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House Adjourns Without Electing A Speaker; Buffalo Bills: Damar Hamlin Shows "Signs Of Improvement" While Still In ICU In Critical Condition; Idaho Killings Suspect Arrives At Airport Near Moscow, Idaho After Waiving Extradition From Pennsylvania. Aired 9-10p ET
Aired January 04, 2023 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[21:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN HOST: And welcome back to our continuing coverage, of the chaos, in Washington D.C. It has been quite a day and quite a night!
First, Kevin McCarthy lost his sixth vote, to become House Speaker. The House then adjourned. A round of intense attempt to deal-making ensued. Members then reconvened, briefly, only to adjourn again, until noon tomorrow, with would-be Speaker, now seemingly more upbeat, about his chances.
CNN's Manu Raju first broke that news for us. He joins us again, tonight, from the Capitol.
So, why are things looking more upbeat, for McCarthy?
MANU RAJU, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: He is hearing some more positive responses, from those opponents, people that have essentially seemed immovable, for the past two days.
But after a meeting, in which McCarthy has made a number of concessions, ranging on political issues, how this outside group engages on some key issues, as well as giving them more power, and more sway, over themselves, the rank-and-file, at the expense of the leadership? Some of these members sound like they're moving in his direction.
Congressman Mike Cloud, for one, sounds like he's moving. He says these talks are moving, in a positive light, in his view, as well as Scott Perry, another opponent, of his.
Chip Roy, another one as well, though Chip Roy just mentioned to me, earlier that he is still -- that he still want to see everything they have talked to, in writing. So, there is significant amount work to go.
Now, there is also a lot of tension within the ranks. I just talked to Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who's a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. But she's one, who has been an outspoken supporter, of Kevin McCarthy. She told me that "Republican Party looks like an embarrassment, right now." And she -- also, those are her words.
And she also went and said that she spoke to Congressman Byron Donalds, who was nominated today, to challenge Kevin McCarthy, who received 20 votes, enough to deny, McCarthy, the Speakership. She said she told Donalds that essentially that he needs to figure out a way, for this to end.
She said that -- I asked, "Well, how did he respond?" And she said, he sort of acknowledged that her response, and she says that she's getting attacked by Conservatives. And even though a lot of members of the House Freedom Caucus are supporting Kevin McCarthy, they need to figure out a way to end this.
So, the pressure is really growing, from all sides here. But, real indications that, potentially Kevin McCarthy could get there, but he's just not there, yet, Anderson, because of the narrowness, of the House Republican majority. 222 seats, meaning he can't lose more than four Republican votes.
Already, there are four very, very hard-no votes. Others, like Ralph Norman, who is not considering as part of those four very, very hard- no votes, just told reporters, moments ago that his position has not changed. Others are signaling that they're still not there yet. So, there will be more negotiations to be had.
But nevertheless, McCarthy, as he left the chamber, sounded very upbeat. He has been sounding upbeat, as he's lost these six ballot votes, but still believes he can eventually get there.
Can he get there by noon tomorrow, Anderson? Still a question. I asked him that question directly. He said he does not want to put a timeframe on it. But he says he believes progress is being made, talks will continue, and that he'll eventually get there, Anderson.
COOPER: And Manu, it's interesting, though. We were just talking to former Congressman, Charlie Dent, who was saying, he was surprised -- that Dent was surprised at the reporting that it's Kevin McCarthy's Super PAC that a number of these far-right rebels, I guess, you would call them, want to influence, and want to impact on what races they actually get involved with, and that may be part of this deal?
RAJU: Yes. And it's going to be interesting, the impact that that actually would have, because really what they're talking about are safe, open -- safe Republican seats that are open seats.
So, what does that mean? Not incumbent members of the current House. They are not talking about those seats. They're talking about when there are no Republicans, running for a specific seat, and it's a considered a safe seat, not a seat that Democrats could potentially pick up.
So, it would not alter essentially the makeup of the House Republican Conference. But it could alter the ideological makeup of the Republican Conference. And that's really the core of that fight.
Because, those members -- that outside group, the Club for Growth, which had pushed back, against Kevin McCarthy's outside group, wants more ideological conservatives, more far-right conservatives. They don't want some of the more Establishment-minded Republicans that perhaps Kevin McCarthy would be more aligned with.
[21:05:00]
So, that is really the issue between those two, that -- though that agreement is significant. Because, I've heard from a number of Republicans, talking pretty positively about that tonight, including McCarthy himself, touting that repeatedly, to reporters, as he came, and went back and forth, from the chamber. And we'll see how it influences others, who are weighing whether or not to support him.
One of many concessions McCarthy is making and weighing, as he's pushing to get to 218 votes, just not there yet.
COOPER: Yes. Manu Raju, appreciate it. Thank you.
RAJU: Yes.
COOPER: Want to go to CNN's Melanie Zanona, with more development. She's also at the Capitol.
What have you heard, Melanie?
MELANIE ZANONA, CNN CAPITOL HILL REPORTER: Well, there's been a flurry of meetings, tonight.
So, I'm told that Kevin McCarthy met with a group of freshman members, who voted against him. This was really an opportunity to get some face-time, with these members, who have not had that opportunity, because they are new to Congress. And basically, he just walked through some of the concessions that he already made, and some of these promises, in greater detail.
But the bigger negotiations going on, tonight, are involving Chip Roy, and some of McCarthy's allies. And I am told that these are some of the most serious and productive negotiations, they've seen, thus far, throughout this entire saga.
And Chip Roy told GOP leadership that he believes, based on how these negotiations are going, and if they pan out, that he can bring 10 members along, with him, and that additional members might be willing to vote, "Present."
Now, obviously, that's a big if, that being negotiations going the right way, and all 10 members actually flipping, to vote for McCarthy. But that doesn't bring him to 218. He still has a long way to go.
And I think it's an important distinction, to separate some of these opposition, some of these opponents. You have people like Chip Roy, who seem to be trying to get something in earnest. He says he's still pushing for a number of procedural and policy issues.
He said he is still pushing to make it, so that a single lawmaker can call for a vote, to depose the sitting Speaker. He's also pushing for more representation, on the House Rules Committee, which is important, because that has sway, over what bills come to the floor, how they come to the floor, that sort of thing. It's very inside baseball, but it matters a lot, up here.
But he made a distinction, when he was talking to us earlier, he made a distinction, between himself, and some of these other opponents, who've been trying to make more personal asks.
I reported earlier today that Matt Gaetz, for example, went to McCarthy's office, on Monday evening, and made a list of demands, including wanting a Subcommittee gavel, on the House Armed Services Committee. But Chip Roy is seeming to try to put some distance between himself, and some of those asks.
But really, it's going to come down to the math, of course, and how many members are in the never-Kevin camp. As of right now, we know of five Republicans, who say they are firm-Nos. As of right now, that includes Ralph Norman, as Manu mentioned. He came out, just moments ago, and said he is still going to vote for Byron Donalds, on that first ballot.
And so, McCarthy is trying to wear down his opponents, one by one. It's starting with this group that's being led by Chip Roy. But that will only be the beginning of his path, to 218.
COOPER: Is there any chance, if they don't feel they have the votes, by tomorrow, at noon, that they would try to adjourn again?
ZANONA: It's totally possible, Anderson.
So, McCarthy's camp, right now, the feeling is they need to show momentum, on the next ballot, whenever that is. So, if they're getting close, but they're not there yet, at the next vote, which presumably will be noon, tomorrow, there's a chance that they'd try to adjourn again.
Obviously, that would take 218 votes. So, they would need agreement to do that. But they feel like they're moving in the right direction. They want to be able to show that the opposition is shrinking. Even if he doesn't get 218, on the next ballot, they want to show that they're moving in the right direction, not the wrong direction.
COOPER: Yes.
ZANONA: Because, if it goes the opposite way, you could start to see other candidates jumping in, you could start to see some Republicans, try to call on McCarthy, to drop out. It just wouldn't be good for him. So, that is why you're seeing such a hard push, tonight, Anderson.
COOPER: Melanie Zanona, appreciate it. Thank you.
Joining us now is Florida Republican congresswoman, Maria Salazar, who voted for Kevin McCarthy, in all six House Speaker votes.
Congresswoman, appreciate you joining us. What is your latest understanding of where things stand, tonight?
REP. MARIA SALAZAR (R-FL): Wonderful to be with you.
Well, I think that democracy is messy. But I think that the opposite is unthinkable.
You know, I represent the City of Miami. I was a journalist, for many years. And I think that one of the angles that we should be covering, specifically you, being one of the top anchors, in the nation, is that if these 20 holdouts were to be in Nicaragua, and Cuba, or in Venezuela, they would be in jail, and facing the firing squad. And that's not the case here.
So, I know that it's uncomfortable. We don't like what's happening. But at the same time, it's the best democracy and it's democracy at its best.
COOPER: So, what do you -- are you concerned about more concessions, being made, to try to appease these 20?
SALAZAR: No, no, what I'm concerned about is what the rest of the country, and the rest of the -- our enemies are going to be thinking about. I think that is why this party, our party, the Republican Party, should be very cognizant that we are sending the wrong message, to our enemies, and to those that I just mentioned, that are friends with China and Russia, in our hemisphere. We are still--
COOPER: But -- but--
SALAZAR: --we are still trying to be the beacon of hope, and democracy, in the world. So we got to behave accordingly.
[21:10:00]
COOPER: Right. But my question is, you support Kevin McCarthy. You want him to see him as Speaker. I assume you want to see him as a Speaker, who is effective, and can get things done.
Do you worry about him making even more concessions that will weaken his power, and his ability, to actually get the policies that you and he want to get done?
SALAZAR: I don't have that concern, right now, because I said, he's negotiating, and he's going to bring whatever he is doing, or negotiated, or dealt with, with this group that don't want to vote for him, to Conference.
COOPER: Are you OK--
SALAZAR: I mean, he is part of the democracy process as well.
COOPER: Are you OK, if Mr. McCarthy has to agree to a rule to change -- to the change that would let just one member make a motion, to eject the Speaker? Is that something you would be OK with?
SALAZAR: Well, that's something that would disrupt and would cause a distraction. But, I repeat, democracy is messy.
And remember, I go back to what I just told you, at the beginning. I stay with what's happening, right now, versus what's happening in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, China and North Korea.
COOPER: Right. But that's not the--
SALAZAR: So, why don't we look at it from the positive angle?
COOPER: But that's not the--
SALAZAR: That's, I mean, I think there's another angle to the story. Of course that I don't want to be here this hour.
COOPER: But no one is actually trying to vote for what's happening in Cuba, or China or Nicaragua. We're just trying to get a vote done, on the Speaker of the House.
SALAZAR: Of course. And I agree with you. And I would like to get that done, by tomorrow morning. And I know that is not happening. But it doesn't matter. It's part of democracy.
COOPER: Sure.
SALAZAR: This happened in 1855. And you know it took three months, for a Speaker, to show up.
COOPER: Yes.
SALAZAR: I know that I would like this to be happening, tomorrow morning. But I think we should look at the story, from another angle.
COOPER: OK.
SALAZAR: It's messy. It's bad. It's uncomfortable. We don't like it. And obviously, we want to get to business.
COOPER: Jake--
SALAZAR: But it's democracy.
COOPER: Jake Tapper--
SALAZAR: And it sometimes is not perfect.
COOPER: Jake--
SALAZAR: But you know the alternative is unthinkable.
COOPER: Jake Tapper had said earlier that a Republican congressional source had told him, there was an appetite, tonight, to actually put Steve Scalise's name, into nomination. Obviously, Congress adjourned instead.
Do you have the sense that there is increasing interest in Congressman Scalise being the person, who could actually end this whole thing? SALAZAR: Listen, I am going to vote, and I'm going to be with whomever, 80 percent, 90 percent of the Conference is with.
COOPER: OK.
SALAZAR: And I think that Scalise has been a fantastic leader. But I do believe that Kevin McCarthy -- and it's not necessarily that we're the best friends. But I'm trying to be fair.
McCarthy, five years ago, raised his hand, and he said, "Hey, I want to be Speaker." "Good luck!" And he traveled the country. He raised funds. He put us in the majority. He helped some of us. He put together something called Commitment for America.
COOPER: Yes.
SALAZAR: And then, the people elected him.
So, why aren't we giving him a chance? Well, because those 20 think otherwise. But I repeat, it's such a fantastic system. You guys are covering everything, by the minute, which is the way it should be. Those 20 are talking to the press. They're having their moment of glory. Tell me, where else does this happen, this way, and there's not a Civil War, right after.
COOPER: Congresswoman Salazar, I appreciate your time, tonight. Thank you very much.
SALAZAR: Sure, thank you.
COOPER: Perspective now, from CNN Senior Political Analyst, Nia-Malika Henderson; also, CNN Political Commentator, and former Pennsylvania Republican, Congressman Charlie Dent; and CNN Political Commentator, Jonah Goldberg.
Congressman Dent, let's just go on to, what do you think is happening, right now, behind-the-scenes?
CHARLIE DENT, (R) FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE - PENNSYLVANIA, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, it sounds like the bazaar is open, the store is open. And deals are being made.
And like I said earlier, let's see what they do on this motion, to vacate the Chair. If that comes down to five or one, again, that's self-destructive, for whoever the Republican Speaker is, again, just handing rope, to your opponents, to hang you with. There's that.
And again, I'm still stunned about this Super PAC agreement. I mean, to the extent that they will end up nominating, Republicans, who are on the far-right fringe, who will not be part of the governing majority, they will not vote for the things that need to get done? Those people will get elected. And, in some cases, they'll elect Democrats, because some of those folks will be too far to the right.
Again, I just think it's very self-destructive. Somebody should talk to the more moderate pragmatic members, of the House Republican Conference, about that deal. I can't imagine any of them are happy about it. I would think they would be livid over it that that Super PAC will not play in primaries. Of course, they should. And everybody knows it. So, that one just slows you (ph).
But the store's wide open, and the deals are being made. Whether that gets the necessary votes, I'm not so sure. It seems like there are at least five holdouts.
COOPER: Jonah?
DENT: Maybe more.
COOPER: Jonah, I mean, if it is McCarthy, and more deals are made, in order to get it to be McCarthy, I mean, can he actually be an effective Speaker, with all the giveaways?
[21:15:00]
JONAH GOLDBERG, CO-FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF, THE DISPATCH, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, I agree with Charlie that this selling off bits and pieces of the job will make him weaker than he otherwise would be, if he didn't have to do all this.
But, let's not forget. With such a tiny majority, that the GOP has, you could put Steve Scalise in there, and he would have a very hard time, governing the Republican Caucus, right?
COOPER: Right.
GOLDBERG: Republican Conference. It's just it's sort of set up, for chaos, and failure, and rancor, and all the rest.
And the only other place I would sort of slightly disagree with Charlie, is that I don't think the issue is that -- I agree with him that it's not in the interest of Republicans, or the country, this weird deal that they're talking about.
But the issue isn't necessarily that these candidates are going to be too far-right. It's that they're going to be too much in the sort of Matt Gaetz model, of being performative.
DENT: Yes.
GOLDBERG: And not actually caring about the job.
COOPER: Right.
GOLDBERG: Chip Roy, if it guaranteed that we just had more Chip Roys? That'd be one thing, because Chip Roy actually kind of cares about doing the job.
Matt Gaetz cares about being on TV and getting attention and clicks. And this is an effort to get more of that style Republican, into the Conference, which will have serious damage to the rest of the party.
COOPER: Jonah, do you think that those five hard-no votes can ever be swayed?
GOLDBERG: Doesn't sound like it. I mean, maybe if there was some sort of like, Japanese Yakuza type thing, where Kevin McCarthy agreed to start cutting off digits, out of apology, that could do it. But it doesn't sound like it. They're too committed.
And when you're -- when you take the position that you would rather have Jeffries, as the Speaker, have a Democrat, as the Speaker, you've kind of just sort of, you've burnt your ships, logically and ideologically.
And it's in the interest of some of these people, for chaos. Chaos serves them. And so, I think at least some of those last five, Biggs, Gaetz, maybe a couple of the others, I don't think you can get them to flip. But who knows!
COOPER: And Nia-Malika, I mean, you said earlier that McCarthy's on track to give away not just one store, several stores, in order to win the Speakership. Is it clear how much power, to you, he would actually have?
NIA-MALIKA HENDERSON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: I agree with Jonah, here. He wouldn't have much power, if he actually makes it, and neither would Steve Scalise, or Byron Donalds, or any of these other folks they are putting forward. It's the nature of the giveaways that he or whoever would have to make, to give this Caucus.
And it's the nature of that motion to vacate, which is now five, could go down to one. So, whoever is in that seat is going to have to constantly think about the fact that they have to please these five people, or else those five people, can sort of band together, and raise the motion, to pull the Speakership.
We've seen this time and time again, right? This is could be history repeating itself, because we saw this happen with Boehner. That's why he left town, because of the threat of the motion to vacate. And same, with Paul Ryan.
So, this is a very organized band of people. They're not necessarily committed to any sort of ideology, other than sticking it to who they view as the Establishment. And they certainly view Kevin McCarthy that way. And, in some ways, whoever would be in that position, as the Speaker of the House, I think would draw their ire.
So, I think we are seeing this transformation, of Kevin McCarthy, from somebody, who had been with the young guns, right, with Paul Ryan and Eric Cantor? They were policy wonks. He never really was. But he wanted to hang out with them. And now, he's hanging out with Marjorie Taylor Greene. So, this is a full-on transformation. It's in some ways why those five people, and a few more, actually don't believe he is a true believer, in any real cause that his real cause is Kevin McCarthy.
COOPER: Congressman Dent, I mean, the former President's endorsement, has it really meant much, in this whole saga?
DENT: No, I really don't think it has, Anderson.
And I've said before, I think it's really terrible that the former President is trying to play, in a House leadership election, or any president. As I said, Ronald Reagan, the Bushes, Clinton, Obama, would have never gotten involved, in a House leadership election. This is the beat -- those are family fights, to be decided among the members.
And if to the extent that McCarthy owes Donald Trump, the Speakership? Well, that's, I don't think that's good for his more moderate and pragmatic members, who represent districts, where Donald Trump is the Kiss of Death.
What did we learn from this midterm election? That Donald Trump's endorsement was problematic, to so many candidates, who lost races that should have been won by Republicans. So, why tie yourself to Trump? Trump should stay the hell out of all this
COOPER: Charlie Dent, Jonah Goldberg, Nia-Malika Henderson, appreciate it. Thank you.
Up next, we'll go live to Cincinnati, for the latest, in the medical condition of Buffalo Bills Safety, Damar Hamlin, who as you know, collapsed, during the Bengals game, on Monday night. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, on the treatment that he is likely getting.
Also ahead, a live report, from Idaho, where the alleged killer, of four University of Idaho students, is being extradited to, tonight. What he faces when he arrives, and when we might learn more about the case against him?
[21:20:00]
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COOPER: Two days, after suffering a cardiac arrest, during a Monday Night Football game, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills Safety, Damar Hamlin, remains in critical condition, in intensive care, but with, quote, "Signs of improvement," according to the Bills.
Joining us now, by phone, from Cincinnati, is CNN's Adrienne Broaddus.
Adrienne, what more are you learning about his condition, tonight?
ON THE PHONE: ADRIENNE BROADDUS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good evening to you, Anderson.
What we have heard is clearly Damar is still in the intensive care unit, and in critical condition. However, the Bills tweeting earlier today, that there are signs of improvement, signs of improvement, yesterday, and today. So, that is promising.
Although family members and the family spokesperson, Jordon Rooney, telling us, the family is still taking everything minute-by-minute, day-by-day, really holding on, for hope.
Outside of the hospital, today, Fans were stopping by, and expressing their well wishes, and really pulling and rooting for Damar Hamlin.
COOPER: The NFL's Vice President of Football Operations was emotional, today, during a call, with the media. What did he say?
ON THE PHONE: BROADDUS: Oh, yes. Troy Vincent didn't appear on camera, when he spoke to us. But, as he spoke, you could hear his voice trembling.
[21:25:00]
And I want to quote something he said that really stood out. He says, "There is no playbook for managing real-time drama and emotions associated with the immediate, life-threatening event that occurred Monday night."
He also went on to say that the game of football, and I'm paraphrasing here, Anderson, it's taught and guided by policy and best practices. He says, there was only one policy and practice that mattered that evening. And that was the emergency action plan, by those first responders.
And, as he spoke, he paused to, even though we couldn't see him, I'm imagining, he wiped away tears. We could hear him crying, and we could hear his voice shake, as he was just so vulnerable and transparent.
He says, this is real life, and this is a moment, he is still re- living. And he talked about the emotional trauma that not only the players on the field witnessed, but everybody, who was in that stadium, in their home, watching.
COOPER: There's been -- I mean, you mentioned fans coming outside the hospital. There's really been an outpouring of support for the Hamlin family, from fans, in Cincinnati, and obviously around the country?
ON THE PHONE: BROADDUS: Oh, yes. So, Jordon Rooney told me, earlier today, the family is overwhelmed with gratitude. They've had to turn some folks away, because there have been so many meals offered.
We've talked a lot on our air about the GoFundMe account, linked to Damar's Foundation. And it, at last check, topped $6 million. Initially, it was a GoFundMe account created, he wanted, to raise money, for a Toy Drive. He wanted to give back, and help people, in his hometown.
And, we've heard a lot about his heart. We know his heart stopped, and the heartbeat was restored on the field. But Damar's heart is really with the community. And we've seen that as he tries to stand in, and fill the gaps. His spokesperson, for the family, said, he is the type of person that aspires to inspire others. So, really, filling that gap, for young people, and being perhaps what he maybe didn't have, when he was growing up.
COOPER: Yes. Adrienne Broaddus, appreciate it. Thank you.
Joining us now, is CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
So, you spoke with the NFL Chief Medical Officer, I understand, tonight. What did you learn?
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: I think we got a good sense of the sort of protocols that go into place, when something like this happens, Anderson.
And it starts, even before the game, there's this meeting. It's called the 60-minute meeting, happening 60 minutes before the game starts, where the medical teams, from both sides, both teams, get together. And they really go over everything.
They do drills, on what could possibly happen. They have a person, who's clearly in charge of running a resuscitation, should one be necessary, someone, who's in charge of carrying the defibrillator.
I actually didn't know a lot of the details, of these types of protocols that take place, at all football games. They have a Level One Trauma Center, standing by, obviously, an ambulance, there, at the field.
And they gave us some sense of how those things sort of played out, with regard to Mr. Hamlin. Team doctors go out first. As soon as they sort of determine that more is necessary, there is hand signals, and radio. They do both, because it can get very loud in the stadium. They bring in the paramedics.
And we saw some of that unfold. But it was hard to get a sense of it, as if you were just witnessing it. But all those things are sort of taking place.
And there's going to be lessons learned here. They think it went really well, in terms of the resuscitation. That's how they described it. But there's always some more lessons to be learned. And they're going to be applying those, in games, going forward, Anderson.
COOPER: Adrienne mentioned that the Bills tweeted today that Hamlin continues to show "Signs of improvement." I mean, at this stage, what is the course? What do doctors look for?
GUPTA: Yes, I mean, I will preface by saying, just having taken care of many critically-ill patients, it can be a rollercoaster ride.
So, there could be improvements, even minute-to-minute, and it's a little bit hard to assess, at this point. Typically, when someone says there are signs of improvement, given the nature of what we know, his cardiac arrest, and the impact on his lungs as well, it would probably revolve around that.
Is his heart starting to take over more and more activity, requiring fewer medications? Is it becoming easier, to actually ventilate, use the breathing machine, without having to use higher settings, to have him prone? Those are the sorts of things you're sort of looking for. Are his vital signs stabilizing?
But again, it can be a long ride, and it can be a rocky ride, from day-to-day. So, you might hear improvements one day, a little bit of a step backwards, the next day. [21:30:00]
And also, Anderson, as he wakes up, I mean, one of the things they're going to really want to see is, has there been an impact on other organs, in his body, including his brain. Hopefully not. Hopefully, there was enough circulating oxygenated blood that that's not going to be an issue. But these are the sorts of things they're going to be looking for, on a hourly, or even more frequent, basis.
COOPER: And obviously, we don't know details of his condition. Would he be -- you said, when he wakes up, would he be being kept unconscious? Or is that--
GUPTA: Yes.
COOPER: Yes. What's his status?
GUPTA: Yes. I mean, when someone's heart function is not adequate, there's a couple of things that you need to do.
One is that you use medicines, to try and improve the heart function that improves the amount of blood that is circulating throughout the body. But, at the same time, you can sort of decrease the demands that the body has on the heart. Sort of, you can do that by sedation. And the sedation then would require someone be on a breathing machine.
They may use something known as hypothermia, something you and I've talked about. But when you actually cool the body, you're lowering the metabolic demands that the body has on the heart. So, you're trying to give the heart and lungs a little bit of a break here. So, that's a bit of what is likely going on. You're allowing the body to sort of repair itself, and put it in the best environment, for it to do so.
COOPER: Well, it's fascinating. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, thanks so much. Appreciate it.
The plane carrying the 28-year-old accused, of stabbing to death, four University of Idaho students, has just arrived, in an airport, near Moscow, Idaho. We're going to go live to CNN's Gary Tuchman, in Idaho, with the latest.
[21:35:00]
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COOPER: New tonight, the suspect, in the murders of four University of Idaho students, has landed, at a nearby airport, tonight, after being extradited, from Pennsylvania. A plane carrying Bryan Kohberger, arrived, at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, moments ago.
Tension now shifts, the probable cause affidavit, outlining the evidence, to justify his arrest. It could answer many outstanding questions, about the investigation. But it most likely won't be released, until after he appears in court, there.
Want to go to CNN's Gary Tuchman, live, in Moscow, Idaho. So, you're close by. Can you describe the scene, when he landed?
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, he just landed about 10 minutes ago, Anderson, at the airport, in Pullman, Washington, which is right next to Washington State University, where Kohberger worked, and where he also is a graduate student. And that is only 15 minutes away, from where we are, right now.
Members of the news media were there. Police were there. He's been flying, for about 13 hours, today, on a plane that's much slower than the typical commercial plane, you fly, or a Cessna that people fly. So, it took 13 hours, or two stops, to get here. But he's now here.
And we expect him to arrive here, at the Latah County jail, in Moscow, Idaho, across the state line, about 10 minutes from now. And this is a key moment, because we've been told once he's here, once he's inside this jail, behind me that authorities here will be able to release the probable cause affidavit.
That affidavit, if it is publicly released, like they've told us it will be, will talk to us -- will tell us about the motivation that authorities believe this man had, when he allegedly carried out the murders, of four people, in a house, just about five minutes away from us. And it will answer questions like, did he know, any of these four people. Do authorities believe he knew?
So, we're waiting for those papers, that affidavit to be released. We're not sure if it will be released tonight, or released tomorrow, when he's expected to have his initial appearance in court. That time hasn't been told to us, for that appearance. We expect it will be tomorrow.
But during that appearance in court, he will not make a plea. He will be told about his rights, about the protocol for the case. He will then have a preliminary hearing where he will issue a plea.
But either way, the extradition of this man, is now, complete. He is back in the area, where he's alleged to have carried out these murders.
Anderson?
COOPER: And, I mean, you've spent a lot of time, in that area. I'm sure, obviously, I know, you've talked to people. There's a lot of relief that at least somebody has been caught, whether or not he's proved guilty or not. What's the mood, there, like?
TUCHMAN: Yes, no, there's a lot of relief. I mean, this is a very small community. Moscow, Idaho, has a population of 26,000 people. It's a beautiful town. It's a very charming place. And there's very little crime here.
When we talked to people yesterday, who said, most people, I would say, who say, they occasionally don't lock the doors, a lot of people, who say they never lock their doors. And during the last seven weeks, everybody was locking their doors. And everybody was scared. And people were going out, in a buddy system, when they went out.
And people were just terrified, because they didn't know when they were walking down the streets, in this area, or in Pullman, Washington, right across the border, if there was a killer on the loose.
So, there's a great relief. Obviously he has to be proven guilty, in a court of law. But, I can tell you, there's a very big change of mood, here, in this community.
COOPER: Yes. Gary Tuchman, appreciate it. Thank you.
More now on the investigation, and what comes next, we're joined by Criminal defense attorney, Sara Azari.
So, Sara, now that the suspect's landed back, in the region, we're expecting the probable cause affidavit to be unsealed, at some point, very soon, as Gary was mentioning.
What level of -- I mean, what does it have, and at what level of detail does it go into?
SARA AZARI, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Anderson, first of all, I've missed you. Good to see you. Happy New Year.
The probable cause affidavit is critical, because it lays out the evidence that supports the arrest, essentially, that this is the suspect or the right suspect. Probable cause is the lowest standard we have, in the criminal justice system. But it's still a standard.
And, as of now, Anderson, all we have is there's DNA at this home. And there's a car, make- model- and year-ish, right, this Hyundai that was near the scene. And that's not enough, even for probable cause. So, the question is, and of course, all of us want to know, what else do they have that supported getting this man arrested?
I think one of the issues is going to be the -- one of the developments, today, was that the defense team, for Kohberger, was at the home, and it sort of indicates that there's a parallel investigation, going on, and that there might be a motion, to change venue, and a motion to keep this affidavit sealed.
[21:40:00]
Not sure if it's going to get granted. But the judge is going to weigh, the interest of the public, and what's in it, of course and, of course, the interest of this defendant, for due process, because really, he's not getting much due process.
COOPER: As we've reported, the suspect's attorney, in Pennsylvania, has said this suspect believes he'll be exonerated. So, he already has a defense team, on the ground, there.
There's questions, obviously, the DNA that was apparently used? That may -- that will likely become an important part, or play a role. How hard is the DNA evidence to refute? It's somewhat controversial, if it's familial DNA.
AZARI: Right, exactly. It's controversial, it's familial DNA. And also, DNA, I mean, DNA, these days, because of the technology is fairly accurate, hard to refute. But all it does is place him there, right?
And I don't know about you, Anderson. But, I had a lot of DNA, in my college crash pad, OK? So, this was a party house. And while he was there, when was he there? Who else was there? That is the question.
Because remember, when he got arrested, and the media is all over this battle? "His eyes were spooky, and he didn't say anything. He didn't jump up and down, and proclaim his innocence?" No, he shouldn't. And he didn't, right?
But what he did say, Anderson was, "Did you make any other arrests?" And that's a really good question. Are you singling me out? Or have you really gone through, and done a thorough investigation, to identify any and all suspects? And then, that's going to be important, as defense, down the road.
COOPER: What grounds would a judge decide to keep the affidavit, with all the details in it, to keep it from being released?
AZARI: Well, I think it's going to be -- this is a very high profile case. It's very hard to get a fair and impartial jury, down the line. I mean, I think even with a change of venue that this whole nation is a bad venue for him, right, because everybody's eyes have been on this case, for two months.
Looking at his interests, and his constitutional rights, and then the interest of the public--
COOPER: Right.
AZARI: --in knowing, right? We're all sitting here going, "Well what more do you have? We only know what you show," right?
And, by the way, one more thought I have to share is this stop, when he was driving, with his father, right? It in no way indicates to me that he's a flight risk.
First of all, he's driving, not his father, right? And it's winter break. I don't think there's anything unusual about a father and son driving and bonding.
I mean, wouldn't you do that with Wyatt, when he turns 28?
COOPER: Well, he was stopped twice--
AZARI: Yes.
COOPER: -- which is interesting, by Police, within moments of each other. There's still obviously a lot to learn. We'll see about this -- the affidavit.
Sara Azari, I appreciate your time tonight. Thank you.
AZARI: Thanks, Anderson.
COOPER: In a moment, we're going back to Capitol Hill, for Breaking News. We just learned about a new offer being made, by Kevin McCarthy, to his opponents, inside the Republican Party. Can it get him 218 votes? That's the question.
[21:45:00]
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COOPER: We're just now learning more about what Kevin McCarthy's team is offering, in exchange for yes-votes, in his uphill bid, to become Speaker of the House.
CNN's Manu Raju has the latest. Let's go back to him.
What have you learned?
RAJU: Yes. A source tells me that they have in fact made an offer, to these Conservative opponents, filled with a bunch of changes, process changes. I'm told, from a source, with direct knowledge of the matter that this is a, quote, "Substantive offer" that they have made, to essentially give in, to a lot of the things they have been suggesting.
Now, my source did not want to reveal all the details in it. But we have a sense on what they've been asking for. They want more power. They want better efforts, to influence legislation, on the floor. They want to be able to oust a sitting Speaker, much easier, or at least call for a vote, to do just that. Those are all the issues that have been on the table, and have been bandied about, for some time.
Now, this is the catch, Anderson. I'm told that even if these Conservatives were reviewing this offer, accepted this proposal? That is still almost certainly not going to be enough, to get Kevin McCarthy, to 218 votes. Because, this will bring over, if they do accept it, some members, of that 20 Block Group, the 20s, who have -- members, who have voted to oppose Kevin McCarthy, but not all of them.
Some others have different concerns that they're trying to work out piece by piece by piece, which is why there's some belief, in the McCarthy world, and his close allies, that they are making significant progress, to peeling off some support. But they are just not there yet.
And so, Anderson, this also raises the question about whether or not tomorrow, at noon, when they reconvene, McCarthy can finally get the votes, to become Speaker. It appears that that's going to be a very difficult task to get there by noon, tomorrow. Many more negotiations will need to be had.
There's some discussion that this may have to take through the weekend, into next week, to get this all hammered out. But, at the moment, one big possibility here is that they could peel off some support, with this new offer, on the table, that Conservatives are reviewing, as McCarthy pushes to 218.
Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Manu Raju, appreciate it. Thank you.
Ahead, more on Buffalo Bills player, Damar Hamlin. While he remains in critical condition, something remarkable is happening, not only a mass outpouring of support, but a mass crowd-funding effort, for a cause, dear to his heart, next.
[21:50:00]
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COOPER: More now, on Buffalo Bills Safety, Damar Hamlin, who remains in the ICU, tonight. Not only has there been an outpouring of prayers, and support, for him, there's been a massive flood of donations, to a charity drive, he set up, before entering the NFL. It's a remarkable tribute, combined with such a great cause.
CNN's Randi Kaye has details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAMAR HAMLIN, AMERICAN FOOTBALL SAFETY FOR THE BUFFALO BILLS OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: What's up? It's Damar Hamlin, back at the hometown, back at the third annual toy drive, man. We're doing it for the kids.
RANDI KAYE, CNN ANCHOR/CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In 2020, Damar Hamlin set up this GoFundMe page, sponsored by his foundation, The Chasing M's Foundation.
He included this note. "As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from, and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me."
Hamlin's charity raises funds, for toys for children, hardest hit, by the Pandemic.
HAMLIN: It's something I've always been into, just giving back, something I've been doing, back at home, in Pittsburgh, for three years.
KAYE (voice-over): The fundraising goal, initially, was $2,500. After Hamlin's injury, donations poured in, and are now approaching $7 million.
In all, more than 200,000 donations have been submitted. Some donations include messages, from fans of other teams. This one reads "Love from a niner Fan." And this donation came from "Bengals Damar Fans." One anonymous donor gave $3,333, an apparent nod to Hamlin's number 3 jersey.
Growing up, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, outside Pittsburgh, Damar Hamlin seemed destined, for football greatness. At Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, he led his team, to a 15-1 record. Some recruitment sites named him the top-rated defensive player, in Pennsylvania. He went on to play for the University of Pittsburgh.
According to what he told the Point Park Globe, last year, playing close to home was a priority. "I was just so Pittsburgh. Everything was Pittsburgh for me," he said.
HAMLIN: From Bills (ph).
(CHEERS)
KAYE (voice-over): But soon came the 2021 NFL draft, and the Buffalo Bills selected him, in the sixth round. He took over, as a starting safety, in September, after his teammate suffered a neck injury. This season, he played 15 games, and had 91 tackles.
HAMLIN: A lot of people never really get to see behind-the-scenes.
[21:55:00]
KAYE (voice-over): Football maybe in his blood. But, for Damar Hamlin, it seems Family comes first.
He posted this, on his Instagram, on Father's Day, this year. "We weathered every storm from hell & back together as a family. Not ashamed of our story cause it made us who we are. Happy Father's Day pops. You taught me a lot in life but something that will always stick with me is making sacrifices for the people you love. Whatever it takes For The Family."
This is what he told Fox Sports about his family.
HAMLIN: My mom, my dad, my little brother, like that's pretty much my whole world.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
HAMLIN: Outside of any other thing going on, my life revolves around them, like I don't really do too much without my mom and dad's opinion.
KAYE (voice-over): Hamlin's big heart, often on display. After a teammate, and close friend, returned to the field, following a neck injury, from a game, Hamlin recently shared this seemingly prescient sentiment, on One Bills Live sports radio show.
HAMLIN: He was next to me, and I just grabbed his hand, a little bit harder, just because you know you never know when like the last day could be that you're getting to experience something like this, you know? So, so I'm just, I'm cherishing it every moment, I can.
KAYE (voice-over): Randi Kaye, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: It's great to see that support! The news continues. "CNN TONIGHT" with Laura Coates, is next, right after a quick break.
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