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Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees
Crisis in Haiti; Revisiting Columbine
Aired February 26, 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): Haiti on the brink: rebels say they're poised to take the capital and the president.
Down to the last men standing. Tonight, the Dems debate in LA. We'll have a preview.
A repulsive crime, an extreme prosecution. The state acts out a stabbing 200 times.
O'Donnell's "I do's": Rosie and her partner give their hearts in San Francisco.
And happy birthday. Or is it? The infamous infomercial turns 20. We'll talk to the godfather of it all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: Good evening. Welcome to 360.
Released today, chilling evidence from the killings at Columbine High School nearly five years ago. You're looking at disturbing videotapes. There were murder weapons shown to the public, along with bullet fragments and much more. Could the tragedy have been prevented? We'll have a report on that coming up.
But first, the chaos in Haiti having a ripple effect around the world. Diplomats from several countries are hoping they can broker a peaceful solution to Haiti's rebellion before it gets any worse. The rebel leader says his forces are closing in on the capital, and claims he's awaiting orders to attack unless President Aristide steps down, something he has refused to do. Orders from whom not clear.
In just moments, my exclusive interview with President Aristide.
Secretary of State Colin Powell has openly questioned whether the Haitian president can continue to serve effectively as Haiti's leader. Meanwhile, other Caribbean countries want the U.N. to restore order by sending a multinational force.
CNN's Lucia Newman continues to watch this explosive situation unfold. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Outside the presidential palace, impassioned Aristide supporters vow to defend their president with their life, shouting "five years," the length of his term. International, as well as local pressure for Aristide to resign is mounting. But when CNN asked him if he would even consider leaving the palace, he flatly said, "No."
JEAN-BERTRAND ARISTIDE, HAITIAN PRESIDENT: We had 32 coup d'etats; it's enough. We need now to respect the constitutional order. And I will leave the palace on February 7, 2006, which is good for our democracy.
NEWMAN: In the capital, nerves are on edge. Almost all businesses are closed. Gasoline stations normally opened 24 hours are closing at dusk, while people scramble to stock up on fuel, just in case. Rumors both of attacks by mobs, by Aristide supporters, and of his resignation are spreading like wildfire.
U.S. Marines escorted more than 100 nonessential U.N. personnel and their families to the airport. Wednesday, they couldn't be evacuated because of enormous roadblocks set up along the main road by often aggressive groups claiming to support the president. In San Mark (ph), the only city in between the capital and rebel-held territory, the Belgium-based aid organization Doctors without Borders is preparing for the worst.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): The people are scared. But at least we can say that we are guaranteeing the security of the population.
NEWMAN: This, as the rebels promise to march toward the capital as soon as the time is right, which they claim could be very soon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWMAN: And, Anderson, American Airlines has just joined other airlines, announcing it's suspending its five flights ((UNINTELLIGIBLE) because they cannot get back to the airports in this country. The last flight was this afternoon -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Lucia Newman, live in Port-au-Prince. Stay safe. Thanks, Lucia.
We're going to have more with my exclusive interview with President Aristide in just a few moments.
Moving on right now, though, to an emotional day for many in Colorado. Evidence, information and videotapes released in the Columbine massacre. The question is, do they teach us enough about the signals that were missed to prevent another school tragedy?
CNN's David Mattingly reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Months before their murderous rampage, Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold can be seen in trench coats acting out violent scenes with fake weapons. The disturbing videos are just part of a massive new public disclosure by Colorado authorities.
KEN SALAZAR, COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL: Hindsight is always 20- 20. And I think for all of us, we wish there would have been something that could have been done to have prevented the horrific tragedy that occurred during that time.
MATTINGLY: In all, more than 10,000 items were placed on public display, in an attempt to allay lingering suspicions over the investigation and prevent future school killings.
DAWN ANNA TOWNSEND, MOTHER OF COLUMBINE VICTIM: That was the first time I saw the weapons. And I saw the two that murdered her. And I think that brought -- that, among everything else, brought me to my knees.
MATTINGLY: Dawn Townsend's daughter, Lauren (ph), a class valedictorian, was reportedly shot 12 times. She is among parents deeply disturbed upon finally seeing the frightening cache of weapons amassed by Klebold and Harris: pipe bombs, tanks of gasoline, knives and shotguns.
TOWNSEND: How can that go undiscovered? I don't know how it can. How can it go unexcused?
MATTINGLY: The first of many questions that remain unanswered, as the horrors of that day, nearly five years ago are silently displayed, documented room by room. There's a desperate plea for help from the science and math department. Bomb fragments from the cafeteria, shell casings from the library, and 58 brown paper bags all containing clothing the victims were wearing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MATTINGLY: And among those grim reminders, 35,000 pages of police reports also made public today. Among them, documents showing that investigators had 15 contacts in the two years prior to Columbine from people regarding bad behavior on the part of Harris and Klebold -- Anderson.
COOPER: That sign that said, "One person bleeding to death," it's terrible to see. David Mattingly, thanks very much.
Turning now to the political showdown just two hours away right here on CNN. John Kerry has refused to meet face-to-face with John Edwards, so tonight the four remaining Democratic presidential candidates will share a stage together, though the spotlight clearly is on the two front-runners.
CNN's senior political correspondent, Candy Crowley, tracking the Edwards campaign for us. And CNN national correspondent, Kelly Wallace, following the Kerry camp. We begin with Kelly Wallace in L.A. -- Kelly.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, with the conventional wisdom that the Democratic front-runner has the most to lose tonight, John Kerry's aides say they are going to stick with what has been, they say, a winning script so far. They want him to go out there tonight and draw contrast with President Bush, and try and make the case that he believes he has the most experience to defeat President Bush in November.
We saw the senator on the plane earlier today and he seemed very, very relaxed. Aides say he is in a good mood. He spent some time preparing on the plane, and then is spending some time with wife, Teresa, before coming over here tonight.
The wild card here, aides say, they just don't know if John Edwards will use this opportunity to attack or draw bigger contrast with John Kerry. They say if that happens, though, they are ready.
And there's something else. If John Kerry does eventually clinch the Democratic nomination, he does not have a lot of money. Tonight, there will be a large national audience, so advisers say they also want him to focus on connecting with voters to try and make the case about what kind of candidate he is and what he stands for -- Anderson.
COOPER: And a big California audience as well, perhaps, with some deep pockets out there.
Kelly Wallace, thanks.
John Edwards is hoping a strong debate tonight will give him some momentum going into Super Tuesday. Senior political correspondent, Candy Crowley, on Edwards and what may be his last best hope -- Candy.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: It, in fact, is, Anderson. John Edwards knows that this state is very big, it is very expensive. So it makes it hard to travel through and campaign, and very hard to put ads on the air. This is his best shot at reaching most amount of people here in California.
What are they going to do while John Kerry draws contrast with George Bush? John Edwards will be trying to draw contrast with John Kerry.
They have a little bit of a box here, Anderson, because what they are saying is, and what the longstanding cornerstone of John Edwards' campaign is, if you want a Democrat who attacks other Democrats, I'm not the guy. So even while it might at this point help Edwards in the polls to go ahead and attack John Kerry, they are pretty much put in a corner by the rhetoric of this campaign.
So while they talk about drawing contrasts between the policies of John Edwards and John Kerry, there is no talk here of the word "attack." They say, "First of all, we don't think it would really do us much good. And second of all, it would make him look like just another politician." COOPER: All right. Candy Crowley, we'll be watching. Thanks very much, Candy.
We're following a number of developing stories right now "Cross Country" for you. Let's take a look.
In Washington, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the president tightens restrictions on movements from the U.S. to the communist nation. Today he authorized the U.S. Coast Guard to board any vessel that thinks it's headed to Cuba and to take other steps to strengthen the embargo.
Washington now: new legislation for the unborn. The House of Representatives votes to treat attacks on pregnant women as separate crimes against the women and her fetus. Critics say it's an attempt to undermine abortion rights by giving a fetus new federal legal status.
Atlanta, Georgia, now: football star surrenders. There he is, Jamal Lewis, NFL rushing leader who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. He gave himself up today to federal prosecutors to face charges that he helped set up a major cocaine deal four years ago. Lewis pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on $500,000 bail.
In New York City: Tyson cops a plea. The one-time heavyweight champ agrees to plead guilty to disorderly conduct instead of assault for his part in a Brooklyn hotel brawl last year. Now, just before the trial, Tyson agrees to do 100 hours of community service.
In Chicago: take this ball and -- all right, just trash it. It is the infamous baseball that became a hated souvenir for Cubs fans. Why is he getting a massage? We'll tell you that in a second. It was the missed catch that probably cost the Cubs the chance to play in last year's World Series.
A Chicago restaurant bought the ball at auction last year. Tonight, they're going to destroy it. The massage part, sort of a last request kind of thing. Cubs fans hope that when the ball is gone, that will also destroy what they think is a curse is on the Cubs, who haven't seen a World Series, of course, in 95 years.
They kissed it, too, I guess, and massaged it. All right.
That's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.
In a moment, my exclusive interview with Haitian president, Jean- Bertrand Aristide. We spoke just a few moments ago.
Plus, Howard Stern, silence in six cities. Clear Channel radio chain pulls the plug, responding to government pressure. The Super Bowl nipple ripple continues.
Plus, Rosie O'Donnell ties the knot and talks tough about the president. We'll go live to San Francisco for that.
And a courtroom shocker. A prosecutor pulls out a knife and all the stops to prove her case. You're not going to believe what she did next.
Before we get to that, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Well, another big story today. Shock jock Howard Stern is in the spotlight again, under attack for salacious and crude content in his radio show.
Now, I know what you're saying. What's new about that? The new part is he's been suspended by the nation's number one radio chain and allegedly faces further actions if he doesn't clean up his act.
CNN's Adaora Udoji has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Howard Stern built a syndicated radio dynasty on racy talk.
HOWARD STERN, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: I would love to see you with your top off.
UDOJI: His fans love him for it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UDOJI: But federal regulators have fined him for it to the tune of nearly $2 million the past 10 years. Now, one radio group, Clear Channel, has suspended him from six stations, citing a new decency policy.
The company said Monday's discussion about the sex tape of socialite fashionista Paris Hilton went too far, with Stern graphically asking her co-star, Rick Solomon, for details.
(on camera): Then a caller using the "N" word and other crude terms asked Solomon if he'd ever had sex with an African-American celebrity.
(voice-over): On Capitol Hill, with other broadcast executives, Clear Channel's president said enough.
JOHN HOGAN, CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS: The Howard Sterns of the world are the exception, rather than the rule. And that they will no longer have a platform on our stations.
UDOJI: Stern's syndicator, Infinity Broadcasting, had no comment. But Stern, who is still on the air in dozens of markets, called the suspension, among other things, silly. STERN: I'm going to be the sacrificial lamb. Sad day. It really is. I've got to take my punishment. I don't even know what happened on the show Tuesday that hasn't happened for 20 years.
UDOJI: That's the question many are asking, why now? Will the fallout from the Super Bowl antics of Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake mean permanent changes?
HOWARD KURTZ, CNN "RELIABLE SOURCES": If Congress and the FCC were really to get serious about cracking down on all the indecency in all the different forms on television and radio, a lot of corporate profits would be threatened.
UDOJI: Stern makes money, and few expect the latest censure to mark his end.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Indeed, we talked to a number of media analysts today who expressed a tremendous amount of cynicism, saying that they don't think that lawmakers have the political will to take on the big broadcasters, particularly in an election year. So don't expect to see Howard Stern off the air anytime soon.
COOPER: That's right. This is an election year, isn't it? Yes. I forgot that.
Adaora Udoji, thanks.
We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe right now. Let's take a look at the "UpLink."
Northern Morocco: frustration boils over -- take a look at this. Angry earthquake survivors pour into the streets and commandeer aid convoys. They're angry about the slow pace of relief two days after the tragedy.
Moving on to the West Bank: deadly protest. Israeli forces killed two stone-throwing Palestinians in the West Bank. They're among hundreds of people demonstrating against the barrier being built by Israel. Some of the protesters laid down in front of bulldozers.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: towering inferno. A skyscraper fire in the heart of downtown Rio. No one is hurt. Dozens of firefighters spent hours trying to bring it under control.
Pieces of the 22-story building plunged to the ground. For awhile, it almost looked like part of it might actually collapse. It didn't; they finally got it under control.
And all hands on deck, or rather in space. Both crewmembers of the International Space Station are outside on a space walk this evening. This is the first time the space station has been left unoccupied.
And that is a quick look at stories in the "UpLink" tonight. Turning back to the Haitian situation now, just moments ago I spoke with Haiti's embattled, beleaguered president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, about U.S. involvement in peace efforts.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: At this moment, do you have a message for President Bush here in the United States?
JEAN-BERTRAND ARISTIDE, HAITIAN PRESIDENT: Yes, because on September 11, 2001, when terrorists went to the United States and put fire, killing people, President Bush and the world, we all said no to terrorism. Today, we have terrorists in Haiti after killing people, burning houses and police stations. They will continue if we all but say no to them.
COOPER: President Aristide, there have been some people representing your government who have said on the record and off the record that they believe the United States is somehow involved in the armed opposition to your government. Do you actually believe that is true?
ARISTIDE: I think the best way for the United States to demonstrate it's mature is to send additional police, international police troops to increase the number of those international police already in Haiti, and helping us to disarm the terrorists while we are already accepted an agreement proposed by the international community. And the opposition rejects it, even not paying attention to what Secretary Colin Powell shared with them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, we are keeping a close eye on the situation in Haiti. If there are any developments tonight, we're going to bring them to you live.
The Coast Guard says so far there has been no mass exodus from Haiti -- no mass exodus as there was during the mid '90s, when tens of thousands of Haitians fled. The agencies so far picked up about 500 refugees just in the last couple days, all within about 50 miles of the Haitian coast.
The one ship that almost got to the United States was this coastal freighter intercepted seven miles off the coast of Florida yesterday. We brought this to you live last night. The owner of a tow boat company says he overheard radio transmissions indicating the ship had been taken over by armed Haitians. If so, Governor Jeb Bush had this to say about what should happen to them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: Hijackers, they should be sent back to Haiti. The -- they hijacked a boat, a large vessel. And unless they have a well-founded fear of persecution that is specific that meets the criteria of our laws, they should be sent back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Authorities are still interviewing 17 of the Haitians who were on that freighter.
If a mass exodus of Haitians does occur, what will happen to the refugees who risk everything for a chance at new freedom? Here's CNN's John Zarrella with a fact check.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A wooden sailboat off the coast of Haiti. On board, the people sing. Floating close by the Coast Guard cutter, Bear (ph). It is early March, 1989, nearly 15 years ago. For Haitians looking for a better life, U.S. policy has been consistent for decades.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All 102 people we have on board are being repatriated.
ZARRELLA: Haitians fleeing poverty are considered economic migrants. Whether they are stopped at sea or make it to U.S. soil, nearly all are sent home. Cubans were until the early 1990s regarded differently.
Fleeing communism, Cubans were considered political refugees. The United States nearly always opened its arms to embrace them no matter how they got here. But when 30,000 Cubans left the island during the 1994 rafters crisis, the policy changed.
Cuba and the U.S. agreed, 20,000 Cubans could come to the United States legally every year. Those who still came illegally were subject to a new policy known as wet foot, dry foot.
Cubans stopped at sea are sent home. Those who make it to U.S. soil are allowed to stay. It has led to some dramatic events. Desperation to reach the shore. At least for Cuban refugees, if they make it, chances are they can stay.
John Zarrella, CNN, Miami.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, coming up, the first official celebrity same-sex wedding. Rosie O'Donnell marrying her long-time partner in San Francisco. Having some tough talk against the president as well.
Do bedfellows make for strange politics? We'll talk about that coming up live from the courthouse.
And a little later, they may be annoying but they're moneymaking machines. They're infomercials, and it is their 20th anniversary, believe it or not. We'll talk to the godfather of them all.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: In a Houston courtroom, a Texas jury got an in-your-face reenactment of a murder. The crime was shocking, but after the reenactment, some jurors were surprised by the prosecution.
CNN's Mike Brooks tells what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Susan Wright, accused of murdering her husband Jeffrey by stabbing him 193 times, looked as if she could barely contain herself as prosecutors, using the blood-soaked bed where the murder allegedly took place, reenacted how they believe she killed her husband. Jurors looked on as assistant D.A. Paul Doyle was tied to the bedpost by his wrists and ankles with neckties and terry cloth strips. Lead prosecutor Kelly Siegler then straddled Doyle as she questioned homicide detective Mark Reynolds.
KELLY SIEGLER, PROSECUTOR: Something like this and straddled him. And she's right-handed. And how do you think she held the knife? Attack at the head area first, which side of his face are most of the injuries going to be on?
BROOKS: Defense attorney Neal Davis, who denies that his client tied her husband to the bed, objected to the graphic demonstration.
NEAL DAVIS, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: It's overly theatrical, and I think it's overly prejudicial to the jury.
BROOKS: The defense says the 27-year-old defendant killed her husband only in self-defense after years of abuse, and only after he pulled a knife on her and she wrestled it away from him. Defense attorney Davis also said that Susan Wright had been beaten and raped at their home.
Prosecutors say that Jeffrey Wright was murdered by his wife on January 13, 2003, because she had religious concerns about divorce and that she wanted $200,000 from a life insurance policy. They allege that she then buried her husband's body under their backyard patio. On January 15, Susan Wright filed a report for domestic abuse. Prosecutors say that report is part of the murder cover-up.
Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): Tonight's Democratic debate: how winners can lose and losers can win in the blink of an eye.
It's now Mrs. O'Donnell. Rosie and her partner say, "I do" in San Francisco.
And the infomercial turns 20. The Mincomatic (ph), the Splatter Screen, and the Kitchen Magician -- we'll talk to the man that started it all.
360 continues. (END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Here's what's happening in the next half-hour on 360.
Rosie O'Donnell marrying her longtime partner in San Francisco and expressing no love for the president. We'll go live to the courthouse.
Plus, an important Democratic debate takes place tonight here on CNN. We'll preview the action.
First, however, let's check our top stories in "The Reset." Haiti: rebels say they're closing in on Port-au-Prince. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide repeats his vow to stay in power. Tonight, Secretary of State Colin Powell questions Aristide's ability to continue in power.
Washington: Bush administration clamps down on Cuba. The president tightens travel rules, expanding the government's authority to stop boats leaving the U.S. for the Communist nation.
Capitol Hill: the Senate agrees to require child safety locks on handguns. It's attached to a bill that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits their product is used in a crime.
New York: a Philadelphia man gets 30 months in prison for misspelling web addresses for Disneyland, Britney Spears and Teletubbies to lure children to porn. John Zukerini (ph) was the first person to be charged under a federal law.
The Justice Department hitting the error button on Oracle's attempt to buy Peoplesoft. The government sues to block the merger, saying it would cut competition in the software industry.
And that's a quick look at the top stories in "The Reset."
Over 3,000 same-sex couples have been married at San Francisco City Hall in the last two weeks. Today a celebrity couple took the plunge. And what a plunge it was. CNN's Rusty Dornin has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Rosie O'Donnell and her long- time partner, Kelly Carpenter, showed the world their take on love and politics with a defiant wedding march down the steps of San Francisco's City Hall. It was a private ceremony in the mayor's office with a very public aftermath, complete with a gay men's choir serenading them with "I'm Going to the Chapel and I'm Gonna Get Married."
ROSIE O'DONNELL, COMEDIAN: We already did. We got married. There you go.
DORNIN: They were angered by President Bush's proposal for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, so they decided to fly to San Francisco and make their own statement.
O'DONNELL: We were both inspired to come here after the sitting president said the vile and vicious and hateful comments he did on Tuesday.
DORNIN: And what's next for the often controversial O'Donnell and the woman she referred to as her wife?
O'DONNELL: Some people ask us where we were going on our honeymoon. With four kids under the age of 8, there will be no honeymoon.
DORNIN: And in parting, one last bit of political commentary.
O'DONNELL: With liberty and justice for all. Peace.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: That was Rusty Dornin reporting from San Francisco.
Turning to politics now. In less than 90 minutes, the four remaining Democratic presidential candidates face off in a debate right here on CNN. Want to take a quick look at lessons we've learned from debates gone by.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Give me a chance to do that.
COOPER (voice-over): In this age of media overexposure, TV debates are often less about issues and orator than about clever quips.
LLOYD BENTSEN, (D) VP CANDIDATE 1988: I knew Jack Kennedy. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.
COOPER: Coming up with the right line -- at exactly the right time.
RONALD REAGAN, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I am paying for this microphone.
COOPER: The camera catches everything. Sweat, inattention and, of course, mistakes.
GERALD FORD, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.
COOPER: Candidates search for the sound bite that will define their campaign.
REAGAN: Are you better off than you were four years ago?
COOPER: Or the sound bite that will define their opponent.
WALTER MONDALE, (D) FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: : Where's the beef?
COOPER: That's how Walter Mondale questioned Gary Hart's perceived lack of substance in 1984, the same year 73-year-old Ronald Reagan used humor to deflect criticism about his age.
REAGAN: I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.
COOPER: When there are high expectations even a sigh can be costly.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I want that...
AL GORE, (D) FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: (SIGH)
COOPER: When there are low expectations it can be an advantage.
GEORGE W. BUSH: You know what I mean?
COOPER: In this age of personal politics, appearing aloof can be fatal.
QUESTION: Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?
MICHAEL DUKAKIS, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 1988: No, I don't, Bernard, and I think you know I opposed the death penalty during all of my life.
COOPER: Debates may go on for hours, but they could be won or lost in a split second.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Let's talk more about the debate now and next week's super Tuesday. It's the biggest one day bonanza this primary season: 1,150 delegates up for grabs. All this week in our series, "Ten States, Five Days," we're looking at super Tuesday states, their issues and agendas.
Tonight, 2 giants, California and Massachusetts and what they mean for Kerry and Edwards. Joining me now, CNN political analyst, Carlos Watson. Carlos, good to see you.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hi, how are you?
COOPER: Let's talk first about Massachusetts, 93 delegates at stake. Independents can vote. Kerry is fourth Massachusetts Democrat to run since 1980. Of course, Kennedy, Dukakis, Tsongas. It's Kerry's home state. Has Edwards even tried to be competitive there?
WATSON: Not really. The only surprise here could be who takes a delegate or two. But I think all 93 delegates into to Kerry's pocket. We could move past Massachusetts pretty quickly. COOPER: All right, let's go on to California, the big prize, 370 delegates at stake. Independents, of course, can vote. 6 million registered Democratic voters, 2.4 million independents voters. Now, a lot of California Democrats going to be very closely watching tonight's upcoming debate. What are the big issues?
WATSON: Actually there could be four or five issues. So, you'll certainly hear about the economy, certainly we'll hear about Bush, but you could hear about immigration. Remember almost a quarter of Californians are of Mexican descent.
You might also hear about gay marriage. Obviously it's a very hot issue. And you could hear a lot about the environment. Remember, California, if you will, is the heart beat of the environmental movement.
COOPER: John Kerry seems to be leading in most polls in California. What does John Edwards have to do to try to get up tonight in the debate?
WATSON: He'd have to make a dramatic performance. Have one of those memorable lines people are still talking about. And frankly, Anderson, he had have to attack. And so far it seems like he's unlikely to attack.
COOPER: Yes, certainly seems unwilling to do that. Let's talk about what both candidates need to do to do well in California. John Kerry?
WATSON: John Kerry's got to make no mistakes. He got to turn out his core constituencies. Meaning, environmentalists, labor, et cetera.
COOPER: And Edwards, not just in the debate, but in general needs to go on the attack more in California?
WATSON: Go on the attack and love up the free media. Every local interview you get a chance to do on television, radio, what have you, do it. The bigger the rallies, the better.
COOPER: Did you say love up the free media?
WATSON: Love up! Why not, why not? This is the season of free love.
COOPER: I'm going to start using that phrase. Love up.
WATSON: Once again, you heard it here first.
COOPER: Let's talk predictions. Massachusetts, obviously Kerry.
WATSON: In a shocker, Sharpton. Just kidding. This is Kerry all the way.
COOPER: And California?
WATSON: California? Could have been close, but it's not going to be. Kerry wins this one.
COOPER: All right, Carlos Watson, thank you very much.
WATSON: Good to see you.
COOPER: And a reminder for you. The love up begins in about 1:20 right here on CNN. Democrats face off. CNN/Los Angeles Times debate. It all starts 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, 6:00 Pacific with my old friend, Larry King, right here on CNN. Looking forward to that.
The U.N. is beefing up security right now, not against terrorists but possible spies from member nations. This after embarrassing claims from a former British cabinet member that heard government wire tapped Kofi Annan's office before the Iraq war. Senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth has reaction.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RICHARD ROTH, SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The U.N. is outraged Secretary-General Kofi Annan may have had company on the line while trying to prevent the war with Iraq.
FRED ECKHARD, U.N. SPOKESMAN: We want this action to stop, if indeed it has been carried out.
ROTH: The visiting president of Georgia poked fun of the bugging report.
MIKHAIL SAAKASHVILI, PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA: I didn't know anything about it. My first reaction was I feel very protected in your presence.
ROTH: The U.N. was not laughing, calling any bugging illegal under several world treaties protecting the U.N. The secretary- general's office and other parts of the building are swept for listening devices, but the effort will now be intensified.
U.N. security was conducting a sweep of the security council with blast but his nose was not sniffing for bugs, but bombs.
(on camera): Here inside the United Nations Security Council, countries confront each other face to face. There is a long history, though, of espionage here, with nations using so-called intelligence experts posing as diplomats. But spying on the U.N. Secretary-General by permanent members of this council, if true, well that's causing quite a stir.
SERGEI LAVROV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I think it is illegal, but this shows that the British intelligence services, at least technical, are very professional I assume.
MIKHEA MOTOC, ROMANIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I am not going to comment, OK? You want to try again?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't have hidden agenda. We don't have hidden thoughts... UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How about hidden microphones?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, it doesn't matter.
ROTH: The British ambassador called Kofi Annan, but that conversation, at least for now, is being kept secret.
Richard Roth, CNN, United Nations.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Amazing.
A convicted child molester may go free. Did his accusers lie? His story from California just ahead.
Plus, on a far lighter note, happy birthday to the infomercial. Who better to help us celebrate than the master telesalesman of them all. Yes, the guy who invented the whole spray-on hair thing.
And in "The Current," Pamela Anderson's shocking career move. We'll talk about all that ahead. Be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A troubling story is playing out right now in Bakersfield, California, 19-years-ago a man named John Stohll was convicted of child molestation and sent to prison where he remains. Now most of his accusers who are all grown adults say police coerced them into fabricating the whole thing.
CNN's Miguel Marquez has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN STOHLL, CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTER: I'm not a child molester. Absolutely, I'm not a child molester.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a claim John Stohll has made since he was convicted in 1985 of molesting six kids.
STOHLL: If the system wants to grind you up and eat you up, it will just grind you up.
MARQUEZ: In the final year of his 20-year sentence most victims are telling a judge it never happened.
CHRISTOPHER DIURI, RECANTING TESTIMONY: I told them numerous times, no, it didn't happen to me. No, no, no, no.
MARQUEZ: Christopher Diuri, now almost 30, owns a Bakersfield auto shop. He said when he was 8 he was scared and threatened by prosecutors and sheriff's investigators into testifying that he was one of John Stohll's victims. DIURI: Eventually I just told them what they were repeating to me. I just started singing it back to them, the same things they said to me, I said right back to them. Then they had me say them again up on the stand.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Those techniques were unreliable.
MARQUEZ: The California innocence project became involved after two other defendants in Stohll's case were exonerated and after having too many questions about the evidence or lack of it.
KATHLEEN RIDOLFI, INNOCENCE PROJECT: Remarkably you have boys who are 6, 7 and 8-years-old who claimed in their statements that they had been repeatedly sodomized by adult men and there were no medical examinations ever done.
MARQUEZ: Of the six accusers four recanted. One now says he has no memory of being molested, but doesn't remember that time of his life. Only one, John Stohll's son has maintained that he was molested by his father.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARQUEZ: Now, in court according to associated press, prosecutors argue the victims' memories may become hazy and that some may have changed their testimony because they have a financial incentive. The current county prosecutor Lisa Green (ph) says she will not comment on any aspect of the case until after the judge rules on whether there should be a new trial. That ruling could come as soon as March 15th -- Anderson.
COOPER: Miguel, thanks very much.
Every Thursday we look at a subject that has been done to death on television. Tonight's "Overkill" -- you guessed it "The Passion of the Christ." Mel Gibson's controversial film opened yesterday. Yes, really, it was just yesterday, and it's already made $15 million. Critics say the violence in the film was "Overkill." We think the media coverage is as well.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DIANE SAWYER, HOST "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Just hours ago Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" opened to the public.
JULIE CHEN, HOST "THE EARLY MORNING SHOW": The most talked about movie of the new year "The Passion of the Christ" officially opens this morning across the country.
KATIE COURIC, HOST "TODAY": More on today's opening of Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ."
COOPER (voice-over): You can't buy publicity like this. This week no matter how many times you changed the channel, there was no escape.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: One fact is not in dispute in 21st century America Jesus is hot.
COOPER: According to monitoring services in the last two days Mel Gibson's movie was mentioned at least 9,326 times on radio and TV.
Who needs advertising?
LESTER HOLT, "LESTER HOLT LIVE": All that controversy surrounding Mel Gibson's film "The Passion" turned into big dollar signs.
COOPER: "Overkill" began before the film was done. Allegations of anti-Semitism, that meant controversy and controversy meant coverage.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who killed Jesus and why, that is the big debate.
COOPER: By the big debut most of the questionable scenes had been reedited but that didn't stop the spectacle. Jewish groups, Christian groups, animal rights activists, you name it, everyone wanted to get their point across. When Diane Sawyer interviewed Mel Gibson last week the ratings went through the roof. Television Executives tend to notice that thing. And we've seen a flood of coverage ever since.
TED KOPPEL, HOST, "NIGHTLINE": Block out all the seats in two theaters for a special showing of "The Passion of the Christ."
COOPER: Is the Overkill over, not if you read today's "New York Times." The next chapter seems to be will "The Passion of the Christ" kill Mel Gibson's career.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: We are celebrating the infomercial tonight. Just ahead, it's now 20-years-old. We look back and into the future with in one of its top pitchmen, blame him.
And in "The Current," why fans of Pamela Anderson may soon be very, very disappointed.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: This may be a shocker but the infomercial is now 20- years-old. Tonight we take you inside the box and kind of celebrate.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm on the radio!
COOPER (voice-over): Like no other medium, television has the power to sell.
Remember Ronco?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey good lookin' we'll be back to pick you up later.
COOPER: But wait, there's more.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what makes this so amazing.
COOPER: Act now and you'll also get...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because ordinary cups spill, introducing Autocup by Ronco.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I promise you, it works.
COOPER: Nowadays, of course, the ads are longer, much longer. They call it paid programming. Half hour Infomercials on late-night TV featuring celebrities pushing products to insomniacs. Infomercials have become so ubiquitous, they actually have the power to turn ordinary sales people into TV celebrities.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi there, how are you?
COOPER: But it hasn't always been like this. Remember when late night television looked more like this? That all changed in 1984 when President Reagan signed the Cable Communications Policy Act deregulating television and giving birth to the modern day infomercial.
GEORGE FOREMAN, FORMER BOXER: Now we're ready to cook some burgers on the George Foreman family-size grill.
COOPER: Today, according to the industry, Infomercials bring in more than $106 billion a year in revenue.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Over 5 million of them sold.
COOPER: As for Ronco, wait, there's more. Their show time rotisserie and barbecue is an infomercial blockbuster with sales of over $1 billion. And that's not poultry.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Sorry for the pun. Let's meet the Ron in Ronco. That's Ron Popeil. I started off by asking him what the difference is between the short commercials of the past and today's big Infomercials?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RON POPEIL, INVENTOR, PITCHMAN: Take a product on your desk, any product and introduce it, tell all the problems it solves, tell them what it costs and where they can buy it and do it in 30 seconds. Now, if you try that, it sounds like a machine gun with an infomercial. 28 minutes and 30 seconds we have a time to take it slowly, explain it in detail, and put some entertainment value into the project. So people do want to watch.
COOPER: I've never met you before but I feel like I have spent most of my early life watching your products. I watched TV so much growing up. I remember Mr. Microphone, that commercial with the guy in the car being like...
POPEIL: Hey, good looking, I'll be back to pick you up later. You remember that? Or the problem with buttons is they always fall off. And when they do, don't sew them on the old-fashion way with a needle and thread, use a buttoneer, the new automatic button fastener.
COOPER: It's amazing. So many of your products, though, I mean, you don't have big focus groups...
POPEIL: No.
COOPER: You don't have tons of marketers around you. It's you and a couple guys coming up with these ideas...
POPEIL: No, no. It's not a couple of ideas. It's not even that.
COOPER: Just you?
POPEIL: It's just me, yes. I make the decision on what the product is, the quality of the product. I have to stand behind that. And I create the marketing. I'm one of the few inventors, I think, in the world, that has a consistent rate of inventing product. But I market my own inventions.
COOPER: I understand you were in the supermarket, you noticed people were waiting in long lines for this rotisserie chicken and you sort of said to yourself, why don't we make a rotisserie chicken machine.
COOPER: Yes. But there was a problem in looking at a line of people buying chickens in a little aluminum foil container. Because the chickens allowed to sit in the container for half an hour to an hour or two before they get it home. By that time, the juices have settled, the top of the chicken is dry, and the bottom is soaking in water and fat.
COOPER: You're trying to sell me a rotisserie machine here.
POPEIL: Well, I have one right over here. That's my professional model. And people who are watching this can catch it on QVC 12:00 Eastern time on Sunday. I'll be there, leaving tomorrow.
COOPER: I'll leave you with that promo. No more.
POPEIL: No more.
COOPER: I just got to ask you, though, the spray-on hair. What's the deal with the spray-on hair?
POPEIL: GLH. Great-looking hair. I have a can with me here. I did do the back of my head. I'm going to try to turn around and let you see it.
COOPER: Looks great. It looks like you got plenty of hair. Who is it that's buying this product? POPEIL: Well, 50 percent of my customers are men who want to look younger. Their bald spot. I know a lot of newscasters use it.
COOPER: What are you implying there?
POPEIL: If you have a bald spot on the back of your head and you turn your head, as you know, the lights will give you that huge hot spot.
COOPER: I don't use the product yet. I'm sure I will one day.
POPEIL: Sooner or later we'll get you.
COOPER: Ron Popeil, you are a legend in the industry and we appreciate you being on the program tonight. Thank you very much.
POPEIL: Thank you so much for inviting me.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: I love the rotisserie chicken right behind him all during the interview.
Time to check on some pop news in tonight's "Current." Let's take a look. An Ohio teen was suspended for bringing "Sports Illustrated's" swimsuit edition magazine to class. School officials have given him three days to think about what he did. We're sure he'll spend every minute of that time doing just that with the magazine.
The violence and gore in the "Passion of the Christ" is proving too much for some filmgoers. A New Jersey woman intended to see the movie but opted out. Instead she said she wanted to see "Welcome to Mooseport" saying she needed a laugh. According to critics, she's going to be sadly disappointed. Mooseport.
Angelina Jolie will carry the Olympic torch during the last leg of the 2004 Summer Olympics torch-bearing relay in Greece. She said she's doing it to give hope to all the refugees around the world. Hope that they, too, may one day become overexposed and overpaid.
Shocking news tonight -- what? It was meant with love. Shocking news tonight about Pamela Anderson. The 36-year-old says she's retiring from show business saying I don't want to be an actress. Frankly, I didn't know Pamela Anderson was an actress.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She was in "Barbed Wire."
COOPER: Oh, no, I saw her in "Barbed Wire" and I'm saying I didn't know Pamela Anderson was an actress.
Coming up, the creator of Harry Potter has a new honor. We warn you, you may be jealous of J.K. Rowling. Take that to the "Nth Degree" just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Tonight taking billionaires to the "Nth Degree." Congratulations are in order. J.K. Rowling, the mother of Harry Potter, is now officially obscenely rich. Rowling premiered today on the "Forbes" annual list of world's richest people. She no longer has to worry about what those measly millionaire moguls might think.
Reading the "Forbes" list is always a little depressing. 27 billionaires are under the age of 40. That doesn't make you feel lazy I don't know what will. Turns out New York City is bursting with billionaires. 31 live here. I like to imagine them all hanging out at Starbucks freeloading off the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
By the way, the founder of Starbucks may have a grande fortune but he is not yet a coffee bean billionaire. Moscow has plenty of billionaires, too. 23 live there although truth be told, I think a couple of them are in prison. Out of 587 billionaires on the "Forbes" list, 326 of them are self-made. 16 were even high-school dropouts. Kids, don't get too excited. Most of the dropouts I know not even close to being billionaires.
After reading the "Forbes" list it's best to remind yourself that money does not buy happiness though I'm beginning to think a billion bucks in the bank probably does help ease the pain. I'm Anderson Cooper, thanks for watching. Coming up next, "PAULA ZAHN NOW."
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired February 26, 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): Haiti on the brink: rebels say they're poised to take the capital and the president.
Down to the last men standing. Tonight, the Dems debate in LA. We'll have a preview.
A repulsive crime, an extreme prosecution. The state acts out a stabbing 200 times.
O'Donnell's "I do's": Rosie and her partner give their hearts in San Francisco.
And happy birthday. Or is it? The infamous infomercial turns 20. We'll talk to the godfather of it all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: Good evening. Welcome to 360.
Released today, chilling evidence from the killings at Columbine High School nearly five years ago. You're looking at disturbing videotapes. There were murder weapons shown to the public, along with bullet fragments and much more. Could the tragedy have been prevented? We'll have a report on that coming up.
But first, the chaos in Haiti having a ripple effect around the world. Diplomats from several countries are hoping they can broker a peaceful solution to Haiti's rebellion before it gets any worse. The rebel leader says his forces are closing in on the capital, and claims he's awaiting orders to attack unless President Aristide steps down, something he has refused to do. Orders from whom not clear.
In just moments, my exclusive interview with President Aristide.
Secretary of State Colin Powell has openly questioned whether the Haitian president can continue to serve effectively as Haiti's leader. Meanwhile, other Caribbean countries want the U.N. to restore order by sending a multinational force.
CNN's Lucia Newman continues to watch this explosive situation unfold. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Outside the presidential palace, impassioned Aristide supporters vow to defend their president with their life, shouting "five years," the length of his term. International, as well as local pressure for Aristide to resign is mounting. But when CNN asked him if he would even consider leaving the palace, he flatly said, "No."
JEAN-BERTRAND ARISTIDE, HAITIAN PRESIDENT: We had 32 coup d'etats; it's enough. We need now to respect the constitutional order. And I will leave the palace on February 7, 2006, which is good for our democracy.
NEWMAN: In the capital, nerves are on edge. Almost all businesses are closed. Gasoline stations normally opened 24 hours are closing at dusk, while people scramble to stock up on fuel, just in case. Rumors both of attacks by mobs, by Aristide supporters, and of his resignation are spreading like wildfire.
U.S. Marines escorted more than 100 nonessential U.N. personnel and their families to the airport. Wednesday, they couldn't be evacuated because of enormous roadblocks set up along the main road by often aggressive groups claiming to support the president. In San Mark (ph), the only city in between the capital and rebel-held territory, the Belgium-based aid organization Doctors without Borders is preparing for the worst.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): The people are scared. But at least we can say that we are guaranteeing the security of the population.
NEWMAN: This, as the rebels promise to march toward the capital as soon as the time is right, which they claim could be very soon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWMAN: And, Anderson, American Airlines has just joined other airlines, announcing it's suspending its five flights ((UNINTELLIGIBLE) because they cannot get back to the airports in this country. The last flight was this afternoon -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Lucia Newman, live in Port-au-Prince. Stay safe. Thanks, Lucia.
We're going to have more with my exclusive interview with President Aristide in just a few moments.
Moving on right now, though, to an emotional day for many in Colorado. Evidence, information and videotapes released in the Columbine massacre. The question is, do they teach us enough about the signals that were missed to prevent another school tragedy?
CNN's David Mattingly reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Months before their murderous rampage, Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold can be seen in trench coats acting out violent scenes with fake weapons. The disturbing videos are just part of a massive new public disclosure by Colorado authorities.
KEN SALAZAR, COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL: Hindsight is always 20- 20. And I think for all of us, we wish there would have been something that could have been done to have prevented the horrific tragedy that occurred during that time.
MATTINGLY: In all, more than 10,000 items were placed on public display, in an attempt to allay lingering suspicions over the investigation and prevent future school killings.
DAWN ANNA TOWNSEND, MOTHER OF COLUMBINE VICTIM: That was the first time I saw the weapons. And I saw the two that murdered her. And I think that brought -- that, among everything else, brought me to my knees.
MATTINGLY: Dawn Townsend's daughter, Lauren (ph), a class valedictorian, was reportedly shot 12 times. She is among parents deeply disturbed upon finally seeing the frightening cache of weapons amassed by Klebold and Harris: pipe bombs, tanks of gasoline, knives and shotguns.
TOWNSEND: How can that go undiscovered? I don't know how it can. How can it go unexcused?
MATTINGLY: The first of many questions that remain unanswered, as the horrors of that day, nearly five years ago are silently displayed, documented room by room. There's a desperate plea for help from the science and math department. Bomb fragments from the cafeteria, shell casings from the library, and 58 brown paper bags all containing clothing the victims were wearing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MATTINGLY: And among those grim reminders, 35,000 pages of police reports also made public today. Among them, documents showing that investigators had 15 contacts in the two years prior to Columbine from people regarding bad behavior on the part of Harris and Klebold -- Anderson.
COOPER: That sign that said, "One person bleeding to death," it's terrible to see. David Mattingly, thanks very much.
Turning now to the political showdown just two hours away right here on CNN. John Kerry has refused to meet face-to-face with John Edwards, so tonight the four remaining Democratic presidential candidates will share a stage together, though the spotlight clearly is on the two front-runners.
CNN's senior political correspondent, Candy Crowley, tracking the Edwards campaign for us. And CNN national correspondent, Kelly Wallace, following the Kerry camp. We begin with Kelly Wallace in L.A. -- Kelly.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, with the conventional wisdom that the Democratic front-runner has the most to lose tonight, John Kerry's aides say they are going to stick with what has been, they say, a winning script so far. They want him to go out there tonight and draw contrast with President Bush, and try and make the case that he believes he has the most experience to defeat President Bush in November.
We saw the senator on the plane earlier today and he seemed very, very relaxed. Aides say he is in a good mood. He spent some time preparing on the plane, and then is spending some time with wife, Teresa, before coming over here tonight.
The wild card here, aides say, they just don't know if John Edwards will use this opportunity to attack or draw bigger contrast with John Kerry. They say if that happens, though, they are ready.
And there's something else. If John Kerry does eventually clinch the Democratic nomination, he does not have a lot of money. Tonight, there will be a large national audience, so advisers say they also want him to focus on connecting with voters to try and make the case about what kind of candidate he is and what he stands for -- Anderson.
COOPER: And a big California audience as well, perhaps, with some deep pockets out there.
Kelly Wallace, thanks.
John Edwards is hoping a strong debate tonight will give him some momentum going into Super Tuesday. Senior political correspondent, Candy Crowley, on Edwards and what may be his last best hope -- Candy.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: It, in fact, is, Anderson. John Edwards knows that this state is very big, it is very expensive. So it makes it hard to travel through and campaign, and very hard to put ads on the air. This is his best shot at reaching most amount of people here in California.
What are they going to do while John Kerry draws contrast with George Bush? John Edwards will be trying to draw contrast with John Kerry.
They have a little bit of a box here, Anderson, because what they are saying is, and what the longstanding cornerstone of John Edwards' campaign is, if you want a Democrat who attacks other Democrats, I'm not the guy. So even while it might at this point help Edwards in the polls to go ahead and attack John Kerry, they are pretty much put in a corner by the rhetoric of this campaign.
So while they talk about drawing contrasts between the policies of John Edwards and John Kerry, there is no talk here of the word "attack." They say, "First of all, we don't think it would really do us much good. And second of all, it would make him look like just another politician." COOPER: All right. Candy Crowley, we'll be watching. Thanks very much, Candy.
We're following a number of developing stories right now "Cross Country" for you. Let's take a look.
In Washington, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the president tightens restrictions on movements from the U.S. to the communist nation. Today he authorized the U.S. Coast Guard to board any vessel that thinks it's headed to Cuba and to take other steps to strengthen the embargo.
Washington now: new legislation for the unborn. The House of Representatives votes to treat attacks on pregnant women as separate crimes against the women and her fetus. Critics say it's an attempt to undermine abortion rights by giving a fetus new federal legal status.
Atlanta, Georgia, now: football star surrenders. There he is, Jamal Lewis, NFL rushing leader who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. He gave himself up today to federal prosecutors to face charges that he helped set up a major cocaine deal four years ago. Lewis pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on $500,000 bail.
In New York City: Tyson cops a plea. The one-time heavyweight champ agrees to plead guilty to disorderly conduct instead of assault for his part in a Brooklyn hotel brawl last year. Now, just before the trial, Tyson agrees to do 100 hours of community service.
In Chicago: take this ball and -- all right, just trash it. It is the infamous baseball that became a hated souvenir for Cubs fans. Why is he getting a massage? We'll tell you that in a second. It was the missed catch that probably cost the Cubs the chance to play in last year's World Series.
A Chicago restaurant bought the ball at auction last year. Tonight, they're going to destroy it. The massage part, sort of a last request kind of thing. Cubs fans hope that when the ball is gone, that will also destroy what they think is a curse is on the Cubs, who haven't seen a World Series, of course, in 95 years.
They kissed it, too, I guess, and massaged it. All right.
That's a look at stories "Cross Country" tonight.
In a moment, my exclusive interview with Haitian president, Jean- Bertrand Aristide. We spoke just a few moments ago.
Plus, Howard Stern, silence in six cities. Clear Channel radio chain pulls the plug, responding to government pressure. The Super Bowl nipple ripple continues.
Plus, Rosie O'Donnell ties the knot and talks tough about the president. We'll go live to San Francisco for that.
And a courtroom shocker. A prosecutor pulls out a knife and all the stops to prove her case. You're not going to believe what she did next.
Before we get to that, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Well, another big story today. Shock jock Howard Stern is in the spotlight again, under attack for salacious and crude content in his radio show.
Now, I know what you're saying. What's new about that? The new part is he's been suspended by the nation's number one radio chain and allegedly faces further actions if he doesn't clean up his act.
CNN's Adaora Udoji has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Howard Stern built a syndicated radio dynasty on racy talk.
HOWARD STERN, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: I would love to see you with your top off.
UDOJI: His fans love him for it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Howard! Howard!
UDOJI: But federal regulators have fined him for it to the tune of nearly $2 million the past 10 years. Now, one radio group, Clear Channel, has suspended him from six stations, citing a new decency policy.
The company said Monday's discussion about the sex tape of socialite fashionista Paris Hilton went too far, with Stern graphically asking her co-star, Rick Solomon, for details.
(on camera): Then a caller using the "N" word and other crude terms asked Solomon if he'd ever had sex with an African-American celebrity.
(voice-over): On Capitol Hill, with other broadcast executives, Clear Channel's president said enough.
JOHN HOGAN, CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS: The Howard Sterns of the world are the exception, rather than the rule. And that they will no longer have a platform on our stations.
UDOJI: Stern's syndicator, Infinity Broadcasting, had no comment. But Stern, who is still on the air in dozens of markets, called the suspension, among other things, silly. STERN: I'm going to be the sacrificial lamb. Sad day. It really is. I've got to take my punishment. I don't even know what happened on the show Tuesday that hasn't happened for 20 years.
UDOJI: That's the question many are asking, why now? Will the fallout from the Super Bowl antics of Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake mean permanent changes?
HOWARD KURTZ, CNN "RELIABLE SOURCES": If Congress and the FCC were really to get serious about cracking down on all the indecency in all the different forms on television and radio, a lot of corporate profits would be threatened.
UDOJI: Stern makes money, and few expect the latest censure to mark his end.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Indeed, we talked to a number of media analysts today who expressed a tremendous amount of cynicism, saying that they don't think that lawmakers have the political will to take on the big broadcasters, particularly in an election year. So don't expect to see Howard Stern off the air anytime soon.
COOPER: That's right. This is an election year, isn't it? Yes. I forgot that.
Adaora Udoji, thanks.
We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe right now. Let's take a look at the "UpLink."
Northern Morocco: frustration boils over -- take a look at this. Angry earthquake survivors pour into the streets and commandeer aid convoys. They're angry about the slow pace of relief two days after the tragedy.
Moving on to the West Bank: deadly protest. Israeli forces killed two stone-throwing Palestinians in the West Bank. They're among hundreds of people demonstrating against the barrier being built by Israel. Some of the protesters laid down in front of bulldozers.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: towering inferno. A skyscraper fire in the heart of downtown Rio. No one is hurt. Dozens of firefighters spent hours trying to bring it under control.
Pieces of the 22-story building plunged to the ground. For awhile, it almost looked like part of it might actually collapse. It didn't; they finally got it under control.
And all hands on deck, or rather in space. Both crewmembers of the International Space Station are outside on a space walk this evening. This is the first time the space station has been left unoccupied.
And that is a quick look at stories in the "UpLink" tonight. Turning back to the Haitian situation now, just moments ago I spoke with Haiti's embattled, beleaguered president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, about U.S. involvement in peace efforts.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: At this moment, do you have a message for President Bush here in the United States?
JEAN-BERTRAND ARISTIDE, HAITIAN PRESIDENT: Yes, because on September 11, 2001, when terrorists went to the United States and put fire, killing people, President Bush and the world, we all said no to terrorism. Today, we have terrorists in Haiti after killing people, burning houses and police stations. They will continue if we all but say no to them.
COOPER: President Aristide, there have been some people representing your government who have said on the record and off the record that they believe the United States is somehow involved in the armed opposition to your government. Do you actually believe that is true?
ARISTIDE: I think the best way for the United States to demonstrate it's mature is to send additional police, international police troops to increase the number of those international police already in Haiti, and helping us to disarm the terrorists while we are already accepted an agreement proposed by the international community. And the opposition rejects it, even not paying attention to what Secretary Colin Powell shared with them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, we are keeping a close eye on the situation in Haiti. If there are any developments tonight, we're going to bring them to you live.
The Coast Guard says so far there has been no mass exodus from Haiti -- no mass exodus as there was during the mid '90s, when tens of thousands of Haitians fled. The agencies so far picked up about 500 refugees just in the last couple days, all within about 50 miles of the Haitian coast.
The one ship that almost got to the United States was this coastal freighter intercepted seven miles off the coast of Florida yesterday. We brought this to you live last night. The owner of a tow boat company says he overheard radio transmissions indicating the ship had been taken over by armed Haitians. If so, Governor Jeb Bush had this to say about what should happen to them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: Hijackers, they should be sent back to Haiti. The -- they hijacked a boat, a large vessel. And unless they have a well-founded fear of persecution that is specific that meets the criteria of our laws, they should be sent back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Authorities are still interviewing 17 of the Haitians who were on that freighter.
If a mass exodus of Haitians does occur, what will happen to the refugees who risk everything for a chance at new freedom? Here's CNN's John Zarrella with a fact check.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A wooden sailboat off the coast of Haiti. On board, the people sing. Floating close by the Coast Guard cutter, Bear (ph). It is early March, 1989, nearly 15 years ago. For Haitians looking for a better life, U.S. policy has been consistent for decades.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All 102 people we have on board are being repatriated.
ZARRELLA: Haitians fleeing poverty are considered economic migrants. Whether they are stopped at sea or make it to U.S. soil, nearly all are sent home. Cubans were until the early 1990s regarded differently.
Fleeing communism, Cubans were considered political refugees. The United States nearly always opened its arms to embrace them no matter how they got here. But when 30,000 Cubans left the island during the 1994 rafters crisis, the policy changed.
Cuba and the U.S. agreed, 20,000 Cubans could come to the United States legally every year. Those who still came illegally were subject to a new policy known as wet foot, dry foot.
Cubans stopped at sea are sent home. Those who make it to U.S. soil are allowed to stay. It has led to some dramatic events. Desperation to reach the shore. At least for Cuban refugees, if they make it, chances are they can stay.
John Zarrella, CNN, Miami.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, coming up, the first official celebrity same-sex wedding. Rosie O'Donnell marrying her long-time partner in San Francisco. Having some tough talk against the president as well.
Do bedfellows make for strange politics? We'll talk about that coming up live from the courthouse.
And a little later, they may be annoying but they're moneymaking machines. They're infomercials, and it is their 20th anniversary, believe it or not. We'll talk to the godfather of them all.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: In a Houston courtroom, a Texas jury got an in-your-face reenactment of a murder. The crime was shocking, but after the reenactment, some jurors were surprised by the prosecution.
CNN's Mike Brooks tells what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Susan Wright, accused of murdering her husband Jeffrey by stabbing him 193 times, looked as if she could barely contain herself as prosecutors, using the blood-soaked bed where the murder allegedly took place, reenacted how they believe she killed her husband. Jurors looked on as assistant D.A. Paul Doyle was tied to the bedpost by his wrists and ankles with neckties and terry cloth strips. Lead prosecutor Kelly Siegler then straddled Doyle as she questioned homicide detective Mark Reynolds.
KELLY SIEGLER, PROSECUTOR: Something like this and straddled him. And she's right-handed. And how do you think she held the knife? Attack at the head area first, which side of his face are most of the injuries going to be on?
BROOKS: Defense attorney Neal Davis, who denies that his client tied her husband to the bed, objected to the graphic demonstration.
NEAL DAVIS, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: It's overly theatrical, and I think it's overly prejudicial to the jury.
BROOKS: The defense says the 27-year-old defendant killed her husband only in self-defense after years of abuse, and only after he pulled a knife on her and she wrestled it away from him. Defense attorney Davis also said that Susan Wright had been beaten and raped at their home.
Prosecutors say that Jeffrey Wright was murdered by his wife on January 13, 2003, because she had religious concerns about divorce and that she wanted $200,000 from a life insurance policy. They allege that she then buried her husband's body under their backyard patio. On January 15, Susan Wright filed a report for domestic abuse. Prosecutors say that report is part of the murder cover-up.
Mike Brooks, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): Tonight's Democratic debate: how winners can lose and losers can win in the blink of an eye.
It's now Mrs. O'Donnell. Rosie and her partner say, "I do" in San Francisco.
And the infomercial turns 20. The Mincomatic (ph), the Splatter Screen, and the Kitchen Magician -- we'll talk to the man that started it all.
360 continues. (END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Here's what's happening in the next half-hour on 360.
Rosie O'Donnell marrying her longtime partner in San Francisco and expressing no love for the president. We'll go live to the courthouse.
Plus, an important Democratic debate takes place tonight here on CNN. We'll preview the action.
First, however, let's check our top stories in "The Reset." Haiti: rebels say they're closing in on Port-au-Prince. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide repeats his vow to stay in power. Tonight, Secretary of State Colin Powell questions Aristide's ability to continue in power.
Washington: Bush administration clamps down on Cuba. The president tightens travel rules, expanding the government's authority to stop boats leaving the U.S. for the Communist nation.
Capitol Hill: the Senate agrees to require child safety locks on handguns. It's attached to a bill that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits their product is used in a crime.
New York: a Philadelphia man gets 30 months in prison for misspelling web addresses for Disneyland, Britney Spears and Teletubbies to lure children to porn. John Zukerini (ph) was the first person to be charged under a federal law.
The Justice Department hitting the error button on Oracle's attempt to buy Peoplesoft. The government sues to block the merger, saying it would cut competition in the software industry.
And that's a quick look at the top stories in "The Reset."
Over 3,000 same-sex couples have been married at San Francisco City Hall in the last two weeks. Today a celebrity couple took the plunge. And what a plunge it was. CNN's Rusty Dornin has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Rosie O'Donnell and her long- time partner, Kelly Carpenter, showed the world their take on love and politics with a defiant wedding march down the steps of San Francisco's City Hall. It was a private ceremony in the mayor's office with a very public aftermath, complete with a gay men's choir serenading them with "I'm Going to the Chapel and I'm Gonna Get Married."
ROSIE O'DONNELL, COMEDIAN: We already did. We got married. There you go.
DORNIN: They were angered by President Bush's proposal for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, so they decided to fly to San Francisco and make their own statement.
O'DONNELL: We were both inspired to come here after the sitting president said the vile and vicious and hateful comments he did on Tuesday.
DORNIN: And what's next for the often controversial O'Donnell and the woman she referred to as her wife?
O'DONNELL: Some people ask us where we were going on our honeymoon. With four kids under the age of 8, there will be no honeymoon.
DORNIN: And in parting, one last bit of political commentary.
O'DONNELL: With liberty and justice for all. Peace.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: That was Rusty Dornin reporting from San Francisco.
Turning to politics now. In less than 90 minutes, the four remaining Democratic presidential candidates face off in a debate right here on CNN. Want to take a quick look at lessons we've learned from debates gone by.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Give me a chance to do that.
COOPER (voice-over): In this age of media overexposure, TV debates are often less about issues and orator than about clever quips.
LLOYD BENTSEN, (D) VP CANDIDATE 1988: I knew Jack Kennedy. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.
COOPER: Coming up with the right line -- at exactly the right time.
RONALD REAGAN, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I am paying for this microphone.
COOPER: The camera catches everything. Sweat, inattention and, of course, mistakes.
GERALD FORD, FRM. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.
COOPER: Candidates search for the sound bite that will define their campaign.
REAGAN: Are you better off than you were four years ago?
COOPER: Or the sound bite that will define their opponent.
WALTER MONDALE, (D) FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: : Where's the beef?
COOPER: That's how Walter Mondale questioned Gary Hart's perceived lack of substance in 1984, the same year 73-year-old Ronald Reagan used humor to deflect criticism about his age.
REAGAN: I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.
COOPER: When there are high expectations even a sigh can be costly.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I want that...
AL GORE, (D) FRM. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: (SIGH)
COOPER: When there are low expectations it can be an advantage.
GEORGE W. BUSH: You know what I mean?
COOPER: In this age of personal politics, appearing aloof can be fatal.
QUESTION: Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?
MICHAEL DUKAKIS, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 1988: No, I don't, Bernard, and I think you know I opposed the death penalty during all of my life.
COOPER: Debates may go on for hours, but they could be won or lost in a split second.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Let's talk more about the debate now and next week's super Tuesday. It's the biggest one day bonanza this primary season: 1,150 delegates up for grabs. All this week in our series, "Ten States, Five Days," we're looking at super Tuesday states, their issues and agendas.
Tonight, 2 giants, California and Massachusetts and what they mean for Kerry and Edwards. Joining me now, CNN political analyst, Carlos Watson. Carlos, good to see you.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hi, how are you?
COOPER: Let's talk first about Massachusetts, 93 delegates at stake. Independents can vote. Kerry is fourth Massachusetts Democrat to run since 1980. Of course, Kennedy, Dukakis, Tsongas. It's Kerry's home state. Has Edwards even tried to be competitive there?
WATSON: Not really. The only surprise here could be who takes a delegate or two. But I think all 93 delegates into to Kerry's pocket. We could move past Massachusetts pretty quickly. COOPER: All right, let's go on to California, the big prize, 370 delegates at stake. Independents, of course, can vote. 6 million registered Democratic voters, 2.4 million independents voters. Now, a lot of California Democrats going to be very closely watching tonight's upcoming debate. What are the big issues?
WATSON: Actually there could be four or five issues. So, you'll certainly hear about the economy, certainly we'll hear about Bush, but you could hear about immigration. Remember almost a quarter of Californians are of Mexican descent.
You might also hear about gay marriage. Obviously it's a very hot issue. And you could hear a lot about the environment. Remember, California, if you will, is the heart beat of the environmental movement.
COOPER: John Kerry seems to be leading in most polls in California. What does John Edwards have to do to try to get up tonight in the debate?
WATSON: He'd have to make a dramatic performance. Have one of those memorable lines people are still talking about. And frankly, Anderson, he had have to attack. And so far it seems like he's unlikely to attack.
COOPER: Yes, certainly seems unwilling to do that. Let's talk about what both candidates need to do to do well in California. John Kerry?
WATSON: John Kerry's got to make no mistakes. He got to turn out his core constituencies. Meaning, environmentalists, labor, et cetera.
COOPER: And Edwards, not just in the debate, but in general needs to go on the attack more in California?
WATSON: Go on the attack and love up the free media. Every local interview you get a chance to do on television, radio, what have you, do it. The bigger the rallies, the better.
COOPER: Did you say love up the free media?
WATSON: Love up! Why not, why not? This is the season of free love.
COOPER: I'm going to start using that phrase. Love up.
WATSON: Once again, you heard it here first.
COOPER: Let's talk predictions. Massachusetts, obviously Kerry.
WATSON: In a shocker, Sharpton. Just kidding. This is Kerry all the way.
COOPER: And California?
WATSON: California? Could have been close, but it's not going to be. Kerry wins this one.
COOPER: All right, Carlos Watson, thank you very much.
WATSON: Good to see you.
COOPER: And a reminder for you. The love up begins in about 1:20 right here on CNN. Democrats face off. CNN/Los Angeles Times debate. It all starts 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, 6:00 Pacific with my old friend, Larry King, right here on CNN. Looking forward to that.
The U.N. is beefing up security right now, not against terrorists but possible spies from member nations. This after embarrassing claims from a former British cabinet member that heard government wire tapped Kofi Annan's office before the Iraq war. Senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth has reaction.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RICHARD ROTH, SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The U.N. is outraged Secretary-General Kofi Annan may have had company on the line while trying to prevent the war with Iraq.
FRED ECKHARD, U.N. SPOKESMAN: We want this action to stop, if indeed it has been carried out.
ROTH: The visiting president of Georgia poked fun of the bugging report.
MIKHAIL SAAKASHVILI, PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA: I didn't know anything about it. My first reaction was I feel very protected in your presence.
ROTH: The U.N. was not laughing, calling any bugging illegal under several world treaties protecting the U.N. The secretary- general's office and other parts of the building are swept for listening devices, but the effort will now be intensified.
U.N. security was conducting a sweep of the security council with blast but his nose was not sniffing for bugs, but bombs.
(on camera): Here inside the United Nations Security Council, countries confront each other face to face. There is a long history, though, of espionage here, with nations using so-called intelligence experts posing as diplomats. But spying on the U.N. Secretary-General by permanent members of this council, if true, well that's causing quite a stir.
SERGEI LAVROV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I think it is illegal, but this shows that the British intelligence services, at least technical, are very professional I assume.
MIKHEA MOTOC, ROMANIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I am not going to comment, OK? You want to try again?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't have hidden agenda. We don't have hidden thoughts... UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How about hidden microphones?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, it doesn't matter.
ROTH: The British ambassador called Kofi Annan, but that conversation, at least for now, is being kept secret.
Richard Roth, CNN, United Nations.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Amazing.
A convicted child molester may go free. Did his accusers lie? His story from California just ahead.
Plus, on a far lighter note, happy birthday to the infomercial. Who better to help us celebrate than the master telesalesman of them all. Yes, the guy who invented the whole spray-on hair thing.
And in "The Current," Pamela Anderson's shocking career move. We'll talk about all that ahead. Be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A troubling story is playing out right now in Bakersfield, California, 19-years-ago a man named John Stohll was convicted of child molestation and sent to prison where he remains. Now most of his accusers who are all grown adults say police coerced them into fabricating the whole thing.
CNN's Miguel Marquez has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN STOHLL, CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTER: I'm not a child molester. Absolutely, I'm not a child molester.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a claim John Stohll has made since he was convicted in 1985 of molesting six kids.
STOHLL: If the system wants to grind you up and eat you up, it will just grind you up.
MARQUEZ: In the final year of his 20-year sentence most victims are telling a judge it never happened.
CHRISTOPHER DIURI, RECANTING TESTIMONY: I told them numerous times, no, it didn't happen to me. No, no, no, no.
MARQUEZ: Christopher Diuri, now almost 30, owns a Bakersfield auto shop. He said when he was 8 he was scared and threatened by prosecutors and sheriff's investigators into testifying that he was one of John Stohll's victims. DIURI: Eventually I just told them what they were repeating to me. I just started singing it back to them, the same things they said to me, I said right back to them. Then they had me say them again up on the stand.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Those techniques were unreliable.
MARQUEZ: The California innocence project became involved after two other defendants in Stohll's case were exonerated and after having too many questions about the evidence or lack of it.
KATHLEEN RIDOLFI, INNOCENCE PROJECT: Remarkably you have boys who are 6, 7 and 8-years-old who claimed in their statements that they had been repeatedly sodomized by adult men and there were no medical examinations ever done.
MARQUEZ: Of the six accusers four recanted. One now says he has no memory of being molested, but doesn't remember that time of his life. Only one, John Stohll's son has maintained that he was molested by his father.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARQUEZ: Now, in court according to associated press, prosecutors argue the victims' memories may become hazy and that some may have changed their testimony because they have a financial incentive. The current county prosecutor Lisa Green (ph) says she will not comment on any aspect of the case until after the judge rules on whether there should be a new trial. That ruling could come as soon as March 15th -- Anderson.
COOPER: Miguel, thanks very much.
Every Thursday we look at a subject that has been done to death on television. Tonight's "Overkill" -- you guessed it "The Passion of the Christ." Mel Gibson's controversial film opened yesterday. Yes, really, it was just yesterday, and it's already made $15 million. Critics say the violence in the film was "Overkill." We think the media coverage is as well.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DIANE SAWYER, HOST "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Just hours ago Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" opened to the public.
JULIE CHEN, HOST "THE EARLY MORNING SHOW": The most talked about movie of the new year "The Passion of the Christ" officially opens this morning across the country.
KATIE COURIC, HOST "TODAY": More on today's opening of Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ."
COOPER (voice-over): You can't buy publicity like this. This week no matter how many times you changed the channel, there was no escape.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: One fact is not in dispute in 21st century America Jesus is hot.
COOPER: According to monitoring services in the last two days Mel Gibson's movie was mentioned at least 9,326 times on radio and TV.
Who needs advertising?
LESTER HOLT, "LESTER HOLT LIVE": All that controversy surrounding Mel Gibson's film "The Passion" turned into big dollar signs.
COOPER: "Overkill" began before the film was done. Allegations of anti-Semitism, that meant controversy and controversy meant coverage.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who killed Jesus and why, that is the big debate.
COOPER: By the big debut most of the questionable scenes had been reedited but that didn't stop the spectacle. Jewish groups, Christian groups, animal rights activists, you name it, everyone wanted to get their point across. When Diane Sawyer interviewed Mel Gibson last week the ratings went through the roof. Television Executives tend to notice that thing. And we've seen a flood of coverage ever since.
TED KOPPEL, HOST, "NIGHTLINE": Block out all the seats in two theaters for a special showing of "The Passion of the Christ."
COOPER: Is the Overkill over, not if you read today's "New York Times." The next chapter seems to be will "The Passion of the Christ" kill Mel Gibson's career.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: We are celebrating the infomercial tonight. Just ahead, it's now 20-years-old. We look back and into the future with in one of its top pitchmen, blame him.
And in "The Current," why fans of Pamela Anderson may soon be very, very disappointed.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: This may be a shocker but the infomercial is now 20- years-old. Tonight we take you inside the box and kind of celebrate.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm on the radio!
COOPER (voice-over): Like no other medium, television has the power to sell.
Remember Ronco?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey good lookin' we'll be back to pick you up later.
COOPER: But wait, there's more.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what makes this so amazing.
COOPER: Act now and you'll also get...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because ordinary cups spill, introducing Autocup by Ronco.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I promise you, it works.
COOPER: Nowadays, of course, the ads are longer, much longer. They call it paid programming. Half hour Infomercials on late-night TV featuring celebrities pushing products to insomniacs. Infomercials have become so ubiquitous, they actually have the power to turn ordinary sales people into TV celebrities.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi there, how are you?
COOPER: But it hasn't always been like this. Remember when late night television looked more like this? That all changed in 1984 when President Reagan signed the Cable Communications Policy Act deregulating television and giving birth to the modern day infomercial.
GEORGE FOREMAN, FORMER BOXER: Now we're ready to cook some burgers on the George Foreman family-size grill.
COOPER: Today, according to the industry, Infomercials bring in more than $106 billion a year in revenue.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Over 5 million of them sold.
COOPER: As for Ronco, wait, there's more. Their show time rotisserie and barbecue is an infomercial blockbuster with sales of over $1 billion. And that's not poultry.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Sorry for the pun. Let's meet the Ron in Ronco. That's Ron Popeil. I started off by asking him what the difference is between the short commercials of the past and today's big Infomercials?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RON POPEIL, INVENTOR, PITCHMAN: Take a product on your desk, any product and introduce it, tell all the problems it solves, tell them what it costs and where they can buy it and do it in 30 seconds. Now, if you try that, it sounds like a machine gun with an infomercial. 28 minutes and 30 seconds we have a time to take it slowly, explain it in detail, and put some entertainment value into the project. So people do want to watch.
COOPER: I've never met you before but I feel like I have spent most of my early life watching your products. I watched TV so much growing up. I remember Mr. Microphone, that commercial with the guy in the car being like...
POPEIL: Hey, good looking, I'll be back to pick you up later. You remember that? Or the problem with buttons is they always fall off. And when they do, don't sew them on the old-fashion way with a needle and thread, use a buttoneer, the new automatic button fastener.
COOPER: It's amazing. So many of your products, though, I mean, you don't have big focus groups...
POPEIL: No.
COOPER: You don't have tons of marketers around you. It's you and a couple guys coming up with these ideas...
POPEIL: No, no. It's not a couple of ideas. It's not even that.
COOPER: Just you?
POPEIL: It's just me, yes. I make the decision on what the product is, the quality of the product. I have to stand behind that. And I create the marketing. I'm one of the few inventors, I think, in the world, that has a consistent rate of inventing product. But I market my own inventions.
COOPER: I understand you were in the supermarket, you noticed people were waiting in long lines for this rotisserie chicken and you sort of said to yourself, why don't we make a rotisserie chicken machine.
COOPER: Yes. But there was a problem in looking at a line of people buying chickens in a little aluminum foil container. Because the chickens allowed to sit in the container for half an hour to an hour or two before they get it home. By that time, the juices have settled, the top of the chicken is dry, and the bottom is soaking in water and fat.
COOPER: You're trying to sell me a rotisserie machine here.
POPEIL: Well, I have one right over here. That's my professional model. And people who are watching this can catch it on QVC 12:00 Eastern time on Sunday. I'll be there, leaving tomorrow.
COOPER: I'll leave you with that promo. No more.
POPEIL: No more.
COOPER: I just got to ask you, though, the spray-on hair. What's the deal with the spray-on hair?
POPEIL: GLH. Great-looking hair. I have a can with me here. I did do the back of my head. I'm going to try to turn around and let you see it.
COOPER: Looks great. It looks like you got plenty of hair. Who is it that's buying this product? POPEIL: Well, 50 percent of my customers are men who want to look younger. Their bald spot. I know a lot of newscasters use it.
COOPER: What are you implying there?
POPEIL: If you have a bald spot on the back of your head and you turn your head, as you know, the lights will give you that huge hot spot.
COOPER: I don't use the product yet. I'm sure I will one day.
POPEIL: Sooner or later we'll get you.
COOPER: Ron Popeil, you are a legend in the industry and we appreciate you being on the program tonight. Thank you very much.
POPEIL: Thank you so much for inviting me.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: I love the rotisserie chicken right behind him all during the interview.
Time to check on some pop news in tonight's "Current." Let's take a look. An Ohio teen was suspended for bringing "Sports Illustrated's" swimsuit edition magazine to class. School officials have given him three days to think about what he did. We're sure he'll spend every minute of that time doing just that with the magazine.
The violence and gore in the "Passion of the Christ" is proving too much for some filmgoers. A New Jersey woman intended to see the movie but opted out. Instead she said she wanted to see "Welcome to Mooseport" saying she needed a laugh. According to critics, she's going to be sadly disappointed. Mooseport.
Angelina Jolie will carry the Olympic torch during the last leg of the 2004 Summer Olympics torch-bearing relay in Greece. She said she's doing it to give hope to all the refugees around the world. Hope that they, too, may one day become overexposed and overpaid.
Shocking news tonight -- what? It was meant with love. Shocking news tonight about Pamela Anderson. The 36-year-old says she's retiring from show business saying I don't want to be an actress. Frankly, I didn't know Pamela Anderson was an actress.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She was in "Barbed Wire."
COOPER: Oh, no, I saw her in "Barbed Wire" and I'm saying I didn't know Pamela Anderson was an actress.
Coming up, the creator of Harry Potter has a new honor. We warn you, you may be jealous of J.K. Rowling. Take that to the "Nth Degree" just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Tonight taking billionaires to the "Nth Degree." Congratulations are in order. J.K. Rowling, the mother of Harry Potter, is now officially obscenely rich. Rowling premiered today on the "Forbes" annual list of world's richest people. She no longer has to worry about what those measly millionaire moguls might think.
Reading the "Forbes" list is always a little depressing. 27 billionaires are under the age of 40. That doesn't make you feel lazy I don't know what will. Turns out New York City is bursting with billionaires. 31 live here. I like to imagine them all hanging out at Starbucks freeloading off the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
By the way, the founder of Starbucks may have a grande fortune but he is not yet a coffee bean billionaire. Moscow has plenty of billionaires, too. 23 live there although truth be told, I think a couple of them are in prison. Out of 587 billionaires on the "Forbes" list, 326 of them are self-made. 16 were even high-school dropouts. Kids, don't get too excited. Most of the dropouts I know not even close to being billionaires.
After reading the "Forbes" list it's best to remind yourself that money does not buy happiness though I'm beginning to think a billion bucks in the bank probably does help ease the pain. I'm Anderson Cooper, thanks for watching. Coming up next, "PAULA ZAHN NOW."
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