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Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees
Terror in Spain; Death of Transgender Teen; Pro-Wrestling Deaths: Staggering Figures
Aired March 12, 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): A day later, the death count in Spain rises and the mystery continues. Is this the work of al Qaeda?
Engaging the enemy: the big bucks early ad war. Is Bush's strategy to drain Kerry's wallet?
A mother charged with murder after allegedly refusing a c- section. Is vanity to blame?
Wrestle mania, wrestle roids. Why are so many professional wrestlers dying young?
And need plans for the weekend? We've got some ideas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Live, from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: And welcome to 360.
In Spain today, the mourning began. More than eight million men, women and children took to the streets to honor the victims and denounce yesterday's coordinated attacks. The worst act of terrorism in Spanish history. Official mourning will last for three days. Right now, the death toll from the attacks stand at 199, with nearly 1,500 people were injured.
We have retained an audio recording that we're going to play for you. It was made yesterday at the exact moment explosions began to shred steel and take lives. A woman on one of the trains calling her mother. She left this message on her mother's answering machine. Listen.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Montse, listen. I'm in Atocha. There's been a bomb in the train and we've had...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: The woman whose voice you just heard did survive the attack. We are covering this story extensively for you tonight.
Christiane Amanpour is live in Madrid, and Jeanne Meserve is in Washington with the U.S. response. We start with Christiane Amanpour -- Christiane.
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, it was an unbelievable moment of mass support, mass defiance against this terrorism. Anywhere between eight and some reports say 11 million Spaniards in the streets saying no to this kind of assault on their national dignity. Also, the death toll at 199. We're told the latest to succumb to injuries and to die was a 6-year- old infant.
And the investigation continues. People still asking and wondering who did this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AMANPOUR (voice-over): Spanish investigators continue to pick through the wreckage of blown-up train carriages, looking for anything that could pinpoint the perpetrators. Despite the reported denials by ETA, the Spanish prime minister says the Basque terrorist group remains the prime suspect in the devastating attacks. And he angrily reminded people of recent ETA arrests and thwarted bombings.
JOSE MARIA AZNAR, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER (through translator): What were the group trying to do when they were trying to come into Madrid with 500 kilos of explosives?
AMANPOUR: Even though they found a van containing detonators, and an Arabic tape of Koranic verses, the interior minister says they have no hard leads pointing to al Qaeda.
ANGEL ACEBES, SPANISH INTERIOR MINISTER through translator): None of the services or the security forces that we contacted has given us any indication at this moment that it could be an Islamic terror group.
AMANPOUR: Still, he's not ruling anything out. And many here are asking whether this was al Qaeda's payback for Spain joining the U.S. war in Iraq.
(on camera): Even as the investigation continues, more than two million voices rose in protest here in Madrid, as people in this capital city and all over Spain answered the call to rally in defiance of this terrorism.
(voice-over): Millions turned out to denounce the bombers as assassins and to show support for the victims. Despite a continuous downpour, citizens kept marching for hours, holding banners aloft, chanting, singing and sometimes cheering for freedom, unity and victory against terrorism.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People in Madrid and all around Spain is very sad. And there were a lot of people yesterday, and we're trying to cope with that. AMANPOUR: Indeed, many said this would galvanize them into voting in Sunday's national elections. Voting against the terrorists, whoever they are.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
AMANPOUR: People said to us, "We were all in those trains that were attacked yesterday. It could have been any one of us. And that's why we've come out to say no and to support democracy and our civil society" -- Anderson.
COOPER: A sentiment I'm sure shared by many people around the entire world. Christiane Amanpour, thanks very much for that from Madrid.
Earlier today, President Bush paid his respects to the victims. Mr. and Mrs. Bush attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Spanish ambassador's residence in Washington. The president said -- and I quote -- "The Spanish people will stand firm against this type of killing, and they'll have a friend with the American people."
Security is being stepped up in the U.S. as intelligence experts pore over the data trying to figure out exactly who is responsible for mass murder.
CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): U.S. transit systems were making a big show of the security they've laid on in response to the Madrid bombings, and a bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security urging increased vigilance with special attention to unattended bags and backpacks. Why not move the country to threat level orange?
ASA HUTCHINSON, HOMELAND SECURITY UNDERSECRETARY: It would be the wrong decision to make at this time. We want to know whether this is an incident that was directed at Spain, that is no threat to the United States, whether this is an al Qaeda incident.
MESERVE: U.S. military and intelligence officials doubt ETA, if responsible, could have carried out the Madrid attacks alone. And the simultaneous explosions could point to al Qaeda. Al Qaeda has, in the past, expressed interest in striking subways. And if its involvement is established, that would change the U.S. response.
HUTCHINSON: You then recognize, of course, that this is -- shows their continued capability and would certainly enhance the security even more.
MESERVE: For now, there is this...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The bombing in Madrid, Spain, reminds us that terrorist attacks are still a reality. STEVEN TAUB, WASHINGTON METRO TRANSIT AUTHORITY: Something we continually stress, that everybody needs to be on guard and to look for anything unusual. And that's why we constantly make these station announcements.
MESERVE: But tightly securing the sprawling rail system is a huge challenge. For example, more than 700,000 people a day stream through Grand Central Terminal unscreened. But there is no move towards airport-type security.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MESERVE: Meanwhile, the FBI has offered to assist in the Madrid investigation. As yet, the Spaniards have not taken up the offer.
Anderson, back to you.
COOPER: All right. Jeanne Meserve from Washington. Thanks, Jeanne.
The U.S. is also stepping up its war on terror in Afghanistan. Today, new information on the ongoing operation designed to get the mass murderer Osama bin Laden.
Senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre joins us from the Pentagon -- Jamie.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, for weeks, we've been talking about the spring offensive that will be taking place along the Afghan-Pakistan border where the U.S. believes Osama bin Laden is hiding. That offensive is getting underway and now has a name. It's called Operation Mountain Storm.
All of these operations in recent days have -- in recent months have been named mountain something. The last one was Mountain Blizzard. But this one is picking up particular attention because when the snows melt and the weather gets warmer, the U.S. believes it may have its best shot yet of finding Osama bin Laden.
The U.S. will be concentrating a lot of surveillance assets, including predator spy drones, U-2 spy planes, and even satellites to patrol that area, looking for intelligence, as well as new intelligence connections on the ground, tips that they hope will result in the capture of Osama bin Laden. But again, Pentagon officials are trying to downplay the expectation that the capture of bin Laden is imminent. They know full well that this offensive could come and go and Osama bin Laden could still be at large -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Jamie McIntyre, thanks.
A new development in Iraq tonight. U.S. servicemen and servicewomen are dealing with a new terror tactic. The threat comes from Iraq's own police officers who may be targeting Americans.
We get more now from Barbara Starr.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fern Holland was in Iraq working on women's rights. A recent e-mail to a friend: "I love the work. And if I die, know that I am doing precisely what I want to be a doing."
Robert Zangus (ph) went back to Iraq after serving a nine-month tour with his Marine Corps reserve unit. He was helping Iraqis develop a free press. On his Web site a few days ago, he posted a picture of Iraqi policemen explaining, "I did slow down at a checkpoint to get a shot of these brave guys. They are more of a target than the Americans these days."
But Tuesday, Fern Holland and Robert Zangus (ph) were the target. They became the first U.S. civilians with the coalition to be killed, now believed to be at the hands of Iraqi policemen.
The FBI is investigating what happened south of Baghdad near Hillah, where Zangus (ph) and Holland, along with their Iraqi translator, were killed. Six people have been detained.
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COALITION OPERATIONS: Four of those persons were carrying current and we believe valid Iraqi police service identification.
STARR: Raising questions about whether Iraqi security forces may be infiltrated by insurgents in this case.
DAN SENOR, COALITION SPOKESMAN: We view this as an act of - a targeted act of terrorism.
STARR (on camera): Coalition officials say there is a strict process for hiring Iraqi security forces, but acknowledge it isn't perfect. And emphasize they still do not know what happened in this attack.
Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, let's put this latest attack in perspective. U.S. troop causalities in Iraq have dropped dramatically in recent months. Twenty U.S. troops died during the month of February, making it the least deadly month since the war started a year ago.
Last November, you may remember, 82 U.S. troops died. That was the deadliest month for U.S. forces in Iraq. Now, as tactics have changed, the number of Iraqi civilian deaths have been on the rise. At least 251 Iraqi civilians have been killed by terror bombings or shootouts since the beginning of this year.
For most of us, up until now, those detainees at Guantanamo Bay have been just images, distant men in orange jumpsuits behind chain- link fences. But several of them were recently released, and one, a British man named Jamal Al Harith, is talking.
Here's some of what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMAL AL HARITH, FMR. DETAINEE: Well, they come out and give injections for whatever reason they give. And you ask them to explain, but they just say, "No, you have to take an injection. That's it."
I said, "No. If I don't know what it is, I don't need it." I said, "I'm healthy." And they said, "No, you have to. You have no choice."
And then they sent in (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and they just beat me up and put me in chains. And they gave (ph) me my by force and put me in isolation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Some serious charges. The Pentagon issued an immediate denial to Jamal Al Harith's claims of physical abuse. The say -- quoting now -- "All detainees are treated humanely and, to the extent appropriate and consistent with military necessity, in accordance with the principles of the third Geneva Convention of 1949."
The statement goes on to say, "As the president has said before, U.S. policy condemns and prohibits torture. When questioning enemy combatants, U.S. personnel are required to file this policy and applicable law."
That was from Lieutenant Commander Barbara Berfeind (ph) at the Pentagon.
Well, "Cross Country" tonight, we're following a number of developing stories. Let's take a look.
Washington: the Senate approves the budget. Around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the Senate voted to approve a more than $2.3 trillion budget for next year. In a marathon session, the Senate rushed through a long list of amendments. The final vote, 51-45.
Baltimore, Maryland, now: accused spy out of bail. Susan Lindauer, she's the 41-year-old anti-war activist who is accused of spying for Iraq, has been set free on $500,000 bail. Lindauer was released into the custody of her father. The judge also ordered here to undergo psychiatric testing.
Garden Corners, South Carolina: three sailors killed. A bus carrying Navy personnel to a memorial service crashed into oncoming traffic this morning. Another bus in the same convoy veered off the highway.
A grizzly scene, that. Seventy people in all were taken to the hospital. The crash happened about 60 miles south of Charleston.
Washington now: maybe a sign of the times. The FCC voted in favor today of a $250,000 fine against the nation's largest radio group. The vote was four to one to fine Clear Channel Communications for broadcasting graphic sexual material. That's the second time this year Clear Channel has been hit with a big fine. And the one member of the commission who voted no said he did so as protest "because the fine wasn't big enough."
That's a look at stories "Cross Country" for you tonight.
Coming up, a transgender teen brutally murdered. Three men allegedly driven to rage by finding out this young girl was actually a boy biologically. The cast that sparked an a national outcry.
Plus, drugs, steroids, early death? The hidden dangers of pro wrestling. We're going to talk to one former pro wrestler who says it's all part of the business.
And the trafficking of human slaves. How they end up in the U.S., and what is being done to help them. Talk about all that ahead.
First, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A story out of California now. A jury selection is set to begin Monday in the case involving a transgender teen. More than a year after her brutal murder, her accused killers are finally being brought to trial.
CNN's Ted Rowlands is following the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Twenty-three-year- old Michael Magidson, 24-year-old Jose Merel and 24-year-old Jason Cazares all face a possible life sentence for the murder of 17-year- old Eddie "Gwen" Araujo.
JONETTE O'REILLY, VICTIM'S AUNT: They're going to pay for what they did. And I hope that everybody out there who sees this, learns something from this.
ROWLANDS: The victim was a transgender teen who lived as a woman. Prosecutors say he had an ongoing sexual relationship with two of the defendants.
A fourth defendant, 21-year-old Jason Neighbors (ph), cut a deal to testify against his former friends. In the preliminary hearing, Neighbors (ph) said that in early October of 2002, the group began having suspicions about Araujo's. And Neighbors (ph) said they developed what he described as a "Tony Soprano-like plan to kill him."
A week later, Neighbors (ph) says following a party at this home in Newark, California, the group confronted Araujo and confirmed he was a male. Neighbors said they beat Araujo with fists and a frying pan for 20 minutes and strangled him in the garage. Neighbors (ph) said the group then drove the body to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills. He testified they buried Araujo, then stopped off for something to eat.
DAVID QUERRERO, VICTIM'S UNCLE: They were more interested in trying to figure out how they were going to cover it up and not get away with it and stay clean and get some food. And it disgusts me when I hear those things.
ROWLANDS: The defendants have pled not guilty. Their lawyer claims that first degree murder in this case is much too severe.
TONY SERRA, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Classic heated passion. This was an eruption of motion. It was not premeditated and deliberated.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Let me ask you -- the trial begins Monday. What exactly are the charges that these young men are facing?
ROWLANDS: Well, they're all facing first degree murder charges, which, of course, could carry the possibility of a life sentence. The defense strategy expected here is what is called gay panic, where lawyers will try to convince the jury that these guys simply lost control of all of their emotions and they couldn't control themselves when they found out the true gender of the victim in this case.
The one individual that turned state's evidence against his buddies copped for a -- is going to plead guilty, basically, to manslaughter, voluntary. He'll do 11 years.
COOPER: Obviously, the premeditated nature of the allegations would make that panic defense, I guess, a little bit tough. But we'll keep following it.
Ted Rowlands, thanks very much.
We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe. Let's check the "UpLink" right now.
Seoul, South Korea: violence and chaos inside parliament. Take a look at this.
In an unprecedented vote, South Korea's national assembly voted to impeach the president. A scuffle ensued. His administration has been tarnished with a series of corruption and financial scandals. South Korea's prime minister temporarily takes over.
In Pakistan: tribal hunt. About 600 armed tribal volunteers are searching for al Qaeda militants and their chief, Osama bin Laden, in the remote tribal regions of South Waziristan. They've even assembled to celebrate the launch of their force with drums and a traditional war dance.
Cameras were there to capture it. It's all part of a centuries- old tradition. But this time they're using Russian Kalashnikovs instead of swords.
Athens, Greece: heightened terror concern. Greece has formerly asked NATO for help with Olympic security. Officials previously said NATO allies would be on stand-by. But that has apparently changed, possibly after Madrid's terrorist attacks. The Olympic games will be held in August.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: apologizing to the children. Argentina will compensate children who were detained, stolen or born in captivity during a brutal seven-year dirty war campaign against suspected leftists in the late 70s and early '80s. The president is asking the victims to forgive the state and offering them $75,000.
Paris, France: no Nemo here. Can't find him. All "Finding Nemo" merchandise has been banned from stores until a copyright infringement lawsuit is resolved in court. A French children's book author is suing the makers of the movie, Disney and Pixar Studios, claiming Nemo's character is a direct copy of his creation "A Clown Fish Named Pierrot."
And that's tonight's "UpLink."
Professional wrestling under fire. Why are so many former wrestlers reportedly dying young? Is it anything to do with drugs and steroids? We're going to talk to one man who has been there.
Also tonight, a woman charged with murder for allegedly refusing a cesarean section. Strange tale. We'll find on it out why.
And a little bit later on, political fear factor. What candidates are doing to get your vote. That is raw politics.
Be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Well, this Sunday is Wrestle Mania, the 20th anniversary. And there will be a spectacle on show at Madison Square Garden here in New York. But besides the hype, there's the darker side of pro-wrestling. A troubling side, say some, where problems of steroids, painkillers and muscle builders appear to be more deadly and pervasive than in, well, other sports.
Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): There's a couple things wrestling fans expect from their sport: drama, violence and muscles. Lots and lots of muscles.
But USA Today reports that 65 professional wrestlers have died since 1997. They've died before reaching the age of 50. It also reports that evidence of drug use was found in many cases, and that medical examiners concluded steroids played a role in five of the deaths. Pro-wrestling is no stranger to being in the limelight for the wrong reasons. In 1991, a Pennsylvania doctor was convicted of 12 counts of distributing steroids, painkillers and Valium to several wrestlers, including one of its biggest stars, Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper has admitted taking steroids and painkillers for years.
World Wrestling Entertainment, the largest wrestling organization in the country, does not currently test for performance-enhancing drugs like steroids. WWE chairman Vince McMahon has defended pro- wrestling in the past, saying, "If you can't cut it, get out. What's wrote with that? It's no different from any other business, by the way, you know. If for some reason you have to rely on drugs, illegal drugs to make it, boy, you're gonna self-destruct."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, how prevalent are drugs and steroids in pro- wrestling? Former pro-wrestler Del Wilkes joins me live from Columbia, South Carolina, to talk about his experiences in the sport.
Del, thanks for being with us.
You started your wrestling career weighing like 275 pounds, which, you know, for a pencil neck geek like me, sounds huge. We've got some pictures showing your progression through the sport. Why did you feel the need to use steroids and other sort of drugs?
DEL WILKES, FMR. WRESTLER: Well, I'd been exposed to steroids long before I got into wrestling. I played college football at the University of South Carolina, and at that particular time, when I was in college, steroids were a big part of college football as well.
So it was just a natural progression once I got into wrestling. I still wanted to carry the big physique. And at the time I got into wrestling, big physiques, that is what sold. That was how you got really a promoter to take a look at you.
That's how you got someone's attention, and that's what could make you a big star. So that need to be big, that need to be noticed was the reason I continued the steroid use once I got into wrestling.
COOPER: And once you're on the circuit, I mean, the routine -- not a steroid circuit, but the pro-wrestling circuit, the schedule is grueling. I mean, you're in different places every night at times. And you started to use not just steroids. You started to use a lot of painkillers, didn't you?
WILKES: Yes, I did. It's a very grueling schedule. You do well over 200 nights a year on the road. And like you said, you're in a different city every night.
I had 30 days stretches where I would wrestle 28, 29 times out of the 30 days. You get one night off in 30 days. It's very demanding.
And the old saying, "the show must go on," and it will continue to go on if you're not a part of it. If you're hurt and you can't continue to go, they'll leave you behind.
COOPER: Right. There's someone else to take your place.
WILKES: Yes, absolutely. So...
COOPER: Right. Now, how many -- at your height, how many pills were you taking a day?
WILKES: I got up over to 100 pain pills a day. And that was just the pain pills. That didn't count the sleeping pills, the muscle relaxers, the Xanax and Valium I was taking. Just the pain pills alone. I would chew 15 to 20 at a time.
COOPER: We're looking a the pictures of you. Your character name was The Patriot when you were wrestling. So wait, let me get back to that. You were taking 100 pain pills a day?
WILKES: One hundred prescription pain pill a day. And it started off using them just as the director directed, two or three, you know, once or twice a day. And it developed into over 100 pain pills a day. Yes, so it's just the grace of god that I'm sitting here talking to you tonight.
COOPER: And how widespread is it, in your opinion, in this sport? And is it kind of just everyone knows?
WILKES: Yes. Everyone knows. I mean, when I was in the business -- I can't speak for what goes on now. I've been out about five years.
I don't know if anything's changed. Maybe it has. I hope that it has.
But when I was in it, it was very prevalent. And if you were sitting in a dressing room with 10 or 15 guys, at least 75 to 80 percent of the guys were doing the same things that I was doing to be able to continue. It was just a part of the business.
It was almost just a rite of passage that you had to do those things to be able to go and continue. And it just was a part of the business when I was in it. I hope it's changed. I don't know that it really has.
COOPER: Well, I'm glad that you're able to talk about it tonight with us. I'm glad your health is good now. Del Wilkes, thanks very much for joining us.
WILKES: Thank you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): Engaging the enemy: the big bucks early ad war. Is Bush's strategy to drain Kerry's wallet?
A mother charged with murder after allegedly refusing a c- section. Is vanity to blame? And need plans for the weekend? We've got some ideas.
360 continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time now for tonight's "Reset." The top stories. Madrid, Spain. Three days of mourning began. More than eight million people took to the streets to honor and remember the victims of yesterday's atrocious attacks. The death toll now stands at 199. Nearly 1,500 people injured.
New York and Washington keeping 9/11 souvenirs? According to the Associated Press, the Justice Department investigation to criticize FBI agents for taking items from the World Trade Center site now finds Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld guilty. The final report, obtained by the Associated Press today, says Rumsfeld has a piece of the airplane that flew into the Pentagon.
Houston, Texas. Execution commuted. And a rare victory for a death row inmate. The state's governor has commuted the death sentence of Robert Smith, a mentally retarded man, to life in prison. Smith was awaiting execution for a 1990 murder.
In Washington, waging war on obesity. The Bush administration has launched a new anti-obesity campaign. It involves improved product labels, health education and a partnership with restaurants to help people eat healthier.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson called obesity a tragic trend in which too many Americans are literally eating themselves to death. And that's a quick look at "The Reset," tonight's top stories.
From health campaigns to the political kind. Campaign ads are going negative, no doubt about that. For President Bush and Senator John Kerry, the attacks more personal, more early perhaps than ever before. What do the attacks have in common? The fear factor. Not talking about reality TV. I'm talking about the reality of "Raw Politics."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): It's early in the race, and yet both camps have already raised the fear factor. Take a look at this ad released yesterday by the Bush-Cheney campaign. It accuses John Kerry of being soft on terror.
AD ANNOUNCER: On the war on terror, weakened the Patriot Act used to arrest terrorists and protect America, and he wanted to delay defending America until the United Nations approved.
COOPER: President Bush is not alone. John Kerry has often played up economic fear in his speeches, and independent pro-Kerry groups like MoveOn.org have used it in anti-Bush ads. It's hardly the first time that presidential candidates have resorted to using the fear factor. In 1996, Bill Clinton said Bob Dole was trying to slash Medicare benefits. Dole called these Mediscare ads.
AD ANNOUNCER: But if Dole wins and Gingrich runs Congress, there'll be nobody there to stop them.
COOPER: The strategy is simple -- scare voters so much about the other candidate that they come running to you. And it's worked in the past. Remember the first President Bush's Willie Horton ad in 1988?
AD ANNOUNCER: Dukakis not only opposes the death penalty, he allowed first-degree murderers to have weekend passes from prison.
COOPER: It was very effective at painting Michael Dukakis as soft on crime.
Perhaps most famous fear-based ad was back in 1964. Lyndon Johnson used nuclear fear in his "Daisy" ad. It was pulled after only one run, but experts agreed it was very effective at questioning Barry Goldwater's fitness for office.
Of course, this year, both candidates deny playing the politics of fear. And if they do, they both say it's because the other started it first.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: George Bush is running on the same old Republican tactics. Of fear. And those tactics are already getting tired.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So far, all we hear from that side is a lot of bitterness. And anger.
COOPER: Using the fear factor and denying it. That is definitely raw politics.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: So will this current tone make voters tune in or turn off? In Washington, I'm joined by Democratic consultant Julian Epstein, as well as Republican strategist Cheri Jacobus. Appreciate both of you being with us. Cheri, let me start off with you. President Bush has already been naming John Kerry by name. And it is only March. And just for reference, Bush Sr. named Clinton in August 17, 1992. Reagan didn't mention Mondale until October. Is this a sign they're a little bit scared?
CHERI JACOBUS, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: No, I don't think it's a sign they're scared, I think it's a sign that they're taking this campaign very seriously. But Anderson...
COOPER: But did the other guys not take their candidates seriously? I mean, what's the difference now? Why...
JACOBUS: You asked whether or not this is a sign that the Bush campaign is scared. I think it's a sign that they're serious about the campaign. And I think what we have to keep in mind and remember that it was the Democrats this year, Terry McAuliffe, who altered the schedule for the primaries so that you would -- so the Democrats would have an early nominee, and so Republicans are simply responding to that.
So they're not operating in a vacuum.
What's interesting, though, is that there are a lot of Republican who thought perhaps the president should have gone out even sooner, because Kerry ran at least a dozen ads against the president during the primaries, and the Democrats spent millions of dollars slamming President Bush. So it depends who you talk to. Some people think it's too early. Some think that it should have happened a long time ago.
COOPER: Well, Julian, Cheri raises an interesting point. The Kerry campaign did kind of shot the first salvo, spending $5 million on ads, you know, back during the primary campaign. Do you think the strategy kind of going negative so early is just too much too soon?
JULIAN EPSTEIN, DEMOCRATIC CONSULTANT: Well, I think the Bush campaign has to respond, but I think the premise of your question, Anderson, is right. For the president to get this personal and this negative this early means one thing. And what that means is that the political operatives are in the White House saying, "boss, you're in trouble." And all of the polling shows that.
But the interesting things about the ads, Anderson, are this. Early ads -- and Clinton showed this in '96 when he used the crime ads to play to what he thought was his weaknesses with the political center. Early ads should really be used to shore up your political weaknesses, not to emphasize your strength.
What you look at, what you discover from the psyche of the White House by looking at these ads is that they're staying away from those issues where they're the weakest, namely jobs and health care, which is also what the country cares about the most. What this tells you is it's, one, a strategic mistake on the part of the White House, not to be shoring up these real political weaknesses on their part. And secondly, it tells you that they're really shying away from this debate, and that's a good sign for Democrats, and I think a bad sign for Republicans.
COOPER: Cheri, there are some who are saying President Bush is trying in a way to bankrupt John Kerry kind of early, spending about $1 million a day on ads, putting them out there, sort of forcing Kerry's hand to respond and spend money. Think there's any truth to that?
JACOBUS: Well, first of all, again, it was the Democrats that have set the schedule with this. They essentially have their nominee. They've been treating Kerry like he's the nominee. So the race has begun. So it's completely fair for the White House or for the Bush campaign to want to respond to that. And I also find it interesting what Julian said, we're just now starting with the ads, and because the Bush campaign has not addressed those issues yet, that the Democrats want them to address they say that they're running from them. This is going to be a long campaign with an awful lot of ads as we know, and I think it's perfectly appropriate for the Bush campaign to come out with the ads that they've done.
I personally think they could have gone a little bit harder. They did not personally attack John Kerry, and the president has been personally attacked by John Kerry repeatedly. So you know, these are very much just issue contrast ads.
EPSTEIN: Well, two real quick responses to that, Anderson. Republicans, in case the country wants to know who is the party of special interests, Republicans continue to have by a factor of five, 10, 50 to 1, more special interest money to spend on these type of ads. So the bank rolling strategy shouldn't surprise you. But remember, Republicans for the last three presidential elections have had far more money than Democrats, but Democrats continue to win the popular vote. That's point one.
Point two, the ads are so strategically inept. For example, they say that Kerry wants to raise $900 billion in taxes. What that does is it gives the free media a great opportunity to point out how that is, in fact, an untruthful ad. In fact, what Kerry wants to do is reduce taxes on, like, 99 percent of the public. But the misleading nature of the ad and the inept way in which it's really crafted just gives the free media, programs like this, an opportunity to point out that, one, that's not true. And secondly, this issue of untruthfulness with the weapons of mass destruction is another weak point for the Bush administration.
COOPER: All right.
EPSTEIN: Another example...
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: You both got equal time...
JACOBUS: ... going out there, saying that the Bush campaign is lying. If they're going to do that for eight months, they've got a real problem.
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: I'm just cutting you off. Julian Epstein...
JACOBUS: They never speak for themselves. They never...
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: Julian Epstein, Cheri Jacobus, I appreciate it. Sorry, I gave you equal time. Returning now to a story about one of the worst crimes imaginable, the trafficking in human beings. People, many of them children, exploited for their labor and sometimes their bodies. It's today's version of slavery and it's a growing problem. David Mattingly has the report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's considered an almost invisible crime. Taking place in backroom sweat shops and allegedly in the homes and quiet apartments of America's suburbs. Human trafficking, according to the State Department, results in the victimization of up to 900,000 people a year worldwide. 18 to 20 thousand winding up in the United States alone. Figures that human rights advocates say are conservative.
MICHELE CLARK, THE PROTECTION PROJECT: Trafficking is a hidden, concealed, clandestine activity and it's very hard to get an accurate assessment of numbers.
MATTINGLY: Victims are people who are often trapped by violence and economics, brought into this country and forced into labor and prostitution against their will. A modern-day version of slavery.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's a brutal trade. Inhumane trade by sick people that targets many women and girls.
MATTINGLY: President Bush addressed human trafficking at the White House in a speech on violence against women. The trafficking, according to human rights activists, targets both genders and all ages.
CLARK: The notion that men, women and children are kept in conditions akin to slavery in our own backyard is something that goes fundamentally against our grain as Americans.
MATTINGLY: Under a new law enacted four years ago, the number of prosecutions for alleged human trafficking has risen according to the Justice Department. With 132 cases prosecuted since 2001, and the convictions of 85 defendants. David Mattingly, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: A Utah woman is on trial for murder. Prosecutors say she didn't want a C-section because she didn't want a scar. That story ahead.
Also tonight, Johnny Depp moves from "Pirates of the Caribbean" to a new thriller. That's coming up next on "The Weekender."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: In "Justice Served," tonight. A bizarre case in Utah, a young mother allegedly refuses a Caesarean section, her baby is born dead and she's charged with murder. You won't believe what doctors are saying. So is she a killer or being punished for a choice. CNN's Miguel Marquez has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Melissa Rowland charged with first degree murder for what the prosecutor says was her depraved indifference toward the life of her unborn son.
KENT MORGAN, DEP. PROSECUTOR, SALT LAKE CITY CO.: Doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital, nurse after nurse told her this is the only way you're going to save this child. This is what you have to do.
MARQUEZ: The charges laid out against Ms. Rowland claim that she was told from December of last year till her delivery in January, that her twins may have been having health problems and one doctor told her she needed an immediate cesarean section. When she gave birth on January 13, one child was alive and stable. The other dead. Prosecutors say Rowland refused the C-section for reasons of vanity. Because she did not want to live with scars.
MORGAN: What is happening here is balancing the procedure necessary to save the life that she alone could do, against her interest in vanity. She allowed vanity to win out.
MARQUEZ: Rowland disputed that charge by phone.
MELISSA ROWLAND, ACCUSED MOTHER: No I never refused the C- section. I've already had two prior C-sections. Why would I say something like that?
MARQUEZ: Court documents also say the medical examiner concluded the baby had no congenital anomalies and would have survived if Rowland had given birth when the doctor urged it. From her jail cell, she suggested the C-section may have done nothing to save her child's life.
ROWLAND: I was told by my attorney that the medical examiner's report says that my son died from an infection.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARQUEZ: Now, Rowland's attorney did not return our calls for comment but told the "Salt Lake Tribune" that anything his client told the nurses or doctors may be of questionable legal value, because she has a history of mental illness. Melissa Rowland's arraignment is set for Monday -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right, Miguel. Thanks very much.
Let's get more on the legal and ethical issues in this case. In Palo Alto, I'm joined by David Magnus, he's director of biomedical ethics at Stanford University. Here in New York, 360 legal analyst, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom. Kimberly, let me start off with you. Prosecutors contend that Rowland didn't want a C-section because she didn't want a scar. She says that's not true. She says she has had two C-sections already, already has the scars. How important is it for prosecutors to prove that this was the motivation.
KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, 360 LEGAL ANALYST: It appears it was important to the prosecutors in Utah, a conservative, religious state and they feel that this directly shows that she had a depraved indifference to human life, that this baby could have survived, was viable and in fact died as a direct result of her refusing the medical procedure of the C-section. However, since the 1950s, we know you can refuse medical treatment for any reason whether she says it's for cosmetic purposes or because she has a religious belief and does not want to have a procedure done.
COOPER: David, let's talk about the ethics a little bit. Spokesman for the prosecution said, and I'm quoting, "she didn't choose among alternative treatments available. She chose to get no treatment whatsoever." Is that ethically a valid choice?
DAVID MAGNUS, STANFORD UNIVERSITY: Absolutely. Patients have a right to refuse treatment. And they often do so. There are people who do it for religious reasons. There are people who do it for all kinds of reasons. If this woman had been a Jehovah's Witness and the physicians said she needed a blood transfusion to save her baby and refused it, I hope that we wouldn't be raising these same kinds of questions.
COOPER: Kimberly, in a jailhouse interview, Rowland said she came to Utah to have babies and put them up for adoption. Again, this is the kind of thing the prosecution would love to use, I guess, in front of a jury.
GUILFOYLE NEWSOM: Sure, because they'll say this woman had depraved indifference, and not only because we know she never wanted the children to begin with so she had turned a blind eye toward the fact that one would not survive. This was a convenient way for her to be rid of the pregnancy. But on the other hand, could she have chosen another method if, in fact, she did not want to have children? Here she made a choice to have the babies and put them up for adoption. She didn't choose abortion from the outset.
COOPER: David, do you see this as a slippery slope? This woman is charged with this. Could a pregnant woman be charged if she's seen drinking in a bar? Could the state of Utah charge her?
MAGNUS: That's certainly a concern. The right to make decisions about what we do to our own bodies is pretty sacrosanct. The fact that we have a case where people are saying you don't have that right, you can have treatment force against you, is pretty scary and the line this might lead us down is a fairly scary one. Where we enforce women to avoid being in homes where there's second hand smoke. Where this leads, I think, could be almost anywhere.
But I also want to say one other thing, which is the fact that this seems to be such frivolous reasons for why this was done and maybe even incomprehensible reasons if what this woman has said is true, that she's in the past had C-sections performed highlights something else. What's really going on in the case is something else. Maybe this woman was mentally ill and wasn't competent. You wonder whether or not there was enough done in terms of bringing in consults, psychiatric consults, ethics consults to really make sure she understood what she was doing and whether she was competent to make those decisions and we have it happen not -- it's not uncommon for patients to sometimes say that they want to do things that seem bizarre and against their own interest.
COOPER: You're saying it's up to the hospital...
MAGNUS: And usually, you try to figure out what was really going on.
COOPER: All right. Appreciate you joining us, David Magnus, interesting. Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, thanks as well.
MAGNUS: Thanks.
COOPER: Well, coming up, Johnny Depp sets a whole new course for his new movie. Coming up, "Secret Window" and a look at what else is heading to a theater near you you might want to check out this weekend.
Also tonight in "The Current," wand to be Vito Corleone? Play "Godfather," the video game? We'll talk about that. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time to check on pop news in tonight's "Current." Let's take a look. There's talk of basing a video game on "The Godfather." Electronic Arts is said to be working on a format involving the classic film. We don't know how it will be played, maybe winners get a free DVD of "Godfather Part II," and the losers get "Godfather Part III."
Mike Tyson may soon be back in the ring. An adviser believes the former heavyweight champ could fight as early as June, saying physically he can do it, mentally he can do it. Financially, seems he's got to do it.
The woman who tried to pass off a $1 million bill at a Georgia Wal-Mart is speaking out. She says it's all a big misunderstanding, but she insists she thought it was a real $1 million bill. For future reference, this is what a real $1 million bill looks like.
And now, on the back, there you go. Use it and enjoy.
Well, folks, it is finally Friday. I plan to sleep all weekend, but if you are feeling a little more active, there are a few movies you may want to check out. Here's a preview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): In movies, it's "Misery" meets "Deliverance," as Johnny Depp proves that even blocked writers slowly going mad can still be cool in the thriller "Secret Window." Depp plays the troubled scribe who is desperately trying to write a new short story. Just when he thought it couldn't get worse, he's set upon by John Turturro.
JOHN TURTURRO, ACTOR: You stole my story.
COOPER: Jayson Blair, beware.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Where's the girl?
COOPER: In "Spartan," Val Kilmer plays a military man out to find the president's daughter, who may have been kidnapped by human traffickers. It's the latest from David Mamet, so expect plenty of clever dialogue.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let me get a closer look.
COOPER: And yes, he's finally back. Banks, Cody Banks, 16-year- old super-agent. His destination is London, where he's chasing down a mind-control device.
New on DVD, it's back to the '50s with Julia Roberts as an early feminist art professor at a women's college in "Mona Lisa Smile." She's trying to get the girls their B.A.s. All they really want are their MRS's.
And on TV, American spinmeisters turn an aging, unpopular politician into the two-term president of Russia. Showtime's "Spinning Boris" tells the true tale of the three consultants who got Boris Yeltsin the vote in Russia's first democratic election.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And that's a quick look at "The Weekender." Coming up, the victims of terror, large and small. Ahead on "The Nth Degree."
And on Monday, kicking the habit. How weight, even ethnicity may play roles in helping people stop smoking. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Tonight, terror's victims to "The Nth Degree." A story caught our eye in "The New York Times" today. It wasn't on the front page or anything. After all, it was just another day in Iraq. Two women, sisters, 26 and 29, working for a U.S. contractor. They washed the uniforms worn by American soldiers in Basra.
On their way home the other night, four gunmen surrounded their taxi. They shot one sister five times, the other they shot in the back trying to escape. Both sisters are dead.
The driver, who'd begged for the women's lives, was allowed to live. He didn't work for the Americans.
It's a small story, a terrible story. It's the kind we don't report nearly enough. The women weren't famous, weren't well known beyond their circle of friends and family, but their lives and their deaths certainly do matter. Lika (ph) and Shema Fali (ph). That's who they were. We just thought you should know. 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
Deaths: Staggering Figures>
Aired March 12, 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): A day later, the death count in Spain rises and the mystery continues. Is this the work of al Qaeda?
Engaging the enemy: the big bucks early ad war. Is Bush's strategy to drain Kerry's wallet?
A mother charged with murder after allegedly refusing a c- section. Is vanity to blame?
Wrestle mania, wrestle roids. Why are so many professional wrestlers dying young?
And need plans for the weekend? We've got some ideas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Live, from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: And welcome to 360.
In Spain today, the mourning began. More than eight million men, women and children took to the streets to honor the victims and denounce yesterday's coordinated attacks. The worst act of terrorism in Spanish history. Official mourning will last for three days. Right now, the death toll from the attacks stand at 199, with nearly 1,500 people were injured.
We have retained an audio recording that we're going to play for you. It was made yesterday at the exact moment explosions began to shred steel and take lives. A woman on one of the trains calling her mother. She left this message on her mother's answering machine. Listen.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Montse, listen. I'm in Atocha. There's been a bomb in the train and we've had...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: The woman whose voice you just heard did survive the attack. We are covering this story extensively for you tonight.
Christiane Amanpour is live in Madrid, and Jeanne Meserve is in Washington with the U.S. response. We start with Christiane Amanpour -- Christiane.
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, it was an unbelievable moment of mass support, mass defiance against this terrorism. Anywhere between eight and some reports say 11 million Spaniards in the streets saying no to this kind of assault on their national dignity. Also, the death toll at 199. We're told the latest to succumb to injuries and to die was a 6-year- old infant.
And the investigation continues. People still asking and wondering who did this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AMANPOUR (voice-over): Spanish investigators continue to pick through the wreckage of blown-up train carriages, looking for anything that could pinpoint the perpetrators. Despite the reported denials by ETA, the Spanish prime minister says the Basque terrorist group remains the prime suspect in the devastating attacks. And he angrily reminded people of recent ETA arrests and thwarted bombings.
JOSE MARIA AZNAR, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER (through translator): What were the group trying to do when they were trying to come into Madrid with 500 kilos of explosives?
AMANPOUR: Even though they found a van containing detonators, and an Arabic tape of Koranic verses, the interior minister says they have no hard leads pointing to al Qaeda.
ANGEL ACEBES, SPANISH INTERIOR MINISTER through translator): None of the services or the security forces that we contacted has given us any indication at this moment that it could be an Islamic terror group.
AMANPOUR: Still, he's not ruling anything out. And many here are asking whether this was al Qaeda's payback for Spain joining the U.S. war in Iraq.
(on camera): Even as the investigation continues, more than two million voices rose in protest here in Madrid, as people in this capital city and all over Spain answered the call to rally in defiance of this terrorism.
(voice-over): Millions turned out to denounce the bombers as assassins and to show support for the victims. Despite a continuous downpour, citizens kept marching for hours, holding banners aloft, chanting, singing and sometimes cheering for freedom, unity and victory against terrorism.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People in Madrid and all around Spain is very sad. And there were a lot of people yesterday, and we're trying to cope with that. AMANPOUR: Indeed, many said this would galvanize them into voting in Sunday's national elections. Voting against the terrorists, whoever they are.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
AMANPOUR: People said to us, "We were all in those trains that were attacked yesterday. It could have been any one of us. And that's why we've come out to say no and to support democracy and our civil society" -- Anderson.
COOPER: A sentiment I'm sure shared by many people around the entire world. Christiane Amanpour, thanks very much for that from Madrid.
Earlier today, President Bush paid his respects to the victims. Mr. and Mrs. Bush attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Spanish ambassador's residence in Washington. The president said -- and I quote -- "The Spanish people will stand firm against this type of killing, and they'll have a friend with the American people."
Security is being stepped up in the U.S. as intelligence experts pore over the data trying to figure out exactly who is responsible for mass murder.
CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): U.S. transit systems were making a big show of the security they've laid on in response to the Madrid bombings, and a bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security urging increased vigilance with special attention to unattended bags and backpacks. Why not move the country to threat level orange?
ASA HUTCHINSON, HOMELAND SECURITY UNDERSECRETARY: It would be the wrong decision to make at this time. We want to know whether this is an incident that was directed at Spain, that is no threat to the United States, whether this is an al Qaeda incident.
MESERVE: U.S. military and intelligence officials doubt ETA, if responsible, could have carried out the Madrid attacks alone. And the simultaneous explosions could point to al Qaeda. Al Qaeda has, in the past, expressed interest in striking subways. And if its involvement is established, that would change the U.S. response.
HUTCHINSON: You then recognize, of course, that this is -- shows their continued capability and would certainly enhance the security even more.
MESERVE: For now, there is this...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The bombing in Madrid, Spain, reminds us that terrorist attacks are still a reality. STEVEN TAUB, WASHINGTON METRO TRANSIT AUTHORITY: Something we continually stress, that everybody needs to be on guard and to look for anything unusual. And that's why we constantly make these station announcements.
MESERVE: But tightly securing the sprawling rail system is a huge challenge. For example, more than 700,000 people a day stream through Grand Central Terminal unscreened. But there is no move towards airport-type security.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MESERVE: Meanwhile, the FBI has offered to assist in the Madrid investigation. As yet, the Spaniards have not taken up the offer.
Anderson, back to you.
COOPER: All right. Jeanne Meserve from Washington. Thanks, Jeanne.
The U.S. is also stepping up its war on terror in Afghanistan. Today, new information on the ongoing operation designed to get the mass murderer Osama bin Laden.
Senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre joins us from the Pentagon -- Jamie.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Anderson, for weeks, we've been talking about the spring offensive that will be taking place along the Afghan-Pakistan border where the U.S. believes Osama bin Laden is hiding. That offensive is getting underway and now has a name. It's called Operation Mountain Storm.
All of these operations in recent days have -- in recent months have been named mountain something. The last one was Mountain Blizzard. But this one is picking up particular attention because when the snows melt and the weather gets warmer, the U.S. believes it may have its best shot yet of finding Osama bin Laden.
The U.S. will be concentrating a lot of surveillance assets, including predator spy drones, U-2 spy planes, and even satellites to patrol that area, looking for intelligence, as well as new intelligence connections on the ground, tips that they hope will result in the capture of Osama bin Laden. But again, Pentagon officials are trying to downplay the expectation that the capture of bin Laden is imminent. They know full well that this offensive could come and go and Osama bin Laden could still be at large -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Jamie McIntyre, thanks.
A new development in Iraq tonight. U.S. servicemen and servicewomen are dealing with a new terror tactic. The threat comes from Iraq's own police officers who may be targeting Americans.
We get more now from Barbara Starr.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fern Holland was in Iraq working on women's rights. A recent e-mail to a friend: "I love the work. And if I die, know that I am doing precisely what I want to be a doing."
Robert Zangus (ph) went back to Iraq after serving a nine-month tour with his Marine Corps reserve unit. He was helping Iraqis develop a free press. On his Web site a few days ago, he posted a picture of Iraqi policemen explaining, "I did slow down at a checkpoint to get a shot of these brave guys. They are more of a target than the Americans these days."
But Tuesday, Fern Holland and Robert Zangus (ph) were the target. They became the first U.S. civilians with the coalition to be killed, now believed to be at the hands of Iraqi policemen.
The FBI is investigating what happened south of Baghdad near Hillah, where Zangus (ph) and Holland, along with their Iraqi translator, were killed. Six people have been detained.
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COALITION OPERATIONS: Four of those persons were carrying current and we believe valid Iraqi police service identification.
STARR: Raising questions about whether Iraqi security forces may be infiltrated by insurgents in this case.
DAN SENOR, COALITION SPOKESMAN: We view this as an act of - a targeted act of terrorism.
STARR (on camera): Coalition officials say there is a strict process for hiring Iraqi security forces, but acknowledge it isn't perfect. And emphasize they still do not know what happened in this attack.
Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, let's put this latest attack in perspective. U.S. troop causalities in Iraq have dropped dramatically in recent months. Twenty U.S. troops died during the month of February, making it the least deadly month since the war started a year ago.
Last November, you may remember, 82 U.S. troops died. That was the deadliest month for U.S. forces in Iraq. Now, as tactics have changed, the number of Iraqi civilian deaths have been on the rise. At least 251 Iraqi civilians have been killed by terror bombings or shootouts since the beginning of this year.
For most of us, up until now, those detainees at Guantanamo Bay have been just images, distant men in orange jumpsuits behind chain- link fences. But several of them were recently released, and one, a British man named Jamal Al Harith, is talking.
Here's some of what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMAL AL HARITH, FMR. DETAINEE: Well, they come out and give injections for whatever reason they give. And you ask them to explain, but they just say, "No, you have to take an injection. That's it."
I said, "No. If I don't know what it is, I don't need it." I said, "I'm healthy." And they said, "No, you have to. You have no choice."
And then they sent in (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and they just beat me up and put me in chains. And they gave (ph) me my by force and put me in isolation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Some serious charges. The Pentagon issued an immediate denial to Jamal Al Harith's claims of physical abuse. The say -- quoting now -- "All detainees are treated humanely and, to the extent appropriate and consistent with military necessity, in accordance with the principles of the third Geneva Convention of 1949."
The statement goes on to say, "As the president has said before, U.S. policy condemns and prohibits torture. When questioning enemy combatants, U.S. personnel are required to file this policy and applicable law."
That was from Lieutenant Commander Barbara Berfeind (ph) at the Pentagon.
Well, "Cross Country" tonight, we're following a number of developing stories. Let's take a look.
Washington: the Senate approves the budget. Around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the Senate voted to approve a more than $2.3 trillion budget for next year. In a marathon session, the Senate rushed through a long list of amendments. The final vote, 51-45.
Baltimore, Maryland, now: accused spy out of bail. Susan Lindauer, she's the 41-year-old anti-war activist who is accused of spying for Iraq, has been set free on $500,000 bail. Lindauer was released into the custody of her father. The judge also ordered here to undergo psychiatric testing.
Garden Corners, South Carolina: three sailors killed. A bus carrying Navy personnel to a memorial service crashed into oncoming traffic this morning. Another bus in the same convoy veered off the highway.
A grizzly scene, that. Seventy people in all were taken to the hospital. The crash happened about 60 miles south of Charleston.
Washington now: maybe a sign of the times. The FCC voted in favor today of a $250,000 fine against the nation's largest radio group. The vote was four to one to fine Clear Channel Communications for broadcasting graphic sexual material. That's the second time this year Clear Channel has been hit with a big fine. And the one member of the commission who voted no said he did so as protest "because the fine wasn't big enough."
That's a look at stories "Cross Country" for you tonight.
Coming up, a transgender teen brutally murdered. Three men allegedly driven to rage by finding out this young girl was actually a boy biologically. The cast that sparked an a national outcry.
Plus, drugs, steroids, early death? The hidden dangers of pro wrestling. We're going to talk to one former pro wrestler who says it's all part of the business.
And the trafficking of human slaves. How they end up in the U.S., and what is being done to help them. Talk about all that ahead.
First, let's take a look "Inside the Box" at the top stories on tonight's network newscasts.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A story out of California now. A jury selection is set to begin Monday in the case involving a transgender teen. More than a year after her brutal murder, her accused killers are finally being brought to trial.
CNN's Ted Rowlands is following the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Twenty-three-year- old Michael Magidson, 24-year-old Jose Merel and 24-year-old Jason Cazares all face a possible life sentence for the murder of 17-year- old Eddie "Gwen" Araujo.
JONETTE O'REILLY, VICTIM'S AUNT: They're going to pay for what they did. And I hope that everybody out there who sees this, learns something from this.
ROWLANDS: The victim was a transgender teen who lived as a woman. Prosecutors say he had an ongoing sexual relationship with two of the defendants.
A fourth defendant, 21-year-old Jason Neighbors (ph), cut a deal to testify against his former friends. In the preliminary hearing, Neighbors (ph) said that in early October of 2002, the group began having suspicions about Araujo's. And Neighbors (ph) said they developed what he described as a "Tony Soprano-like plan to kill him."
A week later, Neighbors (ph) says following a party at this home in Newark, California, the group confronted Araujo and confirmed he was a male. Neighbors said they beat Araujo with fists and a frying pan for 20 minutes and strangled him in the garage. Neighbors (ph) said the group then drove the body to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills. He testified they buried Araujo, then stopped off for something to eat.
DAVID QUERRERO, VICTIM'S UNCLE: They were more interested in trying to figure out how they were going to cover it up and not get away with it and stay clean and get some food. And it disgusts me when I hear those things.
ROWLANDS: The defendants have pled not guilty. Their lawyer claims that first degree murder in this case is much too severe.
TONY SERRA, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Classic heated passion. This was an eruption of motion. It was not premeditated and deliberated.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Let me ask you -- the trial begins Monday. What exactly are the charges that these young men are facing?
ROWLANDS: Well, they're all facing first degree murder charges, which, of course, could carry the possibility of a life sentence. The defense strategy expected here is what is called gay panic, where lawyers will try to convince the jury that these guys simply lost control of all of their emotions and they couldn't control themselves when they found out the true gender of the victim in this case.
The one individual that turned state's evidence against his buddies copped for a -- is going to plead guilty, basically, to manslaughter, voluntary. He'll do 11 years.
COOPER: Obviously, the premeditated nature of the allegations would make that panic defense, I guess, a little bit tough. But we'll keep following it.
Ted Rowlands, thanks very much.
We're tracking a number of developing stories around the globe. Let's check the "UpLink" right now.
Seoul, South Korea: violence and chaos inside parliament. Take a look at this.
In an unprecedented vote, South Korea's national assembly voted to impeach the president. A scuffle ensued. His administration has been tarnished with a series of corruption and financial scandals. South Korea's prime minister temporarily takes over.
In Pakistan: tribal hunt. About 600 armed tribal volunteers are searching for al Qaeda militants and their chief, Osama bin Laden, in the remote tribal regions of South Waziristan. They've even assembled to celebrate the launch of their force with drums and a traditional war dance.
Cameras were there to capture it. It's all part of a centuries- old tradition. But this time they're using Russian Kalashnikovs instead of swords.
Athens, Greece: heightened terror concern. Greece has formerly asked NATO for help with Olympic security. Officials previously said NATO allies would be on stand-by. But that has apparently changed, possibly after Madrid's terrorist attacks. The Olympic games will be held in August.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: apologizing to the children. Argentina will compensate children who were detained, stolen or born in captivity during a brutal seven-year dirty war campaign against suspected leftists in the late 70s and early '80s. The president is asking the victims to forgive the state and offering them $75,000.
Paris, France: no Nemo here. Can't find him. All "Finding Nemo" merchandise has been banned from stores until a copyright infringement lawsuit is resolved in court. A French children's book author is suing the makers of the movie, Disney and Pixar Studios, claiming Nemo's character is a direct copy of his creation "A Clown Fish Named Pierrot."
And that's tonight's "UpLink."
Professional wrestling under fire. Why are so many former wrestlers reportedly dying young? Is it anything to do with drugs and steroids? We're going to talk to one man who has been there.
Also tonight, a woman charged with murder for allegedly refusing a cesarean section. Strange tale. We'll find on it out why.
And a little bit later on, political fear factor. What candidates are doing to get your vote. That is raw politics.
Be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Well, this Sunday is Wrestle Mania, the 20th anniversary. And there will be a spectacle on show at Madison Square Garden here in New York. But besides the hype, there's the darker side of pro-wrestling. A troubling side, say some, where problems of steroids, painkillers and muscle builders appear to be more deadly and pervasive than in, well, other sports.
Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): There's a couple things wrestling fans expect from their sport: drama, violence and muscles. Lots and lots of muscles.
But USA Today reports that 65 professional wrestlers have died since 1997. They've died before reaching the age of 50. It also reports that evidence of drug use was found in many cases, and that medical examiners concluded steroids played a role in five of the deaths. Pro-wrestling is no stranger to being in the limelight for the wrong reasons. In 1991, a Pennsylvania doctor was convicted of 12 counts of distributing steroids, painkillers and Valium to several wrestlers, including one of its biggest stars, Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper has admitted taking steroids and painkillers for years.
World Wrestling Entertainment, the largest wrestling organization in the country, does not currently test for performance-enhancing drugs like steroids. WWE chairman Vince McMahon has defended pro- wrestling in the past, saying, "If you can't cut it, get out. What's wrote with that? It's no different from any other business, by the way, you know. If for some reason you have to rely on drugs, illegal drugs to make it, boy, you're gonna self-destruct."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, how prevalent are drugs and steroids in pro- wrestling? Former pro-wrestler Del Wilkes joins me live from Columbia, South Carolina, to talk about his experiences in the sport.
Del, thanks for being with us.
You started your wrestling career weighing like 275 pounds, which, you know, for a pencil neck geek like me, sounds huge. We've got some pictures showing your progression through the sport. Why did you feel the need to use steroids and other sort of drugs?
DEL WILKES, FMR. WRESTLER: Well, I'd been exposed to steroids long before I got into wrestling. I played college football at the University of South Carolina, and at that particular time, when I was in college, steroids were a big part of college football as well.
So it was just a natural progression once I got into wrestling. I still wanted to carry the big physique. And at the time I got into wrestling, big physiques, that is what sold. That was how you got really a promoter to take a look at you.
That's how you got someone's attention, and that's what could make you a big star. So that need to be big, that need to be noticed was the reason I continued the steroid use once I got into wrestling.
COOPER: And once you're on the circuit, I mean, the routine -- not a steroid circuit, but the pro-wrestling circuit, the schedule is grueling. I mean, you're in different places every night at times. And you started to use not just steroids. You started to use a lot of painkillers, didn't you?
WILKES: Yes, I did. It's a very grueling schedule. You do well over 200 nights a year on the road. And like you said, you're in a different city every night.
I had 30 days stretches where I would wrestle 28, 29 times out of the 30 days. You get one night off in 30 days. It's very demanding.
And the old saying, "the show must go on," and it will continue to go on if you're not a part of it. If you're hurt and you can't continue to go, they'll leave you behind.
COOPER: Right. There's someone else to take your place.
WILKES: Yes, absolutely. So...
COOPER: Right. Now, how many -- at your height, how many pills were you taking a day?
WILKES: I got up over to 100 pain pills a day. And that was just the pain pills. That didn't count the sleeping pills, the muscle relaxers, the Xanax and Valium I was taking. Just the pain pills alone. I would chew 15 to 20 at a time.
COOPER: We're looking a the pictures of you. Your character name was The Patriot when you were wrestling. So wait, let me get back to that. You were taking 100 pain pills a day?
WILKES: One hundred prescription pain pill a day. And it started off using them just as the director directed, two or three, you know, once or twice a day. And it developed into over 100 pain pills a day. Yes, so it's just the grace of god that I'm sitting here talking to you tonight.
COOPER: And how widespread is it, in your opinion, in this sport? And is it kind of just everyone knows?
WILKES: Yes. Everyone knows. I mean, when I was in the business -- I can't speak for what goes on now. I've been out about five years.
I don't know if anything's changed. Maybe it has. I hope that it has.
But when I was in it, it was very prevalent. And if you were sitting in a dressing room with 10 or 15 guys, at least 75 to 80 percent of the guys were doing the same things that I was doing to be able to continue. It was just a part of the business.
It was almost just a rite of passage that you had to do those things to be able to go and continue. And it just was a part of the business when I was in it. I hope it's changed. I don't know that it really has.
COOPER: Well, I'm glad that you're able to talk about it tonight with us. I'm glad your health is good now. Del Wilkes, thanks very much for joining us.
WILKES: Thank you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): Engaging the enemy: the big bucks early ad war. Is Bush's strategy to drain Kerry's wallet?
A mother charged with murder after allegedly refusing a c- section. Is vanity to blame? And need plans for the weekend? We've got some ideas.
360 continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time now for tonight's "Reset." The top stories. Madrid, Spain. Three days of mourning began. More than eight million people took to the streets to honor and remember the victims of yesterday's atrocious attacks. The death toll now stands at 199. Nearly 1,500 people injured.
New York and Washington keeping 9/11 souvenirs? According to the Associated Press, the Justice Department investigation to criticize FBI agents for taking items from the World Trade Center site now finds Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld guilty. The final report, obtained by the Associated Press today, says Rumsfeld has a piece of the airplane that flew into the Pentagon.
Houston, Texas. Execution commuted. And a rare victory for a death row inmate. The state's governor has commuted the death sentence of Robert Smith, a mentally retarded man, to life in prison. Smith was awaiting execution for a 1990 murder.
In Washington, waging war on obesity. The Bush administration has launched a new anti-obesity campaign. It involves improved product labels, health education and a partnership with restaurants to help people eat healthier.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson called obesity a tragic trend in which too many Americans are literally eating themselves to death. And that's a quick look at "The Reset," tonight's top stories.
From health campaigns to the political kind. Campaign ads are going negative, no doubt about that. For President Bush and Senator John Kerry, the attacks more personal, more early perhaps than ever before. What do the attacks have in common? The fear factor. Not talking about reality TV. I'm talking about the reality of "Raw Politics."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): It's early in the race, and yet both camps have already raised the fear factor. Take a look at this ad released yesterday by the Bush-Cheney campaign. It accuses John Kerry of being soft on terror.
AD ANNOUNCER: On the war on terror, weakened the Patriot Act used to arrest terrorists and protect America, and he wanted to delay defending America until the United Nations approved.
COOPER: President Bush is not alone. John Kerry has often played up economic fear in his speeches, and independent pro-Kerry groups like MoveOn.org have used it in anti-Bush ads. It's hardly the first time that presidential candidates have resorted to using the fear factor. In 1996, Bill Clinton said Bob Dole was trying to slash Medicare benefits. Dole called these Mediscare ads.
AD ANNOUNCER: But if Dole wins and Gingrich runs Congress, there'll be nobody there to stop them.
COOPER: The strategy is simple -- scare voters so much about the other candidate that they come running to you. And it's worked in the past. Remember the first President Bush's Willie Horton ad in 1988?
AD ANNOUNCER: Dukakis not only opposes the death penalty, he allowed first-degree murderers to have weekend passes from prison.
COOPER: It was very effective at painting Michael Dukakis as soft on crime.
Perhaps most famous fear-based ad was back in 1964. Lyndon Johnson used nuclear fear in his "Daisy" ad. It was pulled after only one run, but experts agreed it was very effective at questioning Barry Goldwater's fitness for office.
Of course, this year, both candidates deny playing the politics of fear. And if they do, they both say it's because the other started it first.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: George Bush is running on the same old Republican tactics. Of fear. And those tactics are already getting tired.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So far, all we hear from that side is a lot of bitterness. And anger.
COOPER: Using the fear factor and denying it. That is definitely raw politics.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: So will this current tone make voters tune in or turn off? In Washington, I'm joined by Democratic consultant Julian Epstein, as well as Republican strategist Cheri Jacobus. Appreciate both of you being with us. Cheri, let me start off with you. President Bush has already been naming John Kerry by name. And it is only March. And just for reference, Bush Sr. named Clinton in August 17, 1992. Reagan didn't mention Mondale until October. Is this a sign they're a little bit scared?
CHERI JACOBUS, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: No, I don't think it's a sign they're scared, I think it's a sign that they're taking this campaign very seriously. But Anderson...
COOPER: But did the other guys not take their candidates seriously? I mean, what's the difference now? Why...
JACOBUS: You asked whether or not this is a sign that the Bush campaign is scared. I think it's a sign that they're serious about the campaign. And I think what we have to keep in mind and remember that it was the Democrats this year, Terry McAuliffe, who altered the schedule for the primaries so that you would -- so the Democrats would have an early nominee, and so Republicans are simply responding to that.
So they're not operating in a vacuum.
What's interesting, though, is that there are a lot of Republican who thought perhaps the president should have gone out even sooner, because Kerry ran at least a dozen ads against the president during the primaries, and the Democrats spent millions of dollars slamming President Bush. So it depends who you talk to. Some people think it's too early. Some think that it should have happened a long time ago.
COOPER: Well, Julian, Cheri raises an interesting point. The Kerry campaign did kind of shot the first salvo, spending $5 million on ads, you know, back during the primary campaign. Do you think the strategy kind of going negative so early is just too much too soon?
JULIAN EPSTEIN, DEMOCRATIC CONSULTANT: Well, I think the Bush campaign has to respond, but I think the premise of your question, Anderson, is right. For the president to get this personal and this negative this early means one thing. And what that means is that the political operatives are in the White House saying, "boss, you're in trouble." And all of the polling shows that.
But the interesting things about the ads, Anderson, are this. Early ads -- and Clinton showed this in '96 when he used the crime ads to play to what he thought was his weaknesses with the political center. Early ads should really be used to shore up your political weaknesses, not to emphasize your strength.
What you look at, what you discover from the psyche of the White House by looking at these ads is that they're staying away from those issues where they're the weakest, namely jobs and health care, which is also what the country cares about the most. What this tells you is it's, one, a strategic mistake on the part of the White House, not to be shoring up these real political weaknesses on their part. And secondly, it tells you that they're really shying away from this debate, and that's a good sign for Democrats, and I think a bad sign for Republicans.
COOPER: Cheri, there are some who are saying President Bush is trying in a way to bankrupt John Kerry kind of early, spending about $1 million a day on ads, putting them out there, sort of forcing Kerry's hand to respond and spend money. Think there's any truth to that?
JACOBUS: Well, first of all, again, it was the Democrats that have set the schedule with this. They essentially have their nominee. They've been treating Kerry like he's the nominee. So the race has begun. So it's completely fair for the White House or for the Bush campaign to want to respond to that. And I also find it interesting what Julian said, we're just now starting with the ads, and because the Bush campaign has not addressed those issues yet, that the Democrats want them to address they say that they're running from them. This is going to be a long campaign with an awful lot of ads as we know, and I think it's perfectly appropriate for the Bush campaign to come out with the ads that they've done.
I personally think they could have gone a little bit harder. They did not personally attack John Kerry, and the president has been personally attacked by John Kerry repeatedly. So you know, these are very much just issue contrast ads.
EPSTEIN: Well, two real quick responses to that, Anderson. Republicans, in case the country wants to know who is the party of special interests, Republicans continue to have by a factor of five, 10, 50 to 1, more special interest money to spend on these type of ads. So the bank rolling strategy shouldn't surprise you. But remember, Republicans for the last three presidential elections have had far more money than Democrats, but Democrats continue to win the popular vote. That's point one.
Point two, the ads are so strategically inept. For example, they say that Kerry wants to raise $900 billion in taxes. What that does is it gives the free media a great opportunity to point out how that is, in fact, an untruthful ad. In fact, what Kerry wants to do is reduce taxes on, like, 99 percent of the public. But the misleading nature of the ad and the inept way in which it's really crafted just gives the free media, programs like this, an opportunity to point out that, one, that's not true. And secondly, this issue of untruthfulness with the weapons of mass destruction is another weak point for the Bush administration.
COOPER: All right.
EPSTEIN: Another example...
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: You both got equal time...
JACOBUS: ... going out there, saying that the Bush campaign is lying. If they're going to do that for eight months, they've got a real problem.
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: I'm just cutting you off. Julian Epstein...
JACOBUS: They never speak for themselves. They never...
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: Julian Epstein, Cheri Jacobus, I appreciate it. Sorry, I gave you equal time. Returning now to a story about one of the worst crimes imaginable, the trafficking in human beings. People, many of them children, exploited for their labor and sometimes their bodies. It's today's version of slavery and it's a growing problem. David Mattingly has the report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's considered an almost invisible crime. Taking place in backroom sweat shops and allegedly in the homes and quiet apartments of America's suburbs. Human trafficking, according to the State Department, results in the victimization of up to 900,000 people a year worldwide. 18 to 20 thousand winding up in the United States alone. Figures that human rights advocates say are conservative.
MICHELE CLARK, THE PROTECTION PROJECT: Trafficking is a hidden, concealed, clandestine activity and it's very hard to get an accurate assessment of numbers.
MATTINGLY: Victims are people who are often trapped by violence and economics, brought into this country and forced into labor and prostitution against their will. A modern-day version of slavery.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's a brutal trade. Inhumane trade by sick people that targets many women and girls.
MATTINGLY: President Bush addressed human trafficking at the White House in a speech on violence against women. The trafficking, according to human rights activists, targets both genders and all ages.
CLARK: The notion that men, women and children are kept in conditions akin to slavery in our own backyard is something that goes fundamentally against our grain as Americans.
MATTINGLY: Under a new law enacted four years ago, the number of prosecutions for alleged human trafficking has risen according to the Justice Department. With 132 cases prosecuted since 2001, and the convictions of 85 defendants. David Mattingly, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: A Utah woman is on trial for murder. Prosecutors say she didn't want a C-section because she didn't want a scar. That story ahead.
Also tonight, Johnny Depp moves from "Pirates of the Caribbean" to a new thriller. That's coming up next on "The Weekender."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: In "Justice Served," tonight. A bizarre case in Utah, a young mother allegedly refuses a Caesarean section, her baby is born dead and she's charged with murder. You won't believe what doctors are saying. So is she a killer or being punished for a choice. CNN's Miguel Marquez has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Melissa Rowland charged with first degree murder for what the prosecutor says was her depraved indifference toward the life of her unborn son.
KENT MORGAN, DEP. PROSECUTOR, SALT LAKE CITY CO.: Doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital, nurse after nurse told her this is the only way you're going to save this child. This is what you have to do.
MARQUEZ: The charges laid out against Ms. Rowland claim that she was told from December of last year till her delivery in January, that her twins may have been having health problems and one doctor told her she needed an immediate cesarean section. When she gave birth on January 13, one child was alive and stable. The other dead. Prosecutors say Rowland refused the C-section for reasons of vanity. Because she did not want to live with scars.
MORGAN: What is happening here is balancing the procedure necessary to save the life that she alone could do, against her interest in vanity. She allowed vanity to win out.
MARQUEZ: Rowland disputed that charge by phone.
MELISSA ROWLAND, ACCUSED MOTHER: No I never refused the C- section. I've already had two prior C-sections. Why would I say something like that?
MARQUEZ: Court documents also say the medical examiner concluded the baby had no congenital anomalies and would have survived if Rowland had given birth when the doctor urged it. From her jail cell, she suggested the C-section may have done nothing to save her child's life.
ROWLAND: I was told by my attorney that the medical examiner's report says that my son died from an infection.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MARQUEZ: Now, Rowland's attorney did not return our calls for comment but told the "Salt Lake Tribune" that anything his client told the nurses or doctors may be of questionable legal value, because she has a history of mental illness. Melissa Rowland's arraignment is set for Monday -- Anderson.
COOPER: All right, Miguel. Thanks very much.
Let's get more on the legal and ethical issues in this case. In Palo Alto, I'm joined by David Magnus, he's director of biomedical ethics at Stanford University. Here in New York, 360 legal analyst, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom. Kimberly, let me start off with you. Prosecutors contend that Rowland didn't want a C-section because she didn't want a scar. She says that's not true. She says she has had two C-sections already, already has the scars. How important is it for prosecutors to prove that this was the motivation.
KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE NEWSOM, 360 LEGAL ANALYST: It appears it was important to the prosecutors in Utah, a conservative, religious state and they feel that this directly shows that she had a depraved indifference to human life, that this baby could have survived, was viable and in fact died as a direct result of her refusing the medical procedure of the C-section. However, since the 1950s, we know you can refuse medical treatment for any reason whether she says it's for cosmetic purposes or because she has a religious belief and does not want to have a procedure done.
COOPER: David, let's talk about the ethics a little bit. Spokesman for the prosecution said, and I'm quoting, "she didn't choose among alternative treatments available. She chose to get no treatment whatsoever." Is that ethically a valid choice?
DAVID MAGNUS, STANFORD UNIVERSITY: Absolutely. Patients have a right to refuse treatment. And they often do so. There are people who do it for religious reasons. There are people who do it for all kinds of reasons. If this woman had been a Jehovah's Witness and the physicians said she needed a blood transfusion to save her baby and refused it, I hope that we wouldn't be raising these same kinds of questions.
COOPER: Kimberly, in a jailhouse interview, Rowland said she came to Utah to have babies and put them up for adoption. Again, this is the kind of thing the prosecution would love to use, I guess, in front of a jury.
GUILFOYLE NEWSOM: Sure, because they'll say this woman had depraved indifference, and not only because we know she never wanted the children to begin with so she had turned a blind eye toward the fact that one would not survive. This was a convenient way for her to be rid of the pregnancy. But on the other hand, could she have chosen another method if, in fact, she did not want to have children? Here she made a choice to have the babies and put them up for adoption. She didn't choose abortion from the outset.
COOPER: David, do you see this as a slippery slope? This woman is charged with this. Could a pregnant woman be charged if she's seen drinking in a bar? Could the state of Utah charge her?
MAGNUS: That's certainly a concern. The right to make decisions about what we do to our own bodies is pretty sacrosanct. The fact that we have a case where people are saying you don't have that right, you can have treatment force against you, is pretty scary and the line this might lead us down is a fairly scary one. Where we enforce women to avoid being in homes where there's second hand smoke. Where this leads, I think, could be almost anywhere.
But I also want to say one other thing, which is the fact that this seems to be such frivolous reasons for why this was done and maybe even incomprehensible reasons if what this woman has said is true, that she's in the past had C-sections performed highlights something else. What's really going on in the case is something else. Maybe this woman was mentally ill and wasn't competent. You wonder whether or not there was enough done in terms of bringing in consults, psychiatric consults, ethics consults to really make sure she understood what she was doing and whether she was competent to make those decisions and we have it happen not -- it's not uncommon for patients to sometimes say that they want to do things that seem bizarre and against their own interest.
COOPER: You're saying it's up to the hospital...
MAGNUS: And usually, you try to figure out what was really going on.
COOPER: All right. Appreciate you joining us, David Magnus, interesting. Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, thanks as well.
MAGNUS: Thanks.
COOPER: Well, coming up, Johnny Depp sets a whole new course for his new movie. Coming up, "Secret Window" and a look at what else is heading to a theater near you you might want to check out this weekend.
Also tonight in "The Current," wand to be Vito Corleone? Play "Godfather," the video game? We'll talk about that. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time to check on pop news in tonight's "Current." Let's take a look. There's talk of basing a video game on "The Godfather." Electronic Arts is said to be working on a format involving the classic film. We don't know how it will be played, maybe winners get a free DVD of "Godfather Part II," and the losers get "Godfather Part III."
Mike Tyson may soon be back in the ring. An adviser believes the former heavyweight champ could fight as early as June, saying physically he can do it, mentally he can do it. Financially, seems he's got to do it.
The woman who tried to pass off a $1 million bill at a Georgia Wal-Mart is speaking out. She says it's all a big misunderstanding, but she insists she thought it was a real $1 million bill. For future reference, this is what a real $1 million bill looks like.
And now, on the back, there you go. Use it and enjoy.
Well, folks, it is finally Friday. I plan to sleep all weekend, but if you are feeling a little more active, there are a few movies you may want to check out. Here's a preview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER (voice-over): In movies, it's "Misery" meets "Deliverance," as Johnny Depp proves that even blocked writers slowly going mad can still be cool in the thriller "Secret Window." Depp plays the troubled scribe who is desperately trying to write a new short story. Just when he thought it couldn't get worse, he's set upon by John Turturro.
JOHN TURTURRO, ACTOR: You stole my story.
COOPER: Jayson Blair, beware.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Where's the girl?
COOPER: In "Spartan," Val Kilmer plays a military man out to find the president's daughter, who may have been kidnapped by human traffickers. It's the latest from David Mamet, so expect plenty of clever dialogue.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let me get a closer look.
COOPER: And yes, he's finally back. Banks, Cody Banks, 16-year- old super-agent. His destination is London, where he's chasing down a mind-control device.
New on DVD, it's back to the '50s with Julia Roberts as an early feminist art professor at a women's college in "Mona Lisa Smile." She's trying to get the girls their B.A.s. All they really want are their MRS's.
And on TV, American spinmeisters turn an aging, unpopular politician into the two-term president of Russia. Showtime's "Spinning Boris" tells the true tale of the three consultants who got Boris Yeltsin the vote in Russia's first democratic election.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And that's a quick look at "The Weekender." Coming up, the victims of terror, large and small. Ahead on "The Nth Degree."
And on Monday, kicking the habit. How weight, even ethnicity may play roles in helping people stop smoking. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Tonight, terror's victims to "The Nth Degree." A story caught our eye in "The New York Times" today. It wasn't on the front page or anything. After all, it was just another day in Iraq. Two women, sisters, 26 and 29, working for a U.S. contractor. They washed the uniforms worn by American soldiers in Basra.
On their way home the other night, four gunmen surrounded their taxi. They shot one sister five times, the other they shot in the back trying to escape. Both sisters are dead.
The driver, who'd begged for the women's lives, was allowed to live. He didn't work for the Americans.
It's a small story, a terrible story. It's the kind we don't report nearly enough. The women weren't famous, weren't well known beyond their circle of friends and family, but their lives and their deaths certainly do matter. Lika (ph) and Shema Fali (ph). That's who they were. We just thought you should know. I'm Anderson Cooper. Thanks for watching. Coming up next, "PAULA ZAHN NOW."
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Deaths: Staggering Figures>
