Return to Transcripts main page

Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees

Congressman Janklow Found Guilty; Al Gore Endorses Howard Dean

Aired December 08, 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 Democratic bombshell: Al Gore will endorse Howard Dean for president.

Behind the lines with Iraqi insurgents videotaping attacks. Can they be stopped?

Meet a teenage surfing phenom, back in the water after a harrowing shark attack.

The flu vaccine: why it's almost out of stock.

A terrible crime and a shocking question: did the victim want to be eaten?

And our special series, "Secret Societies." What goes on behind those closed doors?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

COOPER: Good evening. Welcome to 360.

We're following a number of developing stories right now. In a moment, we'll tell you about the flu shot shortage and what you need to know to protect you and your family this winter.

But first, we begin with breaking news from South Dakota, where Congressman Bill Janklow has been found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts against him. The charges stem from a collision back in August that killed a Minnesota man. Now jurors deliberated for less than five hours today before finding Janklow guilty just a few moments ago.

The most serious charge, the manslaughter charge, carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Janklow was also found guilty on three misdemeanor counts, including reckless driving. The defense had argued Janklow was suffering a diabetic reaction to low blood sugar at the time of the incident, a defense the prosecutors called "goofy."

With more, Kurt Nikish (ph) of South Dakota Public Radio, joins us on the phone from outside the courthouse.

Kurt (ph), thanks for joining us this evening. What is the latest that you have? What's your reaction?

Clearly, we're having some technical problems getting Kurt (ph) on the phone. We'll try to establish contact. We'll also have Lisa Bloom from Court TV back here in just a little while covering this story as well.

Moving on now, a political blockbuster in the 2004 race for the White House. CNN has learned that former Vice President Al Gore plans to endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now, a few minutes ago, I talked to CNN's Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala about the impact of the news.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: This endorsement is going to be great news, obviously, for Howard Dean. What does it mean for the other Democratic candidates?

PAUL BEGALA, "CROSSFIRE": They are probably personally angry and politically scrambling. They have tried to say Dean is only the candidate of the elite white establishment -- not establishment -- the white anti-establishment-type vote, or maybe just the angry voter. But here's a guy that got more votes who is a beloved figure in the Democratic Party. He's picking Howard Dean. It's a big deal.

COOPER: Tucker, why now?

TUCKER CARLSON, "CROSSFIRE": Because it's most helpful right now. I mean, if you are going to endorse, you don't do it after South Carolina. You do it at this very moment.

It's striking because Gore, of course, is a Clinton guy. He was with him for eight years. Howard Dean is running not simply against George W. Bush, but against the moderate legacy of Bill Clinton. So I think this is huge for him.

COOPER: You were saying before the break you wanted to be in the mind of Senator Joe Lieberman right now.

BEGALA: I feel for him right now. Here's a guy who at some point sat alone in a room with Al Gore, Al Gore turned to him and said, Joe, if I become president, god forbid something happens, I want you to run the country. You're the best person to be president.

And today he's reversed that and going against Joe. Now, Joe said he wouldn't even run at all if Gore got in the race. Enormous act of political loyalty and personal loyalty. For Gore to go against that, it's got to be difficult for Lieberman to take.

COOPER: Is this -- I mean, is this an anointing for Howard Dean? I mean, the rap on him has always been that he's too far to the left, that he's not mainstream enough to actually win the presidency. Here you have Al Gore saying he could win.

CARLSON: Well sure. And Gore is part of the mainstream of the Democratic Party. I'm not sure it's an anointing, but it's getting closer to it. It's the Washington establishment, or part of it reaching, out and saying, yes, actually, you are an OK guy.

I will say, though, that Gore is simply doing to Lieberman what the rest of the party did to Gore, which is to say, politics is all about betrayal. And people in politics gravitate toward people they think are going to win. I mean, it's not in the end about personal loyalty. People get cast aside when it looks like they're losers.

BEGALA: Do you know what the Dean campaign is doing right now? I guarantee you they are watching their blog. They live on the Internet, and there are a lot of their bloggers who don't want Dean to have any association with the Democratic establishment.

They attacked him when Carville and I appeared on HBO with him. They didn't like that, because we were seen as too establishment. So Dean's got to be careful to not anger his most loyal, most angry...

COOPER: Like going too far to the mainstream?

BEGALA: Absolutely.

CARLSON: Yes. But I think the fact that Gore is this kind of -- because he lost, actually, I think makes him legitimate in the eyes of many Dean supporters. I mean, there's nothing -- Democrats often say there's nothing Democrats like more than the noble loser, right?

COOPER: We're going to leave it there. All right. Tucker Carlson, Paul Begala, thanks very much.

BEGALA: Thanks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: As we said, a lot going on tonight. We turn now to flu fears. As the virus spreads, there's a flu shot shortage in some areas of the country. Got a lot of e-mails on this from our viewers who said they simply can't find the shots.

An earlier outbreak has led to a rush to doctors' offices and clinics, as the vaccine's makers say they have shipped out all they produced for this year. So how bad are things right now? Here's CNN's medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The director of the CDC is now calling it an epidemic. And people all across the country are heeding the call to get their flu shot.

In a typical year, 70 to 75 million Americans get flu shots. This year, 83 million doses were produced. The question now is, will there be enough?

DR. JULIE GERBERDING, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL: We still do have vaccine out there, and for those people who are at highest risk for the complications of influenza, you need to get persistent about finding it. GUPTA: Especially for those at higher risks: persons 65 years and older and those above age 50 who have chronic medical conditions; residents of nursing homes; persons with chronic heart or lung conditions; those with weakened immune systems; and children aged 6 to 23 months. It doesn't appear to be a problem of production, but distribution.

The flu shots are not getting to all the places that need it. And this year's flu does seem different in other ways. For example, the Fujian strain hit hard and hit early.

GERBERDING: We've seen patterns like this in the past, but H3N2 strains in general can cause more severe flu.

GUPTA: Prevention for that was not included in this year's vaccine. But it is still worth it to get your best protection. If your doctors run out of vaccine, be persistent.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well Sanjay, there's also, I understand, a nasal version of the vaccine. Is that a good alternative for people who can't get their hands on the flu shot?

GUPTA: Yes, it certainly can be a good alternative for some people, but a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, the flu mist actually uses a live virus, a live attenuated virus, meaning that it could get people somewhat sick. It's also a little bit more expensive, about $59 per dose for that flu mist.

There are people who definitely should not get the flu mist vaccine. It has to do again with the fact that it's really recommended for healthy people age five to 49. Under five, over 50, no. People at high risk for complications from flu, also that's a concern. Pregnant women and people with an allergy as well.

Those are the people who flu mist won't be a good option for. But again, we're hearing, Anderson, bottom line, there probably is going to be enough flu vaccine out there. It's maybe not in all the right places as of right now, but if you wait long enough, call around, you'll probably be able to get your shot -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Shop around for it. Sanjay Gupta, thanks very much.

GUPTA: Thank you.

COOPER: Today, in the trial of sniper suspect Lee Boyd Malvo, lawyers for the defense trying to make the case that Malvo was brainwashed. Well, they turned to Hollywood for help. They played the jury a clip from the 1999 hit movie "The Matrix."

Here's Jeanne Meserve.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Lee Malvo told a psychologist he did not shoot Linda Franklin at the Home Depot, the central murder in this case. He was in the grass, he told Dr. Dewey Cornell, looking through binoculars, acting as a spotter for John Muhammad.

In fact, Malvo told Cornell he pulled the trigger only once, killing Conrad Johnson. That contradicts Malvo's confessions to police, but Cornell says salvo was martering himself to protect John Muhammad, who had indoctrinated Malvo to his philosophy of racial hatred by playing recordings of Malcom X and Louis Farrakhan even while Malvo slept.

LOUIS FARRAKHAN: Fear, envy, distrust, for what purpose? Control. To control who? The slaves. Who is the slave? Us.

MESERVE: The movie "The Matrix," about overthrowing an oppressive system, was another tool of indoctrination. Cornell testified Malvo watched it more than 100 times, once right before the Home Depot shooting.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not clear which way that cuts. Is it that having seen it 100 times, that somehow excuses killing, or he saw it 100 times because he liked what he was seeing?

MESERVE: Cornell testified that Muhammad would coach Malvo on sniping techniques with video games like Halo (ph). By the time of the killings, Cornell says, Malvo was suffering from a mental disease and he had been brainwashed into believing right and wrong did not exist.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: Cornell also revealed that salvo was beaten by his mother and attempted suicide when he was 14. Also that he had killed cats and shop lifted CDs and comic books before he met John Muhammad and fell under his influence.

Anderson, back to you.

COOPER: All right. Jeanne Meserve, live in Virginia. Thanks, Jeanne.

We're going to flashback now. This is not the first time a movie is being used in court. You might remember, back in 1993, Ronnie Jack Beasley (ph) was accused of murder, armed robbery and auto theft. Well, the prosecution played Oliver Stone's movie, "Natural Born Killers," in its entirety. They told the jury Beasley (ph) watched the movie 19 times, and it motivated him to kill.

He got life in prison. Now, lawyers for Beasley (ph) appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, arguing it was improper to have shown jurors the film, but the court upheld the ruling.

Well, moving on, the search for University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin zeroed in on a Minnesota town today. But the biggest news in the case so far could come tomorrow.

Jeff Flock has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): This is what it looks like on the search for Dru Sjodin: looking under rail cars, crawling through frozen brush, digging out draining (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're not going to leave here knowing that we didn't do everything we could to help find her.

FLOCK: It starts early.

MIKE SJODIN, DRU'S COUSIN: One group go this way, and one group go that way.

FLOCK: Mike Sjodin, Dru's cousin, divides the teams. Then off come the all-terrain vehicles. Acting on a tip posted here at the finddru.com Web site, they come to the town of Alvarado, Minnesota.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to work the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). We're going to meet back in the section...

FLOCK: Mike takes his team along a country road. Someone finds something in a ditch. It turns out to be a dead animal.

SJODIN: We've been pulling strength from our family. And of course, Dru. We all feel Dru in our hearts and our souls.

FLOCK: Prosecutors first said this search might be hurt if the affidavit that outlines the evidence against suspect Alfonso Rodriguez was made public. Now, though they won't say why, prosecutors have okayed its release, which could come Tuesday.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every day is a hard day.

FLOCK: That's Sjodin's uncle, Lowel (ph), combing a ditch and picturing a young niece who wanted to be a graphic artist. Her work on the finddru.com Web site, along with pictures of a girl who always seems to be smiling.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If we quit and she walks in the door two months down the road, she's going to be mad as hell.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: But of course, Anderson, the family does not intend to quit. And authorities today announced that they, too, would resume their searches as well. Of course it's important to note that, with all the searching that's been done thus far, not one shred of evidence or sign of Dru Sjodin has been found -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. The search continues. Jeff Flock, thanks.

I want to get you up to date now what's going on "Cross Country." Let's take a look.

Oklahoma city, Oklahoma: renewal. The new federal building opened today, almost nine years after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building. The new building is across from the old site. Formal dedication? Well it is set for next May.

Washington, D.C.: historic signing. President Bush signed the Medicare overhaul bill into law. The plan includes a prescription drug benefit for older Americans at an estimated cost of $400 billion over the next 10 years.

Washington, D.C.: cuss fuss. The White House wants Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry to apologize for using, well, the mother of all curse words in describing President Bush's Iraq policy. "Rolling Stone" magazine quotes Kerry as saying he didn't expect the president to "F" up the situation so badly. White House chief of staff, Andrew Card, said he is disappointed that Kerry would use that kind of language, but Kerry's campaign says the candidate -- well, they say he has no regrets.

That's a look at stories right now "Cross Country."

A sense of belonging under a shroud of secrecy. Our weeklong look at secret societies begins with a controversial group, Opus Dei, prominently featured in this book, the best-selling novel, "The Da Vinci Code."

Also, a real-life murder mystery gets stranger by the minute. What are the newest theories in the torture killing of a federal prosecutor?

And a dubious first for the German courts. A man on trial for killing and, well, eating another man after advertising for a willing victim on the Internet. It is an unbelievable case. We'll have a report from Germany coming up on that.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, the case of a slain federal prosecutor from Baltimore is taking more strange twists and turns than a plot from "Law & Order. Law enforcement correspondent, Mike Brooks, has the latest details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Investigators looking into the death of Jonathan Luna continue to consider all the possibilities, including the chance the prosecutor's death may have been linked to his personal life. Sources say Luna's name has turned up on some adult Web sites.

Electronic records show that Luna took an indirect route to the rural Pennsylvania area where his body was found, an area where some people have been known to gather for sexual encounters. Police have visited area motels asking workers if they recognize Luna's picture. Investigators have also been trying to determine whether Luna had any debt problems.

His wife told authorities Luna had some credit cards she didn't know about until after his death. Still, police have not discarded the possible Luna was murdered because of his profession.

As an assistant U.S. attorney based in Baltimore, Luna had prosecutored many violent criminals. His father says he often urged his son to take a safer job. Paul D. Luna told The Associated Press, "I was warning him many times. I'm very positive this is for his job. I even told that to the FBI."

Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: We are following a number of stories around the globe right now. Let's check the "UpLink."

Near Balad, Iraq: at least two U.S. soldiers killed. A bridge collapses and two of the Army's newest fighting vehicles -- they're called Strikers -- well, they overturned. The vehicles landed upside down in the water below. No word on how the bridge collapsed or why.

Toronto, Ontario: theater collapse. One person is dead after the collapse of part of a historic theater. You are seeing it right there. A wall of the theater undergoing demolition fell on to a school next door, injuring 15 people, including three kids. One person was trapped in the rubble for several hours before being rescued.

Petaw, Afghanistan: wrong target. You may have heard about this over the weekend. Nine children were accidentally killed in a U.S. airstrike aimed at a suspected Taliban terrorist. The U.S. military says it accepts the blame and has offered condolences. U.S. troops today gave villagers clothing, food and toys.

Baghdad, Iraq: war crimes tribunal approved. The Iraqi Governing Council has voted to create a tribunal to prosecute those who committed atrocities under the regime of Saddam Hussein. Details, they still need to be work out, but it did decide five judges would be on the tribunal, all Iraqi nationals.

And Germany: cannibalism trial. That's right, cannibalism. A man who has confessed to killing and eating another man testified that he sought more volunteers to share the same fate.

The man told the court he found his victim on the Internet. He faces murder charges. We're going to have more on this grim case coming up in just a few moments.

That's tonight's "UpLink."

That brings us to tonight's "Buzz" question. Under the worst of circumstances, would you consider cannibalism? Vote now: cnn.com/360. The results at the end of the program.

And our look at "Secret Societies" begins in just a moment. Tonight: Opus Dei. You may have read about it in "The Da Vinci Code." We're going to talk to a former member.

Also ahead: a startling look at Iraqi insurgents. We'll talk with the "TIME" magazine correspondent who risked his life to meet with rebels.

Plus, a young surfer attacked by a shark decides to go back into the water. There she is trying to surf again just a few weeks after she lost her arm. You're going to meet the remarkable 13-year-old, Bethany Hamilton.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Tonight, we begin a special series on "Secret Societies." Their meetings are shrouded in mystery, and outsiders are strictly prohibited. This week, we take you inside their secret worlds. Here's what you can expect.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Our special series begins tonight with the controversial Roman Catholic group Opus Dei, brought to light in best- selling novel "The Da Vinci Code."

The book describes graphic practices of self-flagellation and other forms of self-punishment. We'll talk to a former member about what she says goes on inside.

Later this week, we'll look at Yale University's ultra secret Skull and Bones, considered by many to be America's most exclusive secret society. Behind these doors, bizarre initiation rituals reportedly take place. Captains of industry and presidents, including our current president, have been bonesmen. They found that membership definitely has its privileges.

We'll also be examining the centuries' old world of the Free Masons, considered to be the largest secret society on Earth. Masons were instrumental in the founding of our country. But beyond the charity work and the secret handshakes lies an organization shrouded in mystery.

And finally, we'll visit what is perhaps the country's most despised secret society, the Ku Klux Klan. Founded in 1866, their past has been filled with violence and hatred. Today, the Klan's influence has dwindled to less than 5,000 members, but their current leader says he has plans to change all of that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, we begin our weeklong look at secret societies. Tonight, the controversial Roman Catholic group, Opus Dei. Its slogan is "Finding God in Work and Daily Life." But some former members claim there is a darker side. You may have heard about Opus Dei if you read the best seller, "The Da Vinci Code."

CNN's Dan Lothian takes us behind the book cover.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The search for a deeper faith has led an estimated 80,000 Roman Catholics into Opus Dei, a controversial organization placed in the plot of the religious thriller and "New York Times" best seller, "The Da Vinci Code." The book paints a picture of a secretive organization whose members follow a strict routine of prayer, study, and often self-flagellation.

Some former members say they were victims of mind control, caught in a cult-like atmosphere. Religion experts say the group is in many ways a mystery.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's because they're basically a secret clandestine organization. Now, they will probably deny that, but if they do deny it, then they have a heck of a PR job to do in the public forum.

LOTHIAN: Opus Dei, which means god's work, was founded in 1928 by Spanish priest Jose Maria Iscriva (ph). Fifty-four years later, thanks to Pope John Paul, the group became affiliated with the Catholic Church.

(on camera): Opus Dei says it has sometimes been misunderstood and denies accusations of mind control. Part of the group's Web site is devoted to clearing things up. While they admit members do practice various acts of self-denial, their mission statement focuses on seeking holiness and transforming the public.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They would prefer Catholic people, lay people, to bring their faith into the workplace, into the marketplace of life. Now, what can be more admirable than that?

LOTHIAN: A conservative (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the Catholic Church, promoting its spiritual devotion but dogged by history of controversy.

Dan Lothian, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Getting close to those attacking U.S. troops in Iraq.

And, would you go back in the water after a shark attack? This girl has. You'll meet her.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time for the "Reset." Here's tonight's top stories.

Flandreau, South Dakota: Congressman Bill Janklow has been found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts against him. This happened just a short time ago. The charges stem from a collision back in August that killed a Minnesota man. We're going to have more on this in just a moment.

CNN learns former Vice President Al Gore will endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination tomorrow. Gore was the party's candidate in 2000, of course. His backing could clinch the former Vermont governor's status as frontrunner going into the contest in Iowa and New Hampshire.

In other news, President Bush's approval ratings are up. A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows him at 55 percent, a jump of five percentage points in a month. The strong economic news is strengthening his hopes for re-election.

The government the espionage case against him crumbled, but a Muslim U.S. Army chaplain who served at the terror suspect prison camp at Guantanamo Bay is other charges ranging from mishandling classified documents to adultery. On the first day of an evidentiary hearing at Fort Benning, Georgia, today, Captain James Yee, you see there with his wife and child, his defense counsel called the accusations inconsequential and unfair.

Police in Columbus, Ohio, are asking people to compare times and dates of 14 highway shootings with habits of anyone they suspect may be involved. The shootings have claimed one life.

And a spokeswoman reports Ozzy Osbourne underwent emergency surgery today after a serious accident on an all-terrain vehicle at his estate in England. The publicist says his injuries are not life threatening.

Coming up in just a moment, grim testimony in a cannibalism trial in Germany. A man who has confessed to killing and eating his victim. He says he was looking for more victims on the Internet. That story in just a moment.

But first, "Justice Served." A closer look at Congressman Bill Janklow. He was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts in a collision that killed a man back in August.

Court TV anchor Lisa Bloom joins me right here in New York.

Lisa, good to see you.

LISA BLOOM, COURT TV: Hi, Anderson.

COOPER: Not surprising given this man's track record.

BLOOM: Not surprising at all. After watching a lot of high- profile trials, American juries don't like excuses like the twinkie defense or they don't like excuses the diabetes defense, which was offered in this case.

COOPER: That's what his defense was saying.

BLOOM: That he had low blood sugar...

COOPER: Hadn't eaten in 18 hours.

BLOOM: That's a condition over which he had control. I think most jurors would say, look, if you know you are diabetic and you know you have a problem you have to take care of it. We're not going to absolve you from running a stop sign and killing someone because of diabetes.

COOPER: They only took five hours to come to a verdict. Very quick.

BLOOM: It is very quick. Doesn't necessarily mean a guilty verdict. In the O.J. Simpson case was about a three-hour verdict to acquit. But it generally does bode poorly for the defendant if it's a quick verdict in this case. They probably had just enough time to pick a foreperson, and go over the evidence and decide guilty.

COOPER: There had been a number of other incidents in his past I think, from 1990 to October 1994, 12 speeding tickets right before his second stint as governor. But the jury didn't get to hear about that.

BLOOM: They didn't hear about that but heard about him lying to police. Three police officers at the scene saying he was trying to avoid a white car, a white car that never materialized. The trial he was left to say, well, he had to make that up because he had a head injury. There was just a lot of bad stuff for Janklow at this trial.

COOPER: He had also bragged very publicly in the past about his driving habits. It seemed to be a point of pride.

BLOOM: That he was a speeder. And look a lot of people speed. A lot people drive over the speed limit. But when you do so recklessly and you have this many tickets, lying to the police and making up an excuse like diabetes, it's not going to fly in most American courtrooms. And it didn't fly here.

COOPER: The manslaughter charge, the maximum 10 years. When will we find out his sentencing?

BLOOM: Well, that should be coming up. That will be scheduled shortly.

COOPER: All right, Lisa Bloom, thanks very much.

BLOOM: Thank you.

COOPER: You are about to get an astonishing inside look at what U.S. Forces are up against in Iraq. Reporters from "Time" magazine made their way inside the Iraqi resistance movement interviewing insurgents and even shooting video of their operations. "Time" correspondent Brian Bennett is in Baghdad ready to tell us all about it. It is just a fascinating look at these insurgent groups and there are a number of different players here. There are people from Saddam Hussein's Fedayeen. Tell us about some of the other players. BRIAN BENNETT, "TIME" MAGAZINE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we found it was very interesting that the Americans are facing here is a diverse group of fighters. The Saddam former Fedayeen seemed to be calling the shots right now and have access to funds and access to money. A lot of the foot soldiers call themselves mujahedeen or holy warriors, consider themselves to be fighting a jihad against the occupying forces here in Iraq. There's an interesting debate going on inside this one network of resistant cells that we were able to get inside of. The former Fedayeen will not hesitate, they've told us, to take Iraqi civilian casualties in an effort to kill an American soldier. However, the mujahedeen are reluctant to take an Iraqi life. And this is a debate that is ongoing. And it also belies an ideological difference between the two groups that later on down the road could divide the resistance.

COOPER: We're looking at some of the images not only that "Time" has obtained video shot by insurgents, but also some video and still shots shot by "Time" magazine. I want to talk about some of the weaponry you saw some of these insurgents use. I mean, some of seems very sophisticated and they seem able to adapt air to air missiles to make them ground to air missiles.

BENNETT: What they've done in the last probably two months is develop systems to change and modify the ordnance, the different types of weapons that are cached around the country to be able to be used against coalition forces. So, they are using old weapons and changing their use to be used in a different way than what they were designed for. One rocket system that my colleague Michael Ware witnessed in action was a helicopter air to air missile that had been converted to become a surface to surface missile. And the resistance fighters even developed a launching, a sort of launching tube to fire the rockets out at and they used the rudimentary aiming device to sent it into different sectors of a U.S. base.

COOPER: Brian, I want to read to our audience for those who haven't read this article in the new issue of "Time" magazine, a quote from one of these insurgents a guy called himself, Abu Ali. "Abu Ali's most frightening plans involve his desire to employ unconventional weapons. His most prized possession he says, is a cache of 82 millimeter mortar round. Mohammed displays one of the rounds and proclaims this is a chemical mortar."

Were you able to verify what you saw or what they said was a chemical mortar?

Were you able to?

BENNETT: We were definitely not able to say that's definitely a chemical mortar. We talked to some experts, gave a description of the markings on the mortar. There was a certain odor around the mortar, a vinegar smell that -- and all of these things were consistent with what could possibly be a chemical weapon, but I want to emphasize in no way did we confirm that the insurgency has a chemical weapon. But what was so interesting, I think, about what Abu Ali had to say was his intent that he believes he has a chemical weapon and he's willing to use it. And so even if these men don't have chemical weapons in their hands at this moment, if and when they do get chemical weapons, they seem prepared to use them.

COOPER: Well, Brian Bennett, we appreciate you using you joining us tonight. It's a gutsy piece of journalism on your part, as well as the others at "Time" magazine. It's in this weeks editions. Thank you very much, Brian.

Moving on, judges in the trial of a German cannibal have seen video evidence his victim had asked to be killed and eaten. It's a bizarre case. His name is Armin Meiwes. And he admits to slaying and devouring a man who he says responded to an ad on a Internet Web site for cannibals. Matthew Chance visited the small town of Rotenberg to unearth the gruesome details of this case.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From a distance, Rotenburg seems picture perfect. But these rooftops have hidden a grizzly secret. In the sunlight, the house where Armin Meiwes lived out his cannibal fantasies. Sealed as evidence now, behind these walls, a man was slaughtered and eaten like an animal. The details have disgusted and frightened many, like Manfred Stuck (ph), friend and neighbor for 30 years.

"He seemed the most normal guy you could know," he told me. "I dread to think what's going on inside his head," he says.

Armin Meiwes, seen here in court, openly confesses to killing and eating his victim, this man, Bernd-Juergen Brandes. In fact, he says, Brandes wanted to be eaten and even shared a meal of his own genitals, cooked with peppers and garlic.

Crime experts say the apparent joint nature of the fantasy makes this a grotesque and truly unique case.

PROF. ARTHUR KREUYER, CRIMINOLOGIST: The one who is sadistic, more sadistic cannibal, and the other who is a more masochistic cannibal; the one who wants to kill, the one who wants to be killed.

CHANCE: It is a crossing of paths many here wish had never been made in their town.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Matthew Chance joins us now. Now, Matthew, I mean, this is not the first case of cannibalism the modern world, but this case really is unique.

CHANCE: It really is because, as you say, there have been several incidents throughout history of cannibals, people consuming human flesh. What's different about this case is that it seems to have involved an individual, a victim who actually consented to being killed and to being eaten. Now, that makes it a very difficult case here in Germany to try. Not least because there aren't any specific laws in Germany about eating flesh. There's nothing to outlaw cannibalism in itself. So, what the prosecution are looking for is a conviction for murder. They say this Meiwes individual exploited the suicidal tendencies of his victim. What the defense attorneys are arguing is that this was a request killing, something that the victim wanted to happen and it is something akin to euthanasia which is still illegal here, but carries a much lighter sentence -- Anderson.

COOPER: And in court today this man has basically said there were other people who were willing to be killed, to be eaten, and he actually turned them down. That's his claim.

CHANCE: Exactly. And that's one of the most disturbing aspects of this case. The extent to which there seem to be a lot of people out there, not just in Germany, but particularly out on the Internet in various chat rooms linked with cannibalism who seem quite prepared to not only consider eating human flesh, but also to be slaughtered for the purpose of being eaten by cannibals. One very grotesque story was told by Armin Meiwes, the actually self confessed cannibal, he said he spoke to one man who wanted to be crucified and have his body burned by a blow torch, but he rejected that individual to be eaten by himself because he simply thought he was too weird, which says quite a lot about the kind of people out there.

COOPER: If a cannibal tells you are too weird, I mean, I guess -- just a bizarre case. Matthew Chance, thanks very much for the report tonight.

Tonight's "Buzz" question, under the worst of circumstances would you consider cannibalism?

Talking about the worst of circumstances. Vote now, cnn.com/360. Results at the end of the program.

And later on tonight -- it is the anniversary of the day after the date which will live in infamous. We'll look at FDR's speech on this day in 1941.

And still ahead -- a young surfer gives us all a lesson in perseverance. Bethany Hamilton, talks about getting back in the water after a shark attack.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Cnn.com/360. Give us an e-mail.

For "Fresh Print" we usually look at words that appear in the latest media newspapers or on the Internet. But today we wanted to look at 500 some-odd words that are technically neither fresh nor print. So, you might ask why are they today's "Fresh Print"?

Because they are just as vital and urgent as when the nation heard them 62 years ago today.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attack attacked by forces of the Empire of Japan. COOPER (voice-over): December 8th is a date which lives in history for president Roosevelt's short, plain-spoken speech galvanizing a nation for war that was not chosen but thrust upon it. He didn't tell Americans there was nothing to fear. That was an earlier speech about the depression. Instead, he spoke bluntly about what Americans did have to fear.

ROOSEVELT: There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

COOPER: On that day, there was no talk about the cost of victory, only its certitude.

ROOSEVELT: No matter how long it may take us, whatever comes of this premeditated invasion, the American people and their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

COOPER: Roosevelt was right about victory, though it's worth remembering he didn't live to see it.

ROOSEVELT: We will not only defend ourselves through the utter most but we'll make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

COOPER: Sixty years later, of course, this form of treachery did endanger us again and the danger is still very real. Making it worth remembering today Roosevelt's prediction then of how the conflict would be won.

ROOSEVELT: With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us god.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Sixty-two years ago today, the words do seem very fresh indeed.

Well, moving on. Remember the young surfing champ attacked by a shark?

Bethany Hamilton is back in the water. There she is already surfing again. We are going to talk to her about courage and determination.

Plus, who is that nipping that Matt and Katie's heels?

We'll find out when check in with tonight's "Current." That is all head stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Call it the surfing version of getting right back up on the horse. You may remember the story of a shark attack and a teenage surfer. 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing in Hawaii on October 31 when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, losing her left arm about four inches below the shoulder. Less than a month later she's hitting the waves again. Bethany was back in the water on Thanksgiving and is here to tell us all about it. Bethany, thanks for being with us. I know you got a little bit of a cold. So if you cough, that's OK. What was it like getting back in the water?

BETHANY HAMILTON, SURFER: It was like, such a great experience because I've been looking forward to, like, the whole time in the hospital. I was getting really anxious, and...

COOPER: When they took your stitches out, were you like, all right, I'm going back in the water right now?

HAMILTON: I wanted to, but then he was like, oh, you can't go out until this day, and I started counting because I couldn't go out for like forever. And everybody was crying also because of the painful stitches.

COOPER: Right. But you basically took I guess like a week from the time you got the stitches out. And we're looking at the video. This is your first day back in. Now, you are surfing with a long board.

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: What is it like trying to paddle now? I mean, how different is it now than it was before?

HAMILTON: It's harder, but it's probably not as -- it's not as hard on the long board as the short board.

COOPER: Right. Now, this is you practicing, a little bit. I guess a friend of your family's or something got you this board on -- and what's that like? That looks impossible. You know, if I tried that, I think I'd break my back.

HAMILTON: I guess it's just to help you with your surfing balance. Yeah.

COOPER: What -- were you worried about getting back in the water? I mean, you were attacked by a shark, and, you know, basically about a month later or so, a little more than that, you are back in the water. When you first hit the water again, did you think, like, maybe this isn't a good idea?

HAMILTON: No, I wasn't too worried.

COOPER: No fears about going back?

HAMILTON: Not really.

COOPER: You know, the day it happened, October 31, it was early in the morning, it was like 7:30 in the morning or something. You were out with a friend of yours, a couple of other friends, their parents. Did you know what was happening when -- did you see the shark in advance? HAMILTON: No, I didn't see the shark in advance, but as soon as it happened, I knew what happened, and my, like, all that went through my head was to go for the beach.

COOPER: And you were surfing with a friend of yours. You went to her father, I guess, and he sort of brought you onto shore.

HAMILTON: Yeah, hauled (ph).

COOPER: And then they, I guess, they actually used part of the surfboard, part of like I guess the leash they call it on a surfboard to make a tourniquet?

HAMILTON: Yeah. That was definitely a life saver. The doctor said that.

COOPER: Yeah. I also understand that you woke up, you were on the beach, and a paramedic whispered something in your ear?

HAMILTON: He's like, God will never leave you or forsake you.

COOPER: God will never leave you or forsake you, that's what he said?

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: That's interesting. What do you want to do now? I mean, you are a champion surfer, you're on the cover of magazines and stuff before this happened. You want to just keep going with that, don't you?

HAMILTON: You know what? What I really want to do is go home and surf.

COOPER: You want to get out of here right now and go home and surf, don't you?

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: All right. Well, that's fair enough. I can understand that. You've been in New York for a couple of days. You are dying to get back in the water.

It's really a pleasure to meet you. You're really an inspiration to a lot of people. And the best of luck with all your surfing. All right.

HAMILTON: Thank you.

COOPER: Thanks.

All right. Time to check in on the pop culture, "Current." Lets take a look.

"Good Morning America" had it's best ratings in almost decade last month, narrowing the gap with the first place "Today Show." "Today" has been slipping since the show finally ended it's sexual tension plot line between Matt, Katie and Al.

"Cops" is coming to DVD next year. Fox will release three DVD compilation of the classic reality show, "Shots Fired," "Caught in the Act" and "Bad Girls." Each will include uncensored footage not seen on TV. Cross your fingers for audio commentary by the drunk guy with his pants around his ankles.

Adam Sandler has picked his next movie. According to the "Hollywood Reporter" "Click" is about a man who finds a remote control that lets him fast forward and rewind to different parts of his life. If Sandler had a device in real life, "Little Nicky" would have starred David Spade.

And finally, "Law and Order" creator Dick Wolf will receive the John Risenback Foundation Distinguished Citizen's Award tonight. However on his way home, Wolf, may be the target of what appears to be a drive-by shooting that turns out to be committed by an accountant covering up a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) scheme involving fugitive Nazi and Wall Street brokers who offer conflicting testimony that reveals a secret love affair triggered by recollection of repressed memories resulting in a verdict of delicious ambiguity.

All right, remember the Taliban?

Turns out they are going to have to bite the bullet, though not the way some people might like them to. We'll take Taliban's financial woes to the "Nth Degree."

We are almost done Bethany.

Plus tomorrow the KKK, our look inside America's "Secret Societies" continues.

What are they doing these days?

We'll find out tomorrow.

First, today's "Buzz." Under the worst of circumstances would you consider, well, cannibalism?

Vote now at cnn.com/360. The results when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time now for "The Buzz."

We asked you, under the worst of circumstances would you consider cannibalism? Forty-six percent said, yes, 54 percent said, no. Certainly not a scientific poll, just viewer "Buzz."

Tonight, taking budget cuts to the "Nth Degree." "Newsweek" reports Osama bin Laden told the Taliban he's cutting their funding in half. The Taliban will now have to get by on 1.5 million a month instead of $3 million. So here at 360, we decided to come up with belt tightening measures the Taliban might employ during these lean economic times. First, of course, as tough as it is, they have to consider streamlining. And yes, that's going to mean layoffs. Lots of people would benefit from a slimmed down Taliban. And with a good job retraining program, former members could turn their experience in oppression, into solid managerial skills in the professional sector.

Second, the Taliban are going to have to raise taxes. Yes, it's a burden, but if some Taliban companies go under, that's a price we are willing to pay.

Third, borrow, borrow, borrow. Yes, it's increasing the Taliban's deficit which means future generations of Taliban will struggle under crushing mountains of debt, which of course is a good thing. But finally it may sound small, but it's time for them to eliminate all unnecessary travel. In fact, if you ask me, they should stay put exactly where they are.

That wraps up our program tonight. Thanks for watching. Coming up next "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

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





Dean>


Aired December 8, 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 Democratic bombshell: Al Gore will endorse Howard Dean for president.

Behind the lines with Iraqi insurgents videotaping attacks. Can they be stopped?

Meet a teenage surfing phenom, back in the water after a harrowing shark attack.

The flu vaccine: why it's almost out of stock.

A terrible crime and a shocking question: did the victim want to be eaten?

And our special series, "Secret Societies." What goes on behind those closed doors?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

COOPER: Good evening. Welcome to 360.

We're following a number of developing stories right now. In a moment, we'll tell you about the flu shot shortage and what you need to know to protect you and your family this winter.

But first, we begin with breaking news from South Dakota, where Congressman Bill Janklow has been found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts against him. The charges stem from a collision back in August that killed a Minnesota man. Now jurors deliberated for less than five hours today before finding Janklow guilty just a few moments ago.

The most serious charge, the manslaughter charge, carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Janklow was also found guilty on three misdemeanor counts, including reckless driving. The defense had argued Janklow was suffering a diabetic reaction to low blood sugar at the time of the incident, a defense the prosecutors called "goofy."

With more, Kurt Nikish (ph) of South Dakota Public Radio, joins us on the phone from outside the courthouse.

Kurt (ph), thanks for joining us this evening. What is the latest that you have? What's your reaction?

Clearly, we're having some technical problems getting Kurt (ph) on the phone. We'll try to establish contact. We'll also have Lisa Bloom from Court TV back here in just a little while covering this story as well.

Moving on now, a political blockbuster in the 2004 race for the White House. CNN has learned that former Vice President Al Gore plans to endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now, a few minutes ago, I talked to CNN's Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala about the impact of the news.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: This endorsement is going to be great news, obviously, for Howard Dean. What does it mean for the other Democratic candidates?

PAUL BEGALA, "CROSSFIRE": They are probably personally angry and politically scrambling. They have tried to say Dean is only the candidate of the elite white establishment -- not establishment -- the white anti-establishment-type vote, or maybe just the angry voter. But here's a guy that got more votes who is a beloved figure in the Democratic Party. He's picking Howard Dean. It's a big deal.

COOPER: Tucker, why now?

TUCKER CARLSON, "CROSSFIRE": Because it's most helpful right now. I mean, if you are going to endorse, you don't do it after South Carolina. You do it at this very moment.

It's striking because Gore, of course, is a Clinton guy. He was with him for eight years. Howard Dean is running not simply against George W. Bush, but against the moderate legacy of Bill Clinton. So I think this is huge for him.

COOPER: You were saying before the break you wanted to be in the mind of Senator Joe Lieberman right now.

BEGALA: I feel for him right now. Here's a guy who at some point sat alone in a room with Al Gore, Al Gore turned to him and said, Joe, if I become president, god forbid something happens, I want you to run the country. You're the best person to be president.

And today he's reversed that and going against Joe. Now, Joe said he wouldn't even run at all if Gore got in the race. Enormous act of political loyalty and personal loyalty. For Gore to go against that, it's got to be difficult for Lieberman to take.

COOPER: Is this -- I mean, is this an anointing for Howard Dean? I mean, the rap on him has always been that he's too far to the left, that he's not mainstream enough to actually win the presidency. Here you have Al Gore saying he could win.

CARLSON: Well sure. And Gore is part of the mainstream of the Democratic Party. I'm not sure it's an anointing, but it's getting closer to it. It's the Washington establishment, or part of it reaching, out and saying, yes, actually, you are an OK guy.

I will say, though, that Gore is simply doing to Lieberman what the rest of the party did to Gore, which is to say, politics is all about betrayal. And people in politics gravitate toward people they think are going to win. I mean, it's not in the end about personal loyalty. People get cast aside when it looks like they're losers.

BEGALA: Do you know what the Dean campaign is doing right now? I guarantee you they are watching their blog. They live on the Internet, and there are a lot of their bloggers who don't want Dean to have any association with the Democratic establishment.

They attacked him when Carville and I appeared on HBO with him. They didn't like that, because we were seen as too establishment. So Dean's got to be careful to not anger his most loyal, most angry...

COOPER: Like going too far to the mainstream?

BEGALA: Absolutely.

CARLSON: Yes. But I think the fact that Gore is this kind of -- because he lost, actually, I think makes him legitimate in the eyes of many Dean supporters. I mean, there's nothing -- Democrats often say there's nothing Democrats like more than the noble loser, right?

COOPER: We're going to leave it there. All right. Tucker Carlson, Paul Begala, thanks very much.

BEGALA: Thanks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: As we said, a lot going on tonight. We turn now to flu fears. As the virus spreads, there's a flu shot shortage in some areas of the country. Got a lot of e-mails on this from our viewers who said they simply can't find the shots.

An earlier outbreak has led to a rush to doctors' offices and clinics, as the vaccine's makers say they have shipped out all they produced for this year. So how bad are things right now? Here's CNN's medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The director of the CDC is now calling it an epidemic. And people all across the country are heeding the call to get their flu shot.

In a typical year, 70 to 75 million Americans get flu shots. This year, 83 million doses were produced. The question now is, will there be enough?

DR. JULIE GERBERDING, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL: We still do have vaccine out there, and for those people who are at highest risk for the complications of influenza, you need to get persistent about finding it. GUPTA: Especially for those at higher risks: persons 65 years and older and those above age 50 who have chronic medical conditions; residents of nursing homes; persons with chronic heart or lung conditions; those with weakened immune systems; and children aged 6 to 23 months. It doesn't appear to be a problem of production, but distribution.

The flu shots are not getting to all the places that need it. And this year's flu does seem different in other ways. For example, the Fujian strain hit hard and hit early.

GERBERDING: We've seen patterns like this in the past, but H3N2 strains in general can cause more severe flu.

GUPTA: Prevention for that was not included in this year's vaccine. But it is still worth it to get your best protection. If your doctors run out of vaccine, be persistent.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well Sanjay, there's also, I understand, a nasal version of the vaccine. Is that a good alternative for people who can't get their hands on the flu shot?

GUPTA: Yes, it certainly can be a good alternative for some people, but a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, the flu mist actually uses a live virus, a live attenuated virus, meaning that it could get people somewhat sick. It's also a little bit more expensive, about $59 per dose for that flu mist.

There are people who definitely should not get the flu mist vaccine. It has to do again with the fact that it's really recommended for healthy people age five to 49. Under five, over 50, no. People at high risk for complications from flu, also that's a concern. Pregnant women and people with an allergy as well.

Those are the people who flu mist won't be a good option for. But again, we're hearing, Anderson, bottom line, there probably is going to be enough flu vaccine out there. It's maybe not in all the right places as of right now, but if you wait long enough, call around, you'll probably be able to get your shot -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Shop around for it. Sanjay Gupta, thanks very much.

GUPTA: Thank you.

COOPER: Today, in the trial of sniper suspect Lee Boyd Malvo, lawyers for the defense trying to make the case that Malvo was brainwashed. Well, they turned to Hollywood for help. They played the jury a clip from the 1999 hit movie "The Matrix."

Here's Jeanne Meserve.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Lee Malvo told a psychologist he did not shoot Linda Franklin at the Home Depot, the central murder in this case. He was in the grass, he told Dr. Dewey Cornell, looking through binoculars, acting as a spotter for John Muhammad.

In fact, Malvo told Cornell he pulled the trigger only once, killing Conrad Johnson. That contradicts Malvo's confessions to police, but Cornell says salvo was martering himself to protect John Muhammad, who had indoctrinated Malvo to his philosophy of racial hatred by playing recordings of Malcom X and Louis Farrakhan even while Malvo slept.

LOUIS FARRAKHAN: Fear, envy, distrust, for what purpose? Control. To control who? The slaves. Who is the slave? Us.

MESERVE: The movie "The Matrix," about overthrowing an oppressive system, was another tool of indoctrination. Cornell testified Malvo watched it more than 100 times, once right before the Home Depot shooting.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not clear which way that cuts. Is it that having seen it 100 times, that somehow excuses killing, or he saw it 100 times because he liked what he was seeing?

MESERVE: Cornell testified that Muhammad would coach Malvo on sniping techniques with video games like Halo (ph). By the time of the killings, Cornell says, Malvo was suffering from a mental disease and he had been brainwashed into believing right and wrong did not exist.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: Cornell also revealed that salvo was beaten by his mother and attempted suicide when he was 14. Also that he had killed cats and shop lifted CDs and comic books before he met John Muhammad and fell under his influence.

Anderson, back to you.

COOPER: All right. Jeanne Meserve, live in Virginia. Thanks, Jeanne.

We're going to flashback now. This is not the first time a movie is being used in court. You might remember, back in 1993, Ronnie Jack Beasley (ph) was accused of murder, armed robbery and auto theft. Well, the prosecution played Oliver Stone's movie, "Natural Born Killers," in its entirety. They told the jury Beasley (ph) watched the movie 19 times, and it motivated him to kill.

He got life in prison. Now, lawyers for Beasley (ph) appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, arguing it was improper to have shown jurors the film, but the court upheld the ruling.

Well, moving on, the search for University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin zeroed in on a Minnesota town today. But the biggest news in the case so far could come tomorrow.

Jeff Flock has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): This is what it looks like on the search for Dru Sjodin: looking under rail cars, crawling through frozen brush, digging out draining (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're not going to leave here knowing that we didn't do everything we could to help find her.

FLOCK: It starts early.

MIKE SJODIN, DRU'S COUSIN: One group go this way, and one group go that way.

FLOCK: Mike Sjodin, Dru's cousin, divides the teams. Then off come the all-terrain vehicles. Acting on a tip posted here at the finddru.com Web site, they come to the town of Alvarado, Minnesota.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to work the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). We're going to meet back in the section...

FLOCK: Mike takes his team along a country road. Someone finds something in a ditch. It turns out to be a dead animal.

SJODIN: We've been pulling strength from our family. And of course, Dru. We all feel Dru in our hearts and our souls.

FLOCK: Prosecutors first said this search might be hurt if the affidavit that outlines the evidence against suspect Alfonso Rodriguez was made public. Now, though they won't say why, prosecutors have okayed its release, which could come Tuesday.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every day is a hard day.

FLOCK: That's Sjodin's uncle, Lowel (ph), combing a ditch and picturing a young niece who wanted to be a graphic artist. Her work on the finddru.com Web site, along with pictures of a girl who always seems to be smiling.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If we quit and she walks in the door two months down the road, she's going to be mad as hell.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: But of course, Anderson, the family does not intend to quit. And authorities today announced that they, too, would resume their searches as well. Of course it's important to note that, with all the searching that's been done thus far, not one shred of evidence or sign of Dru Sjodin has been found -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. The search continues. Jeff Flock, thanks.

I want to get you up to date now what's going on "Cross Country." Let's take a look.

Oklahoma city, Oklahoma: renewal. The new federal building opened today, almost nine years after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building. The new building is across from the old site. Formal dedication? Well it is set for next May.

Washington, D.C.: historic signing. President Bush signed the Medicare overhaul bill into law. The plan includes a prescription drug benefit for older Americans at an estimated cost of $400 billion over the next 10 years.

Washington, D.C.: cuss fuss. The White House wants Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry to apologize for using, well, the mother of all curse words in describing President Bush's Iraq policy. "Rolling Stone" magazine quotes Kerry as saying he didn't expect the president to "F" up the situation so badly. White House chief of staff, Andrew Card, said he is disappointed that Kerry would use that kind of language, but Kerry's campaign says the candidate -- well, they say he has no regrets.

That's a look at stories right now "Cross Country."

A sense of belonging under a shroud of secrecy. Our weeklong look at secret societies begins with a controversial group, Opus Dei, prominently featured in this book, the best-selling novel, "The Da Vinci Code."

Also, a real-life murder mystery gets stranger by the minute. What are the newest theories in the torture killing of a federal prosecutor?

And a dubious first for the German courts. A man on trial for killing and, well, eating another man after advertising for a willing victim on the Internet. It is an unbelievable case. We'll have a report from Germany coming up on that.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, the case of a slain federal prosecutor from Baltimore is taking more strange twists and turns than a plot from "Law & Order. Law enforcement correspondent, Mike Brooks, has the latest details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Investigators looking into the death of Jonathan Luna continue to consider all the possibilities, including the chance the prosecutor's death may have been linked to his personal life. Sources say Luna's name has turned up on some adult Web sites.

Electronic records show that Luna took an indirect route to the rural Pennsylvania area where his body was found, an area where some people have been known to gather for sexual encounters. Police have visited area motels asking workers if they recognize Luna's picture. Investigators have also been trying to determine whether Luna had any debt problems.

His wife told authorities Luna had some credit cards she didn't know about until after his death. Still, police have not discarded the possible Luna was murdered because of his profession.

As an assistant U.S. attorney based in Baltimore, Luna had prosecutored many violent criminals. His father says he often urged his son to take a safer job. Paul D. Luna told The Associated Press, "I was warning him many times. I'm very positive this is for his job. I even told that to the FBI."

Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: We are following a number of stories around the globe right now. Let's check the "UpLink."

Near Balad, Iraq: at least two U.S. soldiers killed. A bridge collapses and two of the Army's newest fighting vehicles -- they're called Strikers -- well, they overturned. The vehicles landed upside down in the water below. No word on how the bridge collapsed or why.

Toronto, Ontario: theater collapse. One person is dead after the collapse of part of a historic theater. You are seeing it right there. A wall of the theater undergoing demolition fell on to a school next door, injuring 15 people, including three kids. One person was trapped in the rubble for several hours before being rescued.

Petaw, Afghanistan: wrong target. You may have heard about this over the weekend. Nine children were accidentally killed in a U.S. airstrike aimed at a suspected Taliban terrorist. The U.S. military says it accepts the blame and has offered condolences. U.S. troops today gave villagers clothing, food and toys.

Baghdad, Iraq: war crimes tribunal approved. The Iraqi Governing Council has voted to create a tribunal to prosecute those who committed atrocities under the regime of Saddam Hussein. Details, they still need to be work out, but it did decide five judges would be on the tribunal, all Iraqi nationals.

And Germany: cannibalism trial. That's right, cannibalism. A man who has confessed to killing and eating another man testified that he sought more volunteers to share the same fate.

The man told the court he found his victim on the Internet. He faces murder charges. We're going to have more on this grim case coming up in just a few moments.

That's tonight's "UpLink."

That brings us to tonight's "Buzz" question. Under the worst of circumstances, would you consider cannibalism? Vote now: cnn.com/360. The results at the end of the program.

And our look at "Secret Societies" begins in just a moment. Tonight: Opus Dei. You may have read about it in "The Da Vinci Code." We're going to talk to a former member.

Also ahead: a startling look at Iraqi insurgents. We'll talk with the "TIME" magazine correspondent who risked his life to meet with rebels.

Plus, a young surfer attacked by a shark decides to go back into the water. There she is trying to surf again just a few weeks after she lost her arm. You're going to meet the remarkable 13-year-old, Bethany Hamilton.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Tonight, we begin a special series on "Secret Societies." Their meetings are shrouded in mystery, and outsiders are strictly prohibited. This week, we take you inside their secret worlds. Here's what you can expect.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Our special series begins tonight with the controversial Roman Catholic group Opus Dei, brought to light in best- selling novel "The Da Vinci Code."

The book describes graphic practices of self-flagellation and other forms of self-punishment. We'll talk to a former member about what she says goes on inside.

Later this week, we'll look at Yale University's ultra secret Skull and Bones, considered by many to be America's most exclusive secret society. Behind these doors, bizarre initiation rituals reportedly take place. Captains of industry and presidents, including our current president, have been bonesmen. They found that membership definitely has its privileges.

We'll also be examining the centuries' old world of the Free Masons, considered to be the largest secret society on Earth. Masons were instrumental in the founding of our country. But beyond the charity work and the secret handshakes lies an organization shrouded in mystery.

And finally, we'll visit what is perhaps the country's most despised secret society, the Ku Klux Klan. Founded in 1866, their past has been filled with violence and hatred. Today, the Klan's influence has dwindled to less than 5,000 members, but their current leader says he has plans to change all of that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, we begin our weeklong look at secret societies. Tonight, the controversial Roman Catholic group, Opus Dei. Its slogan is "Finding God in Work and Daily Life." But some former members claim there is a darker side. You may have heard about Opus Dei if you read the best seller, "The Da Vinci Code."

CNN's Dan Lothian takes us behind the book cover.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The search for a deeper faith has led an estimated 80,000 Roman Catholics into Opus Dei, a controversial organization placed in the plot of the religious thriller and "New York Times" best seller, "The Da Vinci Code." The book paints a picture of a secretive organization whose members follow a strict routine of prayer, study, and often self-flagellation.

Some former members say they were victims of mind control, caught in a cult-like atmosphere. Religion experts say the group is in many ways a mystery.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's because they're basically a secret clandestine organization. Now, they will probably deny that, but if they do deny it, then they have a heck of a PR job to do in the public forum.

LOTHIAN: Opus Dei, which means god's work, was founded in 1928 by Spanish priest Jose Maria Iscriva (ph). Fifty-four years later, thanks to Pope John Paul, the group became affiliated with the Catholic Church.

(on camera): Opus Dei says it has sometimes been misunderstood and denies accusations of mind control. Part of the group's Web site is devoted to clearing things up. While they admit members do practice various acts of self-denial, their mission statement focuses on seeking holiness and transforming the public.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They would prefer Catholic people, lay people, to bring their faith into the workplace, into the marketplace of life. Now, what can be more admirable than that?

LOTHIAN: A conservative (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the Catholic Church, promoting its spiritual devotion but dogged by history of controversy.

Dan Lothian, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): Getting close to those attacking U.S. troops in Iraq.

And, would you go back in the water after a shark attack? This girl has. You'll meet her.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time for the "Reset." Here's tonight's top stories.

Flandreau, South Dakota: Congressman Bill Janklow has been found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts against him. This happened just a short time ago. The charges stem from a collision back in August that killed a Minnesota man. We're going to have more on this in just a moment.

CNN learns former Vice President Al Gore will endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination tomorrow. Gore was the party's candidate in 2000, of course. His backing could clinch the former Vermont governor's status as frontrunner going into the contest in Iowa and New Hampshire.

In other news, President Bush's approval ratings are up. A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll shows him at 55 percent, a jump of five percentage points in a month. The strong economic news is strengthening his hopes for re-election.

The government the espionage case against him crumbled, but a Muslim U.S. Army chaplain who served at the terror suspect prison camp at Guantanamo Bay is other charges ranging from mishandling classified documents to adultery. On the first day of an evidentiary hearing at Fort Benning, Georgia, today, Captain James Yee, you see there with his wife and child, his defense counsel called the accusations inconsequential and unfair.

Police in Columbus, Ohio, are asking people to compare times and dates of 14 highway shootings with habits of anyone they suspect may be involved. The shootings have claimed one life.

And a spokeswoman reports Ozzy Osbourne underwent emergency surgery today after a serious accident on an all-terrain vehicle at his estate in England. The publicist says his injuries are not life threatening.

Coming up in just a moment, grim testimony in a cannibalism trial in Germany. A man who has confessed to killing and eating his victim. He says he was looking for more victims on the Internet. That story in just a moment.

But first, "Justice Served." A closer look at Congressman Bill Janklow. He was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and three other counts in a collision that killed a man back in August.

Court TV anchor Lisa Bloom joins me right here in New York.

Lisa, good to see you.

LISA BLOOM, COURT TV: Hi, Anderson.

COOPER: Not surprising given this man's track record.

BLOOM: Not surprising at all. After watching a lot of high- profile trials, American juries don't like excuses like the twinkie defense or they don't like excuses the diabetes defense, which was offered in this case.

COOPER: That's what his defense was saying.

BLOOM: That he had low blood sugar...

COOPER: Hadn't eaten in 18 hours.

BLOOM: That's a condition over which he had control. I think most jurors would say, look, if you know you are diabetic and you know you have a problem you have to take care of it. We're not going to absolve you from running a stop sign and killing someone because of diabetes.

COOPER: They only took five hours to come to a verdict. Very quick.

BLOOM: It is very quick. Doesn't necessarily mean a guilty verdict. In the O.J. Simpson case was about a three-hour verdict to acquit. But it generally does bode poorly for the defendant if it's a quick verdict in this case. They probably had just enough time to pick a foreperson, and go over the evidence and decide guilty.

COOPER: There had been a number of other incidents in his past I think, from 1990 to October 1994, 12 speeding tickets right before his second stint as governor. But the jury didn't get to hear about that.

BLOOM: They didn't hear about that but heard about him lying to police. Three police officers at the scene saying he was trying to avoid a white car, a white car that never materialized. The trial he was left to say, well, he had to make that up because he had a head injury. There was just a lot of bad stuff for Janklow at this trial.

COOPER: He had also bragged very publicly in the past about his driving habits. It seemed to be a point of pride.

BLOOM: That he was a speeder. And look a lot of people speed. A lot people drive over the speed limit. But when you do so recklessly and you have this many tickets, lying to the police and making up an excuse like diabetes, it's not going to fly in most American courtrooms. And it didn't fly here.

COOPER: The manslaughter charge, the maximum 10 years. When will we find out his sentencing?

BLOOM: Well, that should be coming up. That will be scheduled shortly.

COOPER: All right, Lisa Bloom, thanks very much.

BLOOM: Thank you.

COOPER: You are about to get an astonishing inside look at what U.S. Forces are up against in Iraq. Reporters from "Time" magazine made their way inside the Iraqi resistance movement interviewing insurgents and even shooting video of their operations. "Time" correspondent Brian Bennett is in Baghdad ready to tell us all about it. It is just a fascinating look at these insurgent groups and there are a number of different players here. There are people from Saddam Hussein's Fedayeen. Tell us about some of the other players. BRIAN BENNETT, "TIME" MAGAZINE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we found it was very interesting that the Americans are facing here is a diverse group of fighters. The Saddam former Fedayeen seemed to be calling the shots right now and have access to funds and access to money. A lot of the foot soldiers call themselves mujahedeen or holy warriors, consider themselves to be fighting a jihad against the occupying forces here in Iraq. There's an interesting debate going on inside this one network of resistant cells that we were able to get inside of. The former Fedayeen will not hesitate, they've told us, to take Iraqi civilian casualties in an effort to kill an American soldier. However, the mujahedeen are reluctant to take an Iraqi life. And this is a debate that is ongoing. And it also belies an ideological difference between the two groups that later on down the road could divide the resistance.

COOPER: We're looking at some of the images not only that "Time" has obtained video shot by insurgents, but also some video and still shots shot by "Time" magazine. I want to talk about some of the weaponry you saw some of these insurgents use. I mean, some of seems very sophisticated and they seem able to adapt air to air missiles to make them ground to air missiles.

BENNETT: What they've done in the last probably two months is develop systems to change and modify the ordnance, the different types of weapons that are cached around the country to be able to be used against coalition forces. So, they are using old weapons and changing their use to be used in a different way than what they were designed for. One rocket system that my colleague Michael Ware witnessed in action was a helicopter air to air missile that had been converted to become a surface to surface missile. And the resistance fighters even developed a launching, a sort of launching tube to fire the rockets out at and they used the rudimentary aiming device to sent it into different sectors of a U.S. base.

COOPER: Brian, I want to read to our audience for those who haven't read this article in the new issue of "Time" magazine, a quote from one of these insurgents a guy called himself, Abu Ali. "Abu Ali's most frightening plans involve his desire to employ unconventional weapons. His most prized possession he says, is a cache of 82 millimeter mortar round. Mohammed displays one of the rounds and proclaims this is a chemical mortar."

Were you able to verify what you saw or what they said was a chemical mortar?

Were you able to?

BENNETT: We were definitely not able to say that's definitely a chemical mortar. We talked to some experts, gave a description of the markings on the mortar. There was a certain odor around the mortar, a vinegar smell that -- and all of these things were consistent with what could possibly be a chemical weapon, but I want to emphasize in no way did we confirm that the insurgency has a chemical weapon. But what was so interesting, I think, about what Abu Ali had to say was his intent that he believes he has a chemical weapon and he's willing to use it. And so even if these men don't have chemical weapons in their hands at this moment, if and when they do get chemical weapons, they seem prepared to use them.

COOPER: Well, Brian Bennett, we appreciate you using you joining us tonight. It's a gutsy piece of journalism on your part, as well as the others at "Time" magazine. It's in this weeks editions. Thank you very much, Brian.

Moving on, judges in the trial of a German cannibal have seen video evidence his victim had asked to be killed and eaten. It's a bizarre case. His name is Armin Meiwes. And he admits to slaying and devouring a man who he says responded to an ad on a Internet Web site for cannibals. Matthew Chance visited the small town of Rotenberg to unearth the gruesome details of this case.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From a distance, Rotenburg seems picture perfect. But these rooftops have hidden a grizzly secret. In the sunlight, the house where Armin Meiwes lived out his cannibal fantasies. Sealed as evidence now, behind these walls, a man was slaughtered and eaten like an animal. The details have disgusted and frightened many, like Manfred Stuck (ph), friend and neighbor for 30 years.

"He seemed the most normal guy you could know," he told me. "I dread to think what's going on inside his head," he says.

Armin Meiwes, seen here in court, openly confesses to killing and eating his victim, this man, Bernd-Juergen Brandes. In fact, he says, Brandes wanted to be eaten and even shared a meal of his own genitals, cooked with peppers and garlic.

Crime experts say the apparent joint nature of the fantasy makes this a grotesque and truly unique case.

PROF. ARTHUR KREUYER, CRIMINOLOGIST: The one who is sadistic, more sadistic cannibal, and the other who is a more masochistic cannibal; the one who wants to kill, the one who wants to be killed.

CHANCE: It is a crossing of paths many here wish had never been made in their town.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Matthew Chance joins us now. Now, Matthew, I mean, this is not the first case of cannibalism the modern world, but this case really is unique.

CHANCE: It really is because, as you say, there have been several incidents throughout history of cannibals, people consuming human flesh. What's different about this case is that it seems to have involved an individual, a victim who actually consented to being killed and to being eaten. Now, that makes it a very difficult case here in Germany to try. Not least because there aren't any specific laws in Germany about eating flesh. There's nothing to outlaw cannibalism in itself. So, what the prosecution are looking for is a conviction for murder. They say this Meiwes individual exploited the suicidal tendencies of his victim. What the defense attorneys are arguing is that this was a request killing, something that the victim wanted to happen and it is something akin to euthanasia which is still illegal here, but carries a much lighter sentence -- Anderson.

COOPER: And in court today this man has basically said there were other people who were willing to be killed, to be eaten, and he actually turned them down. That's his claim.

CHANCE: Exactly. And that's one of the most disturbing aspects of this case. The extent to which there seem to be a lot of people out there, not just in Germany, but particularly out on the Internet in various chat rooms linked with cannibalism who seem quite prepared to not only consider eating human flesh, but also to be slaughtered for the purpose of being eaten by cannibals. One very grotesque story was told by Armin Meiwes, the actually self confessed cannibal, he said he spoke to one man who wanted to be crucified and have his body burned by a blow torch, but he rejected that individual to be eaten by himself because he simply thought he was too weird, which says quite a lot about the kind of people out there.

COOPER: If a cannibal tells you are too weird, I mean, I guess -- just a bizarre case. Matthew Chance, thanks very much for the report tonight.

Tonight's "Buzz" question, under the worst of circumstances would you consider cannibalism?

Talking about the worst of circumstances. Vote now, cnn.com/360. Results at the end of the program.

And later on tonight -- it is the anniversary of the day after the date which will live in infamous. We'll look at FDR's speech on this day in 1941.

And still ahead -- a young surfer gives us all a lesson in perseverance. Bethany Hamilton, talks about getting back in the water after a shark attack.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Cnn.com/360. Give us an e-mail.

For "Fresh Print" we usually look at words that appear in the latest media newspapers or on the Internet. But today we wanted to look at 500 some-odd words that are technically neither fresh nor print. So, you might ask why are they today's "Fresh Print"?

Because they are just as vital and urgent as when the nation heard them 62 years ago today.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attack attacked by forces of the Empire of Japan. COOPER (voice-over): December 8th is a date which lives in history for president Roosevelt's short, plain-spoken speech galvanizing a nation for war that was not chosen but thrust upon it. He didn't tell Americans there was nothing to fear. That was an earlier speech about the depression. Instead, he spoke bluntly about what Americans did have to fear.

ROOSEVELT: There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

COOPER: On that day, there was no talk about the cost of victory, only its certitude.

ROOSEVELT: No matter how long it may take us, whatever comes of this premeditated invasion, the American people and their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

COOPER: Roosevelt was right about victory, though it's worth remembering he didn't live to see it.

ROOSEVELT: We will not only defend ourselves through the utter most but we'll make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

COOPER: Sixty years later, of course, this form of treachery did endanger us again and the danger is still very real. Making it worth remembering today Roosevelt's prediction then of how the conflict would be won.

ROOSEVELT: With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us god.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Sixty-two years ago today, the words do seem very fresh indeed.

Well, moving on. Remember the young surfing champ attacked by a shark?

Bethany Hamilton is back in the water. There she is already surfing again. We are going to talk to her about courage and determination.

Plus, who is that nipping that Matt and Katie's heels?

We'll find out when check in with tonight's "Current." That is all head stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Call it the surfing version of getting right back up on the horse. You may remember the story of a shark attack and a teenage surfer. 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing in Hawaii on October 31 when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, losing her left arm about four inches below the shoulder. Less than a month later she's hitting the waves again. Bethany was back in the water on Thanksgiving and is here to tell us all about it. Bethany, thanks for being with us. I know you got a little bit of a cold. So if you cough, that's OK. What was it like getting back in the water?

BETHANY HAMILTON, SURFER: It was like, such a great experience because I've been looking forward to, like, the whole time in the hospital. I was getting really anxious, and...

COOPER: When they took your stitches out, were you like, all right, I'm going back in the water right now?

HAMILTON: I wanted to, but then he was like, oh, you can't go out until this day, and I started counting because I couldn't go out for like forever. And everybody was crying also because of the painful stitches.

COOPER: Right. But you basically took I guess like a week from the time you got the stitches out. And we're looking at the video. This is your first day back in. Now, you are surfing with a long board.

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: What is it like trying to paddle now? I mean, how different is it now than it was before?

HAMILTON: It's harder, but it's probably not as -- it's not as hard on the long board as the short board.

COOPER: Right. Now, this is you practicing, a little bit. I guess a friend of your family's or something got you this board on -- and what's that like? That looks impossible. You know, if I tried that, I think I'd break my back.

HAMILTON: I guess it's just to help you with your surfing balance. Yeah.

COOPER: What -- were you worried about getting back in the water? I mean, you were attacked by a shark, and, you know, basically about a month later or so, a little more than that, you are back in the water. When you first hit the water again, did you think, like, maybe this isn't a good idea?

HAMILTON: No, I wasn't too worried.

COOPER: No fears about going back?

HAMILTON: Not really.

COOPER: You know, the day it happened, October 31, it was early in the morning, it was like 7:30 in the morning or something. You were out with a friend of yours, a couple of other friends, their parents. Did you know what was happening when -- did you see the shark in advance? HAMILTON: No, I didn't see the shark in advance, but as soon as it happened, I knew what happened, and my, like, all that went through my head was to go for the beach.

COOPER: And you were surfing with a friend of yours. You went to her father, I guess, and he sort of brought you onto shore.

HAMILTON: Yeah, hauled (ph).

COOPER: And then they, I guess, they actually used part of the surfboard, part of like I guess the leash they call it on a surfboard to make a tourniquet?

HAMILTON: Yeah. That was definitely a life saver. The doctor said that.

COOPER: Yeah. I also understand that you woke up, you were on the beach, and a paramedic whispered something in your ear?

HAMILTON: He's like, God will never leave you or forsake you.

COOPER: God will never leave you or forsake you, that's what he said?

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: That's interesting. What do you want to do now? I mean, you are a champion surfer, you're on the cover of magazines and stuff before this happened. You want to just keep going with that, don't you?

HAMILTON: You know what? What I really want to do is go home and surf.

COOPER: You want to get out of here right now and go home and surf, don't you?

HAMILTON: Yeah.

COOPER: All right. Well, that's fair enough. I can understand that. You've been in New York for a couple of days. You are dying to get back in the water.

It's really a pleasure to meet you. You're really an inspiration to a lot of people. And the best of luck with all your surfing. All right.

HAMILTON: Thank you.

COOPER: Thanks.

All right. Time to check in on the pop culture, "Current." Lets take a look.

"Good Morning America" had it's best ratings in almost decade last month, narrowing the gap with the first place "Today Show." "Today" has been slipping since the show finally ended it's sexual tension plot line between Matt, Katie and Al.

"Cops" is coming to DVD next year. Fox will release three DVD compilation of the classic reality show, "Shots Fired," "Caught in the Act" and "Bad Girls." Each will include uncensored footage not seen on TV. Cross your fingers for audio commentary by the drunk guy with his pants around his ankles.

Adam Sandler has picked his next movie. According to the "Hollywood Reporter" "Click" is about a man who finds a remote control that lets him fast forward and rewind to different parts of his life. If Sandler had a device in real life, "Little Nicky" would have starred David Spade.

And finally, "Law and Order" creator Dick Wolf will receive the John Risenback Foundation Distinguished Citizen's Award tonight. However on his way home, Wolf, may be the target of what appears to be a drive-by shooting that turns out to be committed by an accountant covering up a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) scheme involving fugitive Nazi and Wall Street brokers who offer conflicting testimony that reveals a secret love affair triggered by recollection of repressed memories resulting in a verdict of delicious ambiguity.

All right, remember the Taliban?

Turns out they are going to have to bite the bullet, though not the way some people might like them to. We'll take Taliban's financial woes to the "Nth Degree."

We are almost done Bethany.

Plus tomorrow the KKK, our look inside America's "Secret Societies" continues.

What are they doing these days?

We'll find out tomorrow.

First, today's "Buzz." Under the worst of circumstances would you consider, well, cannibalism?

Vote now at cnn.com/360. The results when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Time now for "The Buzz."

We asked you, under the worst of circumstances would you consider cannibalism? Forty-six percent said, yes, 54 percent said, no. Certainly not a scientific poll, just viewer "Buzz."

Tonight, taking budget cuts to the "Nth Degree." "Newsweek" reports Osama bin Laden told the Taliban he's cutting their funding in half. The Taliban will now have to get by on 1.5 million a month instead of $3 million. So here at 360, we decided to come up with belt tightening measures the Taliban might employ during these lean economic times. First, of course, as tough as it is, they have to consider streamlining. And yes, that's going to mean layoffs. Lots of people would benefit from a slimmed down Taliban. And with a good job retraining program, former members could turn their experience in oppression, into solid managerial skills in the professional sector.

Second, the Taliban are going to have to raise taxes. Yes, it's a burden, but if some Taliban companies go under, that's a price we are willing to pay.

Third, borrow, borrow, borrow. Yes, it's increasing the Taliban's deficit which means future generations of Taliban will struggle under crushing mountains of debt, which of course is a good thing. But finally it may sound small, but it's time for them to eliminate all unnecessary travel. In fact, if you ask me, they should stay put exactly where they are.

That wraps up our program tonight. Thanks for watching. Coming up next "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

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





Dean>