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Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees

Explosions in Iraq; Halliburton: Charges of Overcharging; Ralph Nader May Run Again

Aired December 11, 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)
BILL HEMMER, HOST (voice-over): Startling new numbers on the flu outbreak. How can you keep your family healthy?

Some say he cost the Democrats the White House in 2000. Now the question, what's the Ralph Nader factor this year?

A suspect charged after a third body is unearthed in an apartment House basement.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an American landmark and the world's number one site for suicide. Why do so many jump? We'll talk to a survivor.

"Secret Societies." Tonight, one of the oldest, the Free Masons. Can they survive in the 21st century?

And bachelorette no more. If you haven't had enough yet, we'll take a look at Trista's wedding day.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

HEMMER: And good evening. Welcome to 360. Anderson's got the night off. I'm Bill Hemmer.

Tonight, flu fears confirmed by the CDC. The virus is spreading. We'll get to that story in a moment.

First tonight, though, let's start with these explosions in Iraq a short time ago, near coalition headquarters in Baghdad. Nic Robertson is there live.

Nic, what happened?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Bill, according to coalition officials, at least two missiles impacted in the vicinity of the Green Zone. That is the heart of the coalition's operation in the center of Baghdad. Sirens went off when those missiles impacted shortly after midnight. We, located about a quarter, half a mile away. We heard four impacts.

What coalition officials are saying is that at least one building in that residential and work complex for many hundreds of coalition officials, one building, at least, was damaged. They say there were no casualties in their first report. And people we talked to inside the compound report diving under buildings inside the main republican palace, within that compound when they could hear the missiles coming in. Other reports indicate perhaps these were missiles, perhaps they were mortars, we're told, and perhaps possibly they were fired from not far away along the banks of the Tigris River -- Bill.

HEMMER: Within that Green Zone, how well is that fortified? How can the coalition defend itself?

ROBERTSON: It's a fortress on the outside to try and get in. There's multiple guards. There's razor wire, there's concrete blocks.

Once you get inside, you need an escort. But what that base doesn't have is protection against missiles, protection against mortars. The Al Rashid Hotel, a month or so ago, right on the periphery of the Green Zone, hit by missiles. A month and a half ago, mortars fired into the compound, these indirect missiles.

The mortars fired high in the air. They come down with a reasonable degree of accuracy and landing within the compound. So though it's secure on the outside, like a fortress, it's not secure for any missiles fired over that out of perimeter -- Bill.

HEMMER: All right. Again, no reports of injuries thus far. Nic Robertson in Baghdad, thanks.

This just in tonight. A short time ago, auditors at the Pentagon found that Halliburton overcharged for gasoline in Iraq to the tune of more than $60 million. Breaking news from the Pentagon and Jamie McIntyre this evening.

Jamie, what do you know?

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Bill, the Defense Contracting Audit Agency saying what was a routine audit of Kellogg Brown & Root, a Halliburton subsidiary, has concluded that the U.S. overpaid by about $61 million for gasoline that was provided to the Iraqi people from Kuwait. Now, we should make clear here that the charges that the United States was paying about $2.20 -- $2.27 a gallon for gasoline from a Halliburton subsidiary, while at the same time it could buy gasoline from Turkey at about $1.18 a gallon. But the charge is not that Halliburton profited from this deal, but merely that it might not have been diligent enough in negotiating a market price contract from a subcontractor, Kuwaiti oil company that was designated by the Kuwaiti government as the only company that could bid on this contract.

The Pentagon has sent the bill back to Halliburton and said, we want to see a justification for why you couldn't buy this gasoline cheaper at the time, closer to market prices. And they await to see what kind of justification they'll get from Kellogg, Brown & Root on that.

But again, a key point is that there is no allegation that the company profited from this. Simply that the taxpayers may have overpaid because they weren't diligent enough in negotiating a contract with the subcontractor -- Bill.

HEMMER: Still a developing story. Jamie McIntyre at the Pentagon.

The president defending his decision to freeze out certain countries which did not support the Iraq war from bidding on reconstruction contracts. Now, though, he's asking some of those very same countries for a favor.

Senior White House correspondent John King now at the White House with the latest there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president says he doesn't understand all the fuss.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's very simple. Our people risk their lives. Coalition -- friendly coalition folks risk their lives, and therefore, the contracting is going to reflect that. And that's what the U.S. taxpayers expect.

KING: But the decision to steer nearly $20 billion in Iraq reconstruction money to companies from the United States and key war allies reopened the diplomatic divide between Washington and major war opponents like France, Russia and Germany.

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: I would not characterize the decision taken yesterday as unified.

KING: The president's political opponents call it more failed diplomacy.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think it borders on the stupid. It is counterproductive. It is the exact opposite of what we should be doing in order to bring other countries into the table.

KING: But at this year-end cabinet meeting, Mr. Bush not only defended the policy, but scoffed. When asked about French and German suggestions, his approach violates international law.

BUSH: International law? I better call my lawyer.

KING: Still, the timing is awkward, to say the least. The dust- up comes just as special Bush envoy, James Baker, heads to Paris, Moscow and Berlin, asking leaders to forgive or at least reduce huge Iraqi debts from the days of Saddam Hussein.

IVO DAALDER, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: If I were Mr. Baker, I would have gone into the Oval Office and told the President, I'm going back to Houston until you find a way to cooperate with these guys.

KING: Canada also is excluded from major contracts, though Prime Minister Jean Chretien says Mr. Bush told him Thursday that was a mistake.

JEAN CHRETIEN, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: He was telling me to -- basically, not to worry.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: John, with James Baker leaving for Europe on Monday, how much pressure does he have to get pledges from France and Germany, Russia to scratch and wave the Iraqi debt?

KING: Well, Bill, you might say, on the one hand, this is mission impossible for Secretary Baker. He's asking them to waive tens of billions of dollars in debt, at the very moment the United States has yet again antagonized those countries, France, Germany and Russia chief among them. But you might also make a different case.

President Bush has spoken to the leaders of all three nations, as well as to the prime minister of Canada today. Made clear how important the debt issue is to him. That could now be the key negotiating point in this contract dispute. If those countries agree to forgive or at least reduce Iraq's debts, perhaps, the White House is saying, the rules for these contracts will be rewritten. So it could actually be the outlines of a potential compromise -- Bill.

HEMMER: John King from the White House this evening.

That brings us now to the "Buzz." Should the U.S. have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from contracts to rebuild Iraq? Vote now at cnn.com/360. We'll have the results for you a bit later in our program tonight.

Now to the story on the flu and that outbreak. Official confirmation today that the virus is spreading. You might have thought it was bad when the flu was widespread in only 13 states just a week ago. The CDC now says it's hitting hard in 24 states, and cases are reported nationwide. And we're still only weeks away from when the flu peak season hits.

Check out this scene in Denver. A huge line for flu shots there. The federal government announcing it's buying the last doses of the vaccine from its manufacturers. One hundred thousand adult doses should arrive by the end of the week; 150,000 children's doses are due sometime next month.

Meanwhile, several schools, such as this one in Missouri, have closed for the rest the week because so many students are out sick with the flu. And college campuses not immune. The flu virus has claimed the life of a student at Worcester State College in the state of Massachusetts.

Time now for a look at some other stories happening right now "Cross Country."

New York and Wall Street: the Dow conquers 10,000 today. It closed up 86 points to end the day at 10,800. The rally spurred by a better-than-expected November retail sales report. The Dow has not been this high since May of last year.

Birmingham, Alabama: seeking the death penalty. That's what federal prosecutors plan to do in the case of accused bomber Eric Robert Rudolph, arrested in May after more than five years on the run. Accused of a deadly bombing at a Birmingham clinic back in 1998. He is also accused of several bombings in Atlanta, including the one at the Olympic Park there in the summer of 1996.

Grand Forks, North Dakota: again, a plea for help. The mother of missing college student Dru Sjodin says she has asked the mother of the man accused of kidnapping to "reach out to her son and please asked him to lead us to Dru."

Salt Lake City: competency hearings are set for the homeless couple charged of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart. Wanda Barzee back in court on the 9th of January. Her husband, Brian David Mitchell, has a hearing set for later this month.

And that's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.

Still to come here on 360: new details from the sniper trial. What was originally planned involved children at a Maryland middle school.

Also, continuing our look at "Secret Societies." We'll check in with the world's oldest fraternity tonight.

And the newest pseudo-celebrity marriage. Everything about Trista and Ryan's wedding was overkill, including the two hours it took to get to the "I dos."

First, though, a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Now to the trial of the sniper suspect Lee Boyd Malvo. A psychiatrist for the defense took the stand today. And the shocker here, one of the shootings could have been much worse.

Jeanne Meserve is in Chesapeake, Virginia for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): There were 13 sniper shootings, but there could have been far more. John Muhammad and Lee Malvo had selected more than 100 possible shooting locations in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, according to Dr. Neil Blumberg, a defense psychiatrist who interviewed Malvo extensively.

Blumberg also testified Iran Brown was not supposed to be the only victim at the Benjamin Tasker Middle School. Muhammad wanted to shoot but not kill three to five children to send a ripple effect through the community. Prosecutor Robert Horan tried to underline that Malvo had displayed aberrant behavior before meeting Muhammad. For instance, hunting stray cats with his slingshot several times a week. But the defense argued that Horan's efforts to punch holes in their indoctrination theory was at odds with the position of prosecutors in the Muhammad trial, though both represent the commonwealth of Virginia.

Paul Ebert, Muhammad's prosecutor, called Malvo a young man that he, Muhammad, molded and made into an instrument of death and destruction.

HENRY ASBILL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) stake out a position in the Muhammad trial. They ought to be forced to stake out that same position in the Malvo trial. The problem for them is, that if they do that, it dovetails completely with Malvo's insanity defense.

MESERVE: But the judge rerefused to admit statements from Muhammad's prosecutors because it would be unduly confusing for the Malvo jury.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: One juror was dismissed today because he no longer lives in the city of Chesapeake. But it's not a problem. There are still 12 jurors and three alternates to decide the fate of Lee Malvo.

Bill, back to you.

HEMMER: Jeanne Meserve, in Chesapeake, Virginia this evening.

Now to a deepening murder mystery. Since the body of a federal prosecutor was found in a Pennsylvania creek, investigators constantly looking now for clues in both his professional and his personal life.

Mike Brooks is following that this evening.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been one week since the body of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna was found lying beneath his car in a creek in Pennsylvania, tortured and stabbed as many as 36 times. Officials say he died of multiple wounds to the neck and chest and drowning.

How did Luna's body wind up 70 miles from his home in an area where law enforcement sources say people go to meet for sexual encounters? Investigators tracing Luna's steps say he left work at the federal courthouse in Baltimore close to midnight and stopped at an ATM in Delaware, where sources say he withdrew $200.

Thirty miles to the north, another stop at a Sunoco station in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Investigators think he was alone at the ATM. They are uncertain about the Sunoco stop. Luna turned west on the Pennsylvania turnpike. Another 50 miles to the murder scene near (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Pennsylvania. Investigators are looking into Luna's personal life, possible debt issues and using the Internet seeking women for sex. But is any progress being made in the case?

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: You know, we get more information as time goes on. But for me to suggest that as a result of that information we have turned some sort of corner would be inappropriate at this time.

BROOKS: The FBI is now appealing for the public's help in trying to solve this bizarre murder mystery.

Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Now to politics. Ralph Nader says he's leaning toward running for president again. Nader is at a fundraiser in New Jersey, raising money for his exploratory committee.

From Princeton, in New Jersey, here's Kelley Wallace.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Will he or won't he? Ralph Nader won't say until January.

RALPH NADER, FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We're testing the waters, as the legal phrase has it.

WALLACE: The long-time consumer advocate has set up a Web site and an exploratory committee. He says if he can win the support of volunteers again, and raise $5 million to $10 million, there's a high probability he will run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're seeing a lot of people coming to the Web site, seeing a lot of people calling in and volunteering, wanting Ralph to run.

WALLACE: In a survey of American adults in September, 23 percent said Nader should enter the presidential race. Two-thirds said he should stay out. Many Democrats accuse him of being a spoiler for Al Gore in 2000, costing the then vice president the election.

NADER: Well, you can't spoil a political system that is spoiled to the core.

Running for office is the highest form of political free speech. And while people may disagree and challenge and argue, no one should ever say to anybody, do not run.

WALLACE: Some Democratic strategists say many angry and young voters who backed Nader in 2000 will line up behind their party's nominee this time. PETER HART, DEMOCRATIC POLLSTER: The country is much more polarized than 2000. Howard Dean or any Democrat is going to do much better with the Nader voters than anybody ever expected.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And at this hour, Ralph Nader is meeting with supporters, including members of the Green Party here in Princeton. The entire party, though, is not united behind a Nader candidacy. Some party members say they believe the priority should be defeating President Bush, and they say a Nader run in '04 would distract from that effort -- Bill.

HEMMER: Kelly, did he say if he could think that he could raise enough money to make a difference this time or not?

WALLACE: He said he again is testing the waters and that he will see. He raised $8 million in 2000, Bill. He says he needs to raise $5 million to $10 million this time around. We asked him how much he's raised so far. He said he's just now getting out there, so he'll see if he can do it.

HEMMER: Kelly, thanks. Kelly Wallace in Princeton, New Jersey tonight.

A fast fact quickly about third-party candidates. Since the second world war, only two third-party candidates have won electoral college vote.

Dixiecrat Strom Thurman won 39 in 1948. Alabama governor, George Wallace, 46 in 1968. Ross Perot picked up 19 percent of the popular vote in 1992, but no electoral college votes. Neither did Nader, who ran in both 1996 and in the year, as Kelly just mentioned, 2000.

International stories now in tonight's "UpLink."

Baghdad, Iraq, our first stop. Half of the 700 members of the new Iraqi army have quit. Many say they resigned because the Iraqi police pay more. Soldiers in the new army are paid about $50 a month.

Elsewhere in Iraq, senior "TIME" Magazine correspondent Michael Weiskopf and his photographer injured after a grenade attack today. The Humvee they were riding in, along with U.S. soldiers, attacked with that grenade.

The group Human Rights Watch says hundreds of civilian death in the war could have been prevented. The group says the U.S.-led coalition's use of cluster bombs in populated areas caused more civilian casualties than any other factor. It says the use of cluster bombs by U.S. and British forces killed or wounded more than 1,000 civilians in that battle.

Paris, now. An official report recommending a ban on Muslim veils, Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses in France's public schools. At the same time, it wants new holidays to respect holy days of minority religions. The report on church and state is at the center of a national debate in France over integrating Muslims into French society.

Italy, now. Gentlemen, start your fighter jet. A drag-racing dream at a military airport. A Ferrari take on a fighter jet in three different heats.

The Ferrari won in the 600-yard race. The jet won in two longer races. By the way, the fighter jet had to stay on the ground the entire length of that race.

That's tonight's "UpLink" from overseas.

The oldest secret fraternity. We'll go knocking on the door of the Free Masons this evening, continuing our weeklong look at "Secret Societies."

Also tonight, a suicidal depressed man jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Not have many people in the past survived that leap. He did. His story coming up a bit later in our show.

First, tonight, though, the "Buzz." Should the U.S. have excluded Germany, Russia, Canada, France from reconstruction contracts to help rebuild Iraq? Vote now online: cnn.com/360. Results momentarily a bit later in the show.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Tonight we get as close as we can to the world's oldest fraternity, the Freemasons. Anderson Cooper is not far this evening. He continues our series on "Secret Societies."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON COOPER, HOST (voice-over): The Masonic order was founded in 18th century England, expanding rapidly into British colonies. Rudyard Kipling wrote of Freemason in "The Man Who Would Be King."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, it's an ancient order dedicated to the brotherhood of man under the all-seeing eye of god.

HEMMER: Masonic lodges were social fraternities where business deals were made, politics discussed, and charities supported. Members pledged allegiance to the order, to each other, and to a supreme being. And rituals shrouded in mystery, secret handshakes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, we don't do that in public.

COOPER: Secret symbols.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I can't tell you. I can't tell you.

COOPER: Symbols they now share with the very country that many masons helped form. In total, 15 U.S. presidents have been Masons, including Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford.

Talk to any mason and they'll tell you they are not a secret society, but a society with secrets. And that secrecy has always produced fear. The Catholic Church opposed the group soon after it began. Adolph Hitler cracked down on Masons. So did the Soviet Union. Today, Masons are still criticized by some conservative Christians.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Freemasonry says that its god is a symbol that represents all gods. And to a Christian, this amounts to coming to an altar that is shared with demonic gods.

COOPER: Each year, Masons raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charity. But their membership is declining -- 1.7 million Americans are Freemasons, a drop of nearly 1.5 million people over the last 20 years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: A bit earlier today, Anderson sat down and talked with Gary Leazer, who at one time was hired by the Southern Baptist convention to investigate the Freemasons. His findings? There's nothing to fear. In fact, he became a member.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: You know the criticism that a lot of times gets brought up is you can't worship two masters, and that that's what Freemasons do. Is that true?

GARY LEAZER, DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR INTERFAITH STUDIES: The problem comes from the term "worshipful master," which is an archaic English term. John Whitcliff (ph), when he translated the Bible in the 14th or 15th century, translated one of the commandments, "You shall worship your father and your mother."

Today, we have, "You should honor your father and your mother." The words' meanings have changed. So when we talk about a "worshipful master," we say he is the most honored person in the lodge.

COOPER: What is it that you do in those lodges?

LEAZER: Well, a lot of times the lodge is a lot like a business meeting. We have a certain ritual that we open the lodge with. We read the minutes from the previous meeting.

We pay our bills. We pray for the sick. We have old and new business. Sometimes we will have a speaker come and talk to us, or we'll show a movie or a video. And then we will have a ritual and close and go home.

COOPER: Why all the secrecy, though? I mean, you look at the history of the Masons, it's been very -- it has been shrouded in sort of mystery and secrecy from the beginning and that's caused a lot of problems.

LEAZER: Well, the biggest secret about Freemasonry is there are no secrets. You can buy books and buy videotapes that show all of the rituals. Basically, there are no secrets left in Freemasonry. COOPER: Do you worry about the drop in membership? I mean, I imagine most of your members are kind of older. Is the organization becoming irrelevant?

LEAZER: Well, the membership is dropping. The average age of masons today in the United States is probably around 65. And we are working to try to attract young men. And so we try to do new things to attract them.

For example, one lodge here in the Atlanta area started a Boy Scout troop. They offer scholarships to students in their county. They are involved in the community, and that lodge is attracting a lot of younger people.

COOPER: What's the mission of the Masons today? I mean, what's the point?

LEAZER: The point of the Freemasonry is to teach a man good moral teachings, get him involved in the community, and be a better husband, a better father, and a better citizen in his country.

COOPER: Gary Leazer, thanks very much.

LEAZER: Thank you very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: All right. And tomorrow night we'll wrap the series, "Secret Societies."

The KKK, perhaps America's most notorious secret society. Its past is filled with violence and hatred. Its membership dwindled. But its current leader has plans to change all that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER (voice-over): A suspect is charged in connection to three bodies unearthed in Indiana.

An amazing story of desperation and recovery. Why does someone jump off the Golden Gate Bridge?

And Trista finally ties the knot. Will it last?

We'll be right back.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back. Quickly, to check some of the night's other stories in "The Reset." Two projectiles hitting inside the U.S.-led coalition headquarters zone tonight. Those blasts made a ferocious noise but no injuries so far reported there.

This Country, Across America. What started out to be a bad flu season suddenly got a whole lot worse. Outbreaks now showing up in 24 states. It was only 13 states a week ago. There are still several weeks now until the peak of the flu season.

Key west, Florida: six men convict today for hijacking a small airliner from Cuba to the U.S. Air piracy charges bring a minimum of 20 years in jail. The men will be sentenced in the month of February.

Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant's legal troubles do not matter to many in the NBA. Bryant is the overall leader in the western division voting for the allstar game. Already more than 500,000 votes there for Kobe. That's "The Reset" this evening.

Now to northwestern Indiana. The bodies of three teenage boys dug up in the basement of a home. And just minutes ago, police now revealing, they have charged a man who lived there with murder. Jeff Flock now has more on the investigation.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed Bill, outside the police department here tonight in northwest, Indiana, where as you report one count of murder so far against this 49-year-old man. But that may be just the start.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (voice-over): The scene has an eerily familiar feel. Police tape around a house. Investigators digging in the basement for the bodies of young men and boys. A man in custody, accused of luring and murdering them.

JOHN CORY, HAMMOND POLICE CHIEF: Two of the victims were buried shallow, the graves were shallow. I would say approximately six inches down.

FLOCK: The scene is Hammond, Indiana. The remain, those of Michael Dennis and 16-year-old James Reganyi (ph), missing since September, and Nicholas James, gone since May.

CORY: On the 13 and 16-year-old at this time, we are not ruling out suffocation and strangulation. On Nicholas James, cause of death will be blunt force trauma.

FLOCK: It was exactly 25 years ago this Saturday that authorities in Chicago first happened on a similar, though far more deadly scene.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Late Wednesday, six more bodies were carried out.

FLOCK: 33 bodies of young men and boys buried in the basement crawl space of John Wayne Gacy's house. Executed a decade ago, his M.O. similar to the suspect in this case. Luring young boys with alcohol, drugs, like Gacy, with a history of violence against boys.

The suspect in this case pleaded guilty to murdering a boy in Illinois in 1981, assaulting another in Texas. But this crime scene apparently with a far smaller death toll. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brought a cadaver dog back out here. The dog did not hit on any other locations in the basement. We feel confident that there are no more bodies located in this basement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (on camera): And Bill, Mr. Mouse (ph) has been out of prison, apparently, since 1999 and been only here in northwest Indiana for a reasonably short time. So, authorities now looking back over other places he may have been since the time he got out of prison. To make certain other crimes haven't been committed in other places -- Bill.

HEMMER: Jeff, thanks. Jeff Flock there in Indiana.

Mouse (ph) has a criminal record that includes a murder conviction for the death of a 15-year-old boy in Illinois. Also convicted in Texas of committing bodily injury to a child; that's what police say now. This current investigation is still ongoing, obviously. And there might be more charges on the way within the next day or 2.

More on the investigation now, back to the scene. Detective Sergeant Christopher Matonavich (ph) of the Hammond Police Department is with us live. Sergeant, good evening to you.

Sir if you can hear me, Bill Hemmer live here on CNN. Can you tell us, do you know how these boys were killed, sergeant?

CORY: Actually, you are speaking with Chief John Cory of the Hammond Police Department.

HEMMER: Okay, chief I appreciate you joining us. Apology about the name mistake. But go ahead.

CORY: Not a problem. What I can tell you is that Nicholas James, he received a blunt force trauma injury, inflicted to the back of his head. As far as the other two victims, we are looking at, but not ruling out, possible strangulation as well as suffocation.

HEMMER: What led you to this building chief?

CORY: Back in September, September 10, we received a missing persons reports concerning Mr. Reganyi (ph) as well as Mr. Dennis. And at that time, our detectives began an investigation as to the disappearance of these individuals.

I would also like to point out that these individuals had left notes stating that they had run away. But our investigators proceeded with the investigation, and as a result of that, we came to realize that Mr. Mouse (ph) was a person of interest. We continued that investigation and as a result, one count of murder was filed today.

HEMMER: Chief, how real is the possibility that a search continues for possibly more bodies? CORY: As far as the address here in Hammond, we are continuing to remove evidence from that location. We will hold that premises as long as need be until we are convinced that we have removed any evidence, any and all evidence that pertained to these crimes.

HEMMER: Chief, one more final question here, if we could quickly here. These boys have been missing for months, what took so long to get to this location?

CORY: Well, I would disagree that it took a long time. I would say that our investigation has been methodical. We have followed every lead. As I said, we have, from the very beginning, once we received the report, we continued to follow the leads, and the investigation has come to, at least as far as this is concerned, these three individuals, I think has come to a good conclusion by virtue of the fact that we have taken this person into custody.

HEMMER: Good luck to you, chief, John Cory there in Hammond, Indiana. Appreciate your time.

Now to justice served. Attorney Mark Geragos back in court tomorrow for his other famous client, referring to Scott Peterson now. Expected to ask for a change of venue in that case. 360 legal analyst, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom joins us tonight from San Francisco. Good evening to you.

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Good evening.

HEMMER: Pretty interesting twist here. The prosecutors can go out and survey the jurors in that county. What kind of questions will they be asking there?

NEWSOM: This is an important task that they are setting out to do. They need to know whether people have prejudged this case to the point where they wouldn't have an open mind when the evidence is presented at trial. They want to know what people think about Scott Peterson. Do they believe he is innocent? Do they believe that he is guilty? Have some of these defense theories about satanic cults and things resonated with people in these particular areas?

They need to know that when they present the evidence during the jury trial that people will have an open mind. It's okay to have seen pretrial publicity. They just cannot have prejudged to the point of dismissing any evidence submitted.

HEMMER: How common is this, Kimberly?

NEWSOM: Well, it is common in cases that have had a lot of pretrial publicity. Because so much of what we see and here on television can shape our viewpoints, our ideas, our perceptions. And when it comes to the rights to a fair trial, that is paramount, you can't have people that have prejudged the case. And we've seen it now in all the high-profile cases so it's something that must be done in this case.

COOPER: Let's talk about another one of those high-profile cases. Kobe Bryant. His attorneys want to subpoena the mother of the accuser. What are they looking for from her?

NEWSOM: Well, it's a pretty aggressive tactic on their part. They are trying to pierce, basically, the patient/client privilege. They want to see that she has basically waived her right to privacy but they have another hurdle to overcome which is relevance. They're going to have to prove that any information contained in this victim's medical records is pertinent as to whether or not Kobe Bryant is innocent or guilty of the charges. And that's the hard hurdle they're going to have to overcome.

COOPER: Court resumes again December 19, about a week from tomorrow. Cameras in the courtroom or not, do you think?

NEWSOM: Well, I think on this hearing, he's not going to have cameras in the courtroom and many of us are wondering, does that mean that he's not going to have cameras in the courtroom for the trial? It doesn't necessarily mean that he won't. I mean, it's very unlikely for motions that judges will keep cameras out.

But a case of this nature, that is so explosive with information that is so sensitive and intimate, I was there for the preliminary hearing, it's things that shouldn't be out over the air waves. I think it's one thing to report on, but it shouldn't be broadcast live. I think this motion is going to have sensitive information about her privacy rights, doctor/patient information so it should be closed to the public but we'll see about the trial.

COOPER: We'll see you next Friday. Kimberly, thanks. Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom live in San Francisco tonight.

In a moment here, a man who jumped off the Golden Gate bridge survives to tell his story.

Also, in a moment, Trista and Ryan, they got hitched. If you didn't watch it or could not make it through it, we'll give you the lowdown.

And our guest tonight says "low indeed." Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: 40 million cars drive across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge every year, one of the busiest bridges in the country. It's also busy for another completely different reason. At least a couple of dozen people die there every year, committing suicide by jumping 200 feet to the water below. Our medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta tonight is here with more on that story. Good evening.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Thanks. All those things are definitely true but why this particular spot? We found out. We also found out, what does it feel like to actually jump off the bridge. We hear from a guy who did it and survived.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't want anybody to stop me. I just wanted to die.

GUPTA, (voice-over): After struggling with depression for three years, 19-year-old Kevin Hines took a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge, walked a little less than halfway across, and hurdled over the side.

KEVIN HINES, JUMPED BUT SURVIVED: I just wished I could go back in time. I wished I could just take it all back.

GUPTA: Kevin is part of a horrifying statistic. About every two weeks someone jumps right here. Why did you come here? Why the Golden Gate Bridge?

HINES: I was under the impression that it was the easiest way to die.

GUPTA: Easy because there's a pedestrian walkway with a railing just about four feet high. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, even more common than homicide. There are 25 attempts for every actual suicide. Of course, with leaps from very high places, the fatality rate is much higher.

HINES: Well, I hurtled myself over and I started falling head first.

GUPTA: Kevin Hines was extremely lucky.

HINES: I hit free-fall and I said, "I don't want to die." And I said, "What am I going to do to survive?" And I said, "I got to get feet first, which I did."

GUPTA: Despite two shattered vertebrae, Kevin recovered both physically and mentally. He takes college theater classes and dreams of working on films. Indeed, several long-term studies have found that while survivors of suicide attempts do try again at a higher than normal rate, more than 90 percent do not and go on to little normal lives.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love this picture.

GUPTA: Renee Milligan's 14-year-old daughter, Marissa (ph), jumped to her death from the Golden Gate two years ago, leaving a heartbreaking note.

RENEE MILLIGAN, MOTHER OF SUICIDE VICTIM: "I am sorry. Please forgive me. Don't shut yourself off from the world. Everyone is better off without this fat, disgusting, boring girl."

GUPTA: Renee thinks it should be much tougher to jump. She sued the Golden Gate Bridge district to force them to install a physical barrier.

MILLIGAN: Well, right now it's like a loaded gun. I think in her letter, she says it's the easiest way.

GUPTA: The suit was thrown out but Renee has filed an appeal. The bridge directors say they haven't found a barrier that would be effective, structurally sound, and still aesthetically pleasing. They do have security cameras, call boxes with a hotline to counselors and a regular bridge patrol looking for suspicious behavior. The patrol checked on us after about 20 minutes.

But these days, Kevin Hines is all right. He now gives inspirational talks about overcoming depression. Living proof, he knows it can be done.

HINES: I'm just so lucky to be alive, so blessed. Every day I just thank God every day waking up.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GUPTA: Kevin has done very well since then. A common question we get as well. Why are the rails only 4.5 feet high? Well, it turns out, in fact, that the engineer of this bridge, Joseph Strauss was only 5 feet high and he wanted to make them low enough so he could see over it. So it stands today.

HEMMER: Good story. Thank you, Sanjay. In a moment here, we're going to take a bit of a turn tonight. ABC hyped it as the most anticipated wedding since Charles and Diana. Why the hype and why the viewers? "Overkill"'s coming up tonight.

Also, tonight, like sands to the hourglass, "Days Of Our Lives" is flowing downhill. "The Current" is still ahead also.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Tonight, the story that makes some want to put the kill in "Overkill." If you are like many Americans, millions, you spent a good chunk or an excruciating chunk of time last night watching Trista and Ryan get hitched.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I now pronounce you husband and wife.

HEMMER (voice-over): That was it. The stunning climax followed by spontaneous displays of joy. Well rehearsed beforehand.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Practice kissing?

HEMMER: What made it "Overkill" though was not the half million dollars worth of flowers or the viral spread of pink but the sports style commentary.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he's going to give some last-minute advice.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's no uncertainty, so I'm just ready to go.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They got it Chris, back to you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now playing for the bride. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here comes Trista's long-time friend Cindy Kaufman (ph) who went to college with Trista.

HEMMER: Only at the altar did the ceremony reach its highest dignity.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How are you doing?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you think?

HEMMER: In the end, maybe the "Overkill" in the show and about stemmed from the fact that finally all of America could attend a wedding and make all their starchy comments out loud.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: One person making some comments today, "New York Post" TV critic Linda Stasi joins us now tonight to elaborate on the hype.

How are you? Good evening.

LINDA STASI, TV CRITIC "NEW YORK POST": Fine. How are you?

HEMMER: I'm doing fine. It's over now.

STASI: Thank you, god.

HEMMER: How do you explain the ratings, now?

STASI: I cannot imagine -- I watched it. I wanted to actually -- I didn't even like to go to my own wedding. The only wedding I cried at was my own and this one. And I cried at joy at this one because it was over. I never have to see these people again. If we have to go through Trista and Ryan the divorce, I will kill myself.

HEMMER: Do you think we need to phone the emperor now?

Listen, a couple of things you said. Overhead paparazzi for the helicopters hovered making so much noise it sounded like they were getting hitched during the fall of Saigon. Great line.

STASI: Thank you. I also said there were more wafts coming down that aisle than on the "Mayflower."

HEMMER: Now that was a little too much. You were making fun of the grandparents who came that night.

STASI: How do they have 12 grandparents?

HEMMER: I don't know. You wrote 10 by the way.

STASI: I know, but I decided it's 12.

HEMMER: Hang on. One more thing. Trista and Ryan had written a private letter to each other, common at most weddings. Which then was read to about 30 million people.

STASI: And they made a big deal. And the minister, I don't know where they got this guy. But the minister was saying it as though he was breaking a story. And now, exclusively, we have, you know, they've written each other a private letter. It's never before been on television. Well, excuse me, it was so awful. But nothing beat -- excuse me I don't want to jump on your line. But nothing beat the end when they got -- finally got hitched and the husband says, and now I have a special surprise for my bride. Super -- country music superstar...

HEMMER: Who I just happened to meet.

STASI: Brad Paisley.

HEMMER: I bet you a dollar we don't see him again. Do you want to take that bet.

STASI: Who?

Who are we not going to see?

HEMMER: Trista and Ryan, we are not going to see them again.

STASI: I will give -- I will personally give you a big bribe. I will give you $100 right now if you can make that happen. If you can make that happen...

HEMMER: I don't think I can. They're going to Colorado. We're going to see them again. Thanks Linda.

STASI: Thank you.

HEMMER: Good piece today.

STASI: Thank you.

HEMMER: Enjoyed it tonight.

In a moment here, your kids writing into Santa this year?

If so, we hope it's not in South Africa. We'll tell you the governments beef with Mr. Claus when I hit the "Current" in a moment.

Plus, tomorrow "Secret Societies" concludes. One of Americans most feared and hated organizations, the KKK, what are they doing now in the 21st century?

"360" has that tomorrow on Friday.

Today's "Buzz," should the U.S. have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from reconstruction contracts to rebuild Iraq. Vote now online cnn.com/360. The results when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HEMMER: In the "Buzz" this evening, we asked you whether or not the U.S. should have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from the reconstruction contracts in rebuilding Iraq. 49 percent say, yes, 51 percent say, no. Not a scientific poll, just viewer "Buzz" online.

Before we go, here's tonight's "Current."

A report in tomorrow's edition of the "Journal Cell" has found a gene in worms responsible for drunkenness. The gene was identified after experiments show drunken worms move more slowly and awkwardly than sober ones, and are more likely to go home with cute worm's ugly friend.

Natalie Portman reportedly done with celebrity tabloids and gossip. The actress says, she's trying to stay away from "Us" magazine, a goal she revealed and comments she made to the "Daily News" gossip column.

South Africa's post office banning from advertising an address for children to write to Santa Claus. The post office found to be exploiting children to make money off them. A practice that remains 100 percent legal in this country.

"Variety" reports the Soap Net Channel has signed a deal to start showing NBC's "Days of our Lives." The soap opera is expected to make it's Soap Net debut in March unless the count's evil twin awakens from its coma and learns that Maruchio (ph) is not really his son.

That's going to do it for tonight. Thanks for being with us this evening. I'm Bill Hemmer, Anderson Cooper back a bit later. See you again bright early tomorrow morning on "AMERICAN MORNING" We start every morning 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Stay tune, up next here on CNN, "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

END

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





Ralph Nader May Run Again>


Aired December 11, 2003 - 19:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BILL HEMMER, HOST (voice-over): Startling new numbers on the flu outbreak. How can you keep your family healthy?

Some say he cost the Democrats the White House in 2000. Now the question, what's the Ralph Nader factor this year?

A suspect charged after a third body is unearthed in an apartment House basement.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an American landmark and the world's number one site for suicide. Why do so many jump? We'll talk to a survivor.

"Secret Societies." Tonight, one of the oldest, the Free Masons. Can they survive in the 21st century?

And bachelorette no more. If you haven't had enough yet, we'll take a look at Trista's wedding day.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

HEMMER: And good evening. Welcome to 360. Anderson's got the night off. I'm Bill Hemmer.

Tonight, flu fears confirmed by the CDC. The virus is spreading. We'll get to that story in a moment.

First tonight, though, let's start with these explosions in Iraq a short time ago, near coalition headquarters in Baghdad. Nic Robertson is there live.

Nic, what happened?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Bill, according to coalition officials, at least two missiles impacted in the vicinity of the Green Zone. That is the heart of the coalition's operation in the center of Baghdad. Sirens went off when those missiles impacted shortly after midnight. We, located about a quarter, half a mile away. We heard four impacts.

What coalition officials are saying is that at least one building in that residential and work complex for many hundreds of coalition officials, one building, at least, was damaged. They say there were no casualties in their first report. And people we talked to inside the compound report diving under buildings inside the main republican palace, within that compound when they could hear the missiles coming in. Other reports indicate perhaps these were missiles, perhaps they were mortars, we're told, and perhaps possibly they were fired from not far away along the banks of the Tigris River -- Bill.

HEMMER: Within that Green Zone, how well is that fortified? How can the coalition defend itself?

ROBERTSON: It's a fortress on the outside to try and get in. There's multiple guards. There's razor wire, there's concrete blocks.

Once you get inside, you need an escort. But what that base doesn't have is protection against missiles, protection against mortars. The Al Rashid Hotel, a month or so ago, right on the periphery of the Green Zone, hit by missiles. A month and a half ago, mortars fired into the compound, these indirect missiles.

The mortars fired high in the air. They come down with a reasonable degree of accuracy and landing within the compound. So though it's secure on the outside, like a fortress, it's not secure for any missiles fired over that out of perimeter -- Bill.

HEMMER: All right. Again, no reports of injuries thus far. Nic Robertson in Baghdad, thanks.

This just in tonight. A short time ago, auditors at the Pentagon found that Halliburton overcharged for gasoline in Iraq to the tune of more than $60 million. Breaking news from the Pentagon and Jamie McIntyre this evening.

Jamie, what do you know?

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Bill, the Defense Contracting Audit Agency saying what was a routine audit of Kellogg Brown & Root, a Halliburton subsidiary, has concluded that the U.S. overpaid by about $61 million for gasoline that was provided to the Iraqi people from Kuwait. Now, we should make clear here that the charges that the United States was paying about $2.20 -- $2.27 a gallon for gasoline from a Halliburton subsidiary, while at the same time it could buy gasoline from Turkey at about $1.18 a gallon. But the charge is not that Halliburton profited from this deal, but merely that it might not have been diligent enough in negotiating a market price contract from a subcontractor, Kuwaiti oil company that was designated by the Kuwaiti government as the only company that could bid on this contract.

The Pentagon has sent the bill back to Halliburton and said, we want to see a justification for why you couldn't buy this gasoline cheaper at the time, closer to market prices. And they await to see what kind of justification they'll get from Kellogg, Brown & Root on that.

But again, a key point is that there is no allegation that the company profited from this. Simply that the taxpayers may have overpaid because they weren't diligent enough in negotiating a contract with the subcontractor -- Bill.

HEMMER: Still a developing story. Jamie McIntyre at the Pentagon.

The president defending his decision to freeze out certain countries which did not support the Iraq war from bidding on reconstruction contracts. Now, though, he's asking some of those very same countries for a favor.

Senior White House correspondent John King now at the White House with the latest there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president says he doesn't understand all the fuss.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's very simple. Our people risk their lives. Coalition -- friendly coalition folks risk their lives, and therefore, the contracting is going to reflect that. And that's what the U.S. taxpayers expect.

KING: But the decision to steer nearly $20 billion in Iraq reconstruction money to companies from the United States and key war allies reopened the diplomatic divide between Washington and major war opponents like France, Russia and Germany.

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: I would not characterize the decision taken yesterday as unified.

KING: The president's political opponents call it more failed diplomacy.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think it borders on the stupid. It is counterproductive. It is the exact opposite of what we should be doing in order to bring other countries into the table.

KING: But at this year-end cabinet meeting, Mr. Bush not only defended the policy, but scoffed. When asked about French and German suggestions, his approach violates international law.

BUSH: International law? I better call my lawyer.

KING: Still, the timing is awkward, to say the least. The dust- up comes just as special Bush envoy, James Baker, heads to Paris, Moscow and Berlin, asking leaders to forgive or at least reduce huge Iraqi debts from the days of Saddam Hussein.

IVO DAALDER, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: If I were Mr. Baker, I would have gone into the Oval Office and told the President, I'm going back to Houston until you find a way to cooperate with these guys.

KING: Canada also is excluded from major contracts, though Prime Minister Jean Chretien says Mr. Bush told him Thursday that was a mistake.

JEAN CHRETIEN, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: He was telling me to -- basically, not to worry.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: John, with James Baker leaving for Europe on Monday, how much pressure does he have to get pledges from France and Germany, Russia to scratch and wave the Iraqi debt?

KING: Well, Bill, you might say, on the one hand, this is mission impossible for Secretary Baker. He's asking them to waive tens of billions of dollars in debt, at the very moment the United States has yet again antagonized those countries, France, Germany and Russia chief among them. But you might also make a different case.

President Bush has spoken to the leaders of all three nations, as well as to the prime minister of Canada today. Made clear how important the debt issue is to him. That could now be the key negotiating point in this contract dispute. If those countries agree to forgive or at least reduce Iraq's debts, perhaps, the White House is saying, the rules for these contracts will be rewritten. So it could actually be the outlines of a potential compromise -- Bill.

HEMMER: John King from the White House this evening.

That brings us now to the "Buzz." Should the U.S. have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from contracts to rebuild Iraq? Vote now at cnn.com/360. We'll have the results for you a bit later in our program tonight.

Now to the story on the flu and that outbreak. Official confirmation today that the virus is spreading. You might have thought it was bad when the flu was widespread in only 13 states just a week ago. The CDC now says it's hitting hard in 24 states, and cases are reported nationwide. And we're still only weeks away from when the flu peak season hits.

Check out this scene in Denver. A huge line for flu shots there. The federal government announcing it's buying the last doses of the vaccine from its manufacturers. One hundred thousand adult doses should arrive by the end of the week; 150,000 children's doses are due sometime next month.

Meanwhile, several schools, such as this one in Missouri, have closed for the rest the week because so many students are out sick with the flu. And college campuses not immune. The flu virus has claimed the life of a student at Worcester State College in the state of Massachusetts.

Time now for a look at some other stories happening right now "Cross Country."

New York and Wall Street: the Dow conquers 10,000 today. It closed up 86 points to end the day at 10,800. The rally spurred by a better-than-expected November retail sales report. The Dow has not been this high since May of last year.

Birmingham, Alabama: seeking the death penalty. That's what federal prosecutors plan to do in the case of accused bomber Eric Robert Rudolph, arrested in May after more than five years on the run. Accused of a deadly bombing at a Birmingham clinic back in 1998. He is also accused of several bombings in Atlanta, including the one at the Olympic Park there in the summer of 1996.

Grand Forks, North Dakota: again, a plea for help. The mother of missing college student Dru Sjodin says she has asked the mother of the man accused of kidnapping to "reach out to her son and please asked him to lead us to Dru."

Salt Lake City: competency hearings are set for the homeless couple charged of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart. Wanda Barzee back in court on the 9th of January. Her husband, Brian David Mitchell, has a hearing set for later this month.

And that's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.

Still to come here on 360: new details from the sniper trial. What was originally planned involved children at a Maryland middle school.

Also, continuing our look at "Secret Societies." We'll check in with the world's oldest fraternity tonight.

And the newest pseudo-celebrity marriage. Everything about Trista and Ryan's wedding was overkill, including the two hours it took to get to the "I dos."

First, though, a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Now to the trial of the sniper suspect Lee Boyd Malvo. A psychiatrist for the defense took the stand today. And the shocker here, one of the shootings could have been much worse.

Jeanne Meserve is in Chesapeake, Virginia for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): There were 13 sniper shootings, but there could have been far more. John Muhammad and Lee Malvo had selected more than 100 possible shooting locations in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, according to Dr. Neil Blumberg, a defense psychiatrist who interviewed Malvo extensively.

Blumberg also testified Iran Brown was not supposed to be the only victim at the Benjamin Tasker Middle School. Muhammad wanted to shoot but not kill three to five children to send a ripple effect through the community. Prosecutor Robert Horan tried to underline that Malvo had displayed aberrant behavior before meeting Muhammad. For instance, hunting stray cats with his slingshot several times a week. But the defense argued that Horan's efforts to punch holes in their indoctrination theory was at odds with the position of prosecutors in the Muhammad trial, though both represent the commonwealth of Virginia.

Paul Ebert, Muhammad's prosecutor, called Malvo a young man that he, Muhammad, molded and made into an instrument of death and destruction.

HENRY ASBILL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) stake out a position in the Muhammad trial. They ought to be forced to stake out that same position in the Malvo trial. The problem for them is, that if they do that, it dovetails completely with Malvo's insanity defense.

MESERVE: But the judge rerefused to admit statements from Muhammad's prosecutors because it would be unduly confusing for the Malvo jury.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: One juror was dismissed today because he no longer lives in the city of Chesapeake. But it's not a problem. There are still 12 jurors and three alternates to decide the fate of Lee Malvo.

Bill, back to you.

HEMMER: Jeanne Meserve, in Chesapeake, Virginia this evening.

Now to a deepening murder mystery. Since the body of a federal prosecutor was found in a Pennsylvania creek, investigators constantly looking now for clues in both his professional and his personal life.

Mike Brooks is following that this evening.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been one week since the body of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna was found lying beneath his car in a creek in Pennsylvania, tortured and stabbed as many as 36 times. Officials say he died of multiple wounds to the neck and chest and drowning.

How did Luna's body wind up 70 miles from his home in an area where law enforcement sources say people go to meet for sexual encounters? Investigators tracing Luna's steps say he left work at the federal courthouse in Baltimore close to midnight and stopped at an ATM in Delaware, where sources say he withdrew $200.

Thirty miles to the north, another stop at a Sunoco station in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Investigators think he was alone at the ATM. They are uncertain about the Sunoco stop. Luna turned west on the Pennsylvania turnpike. Another 50 miles to the murder scene near (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Pennsylvania. Investigators are looking into Luna's personal life, possible debt issues and using the Internet seeking women for sex. But is any progress being made in the case?

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: You know, we get more information as time goes on. But for me to suggest that as a result of that information we have turned some sort of corner would be inappropriate at this time.

BROOKS: The FBI is now appealing for the public's help in trying to solve this bizarre murder mystery.

Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Now to politics. Ralph Nader says he's leaning toward running for president again. Nader is at a fundraiser in New Jersey, raising money for his exploratory committee.

From Princeton, in New Jersey, here's Kelley Wallace.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Will he or won't he? Ralph Nader won't say until January.

RALPH NADER, FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We're testing the waters, as the legal phrase has it.

WALLACE: The long-time consumer advocate has set up a Web site and an exploratory committee. He says if he can win the support of volunteers again, and raise $5 million to $10 million, there's a high probability he will run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're seeing a lot of people coming to the Web site, seeing a lot of people calling in and volunteering, wanting Ralph to run.

WALLACE: In a survey of American adults in September, 23 percent said Nader should enter the presidential race. Two-thirds said he should stay out. Many Democrats accuse him of being a spoiler for Al Gore in 2000, costing the then vice president the election.

NADER: Well, you can't spoil a political system that is spoiled to the core.

Running for office is the highest form of political free speech. And while people may disagree and challenge and argue, no one should ever say to anybody, do not run.

WALLACE: Some Democratic strategists say many angry and young voters who backed Nader in 2000 will line up behind their party's nominee this time. PETER HART, DEMOCRATIC POLLSTER: The country is much more polarized than 2000. Howard Dean or any Democrat is going to do much better with the Nader voters than anybody ever expected.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And at this hour, Ralph Nader is meeting with supporters, including members of the Green Party here in Princeton. The entire party, though, is not united behind a Nader candidacy. Some party members say they believe the priority should be defeating President Bush, and they say a Nader run in '04 would distract from that effort -- Bill.

HEMMER: Kelly, did he say if he could think that he could raise enough money to make a difference this time or not?

WALLACE: He said he again is testing the waters and that he will see. He raised $8 million in 2000, Bill. He says he needs to raise $5 million to $10 million this time around. We asked him how much he's raised so far. He said he's just now getting out there, so he'll see if he can do it.

HEMMER: Kelly, thanks. Kelly Wallace in Princeton, New Jersey tonight.

A fast fact quickly about third-party candidates. Since the second world war, only two third-party candidates have won electoral college vote.

Dixiecrat Strom Thurman won 39 in 1948. Alabama governor, George Wallace, 46 in 1968. Ross Perot picked up 19 percent of the popular vote in 1992, but no electoral college votes. Neither did Nader, who ran in both 1996 and in the year, as Kelly just mentioned, 2000.

International stories now in tonight's "UpLink."

Baghdad, Iraq, our first stop. Half of the 700 members of the new Iraqi army have quit. Many say they resigned because the Iraqi police pay more. Soldiers in the new army are paid about $50 a month.

Elsewhere in Iraq, senior "TIME" Magazine correspondent Michael Weiskopf and his photographer injured after a grenade attack today. The Humvee they were riding in, along with U.S. soldiers, attacked with that grenade.

The group Human Rights Watch says hundreds of civilian death in the war could have been prevented. The group says the U.S.-led coalition's use of cluster bombs in populated areas caused more civilian casualties than any other factor. It says the use of cluster bombs by U.S. and British forces killed or wounded more than 1,000 civilians in that battle.

Paris, now. An official report recommending a ban on Muslim veils, Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses in France's public schools. At the same time, it wants new holidays to respect holy days of minority religions. The report on church and state is at the center of a national debate in France over integrating Muslims into French society.

Italy, now. Gentlemen, start your fighter jet. A drag-racing dream at a military airport. A Ferrari take on a fighter jet in three different heats.

The Ferrari won in the 600-yard race. The jet won in two longer races. By the way, the fighter jet had to stay on the ground the entire length of that race.

That's tonight's "UpLink" from overseas.

The oldest secret fraternity. We'll go knocking on the door of the Free Masons this evening, continuing our weeklong look at "Secret Societies."

Also tonight, a suicidal depressed man jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Not have many people in the past survived that leap. He did. His story coming up a bit later in our show.

First, tonight, though, the "Buzz." Should the U.S. have excluded Germany, Russia, Canada, France from reconstruction contracts to help rebuild Iraq? Vote now online: cnn.com/360. Results momentarily a bit later in the show.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Tonight we get as close as we can to the world's oldest fraternity, the Freemasons. Anderson Cooper is not far this evening. He continues our series on "Secret Societies."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON COOPER, HOST (voice-over): The Masonic order was founded in 18th century England, expanding rapidly into British colonies. Rudyard Kipling wrote of Freemason in "The Man Who Would Be King."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, it's an ancient order dedicated to the brotherhood of man under the all-seeing eye of god.

HEMMER: Masonic lodges were social fraternities where business deals were made, politics discussed, and charities supported. Members pledged allegiance to the order, to each other, and to a supreme being. And rituals shrouded in mystery, secret handshakes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, we don't do that in public.

COOPER: Secret symbols.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I can't tell you. I can't tell you.

COOPER: Symbols they now share with the very country that many masons helped form. In total, 15 U.S. presidents have been Masons, including Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford.

Talk to any mason and they'll tell you they are not a secret society, but a society with secrets. And that secrecy has always produced fear. The Catholic Church opposed the group soon after it began. Adolph Hitler cracked down on Masons. So did the Soviet Union. Today, Masons are still criticized by some conservative Christians.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Freemasonry says that its god is a symbol that represents all gods. And to a Christian, this amounts to coming to an altar that is shared with demonic gods.

COOPER: Each year, Masons raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charity. But their membership is declining -- 1.7 million Americans are Freemasons, a drop of nearly 1.5 million people over the last 20 years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: A bit earlier today, Anderson sat down and talked with Gary Leazer, who at one time was hired by the Southern Baptist convention to investigate the Freemasons. His findings? There's nothing to fear. In fact, he became a member.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: You know the criticism that a lot of times gets brought up is you can't worship two masters, and that that's what Freemasons do. Is that true?

GARY LEAZER, DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR INTERFAITH STUDIES: The problem comes from the term "worshipful master," which is an archaic English term. John Whitcliff (ph), when he translated the Bible in the 14th or 15th century, translated one of the commandments, "You shall worship your father and your mother."

Today, we have, "You should honor your father and your mother." The words' meanings have changed. So when we talk about a "worshipful master," we say he is the most honored person in the lodge.

COOPER: What is it that you do in those lodges?

LEAZER: Well, a lot of times the lodge is a lot like a business meeting. We have a certain ritual that we open the lodge with. We read the minutes from the previous meeting.

We pay our bills. We pray for the sick. We have old and new business. Sometimes we will have a speaker come and talk to us, or we'll show a movie or a video. And then we will have a ritual and close and go home.

COOPER: Why all the secrecy, though? I mean, you look at the history of the Masons, it's been very -- it has been shrouded in sort of mystery and secrecy from the beginning and that's caused a lot of problems.

LEAZER: Well, the biggest secret about Freemasonry is there are no secrets. You can buy books and buy videotapes that show all of the rituals. Basically, there are no secrets left in Freemasonry. COOPER: Do you worry about the drop in membership? I mean, I imagine most of your members are kind of older. Is the organization becoming irrelevant?

LEAZER: Well, the membership is dropping. The average age of masons today in the United States is probably around 65. And we are working to try to attract young men. And so we try to do new things to attract them.

For example, one lodge here in the Atlanta area started a Boy Scout troop. They offer scholarships to students in their county. They are involved in the community, and that lodge is attracting a lot of younger people.

COOPER: What's the mission of the Masons today? I mean, what's the point?

LEAZER: The point of the Freemasonry is to teach a man good moral teachings, get him involved in the community, and be a better husband, a better father, and a better citizen in his country.

COOPER: Gary Leazer, thanks very much.

LEAZER: Thank you very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: All right. And tomorrow night we'll wrap the series, "Secret Societies."

The KKK, perhaps America's most notorious secret society. Its past is filled with violence and hatred. Its membership dwindled. But its current leader has plans to change all that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER (voice-over): A suspect is charged in connection to three bodies unearthed in Indiana.

An amazing story of desperation and recovery. Why does someone jump off the Golden Gate Bridge?

And Trista finally ties the knot. Will it last?

We'll be right back.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Welcome back. Quickly, to check some of the night's other stories in "The Reset." Two projectiles hitting inside the U.S.-led coalition headquarters zone tonight. Those blasts made a ferocious noise but no injuries so far reported there.

This Country, Across America. What started out to be a bad flu season suddenly got a whole lot worse. Outbreaks now showing up in 24 states. It was only 13 states a week ago. There are still several weeks now until the peak of the flu season.

Key west, Florida: six men convict today for hijacking a small airliner from Cuba to the U.S. Air piracy charges bring a minimum of 20 years in jail. The men will be sentenced in the month of February.

Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant's legal troubles do not matter to many in the NBA. Bryant is the overall leader in the western division voting for the allstar game. Already more than 500,000 votes there for Kobe. That's "The Reset" this evening.

Now to northwestern Indiana. The bodies of three teenage boys dug up in the basement of a home. And just minutes ago, police now revealing, they have charged a man who lived there with murder. Jeff Flock now has more on the investigation.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed Bill, outside the police department here tonight in northwest, Indiana, where as you report one count of murder so far against this 49-year-old man. But that may be just the start.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (voice-over): The scene has an eerily familiar feel. Police tape around a house. Investigators digging in the basement for the bodies of young men and boys. A man in custody, accused of luring and murdering them.

JOHN CORY, HAMMOND POLICE CHIEF: Two of the victims were buried shallow, the graves were shallow. I would say approximately six inches down.

FLOCK: The scene is Hammond, Indiana. The remain, those of Michael Dennis and 16-year-old James Reganyi (ph), missing since September, and Nicholas James, gone since May.

CORY: On the 13 and 16-year-old at this time, we are not ruling out suffocation and strangulation. On Nicholas James, cause of death will be blunt force trauma.

FLOCK: It was exactly 25 years ago this Saturday that authorities in Chicago first happened on a similar, though far more deadly scene.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Late Wednesday, six more bodies were carried out.

FLOCK: 33 bodies of young men and boys buried in the basement crawl space of John Wayne Gacy's house. Executed a decade ago, his M.O. similar to the suspect in this case. Luring young boys with alcohol, drugs, like Gacy, with a history of violence against boys.

The suspect in this case pleaded guilty to murdering a boy in Illinois in 1981, assaulting another in Texas. But this crime scene apparently with a far smaller death toll. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brought a cadaver dog back out here. The dog did not hit on any other locations in the basement. We feel confident that there are no more bodies located in this basement.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (on camera): And Bill, Mr. Mouse (ph) has been out of prison, apparently, since 1999 and been only here in northwest Indiana for a reasonably short time. So, authorities now looking back over other places he may have been since the time he got out of prison. To make certain other crimes haven't been committed in other places -- Bill.

HEMMER: Jeff, thanks. Jeff Flock there in Indiana.

Mouse (ph) has a criminal record that includes a murder conviction for the death of a 15-year-old boy in Illinois. Also convicted in Texas of committing bodily injury to a child; that's what police say now. This current investigation is still ongoing, obviously. And there might be more charges on the way within the next day or 2.

More on the investigation now, back to the scene. Detective Sergeant Christopher Matonavich (ph) of the Hammond Police Department is with us live. Sergeant, good evening to you.

Sir if you can hear me, Bill Hemmer live here on CNN. Can you tell us, do you know how these boys were killed, sergeant?

CORY: Actually, you are speaking with Chief John Cory of the Hammond Police Department.

HEMMER: Okay, chief I appreciate you joining us. Apology about the name mistake. But go ahead.

CORY: Not a problem. What I can tell you is that Nicholas James, he received a blunt force trauma injury, inflicted to the back of his head. As far as the other two victims, we are looking at, but not ruling out, possible strangulation as well as suffocation.

HEMMER: What led you to this building chief?

CORY: Back in September, September 10, we received a missing persons reports concerning Mr. Reganyi (ph) as well as Mr. Dennis. And at that time, our detectives began an investigation as to the disappearance of these individuals.

I would also like to point out that these individuals had left notes stating that they had run away. But our investigators proceeded with the investigation, and as a result of that, we came to realize that Mr. Mouse (ph) was a person of interest. We continued that investigation and as a result, one count of murder was filed today.

HEMMER: Chief, how real is the possibility that a search continues for possibly more bodies? CORY: As far as the address here in Hammond, we are continuing to remove evidence from that location. We will hold that premises as long as need be until we are convinced that we have removed any evidence, any and all evidence that pertained to these crimes.

HEMMER: Chief, one more final question here, if we could quickly here. These boys have been missing for months, what took so long to get to this location?

CORY: Well, I would disagree that it took a long time. I would say that our investigation has been methodical. We have followed every lead. As I said, we have, from the very beginning, once we received the report, we continued to follow the leads, and the investigation has come to, at least as far as this is concerned, these three individuals, I think has come to a good conclusion by virtue of the fact that we have taken this person into custody.

HEMMER: Good luck to you, chief, John Cory there in Hammond, Indiana. Appreciate your time.

Now to justice served. Attorney Mark Geragos back in court tomorrow for his other famous client, referring to Scott Peterson now. Expected to ask for a change of venue in that case. 360 legal analyst, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom joins us tonight from San Francisco. Good evening to you.

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Good evening.

HEMMER: Pretty interesting twist here. The prosecutors can go out and survey the jurors in that county. What kind of questions will they be asking there?

NEWSOM: This is an important task that they are setting out to do. They need to know whether people have prejudged this case to the point where they wouldn't have an open mind when the evidence is presented at trial. They want to know what people think about Scott Peterson. Do they believe he is innocent? Do they believe that he is guilty? Have some of these defense theories about satanic cults and things resonated with people in these particular areas?

They need to know that when they present the evidence during the jury trial that people will have an open mind. It's okay to have seen pretrial publicity. They just cannot have prejudged to the point of dismissing any evidence submitted.

HEMMER: How common is this, Kimberly?

NEWSOM: Well, it is common in cases that have had a lot of pretrial publicity. Because so much of what we see and here on television can shape our viewpoints, our ideas, our perceptions. And when it comes to the rights to a fair trial, that is paramount, you can't have people that have prejudged the case. And we've seen it now in all the high-profile cases so it's something that must be done in this case.

COOPER: Let's talk about another one of those high-profile cases. Kobe Bryant. His attorneys want to subpoena the mother of the accuser. What are they looking for from her?

NEWSOM: Well, it's a pretty aggressive tactic on their part. They are trying to pierce, basically, the patient/client privilege. They want to see that she has basically waived her right to privacy but they have another hurdle to overcome which is relevance. They're going to have to prove that any information contained in this victim's medical records is pertinent as to whether or not Kobe Bryant is innocent or guilty of the charges. And that's the hard hurdle they're going to have to overcome.

COOPER: Court resumes again December 19, about a week from tomorrow. Cameras in the courtroom or not, do you think?

NEWSOM: Well, I think on this hearing, he's not going to have cameras in the courtroom and many of us are wondering, does that mean that he's not going to have cameras in the courtroom for the trial? It doesn't necessarily mean that he won't. I mean, it's very unlikely for motions that judges will keep cameras out.

But a case of this nature, that is so explosive with information that is so sensitive and intimate, I was there for the preliminary hearing, it's things that shouldn't be out over the air waves. I think it's one thing to report on, but it shouldn't be broadcast live. I think this motion is going to have sensitive information about her privacy rights, doctor/patient information so it should be closed to the public but we'll see about the trial.

COOPER: We'll see you next Friday. Kimberly, thanks. Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom live in San Francisco tonight.

In a moment here, a man who jumped off the Golden Gate bridge survives to tell his story.

Also, in a moment, Trista and Ryan, they got hitched. If you didn't watch it or could not make it through it, we'll give you the lowdown.

And our guest tonight says "low indeed." Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: 40 million cars drive across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge every year, one of the busiest bridges in the country. It's also busy for another completely different reason. At least a couple of dozen people die there every year, committing suicide by jumping 200 feet to the water below. Our medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta tonight is here with more on that story. Good evening.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Thanks. All those things are definitely true but why this particular spot? We found out. We also found out, what does it feel like to actually jump off the bridge. We hear from a guy who did it and survived.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't want anybody to stop me. I just wanted to die.

GUPTA, (voice-over): After struggling with depression for three years, 19-year-old Kevin Hines took a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge, walked a little less than halfway across, and hurdled over the side.

KEVIN HINES, JUMPED BUT SURVIVED: I just wished I could go back in time. I wished I could just take it all back.

GUPTA: Kevin is part of a horrifying statistic. About every two weeks someone jumps right here. Why did you come here? Why the Golden Gate Bridge?

HINES: I was under the impression that it was the easiest way to die.

GUPTA: Easy because there's a pedestrian walkway with a railing just about four feet high. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, even more common than homicide. There are 25 attempts for every actual suicide. Of course, with leaps from very high places, the fatality rate is much higher.

HINES: Well, I hurtled myself over and I started falling head first.

GUPTA: Kevin Hines was extremely lucky.

HINES: I hit free-fall and I said, "I don't want to die." And I said, "What am I going to do to survive?" And I said, "I got to get feet first, which I did."

GUPTA: Despite two shattered vertebrae, Kevin recovered both physically and mentally. He takes college theater classes and dreams of working on films. Indeed, several long-term studies have found that while survivors of suicide attempts do try again at a higher than normal rate, more than 90 percent do not and go on to little normal lives.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love this picture.

GUPTA: Renee Milligan's 14-year-old daughter, Marissa (ph), jumped to her death from the Golden Gate two years ago, leaving a heartbreaking note.

RENEE MILLIGAN, MOTHER OF SUICIDE VICTIM: "I am sorry. Please forgive me. Don't shut yourself off from the world. Everyone is better off without this fat, disgusting, boring girl."

GUPTA: Renee thinks it should be much tougher to jump. She sued the Golden Gate Bridge district to force them to install a physical barrier.

MILLIGAN: Well, right now it's like a loaded gun. I think in her letter, she says it's the easiest way.

GUPTA: The suit was thrown out but Renee has filed an appeal. The bridge directors say they haven't found a barrier that would be effective, structurally sound, and still aesthetically pleasing. They do have security cameras, call boxes with a hotline to counselors and a regular bridge patrol looking for suspicious behavior. The patrol checked on us after about 20 minutes.

But these days, Kevin Hines is all right. He now gives inspirational talks about overcoming depression. Living proof, he knows it can be done.

HINES: I'm just so lucky to be alive, so blessed. Every day I just thank God every day waking up.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GUPTA: Kevin has done very well since then. A common question we get as well. Why are the rails only 4.5 feet high? Well, it turns out, in fact, that the engineer of this bridge, Joseph Strauss was only 5 feet high and he wanted to make them low enough so he could see over it. So it stands today.

HEMMER: Good story. Thank you, Sanjay. In a moment here, we're going to take a bit of a turn tonight. ABC hyped it as the most anticipated wedding since Charles and Diana. Why the hype and why the viewers? "Overkill"'s coming up tonight.

Also, tonight, like sands to the hourglass, "Days Of Our Lives" is flowing downhill. "The Current" is still ahead also.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEMMER: Tonight, the story that makes some want to put the kill in "Overkill." If you are like many Americans, millions, you spent a good chunk or an excruciating chunk of time last night watching Trista and Ryan get hitched.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I now pronounce you husband and wife.

HEMMER (voice-over): That was it. The stunning climax followed by spontaneous displays of joy. Well rehearsed beforehand.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Practice kissing?

HEMMER: What made it "Overkill" though was not the half million dollars worth of flowers or the viral spread of pink but the sports style commentary.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he's going to give some last-minute advice.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's no uncertainty, so I'm just ready to go.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They got it Chris, back to you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now playing for the bride. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here comes Trista's long-time friend Cindy Kaufman (ph) who went to college with Trista.

HEMMER: Only at the altar did the ceremony reach its highest dignity.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How are you doing?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you think?

HEMMER: In the end, maybe the "Overkill" in the show and about stemmed from the fact that finally all of America could attend a wedding and make all their starchy comments out loud.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: One person making some comments today, "New York Post" TV critic Linda Stasi joins us now tonight to elaborate on the hype.

How are you? Good evening.

LINDA STASI, TV CRITIC "NEW YORK POST": Fine. How are you?

HEMMER: I'm doing fine. It's over now.

STASI: Thank you, god.

HEMMER: How do you explain the ratings, now?

STASI: I cannot imagine -- I watched it. I wanted to actually -- I didn't even like to go to my own wedding. The only wedding I cried at was my own and this one. And I cried at joy at this one because it was over. I never have to see these people again. If we have to go through Trista and Ryan the divorce, I will kill myself.

HEMMER: Do you think we need to phone the emperor now?

Listen, a couple of things you said. Overhead paparazzi for the helicopters hovered making so much noise it sounded like they were getting hitched during the fall of Saigon. Great line.

STASI: Thank you. I also said there were more wafts coming down that aisle than on the "Mayflower."

HEMMER: Now that was a little too much. You were making fun of the grandparents who came that night.

STASI: How do they have 12 grandparents?

HEMMER: I don't know. You wrote 10 by the way.

STASI: I know, but I decided it's 12.

HEMMER: Hang on. One more thing. Trista and Ryan had written a private letter to each other, common at most weddings. Which then was read to about 30 million people.

STASI: And they made a big deal. And the minister, I don't know where they got this guy. But the minister was saying it as though he was breaking a story. And now, exclusively, we have, you know, they've written each other a private letter. It's never before been on television. Well, excuse me, it was so awful. But nothing beat -- excuse me I don't want to jump on your line. But nothing beat the end when they got -- finally got hitched and the husband says, and now I have a special surprise for my bride. Super -- country music superstar...

HEMMER: Who I just happened to meet.

STASI: Brad Paisley.

HEMMER: I bet you a dollar we don't see him again. Do you want to take that bet.

STASI: Who?

Who are we not going to see?

HEMMER: Trista and Ryan, we are not going to see them again.

STASI: I will give -- I will personally give you a big bribe. I will give you $100 right now if you can make that happen. If you can make that happen...

HEMMER: I don't think I can. They're going to Colorado. We're going to see them again. Thanks Linda.

STASI: Thank you.

HEMMER: Good piece today.

STASI: Thank you.

HEMMER: Enjoyed it tonight.

In a moment here, your kids writing into Santa this year?

If so, we hope it's not in South Africa. We'll tell you the governments beef with Mr. Claus when I hit the "Current" in a moment.

Plus, tomorrow "Secret Societies" concludes. One of Americans most feared and hated organizations, the KKK, what are they doing now in the 21st century?

"360" has that tomorrow on Friday.

Today's "Buzz," should the U.S. have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from reconstruction contracts to rebuild Iraq. Vote now online cnn.com/360. The results when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HEMMER: In the "Buzz" this evening, we asked you whether or not the U.S. should have excluded France, Germany, Russia and Canada from the reconstruction contracts in rebuilding Iraq. 49 percent say, yes, 51 percent say, no. Not a scientific poll, just viewer "Buzz" online.

Before we go, here's tonight's "Current."

A report in tomorrow's edition of the "Journal Cell" has found a gene in worms responsible for drunkenness. The gene was identified after experiments show drunken worms move more slowly and awkwardly than sober ones, and are more likely to go home with cute worm's ugly friend.

Natalie Portman reportedly done with celebrity tabloids and gossip. The actress says, she's trying to stay away from "Us" magazine, a goal she revealed and comments she made to the "Daily News" gossip column.

South Africa's post office banning from advertising an address for children to write to Santa Claus. The post office found to be exploiting children to make money off them. A practice that remains 100 percent legal in this country.

"Variety" reports the Soap Net Channel has signed a deal to start showing NBC's "Days of our Lives." The soap opera is expected to make it's Soap Net debut in March unless the count's evil twin awakens from its coma and learns that Maruchio (ph) is not really his son.

That's going to do it for tonight. Thanks for being with us this evening. I'm Bill Hemmer, Anderson Cooper back a bit later. See you again bright early tomorrow morning on "AMERICAN MORNING" We start every morning 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Stay tune, up next here on CNN, "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

END

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