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American Morning: Wake Up Call
"Smokin" Joe Frazier Dies; Fourth Woman Accuses Herman Cain; Conrad Murray Found Guilty; Accused Abuser Says He's Innocent; Texas Inmate Pursues DNA Testing; Holder Condemns Controversial Program
Aired November 08, 2011 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY KIMMEL, COMEDIAN: So, how was your day?
HERMAN CAIN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We had a little surprise show up on TV.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: He certainly did. Herman Cain on late night TV, just hours after a fourth woman comes forward claiming she was sexual harassed by the Republican presidential hopeful. And new morning, another woman, a new complaint.
Also, new video this morning as the powerful tornado strikes southwestern Oklahoma.
And if you are a Bank of America customer, you maybe getting some money put back into your account real soon. We'll explain who is eligible and why.
And good morning to you. It is Tuesday, November 8th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. I'm Carol Costello, joining you live from New York this morning.
The boxing world is mourning the death of former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, universally recognized as one of the greatest -- sports greatest fighters. His family said he died yesterday of liver cancer at his home in Philadelphia.
Frazier, who is just 67 years old, may be best remembered for his three epic fights with Mohammed Ali. He won the heavyweight title with a 15-round decision over Ali in 1971. Known as Smokin' Joe Frazier, he lost two other fights against Ali. In all, he won 32 fights, lost four, had one draw.
In a statement, Ali said, quote, "The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."
We'll have more on Frazier's career and death at the bottom of the hour.
A fourth woman is now accusing Herman Cain of sexual harassment and she is the first one to do so publicly. Sharon Bialek made the allegations at a news conference. She says Cain groped her when she met him in 1997 when she was asking him to help her find a job.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARON BIALEK, CAIN ACCUSER: He suddenly reached over and he put his hand on my leg under my skirt and reached for my genitals. He also grabbed my head and brought it towards his crotch. Mr. Cain said, "You want a job, right?" I asked him to stop and he did.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In another development, "The Washington Examiner" reports that a fifth woman is raising questions about Cain's behavior. A former employee with the USAID says Cain asked her to help arrange a dinner date with a woman who attended one of his speeches in 2002. She says she was suspicious of Cain's motive and she declined to set up a date.
Cain says he will address the new accusations at a news conference in Phoenix. That will happen this afternoon. Cain also appeared on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night and again said that all of these allegations are totally fabricated.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAIN: I'm sitting here and they are watching me and they could see steam coming out of my ears. And the feelings that you have when you know that all of this is totally fabricated, you go from anger, then you go, you get disgusted. You try to control yourself to make sure you watch this thing all the way through. And I was listening very closely.
And then when it was all over with, I said, well, I know what we got to do, because there's not an ounce of truth in all these accusations and my team is putting this stuff together. That's why I'm willing to do a press conference tomorrow to set the record straight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The press conference will happen in Phoenix at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Cain's camp also released a statement. It reads, quote, "The questions the media should be asking are: who's paying Gloria Allred's fee," -- that's the woman's attorney" - "how did Ms. Bialek get introduced to Ms. Allred, and was she paid to come forward with these accusations or was she promised employment?" End quote.
Gloria Allred, as I said, is Sharon Bialek's attorney. Bialek's fiance told CNN affiliate WGN-TV that she was not paid to speak out about the allegations.
Dr. Conrad Murray's attorneys are vowing to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of pop star Michael Jackson. Murray showed no emotion as the verdict was read after two days of deliberations. The judge denied him bail, calling him a flight risk.
Jackson's family spoke briefly to reporters as they left the courthouse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LATOYA JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S SISTER: Michael loves everybody out here. I love him -- we all love him. And guess what? He was in that courtroom. That's why victory was served.
JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S BROTHER: Justice was served. Yes. It wasn't enough time, though.
REPORTER: What would you say for Michael?
J. JACKSON: Michael is with us. Michael is with us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Dr. Murray faces up to -- four years excuse me -- in prison. His sentencing is set for November 29th. His medical license will be automatically suspended. We'll bring you explosive reaction from Murray's defense lawyer in just a few minutes.
In Greece, a new prime minister is expected to be named this hour to replace George Papandreou. He stepped down Sunday to make way for a new government. Its biggest and most immediate task will be to ratify the E.U. bailout package and into preventing Greece from defaulting on its massive debt. The package carries with it very tough belt-tightening requirements which many Greeks oppose. If the bailout plan is not ratified, the country could go bankrupt, a development that would throw global financial market into a tailspin.
Another big concern to international investors -- Italy. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a crucial vote on the budget today. This comes amid fears that Italy could be the next victim of the Euro zone debt crisis. It has Europe's third biggest economy. Italy's debt is relatively low but investors worry about the country's low growth rate and its massive debt.
As for Berlusconi, he's calling rumors that he might resign, groundless. Adding fuel to the rumors he could face a confidence vote next week.
Now, let's head to Atlanta and check in with Rob Marciano.
Good morning, Rob.
ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.
Look, this is intense stuff that happened yesterday across Oklahoma and we had severe weather breaking out today. I want to show you this video out of Tipton, Oklahoma.
Look at this tornado touching down. Remarkable. No injuries. Some structures were damaged. But Tipton, fairly rural. So, that's the good news there.
Storm chasers got out and tracked this thing down. I don't believe we have any word for how strong it was. But it looks like it was at least an EF-2. You see the intense circulation as well. Classic, classic stuff.
We do get these in the fall my friends, not quite as long of a season as the spring or as intense. But when they come down, they come down in a hurry and with certainly some intensity.
Here is the radar right now. Let's look at where the action is this morning. Severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for parts of west Texas, including Abilene, as that intense line of thunderstorms makes its way towards Dallas. So, you're going to be under the gun.
And the lesser intense stuff, more in the way of cold rain, heading towards Green Bay, Chicago -- some of this will become snow later on today towards northern Wisconsin and parts of Minneapolis. But mostly a rainmaker, wind behind this thing and the severe weather threat pushes off to the east through Louisiana and parts of Arkansas. Once again, east of the Mississippi, for the most part, you're OK. But Dallas and Chicago, if you're traveling there, those are the immediate problem spots, with likely over an hour delays expected there as they get closer to the noon hour. And then after that, St. Louis, and Kansas City, look like problems as well.
Mild ahead of this thing, and cold behind the thing, and we have a subtropical storm has been named. Carol, we'll talk more approximate that in the next half an hour. Hurricane season continues right on --
COSTELLO: Oh, do we have to talk about it?
MARCIANO: Yes, part of the gig. It doesn't look like it's going to be a huge threat at this time. We'll show it to you.
COSTELLO: OK. We'll let you. Thank you, Rob.
MARCIANO: Thanks.
COSTELLO: All right. Time to play brainstorm. A game only comedian Jimmy Fallon and our own Anderson Cooper could think of. So, here's your punch line.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: For a limited time only.
(LAUGHTER)
JIMMY FALLON, COMEDIAN: What was engraved on Kim Kardashian's wedding ring?
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Gone in 60 seconds.
FALLON: What happens when you put a chocolate cake in front of Chris Christie?
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: I'll be back.
FALLON: What did Lindsay Lohan say when she left prison this morning?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Oh, jeez. Flying near the earth right at this moment, an asteroid about the size of an aircraft carrier. Still ahead, why it's so important to our planet and, of course, we'll tell you whether it's going to hit our planet.
But first, our "Quote of the Day" -- some tough talk for the politician. He says, quote, "We need to lay down the law to Pakistan," end quote. Find out who issued that warning in 90 seconds.
It's nine minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 10 minutes past the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
Back to our "Quote of the Day." Some tough talk from a politician. He says, quote, "We need to lay down the law to Pakistan," end quote. That was Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry. He was speaking on a radio program with FOX News host Bill O'Reilly. Perry suggested the Pakistani intelligence agency was involved in actions harmful to America and tougher action was required against that country.
Cyber warfare, it's a real threat and the Pentagon is looking to beef up weapons pile. Let's head to Hong Kong and Kristie Lu Stout.
Good morning, Kristie Lu. So, tell us more.
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: The Pentagon is looking for weapons to use in cyber warfare. And according to the director of the Defense Advance Research Project Agency or DARPA, the research arm of the Pentagon, the U.S. government needs more and better options to protect the country from cyber assaults. Now, the chief of DARPA, she said this, quote, "Malicious cyber attacks are not merely an existential to bits and bites, they are a real threat to our physical systems, including our military systems." And she adds that the first goal must be to prevent war. But she adds that policy makers must protect our civil liberties.
Now, DARPA has proposed a boost in several research funding for next year, from $120 million to $208 million.
And, Carol, the Pentagon is also calling for half a billion dollars in funding for cyber security over the next five years. So, this is a major push.
COSTELLO: Wow. Let talk approximate this asteroid flying really close to the earth.
STOUT: Yes.
COSTELLO: I assume it's going to miss us. Why is it important?
STOUT: There is no danger here. Let's say that up front. An asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier, pretty big, wields by the earth tonight. It's closer than the moon. And NASA scientists have been tracking this asteroid. It's called YU55 every day since Friday. They'll continue to watch it, especially tonight.
Now, the best place to see it will be on the U.S. East Coast, 6:30 p.m. local time. Scientists say that you will need a telescope. And they've assured us -- again, there was no danger of the asteroid crashing into the earth or the moon.
Now, it's been more than 30 years since scientist versus had a chance to study an object this size so close to our planet. So, they're really excited here. And they believe that one day, asteroids may serve as fueling stations and even watering holes for interplanetary travel.
But, again, Carol, you're there on the U.S. east coast. No excuses, 6:30 p.m. tonight. Get yourself a telescope. It should be quite a show.
COSTELLO: Get myself a telescope? OK, I'll rush out and buy one. But
(CROSSTALK)
STOUT: You'll be able to find one.
COSTELLO: Oh, that's a great idea. I'm going to do it now. Thanks, Kristie Lu Stout. We appreciate it.
STOUT: Yes.
COSTELLO: One of Herman Cain's accusers goes public about sexual harassment allegations. She is telling her side of the story. Just ahead: how the Cain camp will respond.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 15 minutes past the hour.
Are you ready for more "Brainstorm" with Jimmy Fallon and Anderson Cooper? Here it is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs.
FALLON: What's the weather forecast in the Jersey shore hot tub?
COOPER: For the last time, it's Rihanna.
FALLON: Oh, na, na, what's my name?
COOPER: Mission impossible.
FALLON: What is Rick Perry's new campaign slogan?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Time now for your Political Ticker with Pam Kirkland. She's the senior producer of "Morning Briefing" on Sirius POTUS. She's live in Washington.
Good morning.
PAM KIRKLAND, SIRIUS POTUS: Good morning.
COSTELLO: So let's talk about Herman Cain because he's getting ready this afternoon to address new claims against him by his first accuser that has a face and a voice. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BIALEK: I hope that I didn't lose anything. I really hope that what I did will enable other women to come forward in similar situations. Unfortunately for Herman, he's still in denial.
CAIN: We watch to see what it was and who it was. We are dealing with it. And tomorrow, we're going to have a press conference.
KIMMEL: Oh, you're having a press conference?
CAIN: Oh, yes. We are going to have a press conference. We are taking this head on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: So, this woman, she says that Herman Cain did more than really sexually harass her. He actually touched her and touched her leg and headed towards her genitals, which is pretty shocking to hear frankly for most people. I hear a little gasp as people watched that.
So, when Herman Cain has a press conference later today, what can he say?
KIRKLAND: Yes, we're going to see Herman Cain defend himself later today during that news conference. Cain told Jimmy Kimmel last night he's speaking out today to set the record straight. Cain is going to meet reporters at the Scottsdale Hotel to rebut Sharon Bialek, who is the fourth accuser. Her claim that he made sexual advances toward her in 1997.
You know, yesterday before Sharon Bialek and her attorney Gloria Allred had even finished their news conference, the Cain campaign had sent out a response attempting to discredit the story and get out in front of this fourth accuser. We've been hearing people saying, since this story broke, Cain needed to get in front of it, lay out the facts. Most recently, we've heard Mississippi Governor Hailey Barbour, former Speaker Newt Gingrich saying Cain should get the story over with. We'll, of course, watch to see what Cain has to say this afternoon. But I have a feeling the story is nowhere near over with.
COSTELLO: No. We understand a fifth woman has now appeared and her story is in the Washington examiner this morning.
Let's talk about this new Pew Research Center poll showing what Americans think about these allegations -- 39 percent think they're true, 24 percent think they're false and 36 percent say they don't know. This poll was conducted before the latest allegations surfaced.
So, is the 39 percent significant?
KIRKLAND: Well, I think the more interesting fact here is the 36 percent that said they didn't know. You mentioned the poll was done before Monday's news conference with Herman Cain's fourth accuser, Sharon Bialek. That number is sure to change over the course of the next few days as people do start to make up their minds about these women's' claims. We've seen Cain's favorably rating take a hit over the last couple of days, but still standing pretty strong.
Bialek said in the news yesterday, I'm coming forward to give a face and voice to those women who cannot for whatever reason and while she did. And we'll have to see if that changes, how voters look at Cain and how Cain supporters, if they're able to ignore these allegations of sexual harassment, now that they are details, we have a name, we have a face and we have a fifth accuser now.
COSTELLO: Yes, so the story will continue to evolve today as they say. Pam Kirkland, senior producer of "Morning Briefing" on Sirius POTUS Radio -- thank you for joining us this morning.
What Conrad Murray's defense lawyer is saying about the doctor's guilty verdict in the death of Michael Jackson? That's coming up next, only on CNN.
But, first, get out the chef's hat and the kiss the cook apron and round up some garlic, too. That's because it's Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day. Don't assume that means a bad smell. Some other ingredients that will do the trick -- onions, chili pepper and ginger. Bon appetit as they say.
Twenty minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's 22 minutes past the hour.
Dr. Conrad Murray's defense team is vowing to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction of the death of pop star Michael Jackson.
In an exclusive interview with CNN's Ted Rowlands, Murray's attorneys say he was prevented from presenting what he considered key evidence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NAREG GOURJIAN, CONRAD MURRAY'S DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Mr. Jackson's prior drug use, we were limited as to what we've been introduced. We weren't allowed to bring in Dr. Klein to testify in regard to the Demerol shot. We were excluded from bringing in staff that work with Dr. Klein's medical office. In addition to that, we weren't allowed to bring in Mr. Jackson's financial condition. In fact, we were prevented from even introducing into evidence the contract between AEG and Mr. Jackson. We felt that evidence was crucial and necessary for the jury to have considered.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: CNN's Casey Wian joins us now live in Los Angeles.
So, Dr. Conrad Murray, he's behind bars now and I understand he's on suicide watch?
CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, he is behind bars. And that was one of the big surprises yesterday after the verdict is that the judge ruled that he was a potential danger to society and that's one of the reasons why he ordered him immediately remanded into the custody of the sheriff. And he does remain behind bars in that protective custody that all high-profile inmates, if you will, do go through.
His sentencing is scheduled for November 29th. As we've heard, his defense team does plan to appeal. The sentencing, though, will be done by that same judge who has already ruled that he believes that Dr. Conrad Murray is a threat to society.
The doctor could get four years in state prison -- his defense team indicating to CNN that they plan to ask for probation and perhaps some time in the county jail, a brief period of time. But it we'll have to wait and see what the judge will decide on that.
One thing that is clear is it's likely that Dr. Murray will lose his medical licenses in the three states, California, Texas and Nevada, that he practiced medicine in, Carol.
COSTELLO: Casey, I know some members of Jackson's family were inside that courtroom. What was their reaction to the verdict?
WIAN: Well, they were absolutely jubilant. There were shouts, even though the judge admonished spectators not to have any outbursts, there were shouts in the courtroom that could be heard. And then once those family members emerged from court to a throng of adoring fans, they gave their reaction.
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
L. JACKSON: Michael loves everybody out here. I love him -- we all love him. And guess what? He was in that courtroom. That's why victory was served.
J. JACKSON: Justice was served. Yes. It wasn't enough time, though.
REPORTER: What would you say for Michael?
J. JACKSON: Michael is with us. Michael is with us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WIAN: You know, the fan reaction, there were hundreds of fans gathered out here, outside the courtroom yesterday afternoon to hear that verdict. There was an eruption, joy, jubilation, by those fans. Several hours after the verdict was read, when I left here yesterday evening, there were still fans on the sidewalk behind me playing Michael Jackson's music and dancing to it, Carol.
COSTELLO: Casey Wian, live in Los Angeles, thanks so much.
Remembering boxing legend Joe Frazier. Just ahead: we'll look back on the life of Joe Frazier. He was one of the great he's men ever to enter the boxing ring.
And Attorney General Eric Holder heads to Capitol Hill in just a few hours to testify a controversial program that has some calling for his job.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Good morning to you. It is Tuesday, November 8th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. I'm Carol Costello, joining you live this morning from New York. It's 30 minutes past the hour.
Former heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Frazier, has died after battling liver cancer. He was just 67 years old. Our Mark McKay has more on the boxing legend known as Smoking Joe.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARK MCKAY, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Joe Frazier made his indelible mark on boxing during the sports heavyweight heydays. Born and the son of a South Carolina sharecropper, Smoking Joe as he was known, rose through the ranks to become one of the most recognized fighters in history.
After winning a gold medal for the United States at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Frazier turned professional and quickly began ringing up opponents in the ring. Using a vicious left hook, Frazier floored fighters at a dizzying pace en route to capturing the undisputed heavyweight crown in 1970. It was the catalyst for one of the greatest rivalries the score (ph) has ever known.
In 1971, Frazier stirred down Muhammad Ali at a bout dub the fight of the century at Madison Square Garden New York. Through 15 bruising rounds, Frazier staggered Ali and was awarded a unanimous decision. Three years later, Ali finally got his revenge by winning a 12-round unanimous decision which set the stage for the "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975.
Frazier battled through 14 rounds before his corner stopped the fight handing victory to Ali who'd say years later that Frazier was the toughest opponent he had ever faced. In typical boxing fashion, Smoking Joe retired in 1976 only to make a short-lived comeback in the early 1980s before retiring for good. Frazier left boxing with 32 victories, four defeats, and one draw, but he never truly walked away from the fight game.
In his latter years, Frazier owned a gym in Philadelphia where he taught the finer points of the sport to a new generation of boxers eager to learn from one of the all-time greats.
Mark McKay, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Smoking Joe was the first fighter to beat Muhammad Ali. A very public rivalry, as you heard. Each man helped defined the other. In a statement, Muhammad Ali said, quote, "the world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."
Penn state coach Joe Paterno will likely face a barrage of questions about the sex scandal that's rocked the school when he holds his weekly press conference today. Former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, is accused of sexually abusing at least eight boys between 1994 and 2009.
Prosecutors say it's possible more victims could come forward. Sandusky, who is free on bond, maintains his innocence. Two university officials charged with covering for him have stepped down.
A Texas death row inmate will not be put to death tomorrow as originally planned. A state appeals court has granted Henry Skinner's wish to allowing to pursue DNA testing. He says that testing will prove his innocence. Skinner was convicted in the 1993 murders of his girlfriend and her two sons. He admits to being there but says he was too full of booze and codeine to have killed anyone.
Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to condemn the controversial "Fast and Furious" program when he testifies before a Senate panel today. In released excerpts, he says the operation allowing illegal guns to be smuggled into Mexico should have never happened. Guns traced to the program were found at the murder scene of a federal agent. Some republicans have called for Holder to resign.
Another Senate hearing today will detail a new report that warns shocking numbers of bogus electronic parts are turning up in U.S. military systems. Senators Carl Levin and John McCain say the parts put (ph) a safety risk to the American troops and that most of them come from China.
The Congressional study sifted through hundreds of suspected cases discovering about a million bogus components.
Billionaire investor, Warren Buffett, goes on a stock buying spree, but wait until you hear how much he spent. As he puts it, it's like buying something on sale. We'll talk about it in 60 seconds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Thirty-five minutes past the hour. If you are a Bank of America customer, you may see some extra cash in your account very soon.
Let's head to Christine Romans to find out why. Ooh, this sounds kind of good.
CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, a major settlement. One of the biggest consumer settlements we've ever seen, quite frankly. A $410 million B of A saying that it's going to settle and not admit any wrongdoing, but it's going to settle with consumers over automatic overdraft charges. Over a period of a decade who had consumers complaining about this automatic overdraft charges.
In most cases, like 35 bucks a hit. And now, you know, there are new rules to prevent all of this, of course. But along the way, there were consumers who are complaining that the deck was stacked against them. That the system was in such a way that they would always be charged the most number of overdraft charges they could.
Now, an attorney involved in all this said, look, B of A raked in maybe $4.5 billion in these sorts of fees over the years, and they'll be paying out only $410 million. Some consumers have objected that it's not enough, but what you'll see if you have been a Bank of America customer between January of 2001 and May of 2011, you might see Bank of America put some money back into your account.
By one estimate, maybe up to 27 bucks, which isn't even cost one of those overdrafts, of course, but it is something Carol.
COSTELLO: 27 bucks?
(LAUGHTER)
ROMANS: I don't know. I'm going to be interested to see -- there won't be paperwork. You might get a check in the mail or you'll get something actually in the account. So, keep a close eye on it and then tell us how much it was. (INAUDIBLE)
COSTELLO: Beautiful thing. Yes. Let's talk about investor, Warren Buffett, the really rich guy, and then, why he's investing $20 billion, a lot more than 27 bucks, $20 billion in the U.S. stock market.
ROMANS: Hey, because of the down quarter and the smart money buys things when they're, you know, cheap, right, and sells them when they get high. And Warren Buffett sees some value, apparently. It was a pretty bad quarter for U.S. stocks. I mean, I think the S&P in the third quarter was down something like 14 percent. That's the worst quarter we're told by CNNMoney since the financial crisis.
So, it looks as though Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway found some value. And in a filing late Friday, you know, you can see after the fact what these big companies and then these investors have done shows that Warren Buffett, his Berkshire Hathaway bought $20 billion in stocks in those three months. That's -- that's an awful lot of money.
It's showing you that he's finding value. I can't see what exactly he did buy. And sometimes, you can tell what big stakes they buy overall, but you know, he -- there's also some derivatives that they were involved in. He made bullish comments on stocks during the whole period as well.
So, it looks as though Buffett, overall, it bullish on things. I'm trying to look here. It looks like a chemical company, a specialty chemical company, about $8 billion there. Also let's see, chemical company, he has a pretty aggressive financial company position as well. So, it looks like a little bit of everything, Carol.
COSTELLO: OK. Well, maybe those Bank of America customers can take their $27 and --
(LAUGHTER)
COSTELLO: Invest it there (ph) somewhere.
ROMANS: Buy a chemical company.
COSTELLO: Sure. Thanks, Christine.
If you didn't know any better, you'd think the presidential campaign has become either as the world turns or the WWE Monday night raw. When we come back, the latest punch, counter punch.
But first, our "Get Smart" question of the day honors Smoking Joe Frazier who passed away at the age of 67. He lost only two of his fights in his entire professional career. So, which fighter did not beat Joe Frazier during his professional career? Was it A. George Foreman, B. Buster Mathis, or C. Muhammad Ali? We'll have your answer in two minutes. It's 39 minutes past.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 41 minutes past the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. But first, our "Get Smart" question of the day honor Smoking Joe Frazier who passed away 67. He lost only two fighters his entire professional career. Which boxer did not beat Joe Frazier during his professional career, that did not beat him. Was it Foreman, was it Mathis or was it Ali? The answer is B, bud, Buster Mathis did beat Frazier, but both were amateurs at the time.
Frazier lost to Mathis during tryouts for the 1964 summer Olympics games. Mathis was injured before the game, so Frazier took the spot and he won the gold medal. Now, you know.
On to politics now with the story of Herman Cain keeps giving us little something to talk about. Accusations, denials, accusations, denials, all playing out on national television. Perhaps, you saw Cain's latest accuser speak at a news conference. Sharon Bialek says she was in a parked car with Herman Cain when he slipped his hand underneath her dress and groped her.
The Cain campaign calls those allegations false. The accusations and denials continued way into the night. Here is Bialek on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARON BIALEK, CAIN ACCUSER: This is a man that I went to for help. And he -- you know, and the reason I went to him for help is because he's a powerful man within the organization. I respected him. I looked up to him. And it just was shocking to me that he would use that power in such a way.
I really hope that what I did will enable other women to come forward in similar situations. Unfortunately, for Herman, he's still in denial.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Herman Cain did not go quietly into the night. In fact, he was on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HERMAN CAIN, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm sitting here, and they're watching me, and they can see steam coming out of my ears. And the feelings that you have when you know that all of this is totally fabricated, you go from anger, then you get disgusted. You try to try to control yourself to make sure you watch this thing all the way through, and I was listening very closely.
And then, when it was all over with, I said well, I know what we got to do, because there's not an ounce of truth in all of these accusations. My team is putting this stuff together. That's why I'm going to do a press conference tomorrow to set the record straight.
JIMMY KIMMEL, HOST, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE: And if there are future fire storms, will you talk about them? CAIN: I will talk about any and all future fire storms, because here's one thing people don't know about Herman Cain. I'm in it to win it. And I'm not going to be discouraged.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: He talked about that news conference that will happen today at 5:00 p.m. eastern. It will take late in Phoenix, Arizona. CNN, of course, will carry it live.
John Lennon's former housekeeper sells one of his teeth at auction for more than $30,000. Why did she have that tooth? We'll have more on that story next.
But first, on this day in history, in 1960, Americans went to the polls in what is still the closest presidential race in U.S. history when considering the popular vote. With more than 68 million total votes, John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon by just over 100,000. That's about .1 percent. The electoral margin was a bit more comfortable for Kennedy.
It's 44 minutes past the hour.
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COSTELLO: Good morning to you. It is Tuesday, November 8th. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. I'm Carol Costello joining you live this morning from New York. It's 47 minutes past the hour.
The boxing world is mourning the death of former heavyweight champ, Joe Frazier. Universally recognized as one of the sports greatest fighters. His family says he died yesterday of liver cancer at his home in Philadelphia. Frazier, who was 67, may be best remembered for his three epic fights with Muhammad Ali.
He won the heavyweight title with a 15-round decision over Ali in 1971. Known as Smoking Joe, Frazier lost two other fights against Ali. In all, he won 32 fights, lost 4, and had one draw. In a statement, Ali said, quote -- excuse me, I apologize.
This is what Muhammad Ali said about the loss of Joe Frazier. "The world lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."
Coach Joe Paterno will likely face a barrage of questions about the sex scandal that's rock Penn State when he holds a weekly news conference today. Former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, is accused of sexually abusing at least eight boys between 1994 and 2009.
Prosecutors say more victims could come forward. Sandusky, who's free on bond, maintains his innocence. Two university officials charge with covering for him have stepped down. Dr. Conrad Murray's attorneys are vowing to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray showed no emotion as the verdict was read after two days of deliberations. The judge denied him bail, calling him a flight risk. Jackson's family spoke briefly to reporters as they left the courthouse.
Murray faces up to four years in prison. His sentencing is set for November 29th. His medical license will be automatically suspended.
In Greece, a new prime minister is expected to be named this hour to replace George Papandreou. He stepped down on Sunday to make way for a new unity government. Its biggest and most immediate task will be to ratify the EU bailout package aimed at preventing Greece from defaulting on its massive debt.
The package carries with it very tough belt-tightening requirements which many Greeks oppose. If the bailout isn't ratified, the country could go bankrupt. The developments that would throw global financial markets into a tailspin.
More than 2,000 tourists every year near Mount Everest. Well, they're going to get a change in plans courtesy of Mother Nature. Let's head around the world with Zain Verjee. She is live in London. So, what's going to be different about Mount Everest exactly?
ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Mother Nature really interrupted these trackers' plans. Six days, Carol, they've been stranded in a remote mountainous region, because the weather has just been so lousy. It's a little bit better now, so there've been flights and helicopters able to take away something like 2,200 tourists that were around the Mount Everest region.
Many of them wanting to trek and climb around that whole area. That's a massive tourist attraction for Nepal, and it brings them a lot of income, but their safety and security was foremost. They've been evacuated, but this is definitely something that that government is trying to deal with right now. And we're talking thousands of tourists coming to this country each year -- Carol.
COSTELLO: OK. On another subject, now, I hate to even bring this up, because I keep seeing this tooth everywhere, and it's so disgusting.
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VERJEE: Needs to be flossed, you know. I've been seeing the same one. Well, yes, I mean, the tooth fairy rates, let's face it, they have now, ladies and gentlemen. They've gone up over the last 40 years. That's the problem. John Lennon's tooth was put on auction for $31,200. That's the number it went for.
And the story goes is that he actually gave his tooth to his housekeeper, and then, said, look, your daughter is a big Beatles fan, why don't you just give it to her. So, that's been put out for auction, and that was the price that it actually went for. And who would buy that tooth?
Because you can't be sure even because it's too fragile to be DNA tested. Turns out, though, it's believed to be authentic and a dentist makes sense right, bought it -- Carol.
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COSTELLO: I just wondered what the dinner party would be like. You know, showing you around his house and says look at this, it's John Lennon's tooth. Would you have a conversation about it? It's just so bizarre.
VERJEE: Well, it is. I mean, Elvis -- someone bought Elvis' hair for $18,000 if I remember correctly, you know? It's just, I don't know. It's just obsession and money leads to stuff like this.
COSTELLO: Yes. It leads to creepiness sometimes. Zain Verjee, thanks as always.
Now, let's head to the weather center and Rob Marciano. I mean, would you buy someone's tooth?
ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: I'm kind of an obsessive person, but I just don't have any money. So, I'm not going to be able to buy anything like that.
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MARCIANO: Yes, it's a nasty looking piece of enamel, isn't it? To each his own. At least a dentist certainly can appreciate it more. Hey, want to talk about radar. This is what's going on as far as severe weather right now across parts of the Midwest, the Western Great Lakes. General rain for the most part from Peoria back to St. Louis, but it will become heavier as we go through the day.
Some snows from Minneapolis over towards Northern Wisconsin. And severe thunderstorm watch in effect for the next few minutes across part of West Texas. Either way, Dallas is about to get hit pretty hard with some heavy duty thunderstorms that will be work near way over the next couple of hours.
So, delays in Dallas and Chicago because of those storms. St. Louis and Kansas City and Houston a little bit later on. There's your highlighted area for severe thunderstorms. We had one intense tornado dropped down in Tipton, Oklahoma, yesterday. Luckily, no injuries. The potential for seeing tornadoes across the red shaded area today everywhere east, for the most part, other Mississippi relatively quiet once again.
You know, east of the Atlantic coastline, subtropical storm Sean developed overnight with winds of 45 miles an hour. Meaning, it has some tropical characteristics. It kind of a hybrid storm. It will be making its way towards Bermuda and away from the U.S. coastline likely with winds no more than 50 miles an hour. Most of those will be north and east of the center. Just north, slightly east of Atlanta proper (INAUDIBLE). We see this video every couple of times a year. Folks in a Taco Mack great place to have a brew and maybe some wings and bone (ph). A deer comes flying in the door front. You now, I hear it's tough to get a table up there. It's pretty popular spot. This guy is running for his life with some toilet paper.
COSTELLO: Let me out!
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MARCIANO: He was on a manhunt. That's the first time I've seen that video to be honest with you. I actually might have to show that again later in the morning. Good stuff.
COSTELLO: Yes. It's quite enjoyable, isn't it?
MARCIANO: Insurance will pay for the window, and I don't think anyone was severely hurt.
COSTELLO: Including the deer, I hope.
MARCIANO: Hopefully.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Rob.
MARCIANO: All right. See you in a bit.
COSTELLO: Older Americans, traditionally, they are always better off than the younger generation, but this latest stats between these two age groups, well, it's really catching attention this morning.
But first, let's take a look at our "Phrase of the day." It's goldstone antennas. Find out what that means and why you need to know after a short break. Six minutes until the top of the hour.
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COSTELLO: Two minutes until the top of the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
Now, back to our phrase of the day. It is goldstone antennas. What are they you ask? Well, they're sensitive radio telescopes used to investigate bright and distant objects and to map planets and comets. They're in the news because NASA will use them to study an asteroid that is supposed to pass by Earth tonight, 6:38 eastern time, in case you're wondering.
Now, let's head to the NASDAQ MarketSite and Carter Evans. Hey, Carter. How are the numbers looking this morning?
CARTER EVANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, they're looking a little bit better today, Carol. We don't have a whole lot of economic reports. The focus is going to be on Europe, Italy, and Greece specifically. We're going to get a lot of earnings today. We're also going to hear from Fossil. We're going to hear from Scotts Miracle-Gro and Activision Blizzard just to name a few. Our futures right now, they're looking okay. Dow futures up about 47 points. NASDAQ 15.25. S&P 500 up about 3.5 right now.
COSTELLO: OK. Show us more on the study that older Americans are way more rich than those younger than 35.
EVANS: Way more rich. Some of these numbers are a little scary. This is a study from the Pew Research Center. And it shows that older Americans now are 47 times richer than young Americans. So, this is looking and considering young Americans 35 and under.
And back in 1984, a 35-year-old or under had a net worth about $11,500 compared to someone 60 or 65 or older who had $120,000 network. That's about ten times more, but look at the difference now. The young American, 35 and under, their net worth went down to $3,662 and the older Americans network went up to $170,000. The reason, whether by choice or by economy, the Pew Research Center determined that younger people are getting a later start in life, and they just don't have as much time for their wealth to grow.
COSTELLO: Yes. They're living with those older people, right?
EVANS: Right.
COSTELLO: Yes.
EVANS: Coming on home. Hi, mom.
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COSTELLO: Carter Evans, thanks. We'll see you tomorrow.
"AMERICAN MORNING" continues right now.
