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American Morning: Wake Up Call
Syracuse Fires Bernie Fine; "Cyber Monday" Madness; $1,000 Tax Hike Looms
Aired November 28, 2011 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: Another child sex abuse scandal exploding this morning. Syracuse has now fired associate men's basketball coach Bernie Fine after a new phone conversation surfaced allegedly between the accuser and Mrs. Fine.
Newt Gingrich winning a huge New Hampshire nod. Another boost to his surging campaign over the holiday weekend.
Skipping the lines and shopping on company time. After a record Black Friday, it's so-called Cyber Monday. And we're on pace for one of the biggest holiday seasons ever.
This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
(MUSIC)
ROMANS: And good morning, everyone. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL for Monday, November 28th, from the Time Warner center in New York City. I'm Christine Romans.
Here are the morning's top stories for you:
The Syracuse child sex abuse scandal taking a brand new twist this morning. The university has fired associate men's basketball coach Bernie Fine -- fired him after a new phone conversation surfaced between allegedly the accuser and Fine's wife. That conversation revealing that Mrs. Fine was worried about the sex abuse allegations and also that she had a sexual relationship with the accuser, as well.
Keeping our eye on Occupy. Wall Street protesters in Los Angeles facing a deadline to clear out of camp just two hours ago. But many refusing to budge, blocking a street and bracing for a police sweep this morning. So far, no violence reported there.
And wreck the malls. Black Friday was a blockbuster. The early numbers are in. This holiday shopping season could be a huge boost for the retailers.
According to the National Retail Federation, total spending over the four-day weekend hit a record $52 billion. That's up 16 percent from last year. Besides the door busters -- wow, online sales exploded, too. Where are people getting all this money, is my question.
Let's get a first check of today's weather, though. Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is in Atlanta.
Good morning, Jacqui.
JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Hey. Good morning, Christine.
Rainy days and Mondays, that's going to be the theme today across parts of the East, particularly the Southeast. So, that's where we're focusing in on, where some of the rain is becoming very heavy at times. In fact, we've got some flash flood watches in fact from northern Georgia through central Kentucky where as much as two to five inches of rain can be expected between now and Tuesday afternoon. So, watch out for some ponding on the roadways.
The good news for you in the Northeast, though, is that that rain is not get there. Well, at least not until tomorrow. So, enjoy your mild temperatures and clear skies until that last.
Much colder air coming in on the back side of it. It might be snow. We'll talk more about that and your travel forecast coming up when I see you again.
ROMANS: All right. Thanks, Jacqui. Nice to see you this Monday morning.
JERAS: Me, too.
ROMANS: We begin this morning with the developing story. Syracuse University associate head basketball coach Bernie Fine has now been fired, this after explosive allegations of sexually abusing two former ball boys.
After the firing, the head coach there who had earlier defended Fine issued this statement: "The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I have that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to the victims of abuse."
ESPN has released a secretly recorded conversation in 2002 between Fine's wife Laurie Fine and one of the coach's accusers, Bobby Davis. On it, potentially damaging evidence suggests Fine's wife not only knew about the abuse, but allowed it to go on.
I'm going to play some of that for you now.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
LAURIE FINE: I know everything that went on, you know, I know everything that went on with him. Bernie has issues, maybe that he's not aware of, but he has issues. And you trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted.
BOBBY DAVIS: Yes.
FINE: Bernie is also in denial. I think that he did the things he did, but he's somehow through his own mental telepathy has erased them out of his mind.
You know what? Go to a place where there's gay boys, find yourself a gay boy. You know, get your rocks off, have it be over with.
DAVIS: Yes, but --
FINE: You know, he needs a, that male companionship that I can't give him, nor is he interested in me, and vice versa.
Because I care about you, and I don't want to see you being treated that way --
DAVIS: Yes.
FINE: -- and, it's hard for, if it was another girl like I told you, it would be easy for me to step in because you know what you're up against, you're -- you're when it's someone, it's another guy, you can't compete with that.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ROMANS: Laurie Fine told the local newspaper who was declining to report the story at that time that Davis had recorded multiple conversations with her and may have edited them to appear more inflammatory. Bobby Davis and his stepbrother Mike Lang say Fine molested them back when they were ball boys. Davis also claimed Laurie Fine had a sex relationship with him when he was 18.
Yesterday, our affiliate WCH spoke to a third accuser who has come forward against Fine. Twenty-three-year-old Zach Tomaselli said Fine molested him in a Pittsburgh hotel when he was 13, the night before a Syracuse game against Pitt. Tomaselli has his own problems. He's facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in Maine in 2009 and 2010.
Tomaselli's own father calls him a liar and denies ever meeting Fine or letting him take a trip with the coach. When asked for a statement, Bernie Fine's attorneys released this: "Mr. Fine will not comment on newspaper stories beyond his initial statements. Any comment from him would only invite and perpetuate ancient and suspect claims. Mr. Fine remains hopeful of a credible and expeditious review of the relevant issues by law authorities."
Deb Feyerick joins us now on the phone from Syracuse.
Deb, wow, a lot of twists in this over the weekend. Deb, bring us up to speed.
DEB FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Yes. You know, Christine, there really are. The one person that we have yet to hear from is Laurie Fine. We were at the home last night. Some of the lights were on but nobody answered our knocks.
What we can tell you, I spoke with one of the brothers, Michael Lang, he is the stepbrother of Bobby Davis. They are the first two people to step forward to accuse Bernie Fine of sexual abuse. They both say they were abused to different degrees.
Michael Lang told me yesterday that the brothers really revered Bernie Fine. As teenagers, that they were so close to this man, that they actually went to this couple's wedding. And that was 26 years ago. And Michael Lang said when he heard Laurie Fine's conversation with his brother on that recorded tape, his hands started shaking because the account was really so similar to what he himself had experienced.
And Michael Lang has said he wants this to play out. He wants law enforcement to get involved. There was never a formal investigation back in 2002 when Bobby Davis first brought these accusations to police. A detective told him that statute of limitations was up but that he could come in and talk to them face to face.
At the time Bobby Davis was in Utah making this call. Bobby Davis didn't come into the station, they basically -- there was no investigation, now they have launched an extensive investigation and they're looking at every angle of this, Christine.
ROMANS: All right. Deb Feyerick in Syracuse for us this morning, following the story -- thank you, Deb.
Three bodies turning up in shallow graves in Ohio. They may all be the victims of a new Craigslist victim. Police say the victims answered an ad on Craigslist to be a caretaker for a cattle farm. Police say three were lured in for the job posting, and then robbed and killed. A local sheriff says there are two suspects in custody connected to those killings.
The family of a Florida A&M drum major who died after a suspected hazing incident now plans to sue the school. They're holding a news conference later today.
Twenty-six-year-old Robert Champion died after a football game last weekend. He reportedly had been throwing up and complaining that he couldn't breathe before he collapsed. No one has been charged, but the university has suggested dangerous band hazing may have been a factor. The school has fired the longtime band director but he's hired a lawyer to fight for his job.
Time running out for more Wall Street protesters. Hundreds of Occupy Los Angeles protesters were told to take their tents and leave their camp outside city hall by midnight on the West Coast, but more showed up overnight. Many of them haven't budged, planning instead to hold a so-called eviction block party. No violence reported so far.
In Philadelphia, the deadline also came and went for up Occupy Philly protesters to dismantle their camp. Hundreds gathered outside city hall with their arms blocked as the 5 p.m. yesterday deadline, bracing for a police sweep.
President Obama hitting the road this week telling lawmakers not to raise taxes on working families during the holidays. He's also talking about the next big fight ahead on Capitol Hill, extending the payroll tax holiday. If Congress doesn't act, 121 million families could see an average $1,000 tax increase. But some Republicans say it hasn't been what it was meant to do, create jobs and the extension has to be offset by spending cuts to pay for it.
Three American college students arrested during Egypt's violent crackdown on protesters are all back in the United States this morning and they are talking about what happened to them. They were released on Friday. The students were accused of throwing Molotov cocktails, but they deny they did that or anything wrong. One of them, 19-year- old Derrik Sweeney says he was roughed up a bit while in police custody.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DERRIK SWEENEY, AMERICAN STUDENT ARRESTED IN EGYPT: If we tried to resist, walk out at first when we were still unsure, they would drag us back and they started hitting us and very quickly pulled our shirts over our heads and lead us into the building. And he yelled (INAUDIBLE) which means spy and then they brought us into the first room where the famous picture was taken. That moment was really unreal and it was the most serious moment of my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROMANS: All three students had been attending American University in Cairo as part of a study abroad program. Keep it more on CNN. You can hear more about Sweeney experience when I interview him at 7:30 Eastern Time.
History unfolding in Egypt right now. For the first time since the revolution that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak, voters there are hitting the polls this morning. This election comes as the nation erupts against -- again, in violent demonstrations that have killed 42 in the past two weeks.
And there is concern that confusion could mar the process with some 6,000 parliamentary candidates and 50 million potential voters.
We're going to take you live to Cairo in a few minutes as the world watches what happens.
Pakistan is choking off vital supply lines into Afghanistan this morning. This happening after Pakistan blames a NATO airstrike for killing 24 of its soldiers. NATO hasn't offered a full apology yet. The NATO secretary-general only saying that the incident was tragic and it was unintended. But there are reports that NATO forces may have come under fire first.
Still to come, a stunning scene on board a plane filled with passengers. Police say a man was sitting in first class and watching child porn.
Drones are best known for their role in destroying hideouts. But could they still be hovering over your neighborhood?
And $1.2 billion, that's the prediction for Cyber Monday sales today.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROMANS: Good morning. It's 15 minutes after the hour.
Here's what's all new this morning:
Syracuse University has fired associate men's basketball coach Bernie Fine. The announcement coming late last night after new reports arose regarding his alleged sexual abuse of boys. A phone conversation allegedly between one of Fine's accusers and Fine's wife has surfaced, where Mrs. Fine claimed she knew everything that went on.
A University of Utah professor accused of watching child pornography on his laptop on a Delta plane. He is scheduled to be arraigned today. Police say another passenger on the weekend flight to Boston spotted the images, tipped off authorities. The suspect who is a father of two young children has been charged with possession of child porn. Police say other charges could follow.
In money, the early Black Friday blitz is a success for retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, total spending over the weekend hit a record $52 billion. That's up 16 percent from last year. On Black Friday alone, in store sales climbed about 6.5 percent to more than $11 billion. And online sales spiked, too.
My question: where is all that money coming from?
All right. In sports, a big win for the United States in golf's world cup. Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland came out victorious in China, ending an 11-year drought for the U.S. The pair won by two strokes by shooting a 5 under par 67. Germany and England tied for second.
All right. Let's get a check of today's weather. Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is in Atlanta for us.
Good morning, Jacqui.
JERAS: Hey, good morning.
A wet start here in Atlanta, Christine, much of the Southeast dealing with rain right now. But this time tomorrow morning, we're going to be talking the "S" word instead. Yes, that's right, not showers. We're talking snow.
Take a look at the forecast map. This is showing that white stuff coming in across parts of Mississippi, into Tennessee, northern Alabama and north Georgia. Most areas will see little if any accumulation. The ground temperature is too warm, so watching for that to move on out quickly and cause you few travel woes.
The travel woes today, Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville, Cinci, all because of low clouds and rain, and San Francisco looking at some fog -- Christine. Looking forward to it.
ROMANS: All right. Jacqui Jeras -- thanks, Jacqui.
An historic day in Egypt. Thousands of Egyptians head to the polls in the first election since the revolt that ousted longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. The voting happening as thousands of protesters continue to pack Tahrir Square.
Our senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman is live at a polling station in Cairo.
A historic day, but not without its concerns but about security and also about the outcome of this election?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Well, certainly, what I'm seeing and I've been to several voting stations already, is it's actually very calm, relatively well- organized. There doesn't seem to be any of the sort of forgery or thuggery that characterized elections under Hosni Mubarak.
I spoke to one man who told me that, you know, this is the first time since -- for Egypt, since Adam and Eve, that they've had a relatively free election. And as far as I can tell, it's been a good turnout. The elections were originally scheduled to last for one day. Now, they're being held for two days. They've been extended to two days.
And, of course, this is a three-stage election. Parliamentary elections could go until January. But so far, it appears that things are going surprisingly smoothly, peacefully and very fairly well- organized.
ROMANS: Give us a quick sense, Ben, about military control of the country right now and some concerns that it has been consolidating power in the absence of a true elected government.
WEDEMAN: This has been the concern of many Egyptians because initially when the military council took over after the departure of Hosni Mubarak, they had said that they would be in power for six months and, of course, now, it's almost ten months and they say they will hand over power by the beginning of July of next year. So, there are many Egyptians who are concerned but the feeling is among many people who are voting today, that this vote and this large turnout in a fairly well-organized and peaceful election is a message to the military that they must eventually step down and hand over power to a civilian government.
And, certainly, the amount of interest in politics that we've seen now compared to the days of Hosni Mubarak when really politics was a no go area for most Egyptians, it sends a very clear message to the military. This is a people who want democracy, they want their right to express their opinion, whether it's with the government, the military or anything else at this point.
ROMANS: All right. Ben Wedeman on the phone with us -- thank you very much, Ben. We'll talk to you as the morning progresses.
Still ahead, planning to work or planning to shop today. How about both? If you are like most Americans, you're going to try to do it and make it Cyber Monday at work.
And the FAA is one step closer for clearing the way for drone aircraft to be used in a neighborhood near you.
It's 20 minutes after the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROMANS: That's Friday where stocks ended in the red after shortened trading. The three major indexes closed down more than 4 percent, finishing up the worst week in about two months.
Missed out on Black Friday? Well, you're going to have your chance for more deals today. It's Cyber Monday. Eight out of 10 online retailers are expected to offer some major promotions and retail experts predict sales could hit a record $1.2 billion this year.
This idea of couch commerce is a growing trend. A survey finds 39 percent of people shopping this holiday weekend plan to do it today.
The United States credit rating is on the line. Fitch is expected to announce whether it will put the U.S. on a negative watch on Thursday. That means there's more than a 50 percent chance a downgrade will follow in the next two years. The announcement comes after the super committee failed to reach a deal to reduce the country's deficit.
Stocks have seesawed wildly in recent weeks. This as the Eurozone debt continues to worry investors. Today, the markets are going to keep a close eye on the E.U. and U.S. economic summit in Washington where leaders are expected to talk about Europe's crisis.
I want to bring in Charles Hodson live in London.
And futures are up this morning. And I'll tell you, there is a lot of hope that at some point here, they've got to figure out this E.U. mess and really be clear about how they're going to fix Europe's debt problem, Charles.
CHARLES HODSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: I think you're right. You've hit the nail on the head, Christine. And I think this is the absolute major question in terms of financial markets, really all the way around the world. As you said, you know, we've got some reasonably good news out of the real economy in the United States over the weekend and perhaps we might get some more in terms of the jobs market, the non-farm payrolls at the end of Friday.
But basically, those are side issues compared to this issue of where is this European debt crisis going? And in particular, are European leaders going to be able to get on top of it because they've been kind of slow in getting ahead of it? It seems to have overtaken them. They are now making what feels like belated efforts to get ahead of it. We're talking about some progress being made behind the scenes, even speculation that perhaps 30 percent of European sovereign bonds could be underwritten in effect by governments.
But, you know, we really need to see exactly what is going to happen. Meanwhile, I think what's moving the market is a lot of speculation, a lot of media reports, some of which are denied and some of which are not even confirmed, Christine.
ROMANS: And I'll tell you this, a lot of headlines fatigue, I would call it. I mean, people say we're still talking about -- explain to us again why it is so incredibly important for Europe to really -- these leaders to fix this? I mean, it's not overstating it to say that the consequences could be dire.
HODSON: No, I think you're absolutely right. And I think if we look at the much, much bigger question here, Christine, the kind of nine-pin effect that we're seeing is it's going to be -- sorry, of course, you have 10-pin bowling -- but basically what we're looking at is the problem of commercial banks. If commercial banks suffer an enormous default on the part of, let's say, a major economy like Spain or, still worse, Italy and we can't rule either of those events out right now, if they suffer that, they will be in a situation where they would effectively be forced into bankruptcy.
If the banks are forced into bankruptcies, we could see runs on bank. And we could see the whole financial system collapse. And U.S. banks would not be immune from this. Clearly, the European banks, particularly those in France but also in Germany are to default, but U.S. banks would suffer enormously. In fact, the whole global financial system could in the worst case scenario really be brought to a grinding halt as a result of defaults on major nations' sovereign debt here in Europe -- Christine.
ROMANS: And so many people, Charles, watching those stock markets. But those credit markets are much more bigger. They are much more important. They're how countries borrow money to fund their day-to-day operations. And so, that's where you're seeing the strain.
And we'll continue to watch it with you. Thanks, Charles.
The use of drone aircraft over U.S. skies appears to be closer to becoming a reality. According to the "L.A. Times," the FAA plans to propose new rules for the use of small drones starting in January. These new rules would eventually allow police departments to stop runaway criminals on rooftops or tracks them down using heat-seeking cameras at night. Farmers think drones could aid in spraying crops with pesticides, and utility companies think they could monitor oil, gas and water pipelines.
Still ahead at 5:30 a.m., our big story of the day, Syracuse fires men associate basketball coach Bernie Fine. This as a third man comes forward claiming he was also molested by Fine.
And Newt Gingrich on a hot streak. He kicks off the week with a big endorsement from the Northeast.
It's about 28 minutes after the hour. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROMANS: Targeting people who are desperate for a job. Police say in one state say they may have a new Craigslist killer or killers on their hand. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL.
All right. Good morning. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL for Monday, November 28th. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Christine Romans. Here are this morning's top stories.
Syracuse University has fired assistant men's basketball coach, Bernie Fine. He is accused of sexually abusing two former ball boys. The announcement coming amid reports of a third accuser, and after ESPN aired a secretly recorded conversation between the coach's wife and his initial accuser. On that, potentially damning evidence suggesting Mrs. Fine knew about the abuse but allowed it to go.
Watching Occupy protesters this morning in Los Angeles for you after a midnight deadline pass asking demonstrators to leave L.A. city hall park, but many are refusing to go home. So far, police have not enforced the eviction order.
Retailers were seeing green over the four-day holiday weekend. Consumers spent a record $52 billion. On Black Friday alone, sales climbed about 6.5 percent to more than $11 billion. That's according to shoppertraffick. It's a malls and stores. Earlier openings at big box retailers contributed to that big boost in sales.
Let's get a first check of today's weather. Meteorologist, Jacqui Jeras is in Atlanta. Good morning, Jacqui.
JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good Morning, Christine. The umbrella will be necessary all across the southeast today. It's already soaker of a start here in places like Atlanta towards Nashville and Cincinnati. The rain so heavy that flash flood watches have been issued from North Georgia on up towards Louisville, Kentucky, looking for maybe a couple of inches of rainfall there, so use some caution.
Now, this storm system is a real slow mover, so we're not expecting the rain to move into the mid-Atlantic or northeastern states until tomorrow, so you've got one more day. So, hopefully, your travel will be smooth and much colder temperatures coming in on the back side of this thing. Look at the high in Memphis today. Only 38 degrees.
All right. That cold air, mixing with some of that moisture lingering tomorrow morning may mean snow for parts of the south. We'll talk more about that and tell you where we expect travel delays. That's coming up. Probably a few holiday stragglers out there still trying to get home, Christine.
ROMANS: All right. I guess so. You're right. I stayed home this year. Didn't do the traveling.
JERAS: Me, too.
ROMANS: All right. Thanks, Jacqui.
We're also following a developing story in college sports. Syracuse University associate head basketball coach, Bernie Fine, he's now been fired, this, after explosive allegations of sexually abusing two former ball boys. After the firing, the head coach who would earlier defended Fine issued this statement.
"The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked, because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse."
Now, ESPN has released a secretly recorded conversation in 2002 between Fine's wife, Laurie Fine, and one of the coach's accusers, Bobby Davis. On it, potentially damning evidence suggests Fine's wife not only knew about the abuse, but allowed it to go on. We want to play you some of that tape now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know everything that went on, you know, I know everything I went out him with him. Bernie has issues. Maybe he's not aware of it, but he has issues. You trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted. Bernie is also in denial. I think that the things he did, he is, somehow, through his own mental capacity has erased them out of his mind.
You know what, go to a place where there's gay boys, find yourself a gay boy. You know, get your rocks off, have it be over with.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, but --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You know, he needs a -- that -- male companionship that I can't give him, nor is he interested in me and vice versa, because I care about you and I didn't want to see you being treated that way.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And it's hard for -- if it was another girl, like I told you, it would be easy to step in because you know what you're up against you're -- when -- when it's someone, it's another guy, you can't compete with that. (END VIDEOTAPE)
ROMANS: Laurie Fine told local newspaper which declined to report that story at the time. Davis had recorded multiple conversations with her and may have edited them to appear more inflammatory. Bobby Davis and his step-brother, Mike Lang, say that Fine molested them back when they were ball balls. David also claims Laurie Fine had a sexual relationship with him when he was 18.
Yesterday, our affiliate, WCSH, spoke to a third accuser who has come forward against Fine. Twenty-three-year-old Zach Tomaselli, he says fine molested him in a Pittsburgh hotel when he was 13. It was the night before a Syracuse game against Pitt. Tomaselli has his own troubles. He is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in Maine in 2009 and 2010.
Tomaselli's own father calls him a liar and denies ever meeting Fine or letting his son take a trip with the coach. When asked for a statement, Bernie Fine's attorneys has released this to us "Mr. Fine will not comment on newspaper stories beyond his initial statement. Any comment from him would only invite and perpetuate ancient and suspect claims. Mr. Fine remains hopeful of a credible and expeditious welcomes of the relevant issues by law enforcement authorities."
Three bodies turning up in shallow graves in Ohio. They may all be the victims of a new Craigslist killer. Police say the victims answered an ad on Craigslist to be a caretaker for a cattle farm. Police say three men were lured in by the job posting, and then, they were robbed and killed. The local sheriff says there are now two suspects in custody connected to those killings.
The family of a Florida A&M drum major who died after a suspected hazing incident now plans to sue the school. Their holding a news conference later today. Twenty-six-year-old Robert Champion died after a football game last weekend. He reportedly had been throwing up, complaining that he couldn't breathe before he collapsed.
No one has been charged, but the university has suggested that dangerous band hazing may have been a factor. The school has fired the longtime band director, but he has hired a lawyer to fight for his job.
President Obama hitting the road this week telling lawmakers not to raise taxes on working families during the holidays. He's talking about the next big fight ahead on Capitol Hill, extending the payroll tax holiday. If Congress doesn't act, 121 million families could see an average $1,000 tax increase next year, but some Republicans say this hasn't been what it was meant to do, the payroll tax holiday. It hasn't created any jobs, and any extension has to be offset by spending cuts to pay for it.
Republican presidential hopeful, Newt Gingrich, will be in South Carolina holding a town hall there today. He's also scheduled to sit down with our very own John King for a live interview this evening. Gingrich is not only rising in the polls, he's also but picked up the endorsement from New Hampshire's largest newspaper.
CNN deputy political director, Paul Steinhauser, joins me now from Washington. Paul, how important is this particular endorsement?
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: You know, Christine, we always say, well, do these endorsements really matter? I think this one does to me. Would you agree we're talking about New Hampshire, the first in the nation primary state, the second state to vote right after Iowa, and the "Union Leader" up there is probably (INAUDIBLE) Republican circles the most influential newspaper in the state.
Here's what the publisher, Joe McQuaid, said yesterday in their Sunday edition endorsing Gingrich. He said, "Newt Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate, maybe that's not so rousing right off the bat, but Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring the unattainable ideal to the best candidate who's actually running. In this incredible important, that candidate is Newt Gingrich."
Now, how is their track record for the "Union Leader"? Of the last six elections, they've only gotten it right twice. They've got McQuaid endorsed McCain last time around. He won the nomination. You got to go all the way back to 1980 when they endorsed Reagan. Ronald Reagan, of course, he won the election and then the election.
But where does it stand in New Hampshire right now? This is from Suppolk University late last week, and you can see right now Mitt Romney is, by far, the overall frontrunner in New Hampshire. Remember, he was governor of neighboring Massachusetts, but Gingrich now up to 15 percent. He continues to rise in that state, Christine.
ROMANS: Yes. That's the thing about endorsements. It's who you want to be president, not necessarily who you think will end up becoming president. You know, Gingrich is going up, but, at the same time, Cain going down in the polls. What's he blaming for his shrinking numbers?
STEINHAUSER: Not himself. He is blaming others. He says people are taking him out of context when it comes to the sexual harassment allegations against him and his stands on abortion. Take a look into what he told our own Candy Crowley yesterday on "State of the Union."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: What do you think has gone wrong in the past month or so?
HERMAN CAIN, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, obviously false accusations and confusion about some of my positions has contributed to it and, you know, that was to be expected. In terms of the campaign itself, nothing has gone wrong in terms of our strategy of spending time in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina and Florida.
So, in terms of the mechanics of the campaign, nothing has gone wrong, but as you know, Candy, some people are heavily influenced by perception more so than reality.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: Want more of Herman Cain? Tune in today to "The Situation Room." He will be the guest there, as you mentioned, Christine. John King today down in South Carolina will have Gingrich and, of course, Jon Huntsman on Erin Burnett. So, busy, busy night with all the candidates -- Christine.
ROMANS: All right. Paul Steinhauser, a busy months and months ahead for you, Paul. Thanks.
Once again, a reminder that Newt will sit down with that live interview with John in South Carolina with John to talk about what he needs to do to maintain his momentum as his poll numbers rise and as he picks up the endorsement of that largest newspaper in New Hampshire. That's tonight 6:00 eastern. You want to make sure you catch that.
All right. Forty-one minutes after the hour. Let's go to check of what's coming up at the top of the hour on "American Morning." Alina Cho joins us now. Good morning, Alina.
ALINA CHO, CNN ANCHOR: Hey there, Christine. Welcome back, by the way. Coming up in about 20 minutes on "AM," bizarre twist in the Syracuse child sex abuse scandal. Late last night, the university fired associate coach, Bernie Fine, after a phone conversation revealed that wife knew about the allegations.
We're going to ask John Wertheim of "Sports Illustrated" about this new potentially damning. And also, what it could mean for Syracuse's legendary head coach who initially defended Bernie Fine?
Prince William, not just second in line to the throne, he saves lives too. The royal air force rescued two Russians from their sinking ship in frigid waters. We'll have a live report from London where you can imagine everyone is buzzing about this.
And forget Black Friday, that statistic memory. Today is expected to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year, it's Cyber Monday, of course. Shoppers looking for big deals you can only find on the web. We're going to show you exactly where to look.
But first, this is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. We're back after this.
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ROMANS: It's about 46 minutes after the hour. Here's what's new this morning.
Syracuse University has fired associate men's basketball coach, Bernie Fine. That announcement coming late last night after new reports arose regarding his alleged sexual abuse of boys. A phone conversation allegedly between one of Fine's accusers and Fine's wife has surfaced where Mrs. Fines claims she, quote, "knew everything that went on."
An amazing rescue in California. About a dozen good Samaritans came rushing to the help of three people pinned underneath a pickup truck after it slipped over on the highway yesterday. They managed to lift the truck up just long enough to pull a woman to safety. Only one other passenger survived.
In money, the early Black Friday blitzes are retail success. According to the National Retail Federation, total spending over the four-day weekend hit a record $52 billion. That's up 16 percent from last year. On Black Friday alone, in-stores sales climbed about 6.5 percent to more than $11 billion, and online sales spiked, too. Oh, we're getting all this money, all of a sudden.
All right. In Sports, Roger Federer took home the ATP World Title in London yesterday. The Swiss star beat out Jo Wilfried-Tsonga in his 100th career final. Federer has won the ATP World tour record now sixth times.
Let's get a first check of today's weather. Meteorologist, Jacqui Jeras is in Atlanta for us. Good Morning, Jacqui.
JERAS: Hey, good morning. I don't think we have an award- winning forecast today.
ROMANS: No.
JERAS: Not looking great for a lot of people. Really wet. You know, and the big focus for travelers today is going to be the southeast. All right. Mostly just rain. heavy at times, not a lot of even thunder or lightning , but we are concerned about flooding from North Georgia all the way up towards Louisville, Kentucky, where we could get a good two to five inches of rainfall.
Watch as the system moves up to the northeast, because it's a real slow mover. In fact, Boston, New York, D.C., you're not going to get the rain until tomorrow morning. on the back side, we're talking cold air. These big pockets is going to cause a stock in the southeast. So, we'll watch that rain change over some snow likely a mix.
Keep in mind tomorrow morning, elevated surface will be the slickest, you know, so bridges and overpasses and very little accumulation, so warm at the surface here that we're really looking at the grassy areas maybe getting a little dusty. If you're traveling today, leftover holiday travelers, perhaps, looking for major delays in Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville and Cinci, getting some delays.
We've got fog for San Francisco and the San Joaquin Valley are really foggy as well, but nice and clear in the nation's midsection, if you don't mind the cold -- Christine.
ROMANS: All right, Jacqui Jeras. Thank you, Jacqui.
A deadly attack in Pakistan. Officials there say NATO launched an air strike against a military checkpoint killing 24 Pakistani soldiers over the weekend. NATO's secretary-general calling the attack a tragic, unintended incident. Our Reza Sayah is live in Islamabad, Pakistan. Good morning. Clearly, already very tense relationship. All the more tense this morning.
REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, and this is making it much messier, Christine. Pakistan and the U.S. have faced a lot of crises, been through a lot of low points, but in an exclusive interview with CNN today, Pakistan's prime minister described this as the lowest point he's seen during his administration. He told us that it's no longer going to be business as usual Washington.
He said Pakistan is going to reassess its relationship with the U.S. He said, look, Pakistan can't continue its relationship with the U.S. and NATO if there's no public support, and he said with this incident, public support is fading fast.
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YOUSUF RAZA GILANI, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER: You cannot win any war without support of the masses. And we need the people with us and such sort of incidents are making people moving away from this situation.
SAYAH: There's a lot of Pakistanis that are fed up that say enough is enough. Has Pakistan reached the point of no return with its relationship with the U.S.?
GILANI: Business as usual will not be done, therefore, we have to have something bigger so that to satisfy my nation and the entire country.
SAYAH: And what will satisfy your nation? What do you want?
GILANI: Exactly I have (INAUDIBLE) to the leadership of my entire country who are the members of the parliamentary committee on the national security. They will deliberate and give recommendations for me.
SAYAH: Is your prediction that this relationship will continue with Washington?
GILANI: That can continue on mutual respect and mutual interest.
SAYAH: Are you getting that respect?
GILANI: At the moment, not.
SAYAH: You're not getting that respect?
GILANI: If I can't protect the sovereignty of my country, how can we save some mutual respect and mutual interest?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SAYAH: Even though the prime minister was clearly angry with this incident, it's also important to note that he was very diplomatic. He used a lot of measured (ph) statements. He said, look, I don't want to cut off ties. I want to continue relations with the U.S., but there must be changes. As you heard, those changes are going to be decided by parliament at some point.
We should also point out that he did not have any comments about recent reports that Pakistani soldiers fired first in this incident, although, the Pakistani army has vehemently denied those claims -- Christine.
ROMANS: All right. Reza Sayah, thank you so much. We'll stay on top with you. It's 51 minutes after the hour. We'll be back in just a couple of minutes with more WAKE-UP CALL.
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ROMANS: All right. A new video surfaces of actress, Miley Cyrus, celebrating her 19th birthday with friends, but it's the comment she made on camera that's grabbing all the attention. "Showbiz Tonight" executive producer, Dave Levine, joins me by phone from New York. Dave, what did she say? I mean, what can you tell me that she said, you know, in case, little kiddies are watching.
DAVE LEVINE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, HLN'S "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" (on the phone): Hey, good morning, Christine. Well, let me just say there are some things that are better left unsaid when you know a camera is on you and you know people are watching you really carefully. Here's the deal. Miley Cyrus is at a birthday party that was thrown for her by a good friend, Kelly Osbourne in Hollywood.
And she was presented with a cake that was baked to look like reggae legend, Bob Marley, the late Bob Marley, who, as you know, never seems to meet a joint that he didn't like, well-renowned pot smoker. Well, at any rate, Miley saw the cake, and I want you to listen to what Miley says as the cake is presented to her. Watch this.
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MILEY CYRUS, ACTRESS: Thanks for waiting for three hours. And throwing a party. And, this is amazing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bob Marley cake.
CYRUS: You know you're a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake. You know you smoke way too much (EXPLETIVE DELETED) weed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought salvia was your problem, Miley.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEVINE: Yes, you heard her say it. You know you're a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake. You know you smoke way too much weed. Well, she said at any rate. Reached out to Kelly -- to Miley's reps. They have not gotten back to us, but, Kelly Osbourne tweeted about it. I want you to take a look at what she said.
She said, quote, "It makes me sick that at Miley Cyrus so-called friends would sell her out and lead people to believe that she is someone that she is not. You guys, if Miley Cyrus is not recording, filming, touring, she is works every day, how could she possibly do all that if she was a stoner?" And no, I did not mangle those words. Those are the words, Christine. It's not that is that early in the morning.
ROMANS: Wow! I'm just so shocked that child stars aren't perfect. I mean --
LEVINE: Shocked, I say.
(LAUGHTER)
ROMANS: All right, Dave Levine, thanks so much. Nice to see you this morning.
That's it for this Monday edition of A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. "American Morning" continues right after this break. Stick around. Have a great day, everybody.
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