Return to Transcripts main page

Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees

Judge Refuses to Stop Same-Sex Marriages; Prosecution Rests in Martha Stewart Trial; Bill Moyers Calls It Quits At PBS

Aired February 20, 2004 - 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): The prosecution rests. Now it's Martha Stewart's turn to make her case.

Tell to it the judge. The battle for gay marriage now in the hands of California's courts.

On the hunt for Osama. Are Special Op soldiers on the prowl in Pakistan?

More flying fears. An international flight forced off course. Was it al Qaeda or a domestic dispute?

Sleazy education? A well-known grad alleges sexual harassment on an Ivy League campus.

And what to do this weekend? Incase you haven't heard, sex is going away.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

COOPER: Hey, welcome to 360.

Breaking news out of San Francisco. Just moments ago, a judge's ruling on a request by conservative groups to issue a temporary restraining order against the city to stop same-sex marriages.

Let's go live to CNN's David Mattingly outside the courthouse.

David, what did the judge decide?

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, for the second time, a California judge has decided not to issue a restraining order in the matter of gay marriages. That means the city of San Francisco can continue to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, at least for now. The judge, again, ruled that there was no possible evidence or evidence presented here that showed that there was any immediate harm being done by what the city is doing.

The judge, however, stopped short of saying when we're going back to court, however, to actually arguments on whether or not the city's marriage spree is illegal under state law, or is it protected under the state constitution. All the lawsuits in this case have now been consolidated; they've been rolled into one big lawsuit. However, no one has decided which judge is actually going to take this suit in the future.

For now, however, in the meantime, here at City Hall, it was another long day of long lines and "I do's" inside City Hall. City Hall here, the city officials easily meeting their goal of 3,000 marriage licenses by the end of business today, reaching the 3,200 mark. They will be taking a break, however, Anderson, after starting last Thursday, working straight through to today. They will be taking the weekend off, not issuing anymore marriage licenses until Monday -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Dave Mattingly, thanks from San Francisco.

In New Mexico, a county is following San Francisco's lead. A lesbian couple became the first to exchange vows outside the Sandoval County Courthouse today. Same-sex marriage licenses are being issued after a county attorney said that New Mexico law is unclear on the issue.

Well, prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart trial. Stewart's long-time friend returned to the stand, and the defense got tough.

Deborah Feyerick has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Immediately after selling her ImClone stock in December 2001, Martha Stewart got back on a private jet and continued on to Mexico. Her close friend traveling with her at the time testified there was no talk about another pal, Sam Waksal, no talk about his company ImClone, no talk about any stock sales.

Prosecutors say during the short layover, Stewart sold some 4,000 ImClone shares after calling her broker's office and finding out Waksal was dumping his stock. According to her close friend, Mariana Pasternak, Stewart later said, "Isn't it nice to have brokers to tell you those things?" But on cross-examination, Pasternak admitted, "I don't know if it was said by Martha or was a thought in my mind."

Two friends of the government's star witness, Doug Faneuil, also testified. Both repeated stories Faneuil told them. One, that Stewart's broker, Peter Bacanovic, had ordered his assistant to tell Stewart the Waksals were selling. The other, that Faneuil "had to lie to protect his boss." Defense lawyers are trying to get all charges dismissed.

(on camera): Prosecutors finished presenting their evidence. A lawyer for Stewart's broker put on the first witness for the defense, a businessman who is one of the candidate's big clients. He testified that he and Bacanovic regularly had verbal arguments to sell stocks when they fell to a certain price. That's the same explanation Bacanovic and Stewart have given for the ImClone trade.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, this just in now from Boulder, Colorado. News in the college football sex scandal tonight. The University of Colorado named an interim head coach. Brian Cabral will replace Gary Barnett, who is on paid leave pending the results of an investigation into the alleged infractions. Cabral has been an assistant coach with the team for 15 years.

Heading overseas now, the intensifying hunt for Osama bin Laden. Along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, hints that Special Ops forces are now in the region, and the head of the CIA reaches out to Pakistan for help.

With the latest, here's CNN's national security correspondent, David Ensor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, an all-out effort is under way to hunt down Osama bin Laden, believed to be hiding out in the remote tribal region. On a secret mission last week, U.S. intelligence chief George Tenet spent a day in Islamabad meeting with Pakistan's military and intelligence leaders.

General David Barno, the top U.S. soldier in Afghanistan, did the same last week. A full-court press on Pakistan, which is making some headway. More Pakistani forces are moving into the border region, and they are warning tribal elders there to stop sheltering al Qaeda or else.

LT. GEN. DAVID BARNO, COMMANDING GENERAL, COMBINED FORCES COMMAND AFGHANISTAN: They're obviously adding that enforcement mechanisms for those that do not comply, that include, I think, destruction of homes.

ENSOR: Pakistani troops are getting U.S. intelligence and logistics help, discretely provided, says a respected observer, by U.S. military and intelligence personnel on the ground.

AHMED RASHID, AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST: Local tribal leaders have seen them. I think they were there in very small numbers; maybe a dozen or two dozen. I think there will probably be an increase in that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are there any U.S. troops operating in those areas with the Pakistani military?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, they're not.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Never have been?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no.

ENSOR: The denials provide some political cover for Pakistan's General Musharraf, in a nation where many sympathize with al Qaeda. A CIA spokesmen also declined all comment, but knowledgeable sources say a few military personnel on assignment to other U.S. agencies like the CIA and FBI are on the ground in Pakistan.

RASHID: They're helping with communications, with logistics, with satellite information, all that kind of thing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ENSOR: On the afghan side of the border, U.S. forces are beefing up their numbers and making plans for a spring offensive. Bin Laden has evaded capture before. U.S. officials are making no predictions. But under a thick cloak of secrecy, a major effort is being geared up -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. David Ensor, thanks for that from Washington.

David mentioned the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Let's put it in perspective for a moment. According to our estimates, it is about 40,000 square miles, roughly the size of Kentucky or Ohio. The terrain is tough, rocky desert and inhospitable mountains and caves. And it is, as they say, lawless.

In politics, he is back, maybe. Ralph Nader, the man who many Democrats believe cost Al Gore the election in 2000, is set to announce if he's planning to run in this year's contest. Nader is set to appear on "Meet the Press" this Sunday to declare his plans.

Now, later on 360, what would a Nader candidacy mean this time around? It might be a little bit different. We're going to talk to Time Magazine's Jay Carney (ph) about that.

John Edwards, meanwhile, is on the campaign trail today, with visits to three states up for grabs on March 2, Super Tuesday. He started the day in Savannah, Georgia, then went to Maryland, and now is right here in New York. While John Kerry took the day off, he was certainly not forgotten by the Edwards campaign.

Dan Lothian reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With little to lose and much to gain, Senator John Edwards keep stoking the debate fire, now calling on Senator John Kerry for four debates before Super Tuesday.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), PRESIDENTIAL CANIDIDATE: Thank you.

LOTHIAN: Stumping at a community college in Largo, Maryland, Edwards kept up the pressure.

EDWARDS: It would be a shame if the people of Maryland couldn't hear John Edwards and John Kerry debate here in the state of Maryland.

(APPLAUSE)

LOTHIAN: Covering all bases, Senator Edwards sent a letter to Senator Kerry saying in part, "While we are all Democrats, there are very real differences among us. And the American people deserve to know who we are, where we're from and where we stand on the issues." So far, Senator Kerry, who took the day off from the campaign trail, has only agreed to one debate.

EDWARDS: I have talked about building one America that works for everybody. Not just for the privileged few.

LOTHIAN: Senator Edwards, who started his day in Savannah, Georgia, continues to build his campaign around the issue of jobs and trade, targeting heavily the Super Tuesday states of New York, Georgia and Ohio, where tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs have been lost. Despite criticism that his focus may be too narrow to have mass appeal, Senator Edwards told me...

EDWARDS: There are segments of the population that will find that particular component of the message more appealing. But that's not the only -- the message, the bigger, broader message about building one America is one that I think is a very appealing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN: Late today, the Kerry campaign responded to more debates, indicating that they would only be doing one more before Super Tuesday, and that is the CNN-LA Times debate next week. In a statement, the press secretary for Senator Kerry, Stephanie Cutter (ph), said in part, "We're not sure what John Edwards is going to say now that he hasn't had the opportunity to say in the last 18 debates over the last 10 months." And a senior adviser saying that he believes that Senator Edwards is just trying to, "add to his stump speech."

Back to you.

COOPER: All right. Dan Lothian, thanks from Buffalo.

President Bush's campaign looks like it's about to spend some of the $150 million or so it's raised thus far. The campaign is set to roll out its first big advertising push. The ads will promote the president's record and criticize Democratic contender Kerry for shifting positions on the issues, according to them.

We are following a number of developing stories right now "Cross Country." Let's take a look.

Mexico City and Washington, D.C.: border deal. Both Mexico and the U.S. have agreed on measures to improve security along the nearly 2,000-mile dividing line. The new deal was announced by Homeland Secretary Tom Ridge, as well as Mexico's interior secretary.

In Washington: a day in court. Jose Padilla, the U.S. citizen who is accused of being a terrorist, will have his day in the Supreme Court. The issue is whether an American citizen can be held without due process indefinitely without being charged with a crime. Critics of Padilla's detention say the Bush administration's policies trample on the civil liberties of all Americans.

Sarasota, Florida: Carlie Brucia's alleged killer is indicted. Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph Smith -- there he is -- is believed to be the man seen on a surveillance tape abducting Carlie Brucia. He was indicted by a Florida grand jury today. He's also charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.

West Warwick, Rhode Island: mourning the dead. Families and friends gathered today at the site of the Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100 people. Hard to believe it happened a year ago. One of the mourners said, "You have to move on, but it seems like it was just yesterday."

New York City: $230 million and counting. Tonight's Megamillions lottery will be drawn at about 11:00 Eastern. There is a lot at stake. The jackpot has rolled over with no winner for 14 consecutive times and now stands at $230 million. Tonight's drawing will be held at Times Square just down the street.

And, by the way, we've got a little pool going here at 360. We've got a couple tickets ourselves. And I'm told if our number comes up, just about everyone here who works with us will no longer work here. I don't know. But I'll be here, anyway, on Monday.

That's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.

Evacuations, revolt and U.S. advisers on the ground in Haiti. Violence continues to flare as the international community tries to make some peace. We'll go live to Port-au-Prince for an update.

Also tonight, election plans scrapped. So how will democracy be established in Iraq? We'll go live to the White House for that.

And risky surgery. Conjoined twins go back under the knife. Our own brain surgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, will join us live for an update.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, the hell in Haiti continues. Just hours ago, protesters filled the streets of Port-au-Prince, demanding the resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Americans are fleeing, while the U.S. and its allies try to head off a major disaster.

With more, here's CNN's Lucia Newman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At midday, these university students began a march to demand again that President Aristide resign. A short time later, the students and journalists accompanying the march were attacked by pro-Aristide gangs with guns, rocks and machetes. According to the Red Cross, at least 10 students were hit by gunfire, and several foreign journalists were attacked with machetes.

At the international airport in Haiti's capital, Canadian and Americans expats heeded warnings by their embassies to leave the strife-torn country. An American woman and her children said it was only temporary.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just about two months. Two months.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Until things get better here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sorry?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Until things get better.

NEWMAN: But in Haiti, things are only getting worse. In (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the rebels' stronghold, thousands cheered as militia leader (UNINTELLIGIBLE) proclaimed an independent republic called (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Dressed in presidential splendor, he promised to overthrow the government with the support of returned exile military and paramilitary leaders.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So now we go in and make -- we go and give Haiti a new freedom for 2004.

NEWMAN: Their real military might, though, is unclear. Although the rebels have taken over more towns. With Haiti's stability now hanging on a shoe string, a multinational delegation, including envoys from the U.S., will meet with President Aristide and his opponents Saturday to try to force them to the negotiating table.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWMAN: The United States is demanding that President Aristide also accept or name a brand new cabinet that includes members of the opposition as part of that intensified diplomatic effort to break the political dead lock in this country. However, diplomats say that under no circumstances will any negotiations include the armed militias or the armed thugs, as Washington calls them, that are controlling much of the north of this country -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Lucia Newman in Port-au-Prince. Thanks very much, Lucia.

To see my exclusive interview with Haiti's President Jean- Bertrand Aristide, you can go to cnn.com/360. It's on there.

We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe right now. Let's check tonight's "UpLink."

Tehran, Iran: parliamentary elections. Islamic hard-liners call for a massive turnout and they get it. They likely will keep control. The boycott effort by reformers who were mostly banned from running seems to have failed. Shanxi Province, China; high voltage trouble. Take a look at this guy. He got stuck after receiving a fear fatal shock while trying to steal high-tension power cables. Not a good idea.

The man spent more than 10 hours hanging on the poll until he was rescued. Ten hours. State media reports the zap was so powerful the man has lost both his arms and has serious burns on his hands and face. Hard to believe.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: it is carnival time. Known as the world's biggest party the pre-Lenten bash runs through Ash Wednesday. And there is no place like they do it in Brazil.

And that's a look at tonight's "UpLink."

Now the situation in Iraq. Another reversal for the White House. A concession today that its plans for elections needs to be reworked.

CNN's Kathleen Koch has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Acknowledging what had been apparent for weeks, the Bush administration Friday conceded its plan for caucuses to choose a new government in Iraq had failed.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There's wide recognition that the caucus plan is something that has not received much support.

KOCH: Primarily because of the opposition of powerful Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Ali al Sistani and his follows. They instead wanted direct elections by the June 30 handover deadline. But the United Nations concluded Thursday that's not possible. And while the White House won't say so, the U.N. has now taken the lead role in drafting what comes next.

MCCLELLAN: The United Nations will be putting out some recommendations, and we look forward to seeing those recommendations. And we look forward to discussing ideas with Iraqi leaders.

KOCH: One popular plan, expanding the Iraqi Governing Council and letting it draft a constitution and plan elections. Experts say expect controversy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The real problem for the U.S. is to get a government that is going to be seen to be legitimate, both by the Iraqis and the international community. And at the same time, the government that will accept some American authority on the ground.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH: That is particularly important, with some 120,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. Troops the administration believe will be very important in keeping order as any new government is formed -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Kathleen Koch, thanks for that.

Faked flight terror: how a domestic dispute turned into an airline security alert. One excuse you do not want to use on your wife.

Also tonight, the feminist and author and professor. Accusations of sexual harassment at Yale University. Is there a hidden history behind Ivy League walls?

And a little later, sex, the city, and a romantic cliffhanger. That and other ways you might want to spend your weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, now to one of the more bizarre stories that we've seen lately. A Chicago investment banker called his wife bound for a plane to Casablanca, Morocco, and told her he had been kidnapped by al Qaeda. She called a private detective; he called the FBI, and the plane was diverted to Bangor, Maine.

Jeff Flock's got the rest of the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): Relief and shock for the family of Zubar Ghias as they watch him walk with federal agents to Bangor, Maine Airport. Relief the missing 27-year- old investment banker, last seen here at Cartier buying rings for his wife on Valentine's Day in Chicago, had finally been found. But shocked at a call they said they got from him Thursday night from this Royal Air Moroc (ph) flight bound for Casablanca, saying he had been kidnapped by al Qaeda.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He basically told his family that he was forced onto the plane by some Arabic people of -- basically said his family was threatened.

FLOCK: The flight was diverted to Bangor, checked and went on. Ghias stayed to talk to the FBI, which tells CNN he was never kidnapped.

He failed to show up at his job here at J.P. Morgan Chase in Chicago's financial district last weekend. His luxury SUV abandoned in a bad neighborhood; his wife's rings inside, with a note claiming he had been abducted.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honestly, I will do anything.

FLOCK: Then his wife learned he withdrew $5,000 in small bills from this Southside Chicago bank on Saturday, and two days later bought tape and glue at this hardware store in Brooklyn, New York.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's something wrong here. FLOCK: Private eye Ernie Rizzo (ph), hired by the family, says it all doesn't make sense. Ghias, he says, was happily married. His wife now six months pregnant.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Anderson, authorities tonight tell us they just don't buy the "al Qaeda made me do it" defense. We talked to the Chicago FBI just a short time ago and they tell us that they expect that Mr. Ghias will be charged with one count of making a false statement by the U.S. attorney in Maine.

COOPER: Bizarre story. All right. Jeff, thanks very much.

A quick flashback now to another airline scare that turned out to be a false alarm. Remember this, October 2003? A North Carolina College student charged with carrying a concealed weapon onboard an aircraft. A felony that carried a potential 10-year prison term.

According to the FBI, Nethaniel Heatwal (ph) admitted to placing box cutters and modeling clay that resembled explosives on Southwest Airline jets, apparently in an attempt to highlight security flaws. After he was charged, Heatwal (ph) was released without bail, returned to school in North Carolina a week later. His case, it is still pending.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): The prosecution rests. Now it's Martha Stewart's turn to make her case.

Legislating love. California's courts enter the fray over gay marriage.

And sayonara sex. We'll give you some tips on what else you might want to do this weekend.

360 continues.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: In the next half-hour on 360, the Ralph Nader factor. Will he or won't he? And what will the Democrats do if he does? We'll take a closer look.

Plus, the prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart case. Did the defense de-fang the damaging testimony from Stewart's best friend? We'll get the latest from the courthouse.

Plus, missing family. They vanished amid signs of unexplained violence. The search for a couple and their young son.

All that ahead. But first, let's check our top stories in the "Reset." Washington: he's a judge -- for a few months, anyway. President Bush gave a recess appointment to controversial Alabama judge Bill Pryor today. The recess appointment means Prior doesn't have to face the Senate for confirmation. Democrats have been blocking his nomination, but he's only eligible to serve until the end of this year.

Still in Washington: privacy at risk. JetBlue Airways gave a defense contractor personal information about 1.5 million passengers without their knowledge or their permission. They never would have been able to do it if employees of the Transportation Security Administration hadn't actually helped them in violation of at least the spirit of the nation's privacy laws. A report from the Department of Homeland Security says six TSA employees were involved.

Boulder, Colorado: interim coach named. Brian Cabral, an assistant head football coach at the University of Colorado, has been named the interim head coach. Cabral replaces Gary Barnett, who has been put on paid leave pending an investigation into a sexual misconduct recruiting scandal.

Concord, New Hampshire suspected killer takes his own life. Remember this guy. Police announce that Manuel Gehring was found dead in his bed with a bedsheet noose around his neck. Gehring was believed to have kidnapped his two children then driven them into the Midwest and killed them. Their bodies have never been found.

That's a look at the reset tonight.

The biggest potential challenge to both John Kerry and John Edwards is, well, maybe for the moment Ralph Nader. On Sunday the who man many Democrats blame for putting George Bush in the White House will announce whether he will run again.

Joining us now from Washington "TIME" magazine's Jay Carney. Hey, Jay. Good to see you tonight. Let's talk about this Nader factor. First I want to show you something that DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said on television. He's apparently been talking to Nader, trying to get him not to run. Let's show this clip.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TERRY MCAULIFFE, DNC CHAIRMAN: We can't afford to have Ralph Nader in the race. This is about the future of our country. If you care about the environment, if you care about job growth you've got to support the Democratic nominee. So I'm urging everyone to talk to Ralph Nader.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COOPER: If Nader damaged the Democrats back in 2000 is he as much of a threat now?

JAY CARNEY, "TIME": He's not as much of a threat because I think Democrats are -- progressives and liberals who might entertain a Ralph Nader candidacy know what happened in 2000. Nader almost certainly is responsible or one of the reasons why Al Gore is not president of the United States. In Florida alone Nader won almost 90,000 votes. If Gore had 600 of those he would be president.

So -- and I think Democrats, liberals, progressives, people who might be interested in Nader this year won't make that mistake again because they see the difference between the parties now that Nader insists doesn't exist.

COOPER: There doesn't seem to be a huge ground swell urging Nader to run. Why would he do it this time?

CARNEY: The uncharitable view is that it's a vanity campaign. That Ralph Nader wants to run because he wants to have his picture in the paper and attention turned back on him, because there doesn't seem to be a lot of sense to it.

He's clearly not going to win the presidency. He may draw some attention to some of the issues that he cares most about. But I think that the Democratic Party is pretty clearly addressing those issues, at least as the voters consider it.

COOPER: Do you have any sense of what he's going say on Sunday? I mean no one really knows, but is there any talk in Washington, any sense? I know he scheduled some news conferences for after the meeting.

CARNEY: Well it certainly seems like he'll announce. This whole thing could be about getting attention to his appearance Sunday so that he can have his say and have a big audience.

But it certainly looks like he'll announce that he plans to run. He may do it with caveats. If I'm able to get on the ballot in enough states, if the Democrats or the Democratic nominee turns out not to be addressing the issues that matter most to progressives, then I'll go ahead with it.

But certainly it looks like this will be a first step on Sunday.

COOPER: We'll watch on Sunday and see how many ifs there are. Jay Carney, thanks very much.

CARNEY: Thank you.

COOPER: In other news, Yale University is being rocked by scandal involving a former student who says she was sexual harassed by a noted professor. CNN's Jason Carol reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): She's a leading feminist and best-selling author. Her books "The Beauty Myth" and "Promiscuity" explore women's issues. Now Naomi Wolf has writing something far more provocative. NAOMI WOLF, "NEW YORK MAGAZINE": I haven't talked about this. I haven't named my professor who engaged in this act of sexual misconduct for 20 years.

CARROLL: Wolf says 20 years ago as an undergrad at Yale University her professor, noted literary scholar Harold Bloom, sexually harassed her. Her story revealed in the upcoming issue of "New York Magazine."

Wolf changed the professor's name when she wrote about the incident in her book "Promiscuity." It reads, quote, "Something warm spread over my thigh. It was the dry heat from his hand wedging itself between my knees."

Wolf recounted what allegedly happened that night when Bloom met her to discuss studies.

WOLF: Then he moved in and put his hand on my thigh. And I said, something like, That's not what I meant. That's not what I want. And got up and sort of fled to as far as from I could get.

CARROLL: Reached at his home Professor Bloom, who still teaches at Yale, had no comment. A Yale spokeswoman says, "You cannot issue a public apology when there is no finding of wrongdoing."

No finding because Wolf never filed a grievance. She says she was too intimidated. So why go public now?

Wolf says before taking an opportunity to join a Yale fund raising committee, she wanted to see how Yale was responding to claims from women who had filed grievances.

She said she found several cases where Yale, in her view, did not do enough.

WOLF: My goal is to shine a light on these stories of women having a far worse experience and speaking out, and doing what they should do, which is going through the proper channels.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: And Wolf writes about those other women who claim they were sexually harassed by faculty at Yale in the article appearing in the upcoming issue of "New York Magazine." Yale University says, Anderson, their policy is clear. They say that the university has no tolerance for sexual harassment.

COOPER: All right, Jason Carroll, thanks for that.

A nationwide search is on right now for a missing family. They were last seen at their home in Mississippi a week ago. No one knows yet what happened to them. But as CNN's Gary Tuchman reports, there is ample reason to be concerned.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): What did these eyes see? What happened to this 4-year-old boy? His mother, his father? The relatives of Michael and Rebecca Hargon and their son James Patrick wonder and worry.

ELIZABETH MOORE, REBECCA HARGON'S SISTER: They're gone and maybe they would just pop up and say we're here, we're back.

TUCHMAN: In the small town of Vaughn, Mississippi a week has now gone by since the three disappeared.

Boding poorly, blood on the carpet, a bullet hole in a door. Rebecca's father has some of his own theories.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Evidently Mike was either coming for Rebecca or something and the door had been shot, swung around. The guy was hit with a gun. Blood trails right here. You can see the drips of blood. Blood on the wall. Scar marks. It was a .22 automatic.

TUCHMAN: Left behind in the home, jewelry, money. The dishes were left in the sink.

MOORE: She didn't clean up from Thursday night. She was waiting for the weekend to do her cleaning.

TUCHMAN: Authorities are saying little and treating this as a missing person's case.

A disturbing element in the investigation, Michael Hargon's father was murdered in the very same home a decade ago.

The convicted killer was recently refused parole.

MARCIA HIRTZ, REBECCA HARGON'S SISTER: They're not trying to rule out any possibilities, which is a good thing.

TUCHMAN: In an investigation with almost no good things.

Linda Hurst (ph)is Rebecca's mother.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My life is missing. My heart is missing.

TUCHMAN: Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: The prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart trial. Defense gets ready to make its case after trying to poke holes in the testimony of Stewart's close friend.

Also ahead conjoined twins go under the knife once again. Their riskiest surgery yet. We'll have an update.

And "The Weekender." Should you put the movie "Against the Ropes" on your must see list? Probably not.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Turning now to "Justice Served." After 14 days and 21 witnesses the prosecution in the Martha Stewart case rested. How did they do? Should Stewart take the stand? Joining us now "Celebrity Justice" correspondent Carolina Buia who was in the courtroom today and 360 legal analyst Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom. Good to see both of you. Carolina, let me start off with you. Her damaging testimony yesterday from Martha Stewart's closest friend of 20 years, Mariana Pasternak, she was back on the stand today but she kind of wavered. What happened?

CAROLINA BUIA, CORRESPONDENT, "CELEBRITY JUSTICE": Yesterday she said Martha had said to her, "isn't it nice when brokers tell you little things like that?" And today she admitted...

COOPER: Which is pretty damaging stuff.

BUIA: But today she admitted on cross-examination, "you know what? I'm not sure if it was Martha who said that or if maybe I thought that?" And yes, she seemed a little bit wavering left and right. The bottom line is the crucial part of her testimony yesterday, she stood by it which is Martha Stewart knew that Waksal, the Waksal family, were trying to dump their shares at the time that Martha Stewart sold her Imclone shares.

COOPER: But Kimberly, it was pretty risky of the prosecution to even bring on a close friend of Martha Stewart's and put her on the stand, wasn't it?

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, 360 LEGAL ANALYST: They also called Ann Armstrong who I think is someone that has feelings and cares about Martha Stewart as well. She provided damaging testimony on balance against Martha Stewart. She was credible and probably had a lot of impact on the jury. Sure, it's always risky when you call a friend that might have some kind of bias and she did back off a statement but not the important statement.

COOPER: We'll see if they remain friends after this. Carolina, the last people to testify for the prosecution two friends of Douglas Faneuil, the ex-assistant to Peter Bacanovic. How did they do? Did they back up his story?

BUIA: Well, it's a good thing, you know, the defense did not want them to testify. But the judge overruled and they were very credible. They helped corroborate Faneuil's story. They said Faneuil was very worried because his boss had basically asked him to lie. That's what both of them said.

COOPER: Interesting. Kimberly, prosecution rested today. What do you think were their strongest part of the case thus far?

NEWSOM: I think there's several different aspects. Now the testimony of Douglas Faneuil held up and all was corroborated by his friends who came to court and testified. That was very damaging against her. Also the testimony of Ann Armstrong as well, a friend, where they had a lot of credibility with the jury. But so far what this is all going to point to is one final conclusion which is Martha Stewart is going to have to get on the stand and tell her side of it because there's only one other person who can verify that stop loss order and that's Peter Bacanovic and he's not looking good these days.

COOPER: Carolina, I want you actually the same question. What do you think the strongest time for the prosecution was?

BUIA: I agree, Douglas Faneuil was the Velma Kelly of witnesses. He was credible, believable. I agree with Kimberly. I think Martha Stewart now has to take the stand.

COOPER: Does he have some career in television?

BUIA: Well, everybody already saw the photo with the tattoo. He's working at an art gallery now as a matter of fact.

COOPER: Carolina Buia, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, thanks.

COOPER: From two young brothers from the Philippines joined at the head. They survived a third operation today. The riskiest yet in the long process of giving them separate lives. CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The operating room bustles. 16 people five anesthesiologists, two surgeons, one incision at 10 to 10 in the morning. This is how the third stage of the operation began for conjoined twins Carl and Clarence Aguirre, the 2-year-old boys from the Philippines. The procedure is being described by doctors as the riskiest yet on the five-month path they've traveled thus far to final separation. The pediatric neurosurgeon James Goodrich has spent months planning.

DR. JAMES GOODRICH, LEAD SURGEON: These are the veins that are going to have to be taken to get the two kids separated. You can appreciate how much of this is owned by this particular twin and how little of it is owned by this.

GUPTA: Here's how it will work. First doctors perform a craniotomy, that's removing a section of bones so that surgeons can access the boys' shared veins. Then the focus is on clamping and tying off major veins before cutting them and finally replacing the bone. It's even harder than it looks. The process meticulous. All along surgeons playing a wait and see game to ensure both Carl and Clarence have enough blood flow. The successful operation took around six hours and put surgeons one step closer to separating the larger shared vein, the sagittal sinus. But more importantly, a step closer to separating the boys.

GOODRICH: Our goal is, hopefully, and we're cautiously optimistic, that we can bring both of these children through in good condition. And that's the major challenge. I'm not sure we can do it but that's our goal.

(END VIDEOTAPE) GUPTA: And another thing to point out, Anderson, they have a long night in front of them still. Potential seizures, brain swelling, bleeding. This process began in October of last year. This is being done in stages. Very different than the other conjoined twins. There will probably be several more months still before the final operation occurs -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Not their final operation. We'll continue to watch it. Thank you very much.

Still to come, on a far different note, the end of "Sex and the City." So who do you want Carrie to end up with?

Also on the "Current," lady killer David Gest. Could he be striking again?

Also, a little bit later on, the great Bill Moyers now stepping down. All that ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: All right. Time to check on tonight's "Current" and see what's going on. So we hear David Gest may be heading down the aisle again. The former husband of Liza Minnelli told NBC he plans to marry soon. He wouldn't give a name but said his new love is a well-known show biz personality. Was that a new diamond ring that I saw on Dame Edna? Was it? She's glowing.

All right. "The Apprentice" is such a hit, the TV executives want to spin it off for a west coast version. Donald Trump is not involved so producers are making calls. They say they are searching for someone with the Donald power, with his charisma and his style. Kim Jung-il, please pick up the phone.

Following the Janet Jackson controversy, Viacom president Mel Karmazin is cracking down. He's warning heads of his radio station group to stop using obscenity or indecency on air or face the consequences. Potential penalties suspension, dismissal or, worst of all watching the "King of Queens." That's the worst.

Anyway, what are you going to do this weekend? Confused? Well, Ray Romano's film career kicks off this weekend. Will his first foray into film be a hit or miss? Also on the big screen, young Americans, their hormones raging, taking on Europe. While on the small screen the end of the road for that show on HBO. All part of our "Weekender." Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): In movies "Welcome To Mooseport," tells an all too familiar tale of the plumber, played by Ray Romano who decides to run for mayor against a former president of the United States played by Gene Hackman. Is Romano finally ready for his big screen closeup? Well, it may be awhile before everybody loves Raymond in the movies. "Euro Trip," which follows a group of friends on their European vacation proves once and for all that young Americans do actually care about culture.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let the crazy European sex odyssey begin.

COOPER: Although, by culture, it seems they mean nude beaches, all night raves and S&M parlors.

Out on DVD "Spy Kids: 3-D," the third offering in the trilogy promises to raise the bar even further with its state of the art 3-D technology.

SYLVESTER STALLONE, ACTOR: Taking this to the next level!

COOPER: Finally we can experience a headache in the cozy confines of our own living room. And on TV, well on HBO this Sunday, the much anticipated series finale of the show many women loved...

SARAH JESSICA PARKER, ACTRESS: The least I can do. I can handle him for a couple of days. I saw that.

COOPER: And some men couldn't fully comprehend, "Sex and the City." for Carrie Bradshaw, will be the Russian or Mr. Big? Even if the "Weekender" knew, our lips are sealed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: All right, let's find out which films we might want to see, which we should stay away from. Joining us from Los Angeles, "New York Times" film critic, Elvis Mitchell. Elvis, good to have you back on the program. Haven't seen you for a long time.

ELVIS MITCHELL, FILM CRITIC: Well, I have been catching up with the "King of Queens," so.

COOPER: OK, all right. I deserve that.

Let's look at this film, "Against the Ropes," Meg Ryan. Let's take a look at the clip, and then we'll talk about it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Having any success in this business, what's it take?

MEG RYAN, ACTRESS: Hard work and thick skin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And great boxing don't hurt either.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "USA Today," Jackie, any truth to the rumor you're posing for "Playboy?"

RYAN: I don't know. You think I should?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Marcia Gary, "Detroit Times," this is for you, Luther. You've had a...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: To be honest, Elvis, I do not see Meg Ryan's last film "In the Cut." Should I see this one? It seems she's kind of against tape (sic).

MITCHELL: You're not alone in not seeing that one.

COOPER: She's playing against type, isn't she?

MITCHELL: And against tape too, you're right, both perfect observations. She's actually trying to do something different in these last couple pictures. She doesn't want to be hemmed in to the sort of Miss Romantic Comedy of 1998. She's trying to move into the 21st Century a little bit and these two pictures are real departures for her.

And I think she's actually kind of fun to watch in parts of this movie, it just feels really kind of undercooked. It's trying to do too many things at once. And after a while it's not serving any particular master.

What it comes across is her ambition to prove that she's more than just the Meg Ryan that people remember from a few years back or constantly in rotation on those new classics on TNT. Can I say TNT on CNN?

COOPER: I'm not sure. I'll check with our lawyers. Let's talk about this film...

(LAUGHTER)

I don't know -- it wasn't that funny. Let's talk about "Euro Trip." I guess this is from the makers of what, like "Old School" and, what's the other one? "Road Trip. That should warn people, I guess. To kind of guess what it is already.

MITCHELL: You know, they've sunk pretty low, when they're telling you it's from the producers of "Old School" and "Road Trip." Next time it will be for people who have seen "Old School" and "Road Trip." It's actually has got a few funny jokes in it. But it's, at this point now when bad taste has become so institutionalized that what's left to do to outrage people?

It's Funny when you're talking about "Sex and the City." That actually does more to shake people up than the sort of a sorry old movie like this, that has some really great cameos in it. I don't want to give it away. I'll wait for people to see it on the plane, which should be next month.

COOPER: Ouch, ouch, you're tough, Elvis.

It seems like there are not so many great movies out this weekend. I guess people, maybe in preparation for the Oscars might want to watch some DVDs, maybe of some Oscar nominated films. What do you recommend?

MITCHELL: There's a lot of great stuff. I know you loved "Lost in Translation." That's out on DVD. I think that actually is one of the great performances of the year. There are really fun extras in it.

There's also one of my favorite performances of last year. We talked about it here a while ago, "Whale Rider" with Keisha Castle- Hughes. She's an amazing young actress, youngest actress ever to be nominated for the best leading actress category. "Pieces of April," which has more great work from Patricia Clarkson in it. "Pirates of the Caribbean" -- I mean, it's funny there's is so much stuff now you kind of wonder why go to the movies when eventually the Oscar nominees will come to you before they even open the envelope.

COOPER: I've got to ask you very quickly about "Sex and the City." I assume you're going to have a big party watching it drinking appletinis. I hear they actually may make a film? Is that possible?

MITCHELL: They've already announced the film, which makes you wonder. I'm actually going to give away the secret, she's going off to Bill Moyers (ph) at the end of the episode.

COOPER: You think?

MITCHELL: Oops. I shouldn't have given that away. As much fun as the show has been and as much barriers as its broken, you just kind of wonder now -- we've heard there's going to be a movie, what are they going to do? What are they going to give away? I guess, the good news is they've decided there's still life left in the show.

COOPER: Very brief, Russian or Mr. Big?

MITCHELL: I got to go with Mr. Big to block.

COOPER: I'll go with you on that one. Elvis Mitchell, great to see you again. Have fun in L.A.

Coming up, a legendary news man stepping down as we take Bill Moyers to the "Nth Degree," that's coming up.

And on Monday, countdown to super Tuesday. We'll take you across the country to follow the campaigns and the candidates.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Tonight, taking Moyers to the "Nth Degree." A legendary news man is stepping down. Bill Moyers has said he will leave his weekly PBS news magazine now at the end of the year. He plans to write a book.

I've never met Bill Moyers, but I sure have learned a lot from him. For some 30 years now, Moyers has been on TV changing TV. Reporter, analyst, documentarian at CBS, NBC, PBS. Thoughtful, is the word most used to describe him, though I'm sure those who disagree with him may use more colorful adjectives. In this medium of sound bites, in this age of pop punditry, Bill Moyers is different; he speaks in paragraphs. And while he may not wear a flag pin on his lapel, a stauncher defender of democracy would be hard to find.

When I graduated college and didn't know what to do with my life, my mom suggested I follow my bliss, a phrase she picked up from a Bill Moyers interview with Joseph Campbell. I admit, I wanted some more concrete advice, but in retrospect, it was pretty good.

We have been lucky that Bill Moyers has been following his bliss as long as he has. His legacy is unrivaled and he's not close to being done yet.

Thanks for watching. I'm Anderson Cooper. Have a great weekend. 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






Rests in Martha Stewart Trial; Bill Moyers Calls It Quits At PBS>


Aired February 20, 2004 - 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): The prosecution rests. Now it's Martha Stewart's turn to make her case.

Tell to it the judge. The battle for gay marriage now in the hands of California's courts.

On the hunt for Osama. Are Special Op soldiers on the prowl in Pakistan?

More flying fears. An international flight forced off course. Was it al Qaeda or a domestic dispute?

Sleazy education? A well-known grad alleges sexual harassment on an Ivy League campus.

And what to do this weekend? Incase you haven't heard, sex is going away.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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

COOPER: Hey, welcome to 360.

Breaking news out of San Francisco. Just moments ago, a judge's ruling on a request by conservative groups to issue a temporary restraining order against the city to stop same-sex marriages.

Let's go live to CNN's David Mattingly outside the courthouse.

David, what did the judge decide?

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, for the second time, a California judge has decided not to issue a restraining order in the matter of gay marriages. That means the city of San Francisco can continue to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, at least for now. The judge, again, ruled that there was no possible evidence or evidence presented here that showed that there was any immediate harm being done by what the city is doing.

The judge, however, stopped short of saying when we're going back to court, however, to actually arguments on whether or not the city's marriage spree is illegal under state law, or is it protected under the state constitution. All the lawsuits in this case have now been consolidated; they've been rolled into one big lawsuit. However, no one has decided which judge is actually going to take this suit in the future.

For now, however, in the meantime, here at City Hall, it was another long day of long lines and "I do's" inside City Hall. City Hall here, the city officials easily meeting their goal of 3,000 marriage licenses by the end of business today, reaching the 3,200 mark. They will be taking a break, however, Anderson, after starting last Thursday, working straight through to today. They will be taking the weekend off, not issuing anymore marriage licenses until Monday -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Dave Mattingly, thanks from San Francisco.

In New Mexico, a county is following San Francisco's lead. A lesbian couple became the first to exchange vows outside the Sandoval County Courthouse today. Same-sex marriage licenses are being issued after a county attorney said that New Mexico law is unclear on the issue.

Well, prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart trial. Stewart's long-time friend returned to the stand, and the defense got tough.

Deborah Feyerick has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Immediately after selling her ImClone stock in December 2001, Martha Stewart got back on a private jet and continued on to Mexico. Her close friend traveling with her at the time testified there was no talk about another pal, Sam Waksal, no talk about his company ImClone, no talk about any stock sales.

Prosecutors say during the short layover, Stewart sold some 4,000 ImClone shares after calling her broker's office and finding out Waksal was dumping his stock. According to her close friend, Mariana Pasternak, Stewart later said, "Isn't it nice to have brokers to tell you those things?" But on cross-examination, Pasternak admitted, "I don't know if it was said by Martha or was a thought in my mind."

Two friends of the government's star witness, Doug Faneuil, also testified. Both repeated stories Faneuil told them. One, that Stewart's broker, Peter Bacanovic, had ordered his assistant to tell Stewart the Waksals were selling. The other, that Faneuil "had to lie to protect his boss." Defense lawyers are trying to get all charges dismissed.

(on camera): Prosecutors finished presenting their evidence. A lawyer for Stewart's broker put on the first witness for the defense, a businessman who is one of the candidate's big clients. He testified that he and Bacanovic regularly had verbal arguments to sell stocks when they fell to a certain price. That's the same explanation Bacanovic and Stewart have given for the ImClone trade.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Well, this just in now from Boulder, Colorado. News in the college football sex scandal tonight. The University of Colorado named an interim head coach. Brian Cabral will replace Gary Barnett, who is on paid leave pending the results of an investigation into the alleged infractions. Cabral has been an assistant coach with the team for 15 years.

Heading overseas now, the intensifying hunt for Osama bin Laden. Along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, hints that Special Ops forces are now in the region, and the head of the CIA reaches out to Pakistan for help.

With the latest, here's CNN's national security correspondent, David Ensor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, an all-out effort is under way to hunt down Osama bin Laden, believed to be hiding out in the remote tribal region. On a secret mission last week, U.S. intelligence chief George Tenet spent a day in Islamabad meeting with Pakistan's military and intelligence leaders.

General David Barno, the top U.S. soldier in Afghanistan, did the same last week. A full-court press on Pakistan, which is making some headway. More Pakistani forces are moving into the border region, and they are warning tribal elders there to stop sheltering al Qaeda or else.

LT. GEN. DAVID BARNO, COMMANDING GENERAL, COMBINED FORCES COMMAND AFGHANISTAN: They're obviously adding that enforcement mechanisms for those that do not comply, that include, I think, destruction of homes.

ENSOR: Pakistani troops are getting U.S. intelligence and logistics help, discretely provided, says a respected observer, by U.S. military and intelligence personnel on the ground.

AHMED RASHID, AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST: Local tribal leaders have seen them. I think they were there in very small numbers; maybe a dozen or two dozen. I think there will probably be an increase in that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are there any U.S. troops operating in those areas with the Pakistani military?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, they're not.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Never have been?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no.

ENSOR: The denials provide some political cover for Pakistan's General Musharraf, in a nation where many sympathize with al Qaeda. A CIA spokesmen also declined all comment, but knowledgeable sources say a few military personnel on assignment to other U.S. agencies like the CIA and FBI are on the ground in Pakistan.

RASHID: They're helping with communications, with logistics, with satellite information, all that kind of thing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ENSOR: On the afghan side of the border, U.S. forces are beefing up their numbers and making plans for a spring offensive. Bin Laden has evaded capture before. U.S. officials are making no predictions. But under a thick cloak of secrecy, a major effort is being geared up -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. David Ensor, thanks for that from Washington.

David mentioned the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Let's put it in perspective for a moment. According to our estimates, it is about 40,000 square miles, roughly the size of Kentucky or Ohio. The terrain is tough, rocky desert and inhospitable mountains and caves. And it is, as they say, lawless.

In politics, he is back, maybe. Ralph Nader, the man who many Democrats believe cost Al Gore the election in 2000, is set to announce if he's planning to run in this year's contest. Nader is set to appear on "Meet the Press" this Sunday to declare his plans.

Now, later on 360, what would a Nader candidacy mean this time around? It might be a little bit different. We're going to talk to Time Magazine's Jay Carney (ph) about that.

John Edwards, meanwhile, is on the campaign trail today, with visits to three states up for grabs on March 2, Super Tuesday. He started the day in Savannah, Georgia, then went to Maryland, and now is right here in New York. While John Kerry took the day off, he was certainly not forgotten by the Edwards campaign.

Dan Lothian reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With little to lose and much to gain, Senator John Edwards keep stoking the debate fire, now calling on Senator John Kerry for four debates before Super Tuesday.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), PRESIDENTIAL CANIDIDATE: Thank you.

LOTHIAN: Stumping at a community college in Largo, Maryland, Edwards kept up the pressure.

EDWARDS: It would be a shame if the people of Maryland couldn't hear John Edwards and John Kerry debate here in the state of Maryland.

(APPLAUSE)

LOTHIAN: Covering all bases, Senator Edwards sent a letter to Senator Kerry saying in part, "While we are all Democrats, there are very real differences among us. And the American people deserve to know who we are, where we're from and where we stand on the issues." So far, Senator Kerry, who took the day off from the campaign trail, has only agreed to one debate.

EDWARDS: I have talked about building one America that works for everybody. Not just for the privileged few.

LOTHIAN: Senator Edwards, who started his day in Savannah, Georgia, continues to build his campaign around the issue of jobs and trade, targeting heavily the Super Tuesday states of New York, Georgia and Ohio, where tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs have been lost. Despite criticism that his focus may be too narrow to have mass appeal, Senator Edwards told me...

EDWARDS: There are segments of the population that will find that particular component of the message more appealing. But that's not the only -- the message, the bigger, broader message about building one America is one that I think is a very appealing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN: Late today, the Kerry campaign responded to more debates, indicating that they would only be doing one more before Super Tuesday, and that is the CNN-LA Times debate next week. In a statement, the press secretary for Senator Kerry, Stephanie Cutter (ph), said in part, "We're not sure what John Edwards is going to say now that he hasn't had the opportunity to say in the last 18 debates over the last 10 months." And a senior adviser saying that he believes that Senator Edwards is just trying to, "add to his stump speech."

Back to you.

COOPER: All right. Dan Lothian, thanks from Buffalo.

President Bush's campaign looks like it's about to spend some of the $150 million or so it's raised thus far. The campaign is set to roll out its first big advertising push. The ads will promote the president's record and criticize Democratic contender Kerry for shifting positions on the issues, according to them.

We are following a number of developing stories right now "Cross Country." Let's take a look.

Mexico City and Washington, D.C.: border deal. Both Mexico and the U.S. have agreed on measures to improve security along the nearly 2,000-mile dividing line. The new deal was announced by Homeland Secretary Tom Ridge, as well as Mexico's interior secretary.

In Washington: a day in court. Jose Padilla, the U.S. citizen who is accused of being a terrorist, will have his day in the Supreme Court. The issue is whether an American citizen can be held without due process indefinitely without being charged with a crime. Critics of Padilla's detention say the Bush administration's policies trample on the civil liberties of all Americans.

Sarasota, Florida: Carlie Brucia's alleged killer is indicted. Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph Smith -- there he is -- is believed to be the man seen on a surveillance tape abducting Carlie Brucia. He was indicted by a Florida grand jury today. He's also charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.

West Warwick, Rhode Island: mourning the dead. Families and friends gathered today at the site of the Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100 people. Hard to believe it happened a year ago. One of the mourners said, "You have to move on, but it seems like it was just yesterday."

New York City: $230 million and counting. Tonight's Megamillions lottery will be drawn at about 11:00 Eastern. There is a lot at stake. The jackpot has rolled over with no winner for 14 consecutive times and now stands at $230 million. Tonight's drawing will be held at Times Square just down the street.

And, by the way, we've got a little pool going here at 360. We've got a couple tickets ourselves. And I'm told if our number comes up, just about everyone here who works with us will no longer work here. I don't know. But I'll be here, anyway, on Monday.

That's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.

Evacuations, revolt and U.S. advisers on the ground in Haiti. Violence continues to flare as the international community tries to make some peace. We'll go live to Port-au-Prince for an update.

Also tonight, election plans scrapped. So how will democracy be established in Iraq? We'll go live to the White House for that.

And risky surgery. Conjoined twins go back under the knife. Our own brain surgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, will join us live for an update.

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, the hell in Haiti continues. Just hours ago, protesters filled the streets of Port-au-Prince, demanding the resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Americans are fleeing, while the U.S. and its allies try to head off a major disaster.

With more, here's CNN's Lucia Newman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At midday, these university students began a march to demand again that President Aristide resign. A short time later, the students and journalists accompanying the march were attacked by pro-Aristide gangs with guns, rocks and machetes. According to the Red Cross, at least 10 students were hit by gunfire, and several foreign journalists were attacked with machetes.

At the international airport in Haiti's capital, Canadian and Americans expats heeded warnings by their embassies to leave the strife-torn country. An American woman and her children said it was only temporary.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just about two months. Two months.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Until things get better here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sorry?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Until things get better.

NEWMAN: But in Haiti, things are only getting worse. In (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the rebels' stronghold, thousands cheered as militia leader (UNINTELLIGIBLE) proclaimed an independent republic called (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Dressed in presidential splendor, he promised to overthrow the government with the support of returned exile military and paramilitary leaders.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So now we go in and make -- we go and give Haiti a new freedom for 2004.

NEWMAN: Their real military might, though, is unclear. Although the rebels have taken over more towns. With Haiti's stability now hanging on a shoe string, a multinational delegation, including envoys from the U.S., will meet with President Aristide and his opponents Saturday to try to force them to the negotiating table.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWMAN: The United States is demanding that President Aristide also accept or name a brand new cabinet that includes members of the opposition as part of that intensified diplomatic effort to break the political dead lock in this country. However, diplomats say that under no circumstances will any negotiations include the armed militias or the armed thugs, as Washington calls them, that are controlling much of the north of this country -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Lucia Newman in Port-au-Prince. Thanks very much, Lucia.

To see my exclusive interview with Haiti's President Jean- Bertrand Aristide, you can go to cnn.com/360. It's on there.

We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe right now. Let's check tonight's "UpLink."

Tehran, Iran: parliamentary elections. Islamic hard-liners call for a massive turnout and they get it. They likely will keep control. The boycott effort by reformers who were mostly banned from running seems to have failed. Shanxi Province, China; high voltage trouble. Take a look at this guy. He got stuck after receiving a fear fatal shock while trying to steal high-tension power cables. Not a good idea.

The man spent more than 10 hours hanging on the poll until he was rescued. Ten hours. State media reports the zap was so powerful the man has lost both his arms and has serious burns on his hands and face. Hard to believe.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: it is carnival time. Known as the world's biggest party the pre-Lenten bash runs through Ash Wednesday. And there is no place like they do it in Brazil.

And that's a look at tonight's "UpLink."

Now the situation in Iraq. Another reversal for the White House. A concession today that its plans for elections needs to be reworked.

CNN's Kathleen Koch has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Acknowledging what had been apparent for weeks, the Bush administration Friday conceded its plan for caucuses to choose a new government in Iraq had failed.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There's wide recognition that the caucus plan is something that has not received much support.

KOCH: Primarily because of the opposition of powerful Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Ali al Sistani and his follows. They instead wanted direct elections by the June 30 handover deadline. But the United Nations concluded Thursday that's not possible. And while the White House won't say so, the U.N. has now taken the lead role in drafting what comes next.

MCCLELLAN: The United Nations will be putting out some recommendations, and we look forward to seeing those recommendations. And we look forward to discussing ideas with Iraqi leaders.

KOCH: One popular plan, expanding the Iraqi Governing Council and letting it draft a constitution and plan elections. Experts say expect controversy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The real problem for the U.S. is to get a government that is going to be seen to be legitimate, both by the Iraqis and the international community. And at the same time, the government that will accept some American authority on the ground.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH: That is particularly important, with some 120,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. Troops the administration believe will be very important in keeping order as any new government is formed -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Kathleen Koch, thanks for that.

Faked flight terror: how a domestic dispute turned into an airline security alert. One excuse you do not want to use on your wife.

Also tonight, the feminist and author and professor. Accusations of sexual harassment at Yale University. Is there a hidden history behind Ivy League walls?

And a little later, sex, the city, and a romantic cliffhanger. That and other ways you might want to spend your weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Well, now to one of the more bizarre stories that we've seen lately. A Chicago investment banker called his wife bound for a plane to Casablanca, Morocco, and told her he had been kidnapped by al Qaeda. She called a private detective; he called the FBI, and the plane was diverted to Bangor, Maine.

Jeff Flock's got the rest of the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): Relief and shock for the family of Zubar Ghias as they watch him walk with federal agents to Bangor, Maine Airport. Relief the missing 27-year- old investment banker, last seen here at Cartier buying rings for his wife on Valentine's Day in Chicago, had finally been found. But shocked at a call they said they got from him Thursday night from this Royal Air Moroc (ph) flight bound for Casablanca, saying he had been kidnapped by al Qaeda.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He basically told his family that he was forced onto the plane by some Arabic people of -- basically said his family was threatened.

FLOCK: The flight was diverted to Bangor, checked and went on. Ghias stayed to talk to the FBI, which tells CNN he was never kidnapped.

He failed to show up at his job here at J.P. Morgan Chase in Chicago's financial district last weekend. His luxury SUV abandoned in a bad neighborhood; his wife's rings inside, with a note claiming he had been abducted.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honestly, I will do anything.

FLOCK: Then his wife learned he withdrew $5,000 in small bills from this Southside Chicago bank on Saturday, and two days later bought tape and glue at this hardware store in Brooklyn, New York.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's something wrong here. FLOCK: Private eye Ernie Rizzo (ph), hired by the family, says it all doesn't make sense. Ghias, he says, was happily married. His wife now six months pregnant.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Anderson, authorities tonight tell us they just don't buy the "al Qaeda made me do it" defense. We talked to the Chicago FBI just a short time ago and they tell us that they expect that Mr. Ghias will be charged with one count of making a false statement by the U.S. attorney in Maine.

COOPER: Bizarre story. All right. Jeff, thanks very much.

A quick flashback now to another airline scare that turned out to be a false alarm. Remember this, October 2003? A North Carolina College student charged with carrying a concealed weapon onboard an aircraft. A felony that carried a potential 10-year prison term.

According to the FBI, Nethaniel Heatwal (ph) admitted to placing box cutters and modeling clay that resembled explosives on Southwest Airline jets, apparently in an attempt to highlight security flaws. After he was charged, Heatwal (ph) was released without bail, returned to school in North Carolina a week later. His case, it is still pending.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): The prosecution rests. Now it's Martha Stewart's turn to make her case.

Legislating love. California's courts enter the fray over gay marriage.

And sayonara sex. We'll give you some tips on what else you might want to do this weekend.

360 continues.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: In the next half-hour on 360, the Ralph Nader factor. Will he or won't he? And what will the Democrats do if he does? We'll take a closer look.

Plus, the prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart case. Did the defense de-fang the damaging testimony from Stewart's best friend? We'll get the latest from the courthouse.

Plus, missing family. They vanished amid signs of unexplained violence. The search for a couple and their young son.

All that ahead. But first, let's check our top stories in the "Reset." Washington: he's a judge -- for a few months, anyway. President Bush gave a recess appointment to controversial Alabama judge Bill Pryor today. The recess appointment means Prior doesn't have to face the Senate for confirmation. Democrats have been blocking his nomination, but he's only eligible to serve until the end of this year.

Still in Washington: privacy at risk. JetBlue Airways gave a defense contractor personal information about 1.5 million passengers without their knowledge or their permission. They never would have been able to do it if employees of the Transportation Security Administration hadn't actually helped them in violation of at least the spirit of the nation's privacy laws. A report from the Department of Homeland Security says six TSA employees were involved.

Boulder, Colorado: interim coach named. Brian Cabral, an assistant head football coach at the University of Colorado, has been named the interim head coach. Cabral replaces Gary Barnett, who has been put on paid leave pending an investigation into a sexual misconduct recruiting scandal.

Concord, New Hampshire suspected killer takes his own life. Remember this guy. Police announce that Manuel Gehring was found dead in his bed with a bedsheet noose around his neck. Gehring was believed to have kidnapped his two children then driven them into the Midwest and killed them. Their bodies have never been found.

That's a look at the reset tonight.

The biggest potential challenge to both John Kerry and John Edwards is, well, maybe for the moment Ralph Nader. On Sunday the who man many Democrats blame for putting George Bush in the White House will announce whether he will run again.

Joining us now from Washington "TIME" magazine's Jay Carney. Hey, Jay. Good to see you tonight. Let's talk about this Nader factor. First I want to show you something that DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said on television. He's apparently been talking to Nader, trying to get him not to run. Let's show this clip.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TERRY MCAULIFFE, DNC CHAIRMAN: We can't afford to have Ralph Nader in the race. This is about the future of our country. If you care about the environment, if you care about job growth you've got to support the Democratic nominee. So I'm urging everyone to talk to Ralph Nader.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COOPER: If Nader damaged the Democrats back in 2000 is he as much of a threat now?

JAY CARNEY, "TIME": He's not as much of a threat because I think Democrats are -- progressives and liberals who might entertain a Ralph Nader candidacy know what happened in 2000. Nader almost certainly is responsible or one of the reasons why Al Gore is not president of the United States. In Florida alone Nader won almost 90,000 votes. If Gore had 600 of those he would be president.

So -- and I think Democrats, liberals, progressives, people who might be interested in Nader this year won't make that mistake again because they see the difference between the parties now that Nader insists doesn't exist.

COOPER: There doesn't seem to be a huge ground swell urging Nader to run. Why would he do it this time?

CARNEY: The uncharitable view is that it's a vanity campaign. That Ralph Nader wants to run because he wants to have his picture in the paper and attention turned back on him, because there doesn't seem to be a lot of sense to it.

He's clearly not going to win the presidency. He may draw some attention to some of the issues that he cares most about. But I think that the Democratic Party is pretty clearly addressing those issues, at least as the voters consider it.

COOPER: Do you have any sense of what he's going say on Sunday? I mean no one really knows, but is there any talk in Washington, any sense? I know he scheduled some news conferences for after the meeting.

CARNEY: Well it certainly seems like he'll announce. This whole thing could be about getting attention to his appearance Sunday so that he can have his say and have a big audience.

But it certainly looks like he'll announce that he plans to run. He may do it with caveats. If I'm able to get on the ballot in enough states, if the Democrats or the Democratic nominee turns out not to be addressing the issues that matter most to progressives, then I'll go ahead with it.

But certainly it looks like this will be a first step on Sunday.

COOPER: We'll watch on Sunday and see how many ifs there are. Jay Carney, thanks very much.

CARNEY: Thank you.

COOPER: In other news, Yale University is being rocked by scandal involving a former student who says she was sexual harassed by a noted professor. CNN's Jason Carol reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): She's a leading feminist and best-selling author. Her books "The Beauty Myth" and "Promiscuity" explore women's issues. Now Naomi Wolf has writing something far more provocative. NAOMI WOLF, "NEW YORK MAGAZINE": I haven't talked about this. I haven't named my professor who engaged in this act of sexual misconduct for 20 years.

CARROLL: Wolf says 20 years ago as an undergrad at Yale University her professor, noted literary scholar Harold Bloom, sexually harassed her. Her story revealed in the upcoming issue of "New York Magazine."

Wolf changed the professor's name when she wrote about the incident in her book "Promiscuity." It reads, quote, "Something warm spread over my thigh. It was the dry heat from his hand wedging itself between my knees."

Wolf recounted what allegedly happened that night when Bloom met her to discuss studies.

WOLF: Then he moved in and put his hand on my thigh. And I said, something like, That's not what I meant. That's not what I want. And got up and sort of fled to as far as from I could get.

CARROLL: Reached at his home Professor Bloom, who still teaches at Yale, had no comment. A Yale spokeswoman says, "You cannot issue a public apology when there is no finding of wrongdoing."

No finding because Wolf never filed a grievance. She says she was too intimidated. So why go public now?

Wolf says before taking an opportunity to join a Yale fund raising committee, she wanted to see how Yale was responding to claims from women who had filed grievances.

She said she found several cases where Yale, in her view, did not do enough.

WOLF: My goal is to shine a light on these stories of women having a far worse experience and speaking out, and doing what they should do, which is going through the proper channels.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: And Wolf writes about those other women who claim they were sexually harassed by faculty at Yale in the article appearing in the upcoming issue of "New York Magazine." Yale University says, Anderson, their policy is clear. They say that the university has no tolerance for sexual harassment.

COOPER: All right, Jason Carroll, thanks for that.

A nationwide search is on right now for a missing family. They were last seen at their home in Mississippi a week ago. No one knows yet what happened to them. But as CNN's Gary Tuchman reports, there is ample reason to be concerned.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): What did these eyes see? What happened to this 4-year-old boy? His mother, his father? The relatives of Michael and Rebecca Hargon and their son James Patrick wonder and worry.

ELIZABETH MOORE, REBECCA HARGON'S SISTER: They're gone and maybe they would just pop up and say we're here, we're back.

TUCHMAN: In the small town of Vaughn, Mississippi a week has now gone by since the three disappeared.

Boding poorly, blood on the carpet, a bullet hole in a door. Rebecca's father has some of his own theories.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Evidently Mike was either coming for Rebecca or something and the door had been shot, swung around. The guy was hit with a gun. Blood trails right here. You can see the drips of blood. Blood on the wall. Scar marks. It was a .22 automatic.

TUCHMAN: Left behind in the home, jewelry, money. The dishes were left in the sink.

MOORE: She didn't clean up from Thursday night. She was waiting for the weekend to do her cleaning.

TUCHMAN: Authorities are saying little and treating this as a missing person's case.

A disturbing element in the investigation, Michael Hargon's father was murdered in the very same home a decade ago.

The convicted killer was recently refused parole.

MARCIA HIRTZ, REBECCA HARGON'S SISTER: They're not trying to rule out any possibilities, which is a good thing.

TUCHMAN: In an investigation with almost no good things.

Linda Hurst (ph)is Rebecca's mother.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My life is missing. My heart is missing.

TUCHMAN: Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: The prosecution rests in the Martha Stewart trial. Defense gets ready to make its case after trying to poke holes in the testimony of Stewart's close friend.

Also ahead conjoined twins go under the knife once again. Their riskiest surgery yet. We'll have an update.

And "The Weekender." Should you put the movie "Against the Ropes" on your must see list? Probably not.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Turning now to "Justice Served." After 14 days and 21 witnesses the prosecution in the Martha Stewart case rested. How did they do? Should Stewart take the stand? Joining us now "Celebrity Justice" correspondent Carolina Buia who was in the courtroom today and 360 legal analyst Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom. Good to see both of you. Carolina, let me start off with you. Her damaging testimony yesterday from Martha Stewart's closest friend of 20 years, Mariana Pasternak, she was back on the stand today but she kind of wavered. What happened?

CAROLINA BUIA, CORRESPONDENT, "CELEBRITY JUSTICE": Yesterday she said Martha had said to her, "isn't it nice when brokers tell you little things like that?" And today she admitted...

COOPER: Which is pretty damaging stuff.

BUIA: But today she admitted on cross-examination, "you know what? I'm not sure if it was Martha who said that or if maybe I thought that?" And yes, she seemed a little bit wavering left and right. The bottom line is the crucial part of her testimony yesterday, she stood by it which is Martha Stewart knew that Waksal, the Waksal family, were trying to dump their shares at the time that Martha Stewart sold her Imclone shares.

COOPER: But Kimberly, it was pretty risky of the prosecution to even bring on a close friend of Martha Stewart's and put her on the stand, wasn't it?

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, 360 LEGAL ANALYST: They also called Ann Armstrong who I think is someone that has feelings and cares about Martha Stewart as well. She provided damaging testimony on balance against Martha Stewart. She was credible and probably had a lot of impact on the jury. Sure, it's always risky when you call a friend that might have some kind of bias and she did back off a statement but not the important statement.

COOPER: We'll see if they remain friends after this. Carolina, the last people to testify for the prosecution two friends of Douglas Faneuil, the ex-assistant to Peter Bacanovic. How did they do? Did they back up his story?

BUIA: Well, it's a good thing, you know, the defense did not want them to testify. But the judge overruled and they were very credible. They helped corroborate Faneuil's story. They said Faneuil was very worried because his boss had basically asked him to lie. That's what both of them said.

COOPER: Interesting. Kimberly, prosecution rested today. What do you think were their strongest part of the case thus far?

NEWSOM: I think there's several different aspects. Now the testimony of Douglas Faneuil held up and all was corroborated by his friends who came to court and testified. That was very damaging against her. Also the testimony of Ann Armstrong as well, a friend, where they had a lot of credibility with the jury. But so far what this is all going to point to is one final conclusion which is Martha Stewart is going to have to get on the stand and tell her side of it because there's only one other person who can verify that stop loss order and that's Peter Bacanovic and he's not looking good these days.

COOPER: Carolina, I want you actually the same question. What do you think the strongest time for the prosecution was?

BUIA: I agree, Douglas Faneuil was the Velma Kelly of witnesses. He was credible, believable. I agree with Kimberly. I think Martha Stewart now has to take the stand.

COOPER: Does he have some career in television?

BUIA: Well, everybody already saw the photo with the tattoo. He's working at an art gallery now as a matter of fact.

COOPER: Carolina Buia, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, thanks.

COOPER: From two young brothers from the Philippines joined at the head. They survived a third operation today. The riskiest yet in the long process of giving them separate lives. CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The operating room bustles. 16 people five anesthesiologists, two surgeons, one incision at 10 to 10 in the morning. This is how the third stage of the operation began for conjoined twins Carl and Clarence Aguirre, the 2-year-old boys from the Philippines. The procedure is being described by doctors as the riskiest yet on the five-month path they've traveled thus far to final separation. The pediatric neurosurgeon James Goodrich has spent months planning.

DR. JAMES GOODRICH, LEAD SURGEON: These are the veins that are going to have to be taken to get the two kids separated. You can appreciate how much of this is owned by this particular twin and how little of it is owned by this.

GUPTA: Here's how it will work. First doctors perform a craniotomy, that's removing a section of bones so that surgeons can access the boys' shared veins. Then the focus is on clamping and tying off major veins before cutting them and finally replacing the bone. It's even harder than it looks. The process meticulous. All along surgeons playing a wait and see game to ensure both Carl and Clarence have enough blood flow. The successful operation took around six hours and put surgeons one step closer to separating the larger shared vein, the sagittal sinus. But more importantly, a step closer to separating the boys.

GOODRICH: Our goal is, hopefully, and we're cautiously optimistic, that we can bring both of these children through in good condition. And that's the major challenge. I'm not sure we can do it but that's our goal.

(END VIDEOTAPE) GUPTA: And another thing to point out, Anderson, they have a long night in front of them still. Potential seizures, brain swelling, bleeding. This process began in October of last year. This is being done in stages. Very different than the other conjoined twins. There will probably be several more months still before the final operation occurs -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right. Not their final operation. We'll continue to watch it. Thank you very much.

Still to come, on a far different note, the end of "Sex and the City." So who do you want Carrie to end up with?

Also on the "Current," lady killer David Gest. Could he be striking again?

Also, a little bit later on, the great Bill Moyers now stepping down. All that ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: All right. Time to check on tonight's "Current" and see what's going on. So we hear David Gest may be heading down the aisle again. The former husband of Liza Minnelli told NBC he plans to marry soon. He wouldn't give a name but said his new love is a well-known show biz personality. Was that a new diamond ring that I saw on Dame Edna? Was it? She's glowing.

All right. "The Apprentice" is such a hit, the TV executives want to spin it off for a west coast version. Donald Trump is not involved so producers are making calls. They say they are searching for someone with the Donald power, with his charisma and his style. Kim Jung-il, please pick up the phone.

Following the Janet Jackson controversy, Viacom president Mel Karmazin is cracking down. He's warning heads of his radio station group to stop using obscenity or indecency on air or face the consequences. Potential penalties suspension, dismissal or, worst of all watching the "King of Queens." That's the worst.

Anyway, what are you going to do this weekend? Confused? Well, Ray Romano's film career kicks off this weekend. Will his first foray into film be a hit or miss? Also on the big screen, young Americans, their hormones raging, taking on Europe. While on the small screen the end of the road for that show on HBO. All part of our "Weekender." Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER (voice-over): In movies "Welcome To Mooseport," tells an all too familiar tale of the plumber, played by Ray Romano who decides to run for mayor against a former president of the United States played by Gene Hackman. Is Romano finally ready for his big screen closeup? Well, it may be awhile before everybody loves Raymond in the movies. "Euro Trip," which follows a group of friends on their European vacation proves once and for all that young Americans do actually care about culture.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let the crazy European sex odyssey begin.

COOPER: Although, by culture, it seems they mean nude beaches, all night raves and S&M parlors.

Out on DVD "Spy Kids: 3-D," the third offering in the trilogy promises to raise the bar even further with its state of the art 3-D technology.

SYLVESTER STALLONE, ACTOR: Taking this to the next level!

COOPER: Finally we can experience a headache in the cozy confines of our own living room. And on TV, well on HBO this Sunday, the much anticipated series finale of the show many women loved...

SARAH JESSICA PARKER, ACTRESS: The least I can do. I can handle him for a couple of days. I saw that.

COOPER: And some men couldn't fully comprehend, "Sex and the City." for Carrie Bradshaw, will be the Russian or Mr. Big? Even if the "Weekender" knew, our lips are sealed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: All right, let's find out which films we might want to see, which we should stay away from. Joining us from Los Angeles, "New York Times" film critic, Elvis Mitchell. Elvis, good to have you back on the program. Haven't seen you for a long time.

ELVIS MITCHELL, FILM CRITIC: Well, I have been catching up with the "King of Queens," so.

COOPER: OK, all right. I deserve that.

Let's look at this film, "Against the Ropes," Meg Ryan. Let's take a look at the clip, and then we'll talk about it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Having any success in this business, what's it take?

MEG RYAN, ACTRESS: Hard work and thick skin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And great boxing don't hurt either.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "USA Today," Jackie, any truth to the rumor you're posing for "Playboy?"

RYAN: I don't know. You think I should?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Marcia Gary, "Detroit Times," this is for you, Luther. You've had a...

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: To be honest, Elvis, I do not see Meg Ryan's last film "In the Cut." Should I see this one? It seems she's kind of against tape (sic).

MITCHELL: You're not alone in not seeing that one.

COOPER: She's playing against type, isn't she?

MITCHELL: And against tape too, you're right, both perfect observations. She's actually trying to do something different in these last couple pictures. She doesn't want to be hemmed in to the sort of Miss Romantic Comedy of 1998. She's trying to move into the 21st Century a little bit and these two pictures are real departures for her.

And I think she's actually kind of fun to watch in parts of this movie, it just feels really kind of undercooked. It's trying to do too many things at once. And after a while it's not serving any particular master.

What it comes across is her ambition to prove that she's more than just the Meg Ryan that people remember from a few years back or constantly in rotation on those new classics on TNT. Can I say TNT on CNN?

COOPER: I'm not sure. I'll check with our lawyers. Let's talk about this film...

(LAUGHTER)

I don't know -- it wasn't that funny. Let's talk about "Euro Trip." I guess this is from the makers of what, like "Old School" and, what's the other one? "Road Trip. That should warn people, I guess. To kind of guess what it is already.

MITCHELL: You know, they've sunk pretty low, when they're telling you it's from the producers of "Old School" and "Road Trip." Next time it will be for people who have seen "Old School" and "Road Trip." It's actually has got a few funny jokes in it. But it's, at this point now when bad taste has become so institutionalized that what's left to do to outrage people?

It's Funny when you're talking about "Sex and the City." That actually does more to shake people up than the sort of a sorry old movie like this, that has some really great cameos in it. I don't want to give it away. I'll wait for people to see it on the plane, which should be next month.

COOPER: Ouch, ouch, you're tough, Elvis.

It seems like there are not so many great movies out this weekend. I guess people, maybe in preparation for the Oscars might want to watch some DVDs, maybe of some Oscar nominated films. What do you recommend?

MITCHELL: There's a lot of great stuff. I know you loved "Lost in Translation." That's out on DVD. I think that actually is one of the great performances of the year. There are really fun extras in it.

There's also one of my favorite performances of last year. We talked about it here a while ago, "Whale Rider" with Keisha Castle- Hughes. She's an amazing young actress, youngest actress ever to be nominated for the best leading actress category. "Pieces of April," which has more great work from Patricia Clarkson in it. "Pirates of the Caribbean" -- I mean, it's funny there's is so much stuff now you kind of wonder why go to the movies when eventually the Oscar nominees will come to you before they even open the envelope.

COOPER: I've got to ask you very quickly about "Sex and the City." I assume you're going to have a big party watching it drinking appletinis. I hear they actually may make a film? Is that possible?

MITCHELL: They've already announced the film, which makes you wonder. I'm actually going to give away the secret, she's going off to Bill Moyers (ph) at the end of the episode.

COOPER: You think?

MITCHELL: Oops. I shouldn't have given that away. As much fun as the show has been and as much barriers as its broken, you just kind of wonder now -- we've heard there's going to be a movie, what are they going to do? What are they going to give away? I guess, the good news is they've decided there's still life left in the show.

COOPER: Very brief, Russian or Mr. Big?

MITCHELL: I got to go with Mr. Big to block.

COOPER: I'll go with you on that one. Elvis Mitchell, great to see you again. Have fun in L.A.

Coming up, a legendary news man stepping down as we take Bill Moyers to the "Nth Degree," that's coming up.

And on Monday, countdown to super Tuesday. We'll take you across the country to follow the campaigns and the candidates.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COOPER: Tonight, taking Moyers to the "Nth Degree." A legendary news man is stepping down. Bill Moyers has said he will leave his weekly PBS news magazine now at the end of the year. He plans to write a book.

I've never met Bill Moyers, but I sure have learned a lot from him. For some 30 years now, Moyers has been on TV changing TV. Reporter, analyst, documentarian at CBS, NBC, PBS. Thoughtful, is the word most used to describe him, though I'm sure those who disagree with him may use more colorful adjectives. In this medium of sound bites, in this age of pop punditry, Bill Moyers is different; he speaks in paragraphs. And while he may not wear a flag pin on his lapel, a stauncher defender of democracy would be hard to find.

When I graduated college and didn't know what to do with my life, my mom suggested I follow my bliss, a phrase she picked up from a Bill Moyers interview with Joseph Campbell. I admit, I wanted some more concrete advice, but in retrospect, it was pretty good.

We have been lucky that Bill Moyers has been following his bliss as long as he has. His legacy is unrivaled and he's not close to being done yet.

Thanks for watching. I'm Anderson Cooper. Have a great weekend. 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






Rests in Martha Stewart Trial; Bill Moyers Calls It Quits At PBS>