles: Grammy excitement. R&B and hip-hop stars rack up the nominations. Outkast -- that's them there -- and Beyonce -- there she is -- are top contenders. Also getting nods, Cher and Madonna in the best dance recording category. Michelle Branch for best female rock vocal performance. We'll keep looking at Cher.

Plus, Faith Hill is up for best country album. And Pat Matheny is nominated for best new age album. The Grammy awards will be held February 8.

That is a look at stories "Cross Country" for us tonight.

Rush Limbaugh raids: authorities seize his medical records in two states. The question is, what are they looking for? We'll have the latest on the investigation.

Also tonight, miracle baby in modern day Bethlehem? Find out why thousands are flocking to see this little newborn.

Plus, "Playboy" magazine turns 50. But Hugh Hefner, well, as you can tell right there, he is he not slowing down. He swings by 360 to celebrate.

But first, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: A Christmas night here in New York. A lot of lights out.

In Bethlehem, the legendary birthplace of Jesus, crowds are gathered to see a two-week-old infant who locals there say is a miracle baby. A gift from god, they say. But the crowds coming to see the little boy are not Christians, they are Muslims. CTV's Janice Mackey Frayer explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANICE MACKEY FRAYER, CTV (voice-over): To a cramped boardroom house in a Bethlehem refugee camp, a newborn baby is drawing the curious and the confounded. They say he's a miracle, born on the holiest day in the month of Ramadan, and born with this, a birthmark that roughly forms Arabic letters to spell Allah, the name of his uncle, a Hamas militant killed eight months ago by Israeli troops for allegedly plotting a suicide attack.

"It is a gift from god," declared the infant's grandmother. "This is proof a martyr stays alive and never dies."

Such a coincidence goes a long way in a place known for its divine deliveries. Clerics announced it over the mosque loud speakers. Since then, nearly 7,000 people have come to the house, according to the family. Hundreds more to the Web site they have created to tell the story of the two Allahs, the baby and his dead uncle.

The region's highest Muslim leader heard about it, too, and calls the phenomenon a karama (ph), a kind of miracle that happens to people, as only true miracles are reserved for prophets. But he who receives a karama (ph) is a chosen one, he explains. It is a baby with a very special status.

Though the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) birthmark has confirmed her faith in martyrdom, Alicia Ayad (ph) is hesitant to say she would want the same fate for her grandson. "This supports the idea of becoming a martyr," she admits, "but we want peace. I hope Allah will have a good life."

In the meantime, the tiny prodigy is taking it all in stride and sleeping through most of the commotion. Some would say that's a miracle in itself. Janice Mackey Frayer, CTV News, Bethlehem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, so called miracle sightings are common around the world. Let's flash back to a recent one here at home.

This past June, in Massachusetts, residents say they saw a white apparition of the Virgin Mary on a window pane. There it is. More than 40,000 people came to see this at a hospital in Milton, Massachusetts. But a month later, the archdiocese proclaimed that the image was not, in fact, a miraculous appearance of the virgin, but merely chemical deposits inside a double-panned window. Well, moving on, a new move in the Rush Limbaugh case. Investigators have seized his medical records. The news coming today in a search warrant filed in court by the Palm Beach state attorney's office. Here is CNN's national correspondent, Susan Candiotti.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Criminal investigators say it appears the popular talk show host was "doctor shopping" for controlled substances and "his actions violate the letter and spirit of Florida law." Doctor shopping means going from doctor to doctor without telling them for prescriptions you might not necessarily otherwise get.

Investigators say they searched two doctors' offices in Palm Beach County, Florida, and have a search warrant for a third in that area. And a law enforcement source says they have a search warrant for a fourth in L.A. In response, Limbaugh read a statement from his attorney on his talk show.

RUSH LIMBAUGH, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: What these records show is that I did suffer pain and had legitimate reasons for taking pain medication.

CANDIOTTI: Among key disclosures in the search warrant, Limbaugh allegedly received prescriptions for more than 1,000 pills, including the prescription painkillers, OxyContin, Lorcet (ph) and Hydrocodone. The court papers indicate the drugs were obtained in the same week, less than a month apart, over a five-month period. The documents state Limbaugh used multiple doctors "to obtain excessive amounts of controlled substances to support his addiction."

LIMBAUGH: Rush Limbaugh is not part of a drug ring. Rush Limbaugh was never a target of a drug investigation. But what should be a responsible investigation is looking more and more like a fishing expedition.

CANDIOTTI: Mr. Limbaugh has not been charged, nor has the housekeeper, who says she illegally sold him prescription painkillers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CANDIOTTI: The state attorney's office says and insists that it has scrupulously protected Mr. Limbaugh's rights. But what's really curious about all of this is the timing of it. Never before has the state attorney's office officially acknowledged that it is conducting a criminal investigation of Mr. Limbaugh until now.

And it was first his attorney who announced that the medical records had been seized. It was only after that that the seizure records were actually filed in the court. Back to you.

COOPER: Interesting. All right. Susan Candiotti in Miami. Thanks very much.

A number of things happening internationally right now. Let's check the "UpLink."

Washington, D.C.: some tough talk. Jordan's King Abdullah visited President Bush today. They discussed the stalled Middle East peace process. And there were some strong words from Mr. Bush. He said Jewish settlements must be frozen, illegal outposts dismantled, and concerns about the West Bank barrier addressed.

Monrovia, Liberia: INTERPOL most wanted. The International Police Organization wants this man, ousted President Charles Taylor, arrested for crimes against humanity. But Nigeria, which hosts the exiled Taylor, says no, and refused to hand him over.

In southern France, deadly flooding. Amazing rescue operations. As you can see right here, people being rescued by choppers, as hundreds more had to evacuate their homes.

Six people so far have died. Floods were easing in Marseilles, but high alerts still on elsewhere.

And that is a look at the stories in the "UpLink."

Rape in the military: a soldier says she was assaulted as she prepared to fight the war in Iraq. We'll talk exclusively with her mom, who is trying to find out what happened.

Also tonight, the Michael Jackson investigation. Is the prosecution skating on thin ice? We'll have the latest in the investigation.

And a little bit later on, Paris Hilton, enough already. Plastered all over TV and maybe plastered on the Internet. You just cannot get away from her. That makes her this week's "Overkill."

And Hilton is today's "Buzz." You have seen her on a farm. Would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? Vote now at cnn.com/360. We'll have results at end of the program.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, now to a story about a married female soldier preparing to be shipped off to Iraq, an allegation of rape and the Army's response. The soldier from Ft. Lewis, Washington, says she was raped at Camp Udari in Kuwait. We're not using the soldier's name because of the charges.

The soldier's mother, Barbara Wharton, claims her daughter has since been isolated from her unit and denied counseling. She joins us exclusively from Quarryville, Pennsylvania, along with Susan Avila- Smith in Seattle, Washington, a founding member of Women Organizing Women, an advocacy group for survivors of rape in the military. She is working with the Warden family.

Ms. Wharton, thanks very much for being with us -- both of you. Ms. Wharton, what can you tell us? What has your daughter told you? I know that you have spoken to her twice on the phone about what happened. What happened to her, she says? BARBARA WHARTON, ALLEGED RAPE VICTIM'S MOTHER: Well, there's probably a few things that I'm not at liberty to talk about. I do know that she was attacked from behind and knocked unconscious.

COOPER: And that she -- and then at some point later, I guess she woke up and reported that she had been assaulted?

WHARTON: Yes.

COOPER: Where is she now?

WHARTON: She -- presently, she is at Camp Doha.

COOPER: Which is in -- elsewhere in Kuwait. So she was moved from the camp where this incident allege took place to this camp now. What is your greatest concern?

WHARTON: My concern at the present time is to make sure that she is removed to another facility, you know, for medical treatment and emotional support.

COOPER: You have talked to her twice on the phone. I know her husband has talked to her many times as well. How is she doing? How is she holding up?

WHARTON: She is not doing well at all. I would say that right now her mental state is at its lowest, and you know, she needs to be removed as soon as possible.

COOPER: We had spoken to you -- our producer had spoken to her earlier. She had made an attempt on her own life. Is that what you understand?

WHARTON: Correct. Correct.

COOPER: We have a statement from the military. I want to read it to you. This is -- a spokesman in the Army said this, "The soldier involved in the alleged rape is being provided with medical care and emotional support. This incident is under investigation, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on it at this time."

What do you want to see happen, Ms. Wharton?

WHARTON: Well, right now, I think that the main issue is to get her, you know, to be mentally stable. And she needs to be removed and preferably taken to a location where she can get the proper care. She received initial medical care, but there are some things that need to be done that she is not receiving at the present time.

COOPER: Ms. Avila-Smith, how do you think the Army is dealing with this?

SUSAN AVILA-SMITH, ADVOCATE FOR MILITARY RAPE VICTIMS: I think they're dealing with it in the usual fashion. They say that they're doing everything they can, but they don't do much at all. So, that's the problem. COOPER: I mean, do you have any recommendation? What do you want to see happen right now? I know Ms. Wharton wants her daughter moved to a different location. The Army -- basically, the procedure is to investigate this. You don't have confidence they're going to investigate?

AVILA-SMITH: Well, the investigation is over with because the camp has been evacuated and they have moved on to a new area. So there's really no reason to continue to investigate this.

She needs to be medevaced out to Germany and get some medical and emotional treatment. If she had stepped on a bomb, they would do that without even thinking.

COOPER: Ms. Wharton, how is this just for you? I mean, as a mom so far away, only able to talk to your daughter in limited ways, how are you holding up?

WHARTON: Well, I'm trying to do everything here on the outside to get her removed. My local and state officials have been a huge help. They are in constant contact with me.

The Pentagon is involved, and they're trying to do everything possible, you know, to get her to a different location. I'm pleading with them.

COOPER: I know that you have contacted your local representatives. We would -- you know, we'll follow this case along with you. We hope things works out. We'd love to talk with you again. Barbara and Susan, thank you very much for joining us.

WHARTON: Thank you.

AVILA-SMITH: Thank you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Is the prosecution's case against Michael Jackson losing steam?

And Hugh Hefner on sex, bunnies and business. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time for "The Reset." Today's top stories. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: prosecutor murdered. 38-year-old assistant U.S. attorney Jonathan Luna was found dead in a ditch with multiple stab wounds. He failed to show up in a Baltimore court today for the trial of a rap artist on drug conspiracy charges. A big investigation is undergoing.

Washington, D.C.: steel tariffs. President Bush is lifting the tariffs he imposed 20 months ago to protect U.S. industry. The European Union responded by dropping the threat of trade sanctions, but there could be political repercussions from steel-producing states.

Also, in D.C.: court decision. You can switch home and cell numbers. An appeals court upholds a federal rule and denies a request by the United States Telecom Association, an industry trade group, to stop the switch.

Atlanta, Georgia: the importance of AIDS testing for everyone, but especially HIV partners. A new study says it's the key weapon in fighting the virus. Testing partners of those partners of those newly diagnosed with HIV could uncover thousands of infections and help contain its spread. About a quarter of all Americans living with HIV don't even know they are infected.

Moving on now to Michael Jackson. And allegations of the D.A.'s case is weakening. Officials say that is not true. Here's CNN's national correspondent, Gary Tuchman.

Maybe not.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The case against Michael Jackson is strong, that's the word from authorities in Santa Barbara County, California, responding to reports and speculation that it might be weakening amid a delay in filing formal charges. But a source close to the case says, time is our ally, and the charges are still scheduled to be filed.

However, a coalition of civil rights groups says it has its doubts that charges will be filed, saying they believe the case is falling apart and that Jackson is being targeted, because is he a wealthy, successful African-American.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We think these allegations are nothing more but extortion.

TUCHMAN: In an interview with CNN last week, Santa Barbara County District Attorney said that is absolutely untrue.

TOM SNEDDON, D.A. SANTA BARBARA CO.: It just doesn't make any sense that the sheriff and I would do something that is doomed in the long run to fail. We have a responsibility. We didn't go looking for this case. It came to us.

TUCHMAN: Back the at news conference, a 22-year-old woman who says she spent a weekend at Neverland eight years ago says it's inconceivable that Michael Jackson could be guilty of this crime.

DANIELLE CARR, JACKSON SUPPORTER: We had a wonderful time. And it was an innocent time. It was a time that kids would have. And I have no problems sending my child over there.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TUCHMAN: That woman, Danielle Carr, said she stayed in a cabin at the Neverland Ranch. She did not stay in the same room as Michael Jackson.

The father of the alleged victim in this case is going to file a legal petition asking his ex-wife to undergo psychological evaluation. His father lost custody of the 13-year-old child during a nasty divorce in part because he pleaded no contest to domestic violence. His father, through his attorney, is saying that his ex-wife is mentally incompetent and she may be lying about this case.

The wife, the mother of the 13-year-old boy, has not been available for comment. Authorities are telling us they still plan to file the formal charges the week of December 15, a week-and-a-half from now. Anderson, back to you.

COOPER: All right. Gary Tuchman live in L.A. Thanks very much, Gary.

I want to talk about the case with Court TV's Lisa Bloom. First, an important note to our viewers, your law firm briefly represented the accuser in the 1993 case against Michael Jackson prior to the settlements. I just want to get that on the table.

Let's talk about what CNN has learned today that the father is -- they want a mental competency exam for his ex-wife. He wants custody of this child as well as the two others.

LISA BLOOM, COURT TV: Well clearly, it's an acrimonious divorce. No love lost between these two. He has been criminally convicted of physical abuse of her and some of the children in the family. He's claiming that she's mentally incompetent. It's a claim that he's entitled to make, but he has to prove it in a court of law.

COOPER: If this thing does go to trial of course could this end up -- it seems to muddy the waters. If the father is saying that his ex-wife is incompetent and that she's lying, that would be something that I think the defense could seize on.

BLOOM: It's only a claim he's making at this point, if he's able to prove it and the judge in the Michael Jackson case thinks it's relevant to some issue in the Michael Jackson case, then, yes, it could come in. But keep in mind that the Jackson case is about the child's accusations, not about the parents. If the parents, though, are witnesses, they have some important information to share in the case then, yes, their competency will be an issue.

COOPER: But certainly, a defense lawyer, a smart one, could argue that perhaps these charges are somehow manipulated by a parent, and therefore, the attitude of the parent, the competency of the parent, the moral rectitude of the parent comes into play.

BLOOM: Well, that's absolutely possible, but again, we don't know how the charges came about. We don't know whether the mother manipulated the boy, that's a defense claim, not a prosecution claim. We don't know if the boy reported it to a therapist, how it came about.

That's going to be important at trial. The judge is going to decide what's relevant. This has to be strictly relevant at trial, not just speculation.

COOPER: Let's talk about this group that showed up today, holding this press conference today. They say they're going to file a friend of the court brief. What do you make of it?

BLOOM: That's a little odd. Friend of the court briefs, we usually see in the Supreme Court or an appeals court, not in a trial court and certainly not before charges are filed which is the case here.

They're also saying that as African-American, they're supporting Michael Jackson. That's clearly part of a defense P.R. strategy to play the race card, attack the victim early on. Those are the prongs of the defense P.R. strategy.

COOPER: But this group, though. There are multiple groups, I guess. They said we are not being paid by Michael Jackson. We are not part of any strategy.

BLOOM: Well, that may be true, but that is clearly the strategy that Jermaine Jackson on Michael Jackson's side, other family members have raised -- and the press.

COOPER: You think race is going to be brought into this?

BLOOM: Absolutely, his brother and mother have already asserted it. It's not going to surprise me at all.

COOPER: Lisa Bloom, Court TV.

BLOOM: Thanks.

COOPER: Well, it's another busy day inside the Chesapeake, Virginia courtroom, where teen sniper suspect, Lee Boyd Malvo is facing murder and terrorism charges. Today Malvo's notes and sketches were introduced as evidence that he was brainwashed. CNN's Jeanne Meserve has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Lee Malvo's jailhouse sketches are violent, replete with images of holy wars and terrorism as well as sniper shootings, but Malvo as an average I.Q. and is not psychotic in the view of clinical psychologist and defense witness David Shrekland (ph).

The psychologist said that Malvo was almost goofy during an examination, out of step with the seriousness of the situation. Shrekland's (ph) testing did show Malvo to have abnormally poor information processing skills, a possible symptom of depression, a lag in the development in the central nervous system or dissociative disorder, defined as a breakdown in perception of ones surroundings, memory, identity or consciousness. Shrekland's (ph) testimony, the first building block in Malvo's insanity defense.

ABBE SMITH, GEORGETOWN LAW CENTER: It fits. And more importantly, it gives the defense a chance at trial to lay the groundwork for arguing for mercy and mitigation at the penalty phase.

MESERVE: Prosecutor Robert Horan calls the insanity defense, a puff of smoke, a shell game. Jamaican born forensic social worker, Carmetta Albaress (ph) has worked with Malvo since last March to separate him from the man who the defense says indoctrinated him. When they first met, Malvo insisted John Muhammad was his father, was obsessed with racial injustice and had dropped all traces of his accent.

Over time, she said Malvo had changed, showing emotion during a phone call with his real father and a visit with a former teacher. But it was the videotape of his aunt in Jamaica singing a hymn that reduced Malvo to sobs.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: We didn't hear from defense attorneys today the way we usually do, and we won't until the end of the trial. After a letter from Malvo was leaked to the Washington press, a letter which had not been allowed in as evidence, the judge slapped a gag order on all of the attorneys involved in this case. Anderson, back you to.

COOPER: All right, Jean Meserve live in rainy Chesapeake, Virginia. Thanks very much, Jean tonight.

I want to change gears here a little bit. Have you heard about Paris Hilton? I don't know if you have or not, but if you have watched TV or have seen the Internet or something, you might have caught a glimpse of her, and this might clue you in on the subject of this week's overkill. We'll have that coming up.

Also tonight, what does Ray Romano have common with Madonna? No it's not the same choreographer, but we'll tell you in "The Current." That's coming up too.

And later, to dream the impossible dream. That's right, Hugh Hefner has been living it for 50 years now, that's as long as "Playboy" has been around, he's 77. Now, I get to ask him everything you wanted to know about Hugh Hefner, but were too far from the Playboy Mansion to ask. Hef is ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, more than 13 million people watched her show, or the debut of it at least, but are you sick of hearing about Paris Hilton? We certainly are. That's why she is the overkill story of the week.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Two of America's wealthiest young socialites.

COOPER (voice-over): Hilton mania climaxed this week with the debut of her show, "The Simple Life," co-starring Lionel Richie's daughter, who is also famous primarily for blowing the winnings of a genealogical lottery. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get ready for a new series with a twist.

COOPER: "The Simple Life" is actually the closest thing Hilton has come to a genuine project of her own. Before this, she was best known for -- well -- well, come to think of it, Hilton's only accomplishment has been becoming famous just by being famous, which I guess is sort of impressive.

How did she do it? Well, she had money and parents who seemed to let her buy all the clothes and cosmetics she wanted. Not that she wears that much clothing.

In gossip columns, Hilton became a boldfaced name, synonymous with hard partying, jet-setting and conspicuous canoodling.

But Hilton's fame reached a new high, or perhaps low, with seen on computer consoles around the globe. Have you seen Paris? Google "Paris Hilton" and you will find her ex-boyfriend googling her. The picture may be underexposed, but Hilton is now definitely overexposed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a real plus side to this show for Paris Hilton, obviously.

COOPER: Hilton's family may have been embarrassed by it all, but the coverage has helped her win strong ratings for her network reality debut.

She may not agree, but for a young woman whose only goal in life appears to be becoming famous, it seems any kind of publicity is good publicity indeed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: And that brings us to today's buzz. You have seen Paris Hilton on TV, maybe even your computer. Our question -- would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? Vote now, cnn.com/360. We'll have the results at the end of the program.

And time to plug into tonight's "Current." Let's take a look what's going on out there. Al Pacino and Beverly D'Angelo are not done fighting over their kids. Pacino is denying he had D'Angelo's credit card killed, and no truth to the rumor he now refers to her as Fredo.

Lawyers for rapper Mystikal, aka Michael Tyler, says a judge should not be allowed to sentence him for sexual battery because he can't be impartial. Why not? The lawyers say the judge would be biased because he saw a tape of Mystikal committing the crime. Really, how fair would that be?

Ray Romano is following the footsteps of Madonna, John Malkovich and other celebrities. He is writing a children's book. In a related story, someone somewhere who could have been the next generation's C.S. Lewis just gave up and applied to business school.

And a menu from the Titanic has sold at an auction for $49,500. The passengers had salmon, roast chicken, spring lamb, and for desert, an all they could eat supply of ice cold salt water.

All right, ever wanted to meet Hugh Hefner or be Hugh Hefner, for that matter? We're going to share his dating tips and more coming up.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HUGH HEFNER: My best introductory line, of course, is "my name is Hugh Hefner." I mean, it seems to work for me. It might not work for you, I don't know.

COOPER: You mind if I borrow that?

(CROSSTALK)

HEFNER: Try it for a week, see how it works.

COOPER: Slap on some pajamas.

HEFNER: Absolutely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: A lot of e-mails pouring in about Paris Hilton, believe it or not.

All right, 50 years ago this month, the first issue of a new magazine called "Playboy" hit the stands. On the cover was a man named Marilyn Monroe. Behind the cover, a man named Hugh Marston Hefner, whom you're about to meet. Hefner made the magazine a success by selling fantasy, and, well, by living it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, my life really isn't all that different from anyone else's.

COOPER (voice-over): Not all that different? 77-year-old Hugh Hefner lives in a world famous mansion with a zoo, a grotto, and a fluctuating number of young girlfriends. His is a fantasy life funded by fantasy.

The product, idealized women, young, usually blond, and just a little gallsy. But Hefner also sold post-war America a new image of sex, without shame, that women actually enjoyed.

"Playboy" was part of a sexual wave, fueled by Kinsey, women's lib and the pill. And "Playboy's" writers -- Mailer, Bradbury, Kerouac, Updike were sometimes even hotter than the centerfolds.

Even as "Playboy" ran afoul of feminists, like Gloria Steinem, the magazine managed to champion causes like civil rights and free speech.

By the 1970s, society seemed to catch up with Hefner. "Playboy" clubs were everywhere, along with calendars and bunnies, and circulation hit a peak. But without a place on the cutting edge and after getting outflanked by more explicit magazines like "Penthouse" and "Hustler" in the great pornography wars, the "Playboy" empire foundered. Hefner had a stroke.

Today it remains to be seen whether the new blood he and his daughter, Christy, are pumping into "Playboy" will prove as effective as the Viagra Hef pops to keep circulating among his 20-something girlfriends.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Or was it 25?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: I spoke with Hugh Hefner just a short time ago. We're going to play that interview right when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Welcome back. When I spoke with the father of "Playboy," the granddaddy of all playboys, the 77-year-old who still puts the play in player, I asked him what his type of woman is.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEFNER: Young and beautiful, and at the present time blond. I think the blond comes from -- I said, as a matter of fact, you know, Picasso had his pink period, had his blue period. I'm in my blonde period. And I think that's directly related to the blondes that were so popular when I was kid in the 1930s. You know, Jean Harlow, Alice Faye, the Busby Berkeley chorines. I think it, you know...

COOPER: Now, if you said to some of the women you're dating now, if you mentioned Alice Faye and Jean Harlow, would they be like, huh, who?

HEFNER: But my best gal, Holly Madison, is a huge fan of classic films. That's one of our common interests.

COOPER: So you can talk to her about it then.

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: And she'll explain it to the others?

HEFNER: Yes, that's the way it works.

COOPER: All right, now, you were said to be dating seven young women right now. I mean, is that for real? Is that just publicity?

HEFNER: No, it's all real. No. But...

COOPER: How does that work?

HEFNER: It works very well, actually. It works out very well. No, but you know -- a bachelor is likely to be dating more than one woman at a time, but you know, over a period of time. He maybe dates one girl on Friday, another girl on Saturday.

COOPER: You're just on an accelerated schedule.

HEFNER: I just date them all at the same time.

COOPER: All right, without going into gory details, I mean, do you all sleep in the same bed? It's got to be an enormous bed. You have got to have separate rooms.

HEFNER: Yes, they have separate rooms, but they sleep in my bed sometimes.

COOPER: So I see, you know, you go out dancing, you go out to dinner with them...

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: ... and you're riding home in the car. And then how do you decide -- all right, tonight it's going to be -- I'm sorry, what are their names, by the way?

HEFNER: Holly, Crystal, Zoe, Isabella -- who have I missed? Bridgette. How many have I named?

COOPER: I'm not sure.

(CROSSTALK)

COOPER: Close enough.

HEFNER: Tom, Dick and Harry.

COOPER: So how do you decide, is it going to be Holly or Bridgette?

COOPER: It doesn't work like that. It's, you know, we're all together. Also, for reasons that are very curious, the arrangement also has tremendous appeal to other women. In other words, wherever we go, there are other women, you know, come up to us and want to know, you know, can they join the group.

COOPER: And are there openings? I mean, for one to join the group, is there a resume process?

HEFNER: Well, from time to time. It's an evolutionary process. I mean, there are changes. Sure. Sure.

COOPER: All right. The fantasy of your life is this sort of, you know, this life with seven beautiful young women, and going out. And do you ever just want to say enough -- like, kick back, I was going to say kick back in your pajamas, but you're in your pajamas.

HEFNER: But I do that. Right.

COOPER: Do you ever want to just stay at home and just, you know, watch TV? HEFNER: I do that, too.

COOPER: You do?

HEFNER: Yes, sure.

COOPER: OK.

HEFNER: Yes.

COOPER: So it's not a constant 24-hour party, go, go, go.

HEFNER: No, no, there are quiet and peaceful times. And I love those times, sure.

One of the things that makes my life so delicious is, you know, not simply that it's other people's fantasy, but it is my own fantasy, and a fantasy that comes from childhood. And I have a real ongoing connection with my own childhood. The boy who dreamed the dreams. And I think that's what makes it all so sweet.

COOPER: And to women who say you degrade women, you -- you know, that they are a commodity for you?

HEFNER: Yes. The women who say that are the women who have never been asked to pose. You ought to talk to the women who have been in the magazine, whose lives have been changed in most remarkable ways, in terms of careers, in terms of personal lives. The notion of presenting women in a romantic context to suggest that women are sexual objects -- but of course they're sexual objects. What wouldn't want to be on this planet? We have two sexes, and the attraction between the sexes is what makes the world go around. That's who we are. If we don't celebrate that...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, that was a quick look at Hugh Hefner.

Now, what would a discussion of "Playboy" be without a little tease? We're going to have more of my talk with Hugh Hefner tomorrow. Hefner talks about business, morality and American values.

Time now for the buzz. We asked you, would you let Paris Hilton stay in your home? We're getting tons of e-mails on this one. Here's what you said, 42 percent of you said yes, 58 percent said no. Not a scientific poll, just viewer buzz.

Tonight's flying Air Force One to "The Nth Degree."

Air Force One's secret flight to Baghdad last week included a thrilling moment of suspense, when it seemed the mission could be compromised if a British Airways pilot blew the plane's cover. Here's how the White House first told the story. A British Airways pilot radioed "Did I just see Air Force One?" Air Force One replied, "Gulfstream 5," a smaller aircraft. The pilot seemed to sense he was in on a secret and replied simply, "Oh." Later, the White House said Air Force One had merely overheard a conversation between a pilot and the tower, diluting the aura of suspense and excitement the story had given to the president's trip.

So what really happened? Well, "AC 360" has located a fictional black box that recorded still another version that never happened. The tape may shed some light on things. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PILOT: I dare say, did I just see Air Force One?

AIR FORCE ONE: Negative. No president here. Over.

PILOT: You look like Air Force One. Come back.

AIR FORCE ONE: Concorde.

PILOT: You are not.

AIR FORCE ONE: UFO? Over.

PILOT: How can you be unidentified if you've identified yourself?

AIR FORCE ONE: Gulfstream 5?

PILOT: Oi, I don't bloody care! But if you're trying to keep it secret, you've got Air Force One in big bleeding letters on the side, now, don't you?

PILOT: Oh. Roger.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COOPER: That, of course, is a made-up version, but just tonight CNN has learned that the White House has changed the story again, saying the incident did not involve a British Airways pilot, but a pilot who may have had a British accent.

So to sum up, the current official version, something happened involving a plane.

Thanks for watching tonight. "PAULA ZAHN NOW" is next.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com